Chapter 2: Trio Encanto
Star City, famous as the birthplace of the legendary Trio Encanto, the world's strongest sorceresses. As the only Rank 5 sorceresses, they are celebrated for their battles against monstrous aberrations that threaten humanity.
"Everyone, this way! Please don't panic!" a public officer shouted amidst the chaos.
The reason? Warmonger, the most infamous and feared aberration, had launched a sudden attack on the city.
"Run for your miserable lives, humans! But remember you're only delaying the inevitable! Mwahaha!" the aberration bellowed, his sinister voice echoed through the streets.
While the citizens scattered in terror, I, Mila, stood in the middle of the street, watching the chaos unfold with awe.
"Just a little longer," I whispered to myself, barely containing my excitement. "Maybe… maybe I'll see her."
"Mila, what are you doing? Don't just stand there!"
The voice snapped me out of my daze. It was my best friend, Griss Chatelain, a striking beauty with sky-blue hair and glasses that made her look like a good student. She looked annoyed.
"Oh… sorry, I'm coming," I said, turning to follow her.
But before I could take a step—
"Help! Mom, Dad!!!"
A desperate cry echoed above the noise. I turned instinctively, scanning the crowd. I spotted a young girl, no older than six or seven, trapped beneath a pile of debris. Her leg was pinned and she was crying, her face was dirty and she had an scared expression.
Seeing her struggle and desperately calling for help, a strange smile crept across my face. "This is it. This is my chance."
"Mila… Oh no, that smile. Don't tell me you're about to do something reckless!" my friend said, exasperated.
"Sorry! Here, take this!" I tossed her my bag and sprinted toward the girl.
"Mila, wait!" She yelled, but I was already moving through the fleeing people.
The crowd didn't stop me. You might wonder, Why isn't anyone helping that poor girl? The truth is, they don't need to. Everyone here knows one thing: Trio Encanto always shows up in time to save the day.
But I wasn't going to wait.
Reaching the girl, I crouched down and grabbed the rubble trapping her leg. "It's okay, you're safe now!"
"T-thank you," she stammered, tears glistening in her wide eyes.
I tried to make her feel better. However... She was trembling, and I realized I'd been a little Too straightforward. I softened my tone, smiling gently to comfort her.
"Can you walk?" I asked, offering her my hand.
"Y-yes, I think so…"
But before I could guide her to a safety place—
Thud. Thud.
...!!
A dark figure moved above us.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" A slimy, black creature stepped forward, its grotesque form towering above us. "Lost little girls? Mwahaha! Maybe I'll make you my hostages!"
The girl trembled, clutching my arm tightly.
"Don't worry," I told her. "I'll protect you!."
Turning to the creature, I took a deep breath. "Ha! Warmonger, your silly threats don't scare us at all!" I whispered to the girl, "Right?"
"Y-yes! We're not scared of you!" she said, now a little more confident.
Warmonger's big eyes twitched in annoyance. "You little brats! Who do you think you are? I am Warmonger, the genius of evil!"
But before he could react, the girl suddenly yelled, "Look! There they are!"
I followed her gaze, and my heart skipped a beat.
Thud.
The air grew charged with energy as three figures descended.
"Apologies for the delay," a very calm and confident voice said "I hope you're not hurt."
Short black hair, a long shirt with puffed sleeves, and a katana gleaming in her hand, there was no mistaking her. It was her. Katrina, the leader of Trio Encanto.
"Oh, come on, I was just about to have some fun with these two girls!" Warmonger whined, glaring at the leader of the trio encanto.
Katrina smirked. "Sorry, Warmonger, but your fun ends here." She unsheathed her blade with a swift motion. "Girls, step back a little."
S-She… She spoke to me!
My heart raced as I grabbed the little girl and moved aside.
"Leave the child to us." A sweet voice spoke to me; it was Leandra Oikonomou, the idol, singer, and the youngest member of the Trio Encanto. Her purple hair shone beautifully as she delicately fanned herself with a handheld fan.
"Yes," I replied nervously. I handed the child to her, but I accidentally brushed against Leandra's shirt.
"Hiaaa!" Leandra let out a small cry, almost like a cat's meow.
"I'm sorry…" I murmured.
"I-It's fine," she replied calmly.
At that moment, I heard another voice, this time more mature and serious: "Follow me. I'll take you to a safe place." The owner of the voice had blonde hair, purple eyes, and wore a uniform that looked military. She held a golden axe in her hand. It was Dasha Vienna.
She guided me to safety while Leandra Oikonomou took the child to her parents. However, I couldn't help but turn around once more to look at Katrina Erlenbaugh.
Katrina took her famous stance, her katana glowing with fiery energy. "Blazing Starfall!" she shouted, her blade slicing through the air in a brilliant arc. The attack struck Warmonger, sending him flying through several buildings.
"Waaaargh!" he screeched as he vanished into the distance.
The crowd cheered loudly, but I was too shocked to respond. I'd watched that move on social media many times, but seeing it in person felt totally different.
And yes, it was absolutely worth the risk.
---
That evening, as the chaos settled, my friend Gris and I walked home.
"Honestly, Mila, how reckless can you be?"
"Alright, alright, I won't do it again. I promise," I said, raising my hands defensively.
"You always say that…" She sighed.
We reached the towering penthouse where I lived.
"Hey Gris want to come in? I have—"
"See you tomorrow," she muttered, still annoyed.
"H-hey Gris!"
Before I could finish speaking, Gris turned and left without listening to me. Is she upset? Come on, it's not that big of a deal. Well, whatever, she'll forget it by tomorrow. Probably...
Taking the elevator to the 30th floor, I replayed the events of the day in my mind. I'd seen Katrina, the leader of Trio Encanto, in person. And she had spoken to me!
When I reached my apartment, I rang the bell, excited to share what happened.
I wondered if my mom would believe what happened today. I couldn't wait to see her reaction.
"Sweetie, you won't believe it!!! guess who's home?" my mom called out, she seemed excited. In fact, She looked more excited than usual, I've never seen her so euphoric.
"Who?" I asked curiously.
"Come in and find out. If I told you, you wouldn't believe me!"
With quick and precise steps like a ninja, I entered the apartment, Taking care not to make any sound.
Intrigued, I crept down the hallway and peeked into the living room. Sitting on the couch, sipping tea, was none other than Katrina herself. The leader of the trio encanto.