The following day, they headed into town to catch the Transit to Rivermark.
Alira and Dainen had gone through multiple routes before finally agreeing on one—they would take the Transit from Briarthorne to Rivermark. Alira figured there were too many people looking for her and Eli to risk going back through Ironclad.
So, Rivermark it was.
From there, they would take the Mana Rail to Brightvale, then onward to Sentinel’s Keep. This would be the trickiest part of the journey. They would inevitably draw attention—but they needed to keep it to a minimum. Once they were on their way to Thundercrag, they could relax. A little.
Teran, Mirelle, and the kids accompanied them to town, picking up supplies and saying their farewells—tears from Mirelle, a long hug between Teran and Dainen. Eli slapped a five into Teran’s palm and told him to take care of his niece and nephew. Then, turning to Rion and Liah, he pulled them into a tight hug, blinking back tears.
They boarded the Transit Shuttle, joined only by a young man traveling to the next town for supplies for his parents’ shop.
Alira and Dainen struck up a conversation with him about the best supplies to look for, while Eli settled into his chair, watching the landscape shift from rolling hills to thick forest. The ride would take just over two hours.
The shuttle made several stops along the way, letting passengers on and off.
The moment water came into view, Eli’s HUD pulsed purple, his map icon blinking. He opened it—Rivermark was now fully visible.
It stretched wide before him—massive, sprawling, and alive with energy.
The mana-powered shuttle hummed beneath him, its arcane engine pulsing softly under the low murmur of passengers.
Eli kept his gaze locked on the sprawling view unfolding before him.
To his right, the Druvian Bay stretched toward the horizon, its deep blue waters shimmering beneath the midday sun. The coastline curved in a crescent, dotted with fishing villages and sleek, mana-powered ships gliding across the waves.
Farther out, leviathan-class vessels—massive cargo ships inscribed with glowing water-glyphs—lay anchored, engineered to traverse vast distances without wind or oars.
Closer to shore, wooden piers jutted into the water, bustling with dock workers unloading crates of textiles, enchanted goods, and fresh seafood. Small river skiffs wove between the docks, ferrying cargo up the Azureflow River, which snaked inland toward the heart of Rivermark.
To his left, the main roadway leading into the city was alive with movement. Merchant caravans, mana-powered wagons, and travelers on foot clogged the path, all funneled toward Rivermark’s Western Gate. The smooth road, paved with mana-infused stones, hummed faintly with residual energy—designed to bear the weight of trade carts and endure even the harshest weather—built to support the heavy weight of trade carts and remain intact in even the harshest weather.
As they crested a gentle hill, Eli leaned forward, taking in his first full view of Rivermark’s skyline.
The city was unlike anything he had ever seen—a metropolis of elevated bridges, riverside markets, and towering spires, all interwoven with a vast network of canals and water-formed pathways.
The Azureflow River, wide and gleaming, cut through the heart of the city, dividing it into two halves connected by three colossal bridges. But these weren’t just crossings—they were thriving marketplaces, teeming with traders and lined with banners that fluttered in the sea breeze.
Deeper into the city, elegant ivory-stone buildings with domed, mana-infused crystal rooftops gleamed like polished mirrors in the sunlight. At the city's highest point, a spiraling tower—the Azure Spire—stood as a beacon for ships navigating the coast and a landmark for all who entered.
The shuttle slowed as it approached Rivermark’s Western Gate, a monumental archway reinforced with Water and Earth mana.
Monster Guild Guards patrolled in unmistakable uniforms, red-glowing batons secured at their hips.
Seated beside him, Alira followed his gaze. "Impressive, isn’t it?"
Eli let out a breath. 'I mean... yeah. It's like Venice had a baby with a high-fantasy city."
Across from them, Dainen raised a brow. "Who is Venice?"
Eli chuckled. “What is Venice.”
Dainen glanced at Alira. “Is this an Earth joke?”
Alira smirked. “There’s a 50/50 chance it has to do with Game of TVs.”
