Creon along with two elders of his clan was running at high speed through one of the most secluded regions of the Vadora Kingdom. Even though it was known for its mountainous forest regions and inaccessible nature, this particular region was still something else entirely.

A mountainous terrain covered in dense green forests this part of the Vadora kingdom was filled with seemingly endless numbers of stone pillars covered in green foliage varying in heights and mass, some even reaching 1000 feet creating a spectacular sight as the peaks soared majestically, resembling mythical sculptures deteriorated over time. Between peaks, numerous ravines and valleys lay shrouded in drifting mist that protected small wonders of nature like waterfalls, streams, and lakes from prying eyes.

Without being hindered in the slightest, they agilely maneuvered between obstacles with silver colored tails covered in fur acting as counterweights for better balance. Their tails and hair had the same color but it was offset by their light blue skin and clear blue eyes that pierced through the night.

When Mykl initially said he’d send details of the time and place for the meeting, Creon thought it would’ve been at a hotel or restaurant in the capital city. He hadn’t imagined that it would be coordinates of what seemed to be in the middle of nowhere.

In order to even reach the meeting place in time, Creon and the two elders he’d chosen to accompany him were quite literally forced to depart as soon the message came.

Despite, all three being trained sentinels, with Creon having reached the 3rd sphere and the elders having reached the 2nd sphere, running continuously through this arduous terrain for the better part of a day had still taken quite a toll on them. Especially for the two elders, they didn't practice as much anymore knowing progress were unlikely.

Breaking the silence, one of the elders spoke in a hoarse voice. “Are you sure this is the right decision, Creon? If it ever were to be revealed, we wouldn’t even have time to regret before we would all be dead! How are we supposed to trust them not knowing who these people are?”

Without showing signs of stopping they continued moving forward at great speed.

Slightly out of breath Creon responded, “Dawson, your worries have been noted, but now isn’t the time to hesitate and question my decision as Patriarch. We are all aware of the present state of our Taurus clan. Despite my best efforts in establishing our previous influence and might, we have now reached past the point where it’s impossible without drastic measures. Agreeing to this deal would provide us with both sufficient funds and resources to once again be prosperous.”

Observing Creon’s annoyance of being doubted at the present moment, Dawson decided against continuing to debate the issue any further and stayed silent.

Creon also chose not to pursue the issue of being questioned once again, despite already making it clear the decision had been made, by him. He knew Dawson only had the clan's best interests at heart and recognized his concerns. However, this wasn't a democratic decision where everybody had a vote. No, he was the one in charge! He was the one bearing the heavy burden of carrying their clan and feeling stressed out due to his inability to solve their financial difficulties threatening to bankrupt them.

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Later the night Creon had encountered Mykl he'd summoned all elders to explain the impending changes. Most had a healthy amount of skepticism. It did ease, however, as Creon went on to explain the potential benefits of accepting and the almost evitable consequence of bankruptcy had he denied it. They knew, as well as he, that the clan wouldn’t be able to persevere in its current state for much longer.

Yet, with the financial backing of this seemingly powerful organization, not only would they be able to repay all their debts. If all went well, reaching the Tahrus clans former status would no longer be just a dream.

“How much further?” Asked Tobias with a tired voice, one of his most trusted elders despite getting old.

While still running, Creon took out a smartphone with a semi-transparent display and smooth black edges, which he'd used to navigate through the confusing terrain,

“According to the coordinates provided by Mykl, then it should be in the valley just up ahead…” Creon said, trying to sound more confident than he actually felt. It had been ages since he’d needed to navigate through regions such as these, so he was definitely out of practice, he could only trust the navigation provided by the smartphone.

They continued onwards and in a matter of minutes, as Creon had predicted, they came to the outskirts of a deep valley shrouded in dense mist.

Wanting to get a better view, all three of them quickly ran vertically up the side of a nearby deteriorated stone pillar with a height nearing 500 feet using their genetic energy. As they reached the top, Creon and the two elders were met with a spectacular sight. From their vantage point, they discovered what they previously thought to be a naturally formed valley might actually be a massive crater. With tall peaks and mist covering everything except the occasional canopy of an immense tree, it looked otherworldly.

Everythings was quiet until the moment Creon quietly leaped from the pillar and into a giant tree in the crater. Without showing signs of stopping the elders immediately followed suit moving forward at great speeds.

For Creon, it felt like he’d stepped into another world. All the stone pillars had been exchanged with immense trees twisted between each other with interconnected branches creating multiple narrow pathways above the ground and using these they moved onwards to the intended meeting spot at the crater's center.

Quickly approaching the center, they came to a clearing where ancients looking buildings came into view.

“They’ve actually manage to find an ancient city at a place like this!” Tobias sputtered, shocked by this find.

“This has to be the correct place, right?” asked elder Tobias.

“Well, if it isn’t, then it would be a huge coincidence that’s for sure”, Creon responded as he cautiously jumped down and approached one part of the wall which had broken apart allowing them access into this city long forgotten by history.

Hidden by the passage of time and nature, the city remained a true relic depicting how far their civilization had come in terms of both technology and knowledge, despite constant warfare and political intrigues between clans.

"These building must date back to before arcane energy was discovered, and genetic energy was used but not understood..." Tobias marveled as he observed the architecture walking through its streets.

With annoyance audible in his voice, Dawson asked. “How are we even supposed to find them inside the city? Look at all these buildings and temples! Couldn’t they have been more specific?”

“They could, but I don’t think it’s going to present a problem. Take a look over there…” Creon said and pointed towards one of the steps leading upwards to a temple looking structure. Casually sitting on the steps was a mask and cape wearing individual that both Tobias and Dawson hadn’t noticed until Creon pointed it out.