The dark-scaled Ravenour peeked outside into the night to ensure the coast was clear. They were traveling together, but their objectives were different. Vin would be exploring bits of the city in search of a weapon cache so the Ravenours could arm themselves for future efforts. At the same time, he was focused on locating survivors they could recruit for supply raids. Gideon's role was to tag along and assess the state of his fellow brutes and then report back to Maeve.

The large-handed young man stepped out the door first and signaled for Vin. "I'm in command of this mission, so follow me."

"Whatever," Vin said aridly. He was sure the guard was meant to merely shadow him, yet that half-dragon anointed themselves as captain.

They dashed from the door into the darkness of the closest back street to gauge their next move. Their backs were against the stone of another building embedded with crystals that transmitted some magical wave-like energy to other structures. All the mystical lights made that oceanfront city ruled by flora and canals captivating even at night.

Vin told Gideon to keep watch while he shut his eyes, calmed his breathing, and condensed his senses into their immediate area. He quickly discerned Gideon's soul and extended his spiritual reach a little. Less than a second, Vin opened his eyes again and groaned in annoyance.

"Don't tell me you failed," Gideon said disapointedly. The human lamely rotated, pointed at the building they used for cover, and grumbled, "There's someone in here."

Gideon rubbed his face in irritation and exhaled, "We had neighbors this entire time, and you didn't notice."

"I had a lot going on," explained Vin, peeking from the edge of the alley to ensure it was safe to exit. To the best of his ability, anyway, it wasn't like he could see in the dark.

"Are you sure they aren't enemies?" The guard asked.

"I'm sure. Those elves aren't living, so their essence is colorless," Vin replied, moving toward their destination. Gideon pretended to know what he was talking about and followed him to the front door. The young man turned the knob, and as expected, it was locked. Vin used the spell Sphere of Silence, which created an invisible bubble that contained sound within.

After the barrier was up, the large-handed Ravenour nodded to his temporary partner in approval, tightened his grip on the knob, then thrust his shoulder into the door, busting it open with a clamorous crash.

Vin snapped toward Jazzy, opened his eyes in awe at their stupidity, and loudly lectured, "I put up the sound barrier so you could knock on the door, not break it open!"

"Why are you so aggressive!?" he barked in continuation.

Gideon flared an intense expression, his wings and scale-covered tail worming, "How would anyone inside the home hear me knocking with you casting magic that nullifies noise?!"

Vin pointed up at the roof of the sound border and blurted, "Because they're also inside the barrier! It doesn't stop working because there's a door in the way!"

"Do I look like a mage, how would I have know that!? "Gideon exclaimed.

"BECAUSE YOU'VE SEEN MAEVE USE IT ALRE-" Vin started but stopped and clenched his head, fighting off the migraine he was developing from dealing with the brute. At the same time, several alarmed Ravenours could be seen inside, stuffing small satchels and getting ready to evacuate. They were well aware of Elven kind's perceptive hearing and expected them to arrive within any moment to hunt them.

Vin scowled at the guard and motioned at the frantic group. "Deal with your mess."

The slick-haired brute didn't hide his contempt and caught the first person to try to run outside the home. He blocked the exit, trying to explain the sound barrier, spewing commands at them and offering Maeve's name as if it'd instantly pacify the person. Another fleeing body clashed with him, then another before he was overwhelmed. Again, Jazzy hailed the name of their future queen. It did not sway the people, so he swallowed his pride and reluctantly pointed to the human, hollering, "The Eternal has come to save you!"

Vin improvised, pinching his own essence and snapping his finger to ignite a small purple flame. The display collected their attention, and he told them, "Go back inside."

Questioning glances were exchanged, and eyes shifted around the streets to see no unit of elves had marched on them. The small group entered the home, shut the door, and awaited further word.

This home resembled Maeve's shelter but used dull beige wood instead of darker shades for the foundation. It also had white furniture and roses, which gave off a sense of wealth. Otherworldly greenery that emitted an intense pale leafy glow climbed the corners of the walls like pillars, illuminating everything nicely.

