As they continue their journey, Bian shows Ha Linh pieces of the new world she had left behind. From the innovations that sprung from her legacy to wide fields now safe thanks to her efforts in culling the Quis.

They see farmers operating magic-infused bamboo vehicles that plowed the rice fields of their home, crystal-powered golems working tirelessly in the forests, and the dragon-shaped airships that now patrolled the skies, transporting both people and goods across the continent.

Ha Linh remains quiet as Bian speaks, watching the world she had once known evolve into something strange and foreign, but ultimately a place of good.

“You may not have been exactly like the stories, but you still laid the foundation for all of this,” Bian says. “Without your courage to be the first, we probably would not have advanced far as a society.”

“I suppose I should be flattered,” Ha Linh says dryly. “But look where it got me. Betrayed by the people I once thought to be my allies.”

Ha Linh glances over at Bian, who is quietly walking beside her. “Right,” she replies, recognizing that Bian is probably one of the few people in this world who understands what she is going through. Pulling back a little, Ha Linh tries to ease the tension, “You know, I was scared to fly on one of those things when they were first made.” Bian lets out a brief smile. Ha Linh continues, “No, seriously, they had to literally drag me on board.”

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After a moment, Bian lets out an audible chuckle. “The legend of Ahn Sang, crippled by flying. I’m glad that didn’t make it into the stories.”

They share a laugh, a nice moment in their difficult journey.

***

By the time they reach Song Yeun, the sun is beginning to set. The port town is as chaotic as Bian described. The streets are teeming with sailors, thieves, and merchants, all either looking to make a quick buck or lose themselves in the bottom of a bottle. Bian had never been this far from the Orchid Academy before.

She stands at the edge of the town, taking it all in: the ringing of ship bells on the dock ahead, the scent of saltwater mixed with smoked seafood, the arguments that filled the air. It is a completely different world from the quiet comfort she felt in the academy.

“You ready?” Ha Linh’s voice echoes in her mind.

Bian nods silently.

“Get used to it all,” Ha Linh says, as encouraging as she could muster. “100 years and this place hasn’t changed a bit. This town has always been where the rules don’t matter, so tread carefully and don’t trust anyone… Especially small kids.”

Bian takes a deep breath, steeling herself. The road to revenge was only beginning, and it would be rough, bloody, and full of difficult choices. There’s no turning back now. She looks out over the chaotic port town that might hold the information to find Chout and the answers she is desperately searching for.

With Ha Linh’s spirit at her side, Bian would tear down anyone who stood between her and vengeance… Even if it cost her life.

“Let’s find the rat,” Bian whispers, her eyes narrowing as she steps into the beating heart of Song Yeun.