Eli ignored them, still mesmerized by the city unfolding before him.
The shuttle finally came to a halt at a floating dock station, where mana-gliders, canal boats, and street vendors waited just beyond the checkpoint. The scent of salt, fresh bread, and roasted seafood filled the air, mingling with the rhythmic sound of lapping water against stone.
Eli stepped out, stretched, and took in the bustling chaos of Rivermark's streets.
He couldn’t tell if he was overwhelmed or excited.
Maybe both.
The plan was simple—get tickets to Brightvale, book a private car, first class, and hope they wouldn’t have to wait long.
Unfortunately, the next train to Brightvale wouldn’t depart for another four hours.
With time to kill, Alira and Dainen took Eli to explore the wharf overlooking the Bay.
Eli had been to New York. He had even been to Paris with his parents.
But this—this was something else entirely.
A living, breathing world of commerce, art, and food.
The streets were filled with Draconids, Elves, Fae—and others he couldn’t even name—going about their lives, trading, laughing, and existing in a way that felt utterly natural.
Eli would chat with anyone willing to talk. He talked to a Draconid about the best way to shine its scales.
Eli could sense mana from different users. He mostly picked up on Copper and Silver ranks, but every so often, he felt a Gold user.
He looked over at Alira and Dainen who were both scanning the environment. “You two need to come sit down and relax for 10 minutes. This place is amazing!” Eli said, patting the chair next to him.
They both came over and sat on opposite sides of Eli.
“Sorry Eli,” Alira said, “I know this is a lot, and it's not easy to take in. I forget sometimes that you're from another world.”
“Are you kidding? He brings up something from his world at least fifteen times an hour and just keeps talking like we're supposed to understand.” Dainen said as he never stopped scanning the crowds.
“Seriously,” Eli said, “I am trying to expand your narrow view on the world.”
Dainen finally looked at him. ‘Narrow view?’”
“I have underwear older than you,” He said.
“Gross!” Eli and Alira said at the same time.
“Please tell me you didn’t bring any with you?” Eli asked.
“I have them on right now.” Dainen said, looking hurt.
“They are my traveling underwear,” he said. “They give me a boost in endurance.”
Eli gave him a skeptical look.
“You are one of the most powerful people on this planet and you think this underwear you are currently wearing is going to be the difference if you survive?”
“Well, I mean, every little advantage helps.” Dainen said, his face going a tad red.
“Alira, please tell me you don’t have undergarments older than me?”
She scowled, “she scowled. 'No, I don’t wear undergarments,' she said, as if the very idea disgusted her.
“Oh god, this has gone entirely too far, even for me.” Eli said.
Dainen went back to scanning, while Alira listened to Eli's questions about the boats and their mana types.
“I just want to touch every one of them to get a ping for it.” Eli said.
“I don’t think that’s a great idea," Alira said. "After the third or fourth boat, someone’s bound to start wondering what kind of mana you’re using on them.”
They had just started back toward the Mana Rail Station when a Draconid strode up to Dainen.
“Dainen, you old bastard, I thought you were dead!" the massive Draconid called over the heads of several people, his deep voice carrying effortlessly.
Alira’s head snapped to the voice.
Eli stood, ready for something to go down.
Dainen looked the Draconid in the eyes and smiled. “Rythen, your horns look smaller.”
The Draconid’s face twisted—at least, Eli thought it was a scowl.
“My horns are longer than…”
“Alira cleared her throat. 'You two do realize you're in public, right.’”
Rythen looked down at Alira. 'Alira.' His voice dropped, shifting into something more respectful.
“It is an honor, Grace.” The towering presence bowed his head.
Dainen walked over to Rythen and they grasped each other’s forearms.
“It is great to see you my friend. How is the family?” Dainen asked.
“They are well.” Rythen said.
Eli noticed Rythen’s voice had softened, carrying a note of warmth.
