ELSIE WOODWARD

As I glanced at my newly completed Ventureseal, a sensation of satisfaction and success rushed over me, prompting a grin to grow on my face. It loomed before me as a symbol of my tenacity and unyielding determination. The formerly disjointed pieces had been methodically integrated, making a unified whole of deep significance.

At that point, I marvelled at the realisation that I had transcended the confinements imposed on wellers. I was no longer constrained by the limitations of my previous existence, and I now had the ability to extend my wings and travel beyond the borders of Avlyrra.

Gone were the days when you felt stuck inside the confines of a single realm. With the Ventureseal in my control, I held the key to fresh horizons, unknown territory, and limitless possibilities. It represented emancipation, allowing me to explore the enormous expanse of the outside world.

I made a solemn promise to never forget the four Venturers who had played a critical role in enabling my newfound independence. Their selflessness and support had opened up a world of possibilities for me, for which I would be eternally thankful. In my heart, I felt a strong urge to return their compassion by assisting them on their own trip.

I dug inside my backpack and carefully organised the various objects from my inventory in front of me. The collection featured a variety of plants neatly maintained in glass vials that I had acquired and learned to use throughout my stay in Avlyrra's harsh regions.

These plants have therapeutic and restorative powers, some of which I suspected may be found in worlds we have yet to explore. As an apothecary, I was able to harness the power of these plants and employ them to help our group.

However, I recognised that my knowledge went beyond that of an apothecary. My unusual background as a half-dweller made me distinct from others.

While Wallace and Kei focused on learning the skill of sol-weaving and perfecting their talents to alter the essence of life force, I found myself in an unusual position. I grew up in the vivid realm of Avlyrra, surrounded by the bountiful sol.

As a result of the fundamental intensity of sol flowing through my channels, my physical strength transcended that of a normal human. Unlike my companions, I chose to improve and expand on my current command of energy rather than study it from the ground up.

I studied my surroundings with a concentrated look, drawing into the energy that surrounded me. I called the sol to materialist as my nexus via great focus, channelling its potential through my being.

A small change in the air was felt as I concentrated my attention and channelled the sol energy within me. A quiet hum echoed through my senses as vibrations coursed through the surrounding environment. Wisps of pure white crystal materialised in answer to my order, collecting around my outstretched palm and gradually taking on the shape of a glove-like structure.

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The crystalline form shone with ethereal brilliance and radiated a warm, luminous radiance. Each layer of the crystalline glove appeared to reflect the essence of sol itself, capturing my attention with its perfect purity. It was a physical representation of my link to the rich sol energy that pervaded Avlyrra, a testament to the power I possessed.

The Dwellers of Avlyrra were born with an innate nexus, unlike the Venturers, whose nexus was determined by their activities and decisions. This preset alignment of our beings bestowed upon us distinct abilities and characteristics, but it also imposed constraints. While I had mastered the first phase of sol-weaving, I couldn’t deny that I lacked the breadth of variety that the Venturers possessed.

Aside from my dedication to our endeavour and my mastery of sol-weaving, there was another driving force behind my resolve. It was a highly emotional journey to learn the truth about my father’s tragic death. He had been slain savagely while investigating the operations of a shadowy organisation whose malevolent activities were shrouded in shadows.

The organisation responsible for my father’s death had meticulously covered its tracks, leaving no physical proof behind. But I was driven by an unwavering resolve to pursue justice, reveal the truth, and ensure that those who were involved suffered the repercussions of their crimes.

I held on to the one piece of knowledge that had emerged from the shadows: the name of the organisation responsible for his death, "The Void Order." It was a name that sent shivers up my spine, conjuring malevolence and horror.

***

As we sat around the weathered wooden table at the inn, having a modest supper, I couldn’t help but ask about the subject that had been bothering me. Wallace and Kei’s tired expressions indicated the intense training they had undertaken during the day.

"How much longer do you think we should stay here?" I inquired, addressing my inquiry to Wallace, who sat across from me with Kei by his side. On this perilous voyage, their solidarity and unrelenting dedication had become a source of strength for me.

Wallace hesitated for a while, his gaze searching the room as though weighing the options before us. His response was measured, indicating the serious thought he had given to our situation.

"We have a significant amount of aetherium, a currency that will become obsolete once we leave this realm," Wallace responded, his voice realistic. "With our current budget, we can afford to stay at this inn for a little over three months."

Kei joined in, his tone solid and determined, sensing the weight of the remarks. "During our stay here, we should concentrate on honing our skills and pushing ourselves to our limits." This is our opportunity to develop our team relationship while also gaining the information and expertise required for what comes ahead."

***

We accepted the difficulties as the days evolved into weeks, immersing ourselves in a demanding schedule of physical and mental preparation. Our bodies became stronger, our reflexes became sharper, and our brains became more concentrated. Our friendship became stronger as a result of our shared experiences and constant support for one another.

As the days passed, Wallace immersed himself in rigorous weapon training, perfecting his skills with unwavering determination. Meanwhile, Kei focused on mastering control over his death nexus, ensuring that he could wield its power responsibly.

The day of our departure approached quickly.