Most of the group were civilians, which was no surprise considering many of the warriors tried to fight back against the elves and were slaughtered. Most of this bunch bore the crest of a red Phoenix, the Order of the Scarlet Flame, but three Violent Order women sat together on a couch away from the rest. The two on the outside were dressed like a priestess and had their hands up to their face in prayer. As for the women in the middle-

Vin stared at her. A familiar face he'd hoped to see again. Despite the previous day's chaos, her absurd yet elegant white-feather dress didn't look frayed. In fact, the muted green light only made her pinkish, almost creamy-colored skin and long hair look more angelic. Other features aside, her pale-colored wings, scales, and heart-shaped horns gave her a fiendish appearance.

Yet, this had to have been a goddess, for her smile was too pure to belong to the same race as those savages. Her narrow, mature, deep lavender eyes watched Vin as he walked over to her, the healer who mended his wrist after it fractured in his first fight with Kaelix.

The many eyes of the surrounding brutes pierced the Eternal as he wandered over to the eccentric-looking woman. She didn't stand, so Vin lowered his head at her, "You healed my wrist that night in the jail cell. Thank you."

The healer's full, glossy lips didn't break its smile even when honored by the Eternal. She merely stared at the human, nodded, and then resumed a tranquil, statue-like position. Vin tilted his head, awaiting- something else? Yet, she only continued to look at him with a penetrating gaze.

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A moment later, Gideon touched Vin's shoulder and quietly explained, "Don't take it personally. She refuses to talk to anyone, even the king."

"That's fine," Vin replied, turning from the speechless woman. "I've said what I had to say."

Her gaze stuck to him even as he walked away to join the confused and anxious Ravenours. Despite opposing gods, the stranded group listened to everything Vin and Gideon said. In the end, the survival of their clan trumped any previously existing internal struggle.

Jazzy took over the discussion, listening to their woes and sharing that Maeve was working around the clock to solve their crisis. He informed them that their services would be required to ensure this plan worked- required, not invited, as if he expected everyone capable to heed his beck and call like dogs. It churned some faces, but the few warriors there said nothing that'd forsake their dignity.

With their work done, the dubious pair exited and began their search for the next group of survivors. Vin didn't understand what Maeve would gain from hearing so many sob stories from the many Ravenours trapped in that city, but he still believed it was her right to know.

There were few patrols in that area; for some reason, the elves abandoned that city section instead of kicking in doors. Who knew what they were thinking. Regardless, the two trespassers stayed out of plain sight, the silence enchantment on their footwear making it easier for them to move undetected.

Since they were still near their safehouse, Vin happened to cross the streets that he had used to escape his elven pursuers the day before. Even without photographic memory, it would be easy to tell he came down that route. There were still strips of land where deathly purple flames plagued the ground like a malevolent stain, impossible to cleanse.

He and Gideon took mild steps forward, staying close to the concrete wall of the building they used for cover. They didn't slow, yet their faces hung on the beautifully insatiable blaze. Those flames were even more inspiring with age, for what creature doesn't wish to have the ability to burn forever?

Vin's gaze deepened as he felt the guilt of fate. 'The strongest human, huh... Yet I'm here surrounded by dragon people and elves... Not with the people I could use this power to help.'

After a final glance, he turned forward and caught Gideon lost in thought of his own. He wondered what the gallant guard had seen in those flames. Hope? Weakness? Or maybe he had found the strength to continue to fight for the sake of the woman he admired.

While traveling, Vin contemplated what physical power meant to himself. Would he return to his kind and join the war against the other aliens? Or would he be territorial and guard the settlement his family lived in? Perhaps neither; just traveling the world with his skateboard wouldn't be so bad...

Mulling over all the possibilities made the time go by quickly. Before long, his soul search led them to another inhabited dwelling. This time, adjustments needed to be made. Vin ensured Gideon knocked first, then immediately informed the inhabitants that a magic spell was blocking sound so they didn't go ballistic.