Rythen glanced between Alira and Dainen. 'I didn’t think you two traveled together much anymore,' he said, then turned to Eli. 'Is this your offspring”
“Why do people keep thinking I am your child?” Eli asked.
Dainen smiled, but before he could respond, Alira said, “No, this is Eli. We’re taking him to Stormspire to broaden his worldview.”
Rythen smiled, “This is wonderful! I'm headed to Stormspire as well. How are you traveling?”
“We are taking the Mana Rail to Brightvale to catch another to Sentinel’s Keep.” Dainen was saying but Rythen interrupted before he could finish.
“No, no, no—that sounds terrible. Please, join my family and me on our Airship. It would be an honor to host The Grace.” Rythen said.
“Hey, wouldn't it be an honor for me too?" Dainen said, feigning hurt.
“I wouldn’t be allowed back on board if Erynn knew I had run into you and didn’t bring you to her,” Rythen said.
Dainen looked at Alira and shrugged. “What do you think, should we take him up on his offer?”
Alira looked back at Eli and then nodded.
“Yes, another airship kidnapping.” Eli said.
Rythen looked at Eli like he grew another head.
Alira simply raised a hand to cut him off. “Eli tends to say things just to get a reaction. It’s best not to question him when he makes no sense—you’ll only end up more confused by his explanation.”
Eli shrugged.
The group crossed one of the main bridges. The streets of Rivermark buzzed with life—a chaotic blend of merchant calls, clinking coins, sizzling food, and bursts of raw mana energy. The scent of roasted meats and fresh-baked bread clashed with salty sea air, while banners of deep sapphire and gold hung above the market, marking guild-owned stalls.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Dainen and Rythen strode ahead, parting the crowd with the ease of men who had done this a hundred times before. Dainen glanced back every few minutes, his sharp eyes making sure Alira and Eli were still behind him.
Eli, however, was doing a terrible job of keeping up.
Eli’s HUD seemed just as excited as he was. Every time he touched something, new notifications popped up—scents, sounds, and mana signatures flooding his display.
“Thank God I set it to priority notifications. I can't imagine getting a ping for everything on this street," Eli thought.
That didn’t mean his HUD wasn’t still lighting up every second.
[Mana-Infused Jewelry – Stability Enhancement: +3%]
[Street Performer – Minor Illusion Magic Detected]
[Azureflow Cider – Crafted with Water-Elemental Fermentation]
[UNIDENTIFIED ARTIFACT – RUNE ENGRAVINGS EXCEED STANDARD FORMAT] (Location: Left-side stall, Owner: Elderly Dwarven Merchant)
“Eli, move!”
Every time Eli lingered too long, Alira’s hands pressed firmly against his back, urging him forward.
“I’m moving, old lady!" Eli grumbled.
“Look at all this! Is life always like this here?" Eli asked, raising his voice.
“You don’t need to yell—I can hear you just fine," Alira said, pushing Eli along.
“This is the start of the week, so it's usually busiest now and at the end. It slows down in the middle—but not by much.” She said, answering Eli’s question.
“Smaller towns come here to buy merchandise in bulk and resell it back home. This is the center of most trade through out Caelum, not just Aridral.” Alira kept one hand on Eli’s back, pushing him along.
She couldn’t see over him, but she could hear Dainen and Rythen talking, so she followed the sound.
“You see those large ships?” She pointed out to the Bay where the leviathan-class vessels were anchored.
“Yeah,” Eli said.
“Those ships will be here for the next two days getting supplies for the other ports around Caelum. Those will leave and then more will come in and drop goods off from the other Regions.”
“There are a lot of smaller cities just to the north that a lot of people commute from, Rivermark is an expensive place to live, but it’s also one of the safest.” Alira said as she kept Eli on the path.
“Why is it one of the safest?” Eli asked.
“This is where the Coin-Guild makes it head offices.” They don’t make any coins here but this is where a lot of coins exchange hands.” Alira pointed back towards the main road leading into the city.
