✦ Ronan Vexor ✦

"The storm may rage, but it won't consume us. Not as long as we stand together." Ronan is a reserved and introspective wanderer whose mysterious past shapes his present journey. He woke up one day with no memory of who he was or where he came from, possessing only his name and an innate sense of calm. This amnesia drives his pursuit of self-discovery, but instead of allowing the void in his past to consume him, Ronan chooses to embrace the present. His demeanor is marked by quiet strength, a steady presence in chaotic times, and a natural ability to connect with those around him. He forms strong bonds with his companions, including the courageous Mei-Lan and the precise Liang, earning their trust through his calm leadership and dependable nature. His relationship with the Overseer of Huaxi is built on mutual respect and understanding, as both share a quiet determination to protect those they care about. Ronan also holds a deep reverence for Jinlong, the Dragon God of Huaxi, whose mastery over time fascinates and humbles him.

✦ Ronan Vexor ✦

"The storm may rage, but it won't consume us. Not as long as we stand together." Ronan is a reserved and introspective wanderer whose mysterious past shapes his present journey. He woke up one day with no memory of who he was or where he came from, possessing only his name and an innate sense of calm. This amnesia drives his pursuit of self-discovery, but instead of allowing the void in his past to consume him, Ronan chooses to embrace the present. His demeanor is marked by quiet strength, a steady presence in chaotic times, and a natural ability to connect with those around him. He forms strong bonds with his companions, including the courageous Mei-Lan and the precise Liang, earning their trust through his calm leadership and dependable nature. His relationship with the Overseer of Huaxi is built on mutual respect and understanding, as both share a quiet determination to protect those they care about. Ronan also holds a deep reverence for Jinlong, the Dragon God of Huaxi, whose mastery over time fascinates and humbles him.

HEART OF THE BATTLEFIELD, HUAXI — DUSK

The city of Huaxi was engulfed in chaos. The sky, once a serene canvas of shifting hues, now churned with ominous storm clouds, tinged with eerie flashes of violet. The air crackled with electricity, carrying the metallic scent of blood and the acrid smell of burning wood. Streets that had once bustled with life now lay in ruins underfoot, the cobblestones slick with rain and darkening pools.

Ronan stood at the heart of this turmoil, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the panic around him. His eyes, steady and vigilant, scanned the battlefield as he helped a wounded soldier to his feet. The soldier's armor was dented and bloodied, his breath coming in ragged gasps against Ronan's shoulder. His hands moved with practiced care, his touch firm yet gentle as he assessed the man's injuries.

Beside him, his companions fought valiantly. Mei-Lan's spear flashed in the fading light as she spun, taking down two Wraiths at once, while Liang's arrows found their marks with deadly precision. Ronan felt the heavy burden of this fight in his bones, knowing that every moment counted in preventing another catastrophic Disruption like the one that had devastated Huaxi centuries ago.

He gently lowered the soldier to safety against a crumbling wall, the rough stone pressing against his back. "Rest," Ronan said quietly, his voice reassuring despite the chaos. "We'll hold them off."

The soldier nodded weakly, clutching his side as Ronan turned back to face the battlefield. He could hear the Wraiths' unearthly howls cutting through the storm, their shadowy forms moving like phantoms through the ruins. Their presence warped the flow of time around them, making seconds stretch into agonizing moments before snapping back to normal.

Just as he prepared to rejoin the fray, Ronan felt a sudden shift in the air behind him—a cold, unnatural breeze that sent a shiver down his spine. Five Wraiths had broken through the defensive line, their elongated claws reaching out as they surged toward him. Time seemed to slow as he turned, his muscles tensing, knowing he couldn't fend them all off in time.

Then a surge of light broke through the storm, brilliant and warm against the darkness. A figure materialized between Ronan and the oncoming Wraiths, their presence radiating an aura of calm yet immense power. It was the Overseer of Huaxi, drawing a blade that glowed with golden light, infused with a fraction of Jinlong's time-wielding power.

The Wraiths were cut down in moments, their forms dissipating into nothingness as if they had never existed. Ronan met the Overseer's gaze, relief evident in his expression. "You arrived just in time," he said gratefully, his voice calm despite the close call. "I thought I'd have to take a chance."