Almost all the Ravenours recognized the not-so-subtle man as Maeve's guard, making their dealings credible. Still, mandating these unnerved individuals leave their safe houses and help raid guarded shops was unreasonable. It didn't help that Gideon didn't have a plan of action to share or even ooze the confidence of a powerful war commander like Kane and Kaelix.

Vin hoped both of those beasts managed to survive. Especially Kaelix, the General who'd beaten him to death. If they were alive, he would definitely return the favor, and the same went for the earth mage and the random archer who'd pierced his chest and killed him. He didn't forget any of their faces.

The Ravenour and Human continued their travels in stealth. It wasn't a good sign that there was a large stretch between each batch of souls he found. Even the following faint trace of life felt impossibly distant.

It took dozens of minutes before they found themselves traveling down the edge of a broad, crystal-green canal that looked even more spectacular under the moonlight. They were wandering, looking for a bridge to enter another city quadrant, where he sensed more living.

Sometime later, a disturbance in the water drew their attention, prompting Vin and Gideon to duck into the shadows of a narrow alley. Vin leaned out cautiously, his eyes narrowing as a small boat glided past in the waterway.

Two elves manned the vessel: a knight at the oars and a young mage seated at the bow. Vin's gaze locked onto the sorcerer immediately. The forest-green cloak was unmistakable, pristine now compared to yesterday's grime, and their wavy silver hair was freshly washed and glinting. Despite their timid grip on their staff, clutching it with both hands as if for comfort, Vin knew better than to underestimate them.

'What are the odds. I was just thinking about you.' Vin felt his own essence heed his urges as his hands heated, threatening to produce a vengeful blaze that would burn the longboard he carried. Gideon sensed the human's anger and saw his face tighten into a grimace. Worried his partner would lash out, Jazzy tugged on his arm, daring not to move too much lest the patrols heard them.

Vin was vindictive. That earth mage had obliterated him with some sort of light sorcery when he tried to escape, not to mention how he'd been tormented by their magic tree vines.

Nevertheless, no matter how frustrated he was, he wasn't as unhinged as Ravenours. He waited until the boat passed, slapped Gideon's grip away, and whispered, "I'm fine. Let's keep going."

They continued down the canal, hugging corners closely and ducking down whenever patrol approached. Vin often looked across the wide river, taking in the unbelievable sight. It looked like a giant market, filled with countless colorful flora and shops.

The market was organized in circular tiers around a central plaza with wide avenues for travel. Configurations varied from simple stalls to three-story concrete buildings. All the structures seemed almost golden, basked by the plaza's most prominent feature: its massive golden halo made entirely of mana. It hung high in the sky, acting as an artificial sun that lit the area and cultivated vegetation even at night.

As they grew closer, Vin could sense the unfortunate group of Ravenours deeper inside the market. Who knew how they made it that far when natives and armed Elven soldiers wandered around. Regardless, the duo eventually found their entry into this- Sun Market.

Vin arrived but stopped before crossing a bridge, casting a dark look at the veins of vines twining across the elevated path. It grew wild like that footpath had been abandoned to nature's grip for decades. 'I don't like this. None of the other structures I've seen has been covered this much in vegetation.'

'Maybe we just swim across. Though we'd have to waste time drying our clothes, so no one saw the trail of water we dripped.'

Before Vin could share his thoughts, Gideon crouched down and began sneaking across the bridge, stepping on and squashing the vines that mashed with a leafy crunch.

Vin scowled at the grotesquely self-assured man, thinking, 'I hate him.'

That individual was the perfect guard. He was exceedingly mindful of the one he swore to protect, only acting when Maeve ordered him. But without his princess's command, he tried to be decisive and lead.

It didn't suit him, and it was likely to lead to trouble in the future.

Vin watched for a second, scanning the ground to see if the plants would come alive and strangle the guard. The Ravenour had pulled out the sharp kitchen knife he looted from the house, not that it would make a difference if they were ambushed.

To Vin's wonder, nothing terrible transpired. With little other choice, he cautiously crossed over, not wanting to fall too far behind the intrepid guard.