“They have a vault the size of one of those ships under their main headquarters. Their armed guards work outside the Monster Guild. They are mostly Emerald-Tier Users with some Gold who are usually learning the job.”
“I know what you’re doing.” Eli said.
“What?” Alira asked innocently.
“You are just feeding me info so I won’t stop and look at all this amazing stuff.” Eli said, gesturing with his hands at everything around them.
"Okay, that’s cool," Eli said, immediately distracted again.
Eli pointed at a Draconid blacksmith, his bare claws shaping molten metal midair, sculpting it like clay infused with liquid fire.
His HUD pinged again.
[Blacksmith Identified – Tier: Gold – Elemental Affinity: Fire]
[Enchantment Process: Mana-Treated Forging – Heat Stabilization Achieved]
A few feet ahead, a Fae woman balanced atop a floating disk, singing an eerie, ethereal melody while small spectral birds of light danced around her in synchronized color shifts.
[Spell Detected: Auditory Hypnotic Effect – Non-Hostile]
“Holy shit," Eli muttered under his breath.
“We’re here.” Rythen said in his booming voice.
Beneath the towering mana-etched fa?ade of The Azure Hearth, Rythen stood tall. The inn’s walls shimmered with protective enchantments, and above the entrance, a beautifully carved sign displayed a glowing blue fire encased in crystal.
Rythen stepped forward, placing a heavy clawed hand against the doorway’s sigil. The stone beneath his palm pulsed, recognizing his presence—then the doors swung open.
“Welcome,” Rythen said, stepping inside. “You’re in for a much better stay than that rail car.”
Eli exhaled, taking one last glance at the chaos of Rivermark’s streets before stepping through the threshold.
Placing his hand on the wall as he entered his HUD pinged:
?? [HUD Scan Activated]
→ Object Identified: The Azure Hearth
Security Clearance: Public Access – High-Tier Traveler Accommodations
Current Status: Active – Mana Stabilization Field Operational
Facility Specifications:
- Type: High-Tier Mana-Infused Inn & Traveler’s Lodge
? Capacity: Capable of housing up to 200 guests across four enchanted floors.
? Enchantment Grade: Master-Tier Environmental & Security Wards (Multi-Layered Defense System)
? Mana Source: Integrated Water & Earth Mana Conduits – Auto-Regenerating Structural Integrity
? Primary Function: Luxury lodging for high-ranking warriors, merchants, and envoys
Defensive Systems:
- Barrier Runes: Passive Earth & Water Mana Shields reinforce exterior walls against unauthorized entry.
? Mana Interference Ward: Prevents the use of hostile or large-scale spells inside premises.
? Entry Identification Protocol: Guests must register their mana signature for door access.
? Security Personnel:
- On-Site Guards: Guild-Authorized (Silver & Gold-Tier) for crowd control and emergency response.
- Emergency Containment: Triggered if external threats breach primary wards.
Guest Comfort & Mana-Stabilization Enhancements:
- Arcane Climate Control: Rooms auto-adjust temperature based on guest preference.
? Aether-Infused Sleep Chambers: Enhances recovery rate by 15% for mana users during rest.
? Noise Dampening Runes: Ensures absolute silence inside private quarters.
? Private Hot Spring Suites: Natural geothermal mana pools available for Gold-Tier guests.
? Floating Lounge Pavilion: Suspended above Rivermark’s central canal, offering panoramic views of the city.
[Threat Assessment: LOW]
?? Warning: Unauthorized spell usage above Tier-Silver inside The Azure Hearth will result in immediate mana suppression and security intervention.
“Holy shit,” Eli said.
Rythen, assuming Eli was talking about the entrance, rumbled, 'Oh, if you think this looks amazing, you're in for a treat.’”
Rythen walked over to what Eli thought looked like an elevator. Rythen put his palm on the crystal panel on the wall and the door slide open.
If this was an elevator it was a very large one.
Eli put his hand on the wall to get a ping for it.
→ Object Identified: Mana-Lift System - MLS
Status: Active – Ascending
- Mana Type: Earth & Air Conduits
? Lift Capacity: 6,000 kg
? Stabilization Runes: Prevents sudden acceleration or freefall
? Current Speed: 3.2 meters per second
?? Warning: Manual override restricted to authorized personnel only.
“This is just called an MLS?” Eli asked.
Alira already knowing where this was heading, tried to get out ahead of Rythen’s questions.
“Yes, well, you can call them 'Mana-Lift Systems' if you want, but that’s a bit of a mouthful.” Alira said giving Eli a look to stop asking questions about his HUD’s pings.
Rythen glanced between Alira and Eli, but before he could speak, the lift stopped, and the door slid open to reveal a large room with three numbered doors, each with a crystal panel beside it.
Each door had a number on it and a crystal panel next to the doors.
Rythen strode to the center door and pressed his hand to the panel. It slid open, and a wave of shouting and laughter hit them—at least fifty-five kids, yelling, shrieking, and running around.
Rythen boomed, 'Erynn! We have company!' Then, turning to Dainen, he grinned.
Coming around the corner was a tall, elegant yet battle-worn Draconid.
Her bronze scales, softer than Rythen’s, were touched with deep earthen gold along her cheekbones and collarbone ridges. Her amber eyes, though sharp, held a warmth that softened her otherwise imposing, warrior-like presence.
She moved with the grace of someone who had nothing to prove, her long scaled tail curling slightly as she walked, her robes embroidered with geomantic sigils that pulsed faintly with protective mana.
And then there were the kids.
Rythen beamed and gestured to his little ones. 'This one here is Thyra—her mana just manifested. Big moment for us!' His grin was somewhere between terrifying and adorable.
“This little man is Kai.” He said grabbing him by the shoulders, who immediately tried to pull away.
“And those two hiding behind Erynn, Liris and Orin.” Rythen said beeming with pride.
Thyra stood just a little shorter than Eli, but carried herself like a seasoned warrior.
Her bronze scales were darker, closer to Rythen’s, her stance stiff, controlled, as if trying too hard to look serious despite the curiosity burning in her molten-gold eyes.
A thin row of spines ran down the back of her head and neck—still developing, but already distinct.
Kai, his lighter bronze scales shimmering, looked thoroughly annoyed with everything around him.
Then there were Liris and Orin. Their scales hadn’t fully developed yet, and they peeked out from behind Erynn’s massive legs.
Erynn beamed at Dainen, in a higher tone than Rythen but still deep, “Dainen!”
She strode over and wrapped Dainen in a crushing bear hug.
If Alira was surprised by any of this, she didn’t show it, she somehow seemed to meld into the background, giving Dainen his moment.
She pulled back, releasing him with a grin.
Dainen took the opportunity to introduce Alira and Eli.
“Erynn, this is Alira and Eli. We're taking Eli to Stormspire—to broaden his horizons.”
“This is your offspring?” She asked Dainen, looking back and forth between Eli and Alira.
”No," all three said at the same time.
Eli looked mildly hurt. 'Hey!' he said to Alira and Dainen.
“You don’t have to sound offended that I might be your son.” Eli said.
Rythen and Erynn exchanged a look.
“So, Erynn, this is Alira, Alira The Grace.”
Erynn’s eyes widened before she shot Rythen a look. 'Seriously, Rythen—start with that next time!”
“Thyra, Kai, go pick up the front room. Alira, it is a pleasure, and I am honored to be in your presence.”
“The honor is all mine, and I appreciate the kind words. But don’t feel the need to change your day because of me.” Alira said with a bow of her head.
Eli looked at Dainen, “Why does no one react like that when they are introduced to you?”
Rythen, laughed. “I like this one.” Slapping Eli on the back, which sent him stumbling a few feet forward.
hey all moved into the front room. Eli’s HUD pinged a few pieces of furniture, but his attention stayed on Rythen.
He still couldn’t believe he was in a world where all this was real. He was standing in a room with a Draconid family.
“So how did you and Dainen meet?” Alira asked them.
“Ahh, well he saved my life. More than once actually, but how we met was him literally saving my life.” Rythen said.
Rythen exhaled through his nose, his amber eyes distant, thoughtful. He turned to Dainen. 'You want to tell it?"
“I walked into a battle—his forces against some Warlords trying to make a name for themselves. They didn’t. I found Rythen locked in a fight with one of them, stepped in, and we became the best of friends.”
Dainen said this so casually that Rythen shook his head the entire time.
Eli narrowed his eyes. 'If I’ve learned one thing from these two,' he said, pointing at Alira and Dainen, 'it’s that they always downplay their own stories.”
Rythen let out a deep, rumbling chuckle. "Fine. I will tell it, Eli, these two that you are traveling with are legends.”
Rythen shook his head and turned back to Alira.
“The first arrow pierced a Draconid’s throat before we even heard the war horns.”
“Viremont was a small village, barely a speck on the map, but strategically valuable—positioned between Lirienvale and the southern warzones of Zorathia. Draegonreach had stationed Draconid warriors alongside Lirienvale’s defenders to keep it neutral ground.”
Rythen stood and began to pace as he told the story.
“We were supposed to keep the peace.”
"Instead, they ambushed us.”
“What were their names?”
“Vokar the Ravaging Fang and Xelmir the Crimson Tithe” Dainen answered him.
“Ah, yes." Rythen pointed at Dainen. "They were two Emerald-tier Warlords, each commanding an army of hardened killers. They descended on us like wildfire through dry fields.”
“They fought with the ferocity of beasts, tearing through our front lines, their Gold-tier lieutenants leading wave after wave of attacks.”
“It was chaos, my warriors were outmatched.”
“Our forces, outnumbered nearly five to one, held as best we could. I cut through their ranks, my sword carving arcs of steel and blood, my gauntleted fists breaking bone. I held the center line, but my warriors were falling fast.”
“And then, I faced Vokar himself.”
Eli saw the look in Rythen’s eyes. He was there in the moment, seeing it all again.
Rythen continued. “He was a monster of a man, twice as fast as any warrior I had ever faced, his Fire Mana-enhanced glaive striking like a viper. We clashed, his weapon burning against my steel, every strike sending shockwaves through my arms.”
“But I wasn’t fast enough.”
“His glaive twisted in my grip, too fast for me to counter.”
“His spear lunged for my heart.”
Rythen pounded his chest.
“And then…”
“It stopped.”
“Stopped?” Eli said.
“No. Not stopped.”
“Caught.”
“I didn’t see him arrive.”
“One moment, I was locked in a battle I was certain I wouldn’t survive. The next, a man I had never seen before appeared out of nowhere.”
“And caught Vokar’s spear mid-thrust.”
Eli turned to Dainen—who was leaning back, eyes closed, as if this was nothing.
“That’s insane. Caught?” Eli said.
“Not deflected,’ Rythen said. ‘Not parried.”
“Caught.”
“With one hand.”
Rythen mimed gripping a spear in his right hand.
“For the first time ever, Vokar hesitated.”
“And that was when I saw him,” he pointed at Dainen.
“At first, he looked… unremarkable. Just a tall, broad-shouldered human in a travel-worn cloak, standing like he had all the time in the world.”
“He looked at me, narrowed his eyes—like he was trying to remember if he left the stove on.” Rythen chuckled.
“Then he sighed, like this was an inconvenience, but he would help.”
And then he looked at Vokar and back to me and just said…"I suppose I should help."
“Then, with zero effort, he shattered Vokar’s spear.”
“Listen," Rythen rumbled. "I’ve fought hundreds of warriors—human, Draconid, and more.”
“I had seen Emerald-tier fighters tear through entire squads alone.”
“I had never seen anyone fight like this human," Rythen said, glancing at Dainen—who still had his eyes shut.
“So, did Vokar run away or something?” Eli asked.
“Because if I thrust a spear at someone, and some homeless man out of nowhere caught it, then casually said, 'I suppose I should help'...” Eli said the last part in a mocking Dainen voice.
“I would have bolted.” He said.
Rythen shook his head, “No. He was pissed off.”
“Vokar roared, backing up, he had fire flowing up his arms and then he reached for a second weapon.”
“Then Xelmir charged in from the side, his massive sword slicing through the air in a blur.”
“But, Dainen didn’t move.”
“Not until the last possible second.”
“Then, just like that." Rythen clicked his claws together, a sharp snap echoing in the room.
“Everything changed.”
“Dainen sidestepped Vokar’s fire punch, just faint movement but enough to get him to miss, and then he drove his elbow into Vokar’s ribs.”
Rythen mimed an elbow thrust.
“He collapsed, trying to breath, the impact so violent it cracked his armor.”
“But Xelmir was faster than Vokar and I didn’t know how he was going to deal with his sword, he swung it, and it looked like blur of burning steel.”
“And Dainen caught it with his bare hand.”
“Uh, what?” Eli said, looking between Dainen and Rythen.
“It seemed like everything stopped when he caught it, I mean the battlefield froze.” Rythen continued.
“Xelmir’s strength alone can shatter stone.”
“And here was this human, just held the blade in his grip like it was nothing.”
“Then, with a blur of motion he with a twisted his wrist, he ripped the blade from Xelmir’s hands, spun it, and buried it in his chest.”
“Vokar, had made it back to his feet and was a meter or so behind Dainen. Dainen’s back was to him, and in a matter of a second, Dainen grasp the handle of the sword, that was currently buried in Xelmir’s chest, ripped it out and spun chopping Vokar’s head clean off.”
“And just like that, Two Emerald-tier warlords.”
“Dead, in seconds.” Rythen paused, looking at Eli and Alira.
“The battlefield stopped.”
“The dead warlord’s warriors hesitated, glancing between Dainen and their fallen warlords.”
“Dainen stood there, like he was just on a casual afternoon walk.”
"Lay down your weapons,' he said, voice calm—unbothered.
“A few charged.”
“They died so fast, I still don’t know how it happened.”
“The rest dropped their weapons, instantly.”
“And just like that, the battle was over.” Rythen finished.
When the story ended, Erynn stood, met Dainen’s gaze, and simply said, “And I am forever grateful.” She walked over to Dainen and touched his shoulder.
“Because of that, we have four of our own offspring,” Erynn said, her voice slightly unsteady.
“I need to make sure everything is ready for our departure," she said, turning and walking out of the room..
They sat around for a while, Alira and Rythen swapping stories about Dainen’s less-than-successful escapades.
Eli just sat back, taking it all in. His usual commentary on all things abnormal was absent.
Alira noticed but chose not to press him.
Eli knew that Alira and Dainen were amazing, just being around them, you can tell they were great people. But the way everyone reacted to them, they truly are legends in this world.
He knew he should feel grateful—and he was. But how was he supposed to become more powerful than those two?
If the Celestials hadn’t chosen them, how was he supposed to gain enough power to make a difference? He still couldn’t even touch Dainen in a sparring session.
He looked down at the ring on his left hand. He had talked to Alira about the “visions” or whatever they were when he attuned the ring to himself.
But he couldn’t remember even a fraction of it. He knew it meant something. He could sense competing voices, but he couldn’t piece them together.
The word ‘Prime’ echoed in his mind, but he still had no idea what it meant. Even Alira and Dainen knew nothing about it. Alira went back through her entire journal, looking for the word, but nothing.
“Eli.” Alira said, “It’s time to go.”
“Are you okay?” she asked him.
“Yeah, just thinking about everything,” Eli said, almost in a whisper.
“I’ll be fine. I think I’m just hungry,' he said, rubbing his stomach with a small grin.
Alira could tell he was deflecting, but didn’t press. “We can get some food on the ship,” she said as they walked out the door toward the airship landing.