Kyoya's departure from the Monadt Highlands Shrine has cemented an unforeseen independence within the boy, the resounding approval from both his mentors being his one beacon of hope for what should come.

With the emergence of two new acquaintances, it would seem that he's been offered some leeway in navigating this ever-expanding world...

...And now, given his shot at doing everything over again, the Legends Festival couldn't sound like a better place to start.

The ambient rumbling of dirt roads began to smooth out as they seemed to transition onto less rough terrain. A peek through the hatchframe revealed the ground beneath them to be made of carved stone and brick—clue enough to their little escapade having been successful.

"Talk about a lifesaver." Lyric moved her eyes to Ryder. "Not sure I've ever seen you so antsy about the festival, though... What's so important this time around?"

"Keep it straight; I actually have no idea. Just felt like comin', is all..." She took a moment. "But, I s'pose there's no reason not to double down and make the trip a little more worthwhile."

Kyoya glanced around, waiting a bit before poking his head out of the hatch again. He could hardly see the gate, assuming it to be safe enough.

"Think we made it far enough in?"

"Oughta be," the amber-eyed girl acknowledged. "Guess we're rolling?"

She and Ryder exchanged what seemed like a weirdly intricate handshake, involving multiple high-fives and fist-bumps. It ended with both of them bumping forearms in an 'X' formation, Ryder sitting back down as her accomplice turned to head toward the hatch. Lyric then took a glance over her shoulder. "You coming with?"

"I've got errands to run, so I'll hang here 'til this buggy gets a little closer to Midtown. You two do your thing." She leaned back and outstretched her legs, putting an arm over her eyes as the uproar of livelihood began to rip it's way through whatever quiet had come about them.

"Fair enough. Kyoya?" Lyric looked to him.

"Right behind you."

Sure, his stepping out of the barrier was something even further beyond monumental. However, his first steps onto the chiseled pathways achieved something even further.

The brick felt unbreakable in it's solidity, both immensely strong while still retaining an almost divine smoothness. There were cracks, but colossal tourists could only be so light on their feet—plus, the scattered imperfections offered a deal of realism to what was an otherwise mythical road.

Of course, this was only the pavement, the literal foundation of a kingdom unbound. That alone wouldn't do nearly enough justice to the sights, smells, and sounds of this practically new world.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Even Teleo, in what he knew to be it's prime, couldn't hope to compare to the masterful architecture around him. The carpenters and artisans behind the works of this grand city were, without a doubt, fit for a capital.

More roads, just like this one, stretched well past the horizon, blanketed with merchant's stands as more and more people and creatures alike made their way. In just this one street, he could see humans, the half-feline Lynians, the half-canine Lycans, and Fae—whoever and whatever chose to make the journey. Never once had he witnessed such a captivating cocktail of culture.

Any and every demographic of people were in attendance, from rags to riches and everything in between. Even the skies were filled to the brim with their own aerial traffic, with anything with wings, from animals to airships, being right at home.

It came as quite a surprise that he still managed to feel even the slightest bit comfortable.

After some more stationary sightseeing, Lyric hinted at amusement from his awe. Her muffled laughter reminded him that he wasn't there alone.

"You're really taking it in, huh?"

"I don't think I had a choice."

"Smart one. Go figure."

She set her eyes somewhere forward, appearing to have centered in on something ahead of them. "Yeesh, Alley really pulled out the stops for us—that buggy she nabbed got us right on top of the Archive."

"...Archive?" questioned the Miscreant.

"You've really never been out, have you?" Lyric prodded him in return. She didn't sound as put off as she did confused, but the general sense of her inquiry remained.

Kyoya's insecurity flared, the boy shooting it back down before answering.

"I-I'm not the type to get around, is all... But this 'Archive', what's that all about?"

"Consider it an oversized library. It's only such a big deal right now because they update the texts every four years; plus, with all that's happened recently, I bet now'd be the time to read up." She nodded in triumph, taking a glance over at him. "So, whaddya say? Feel like being study buddies for a bit?"

Her mention of these 'ancient texts' was something that beat out any prior objections from the get-go. More specifically, thinking to Reika, this was likely something he'd regret having passed up anyway.

"No harm in it. What exactly are you after?"

A sudden stiffness came about in her demeanor, the girl's expression shifting from easygoing to bordering tense.

"Ever heard of the Defiant?"

"Well, yeah, who hasn't? I just said I didn't really get around, not that I never went to school—"

As if on command, a vicious, stinging sensation shot through his temple.

The shock alone would've knocked him out cold if not for his tempered resilience, but even that didn't stop him from being forced to a shaking kneel. The smooth stone brick instantly felt sharpened and jagged, carving into his palm and knee.

The once soft and distant sounds were suddenly blaring, and the boy was hardly able to distinguish reality from his senses turning against him. He caught himself from falling face-first into the pavement more than a few times.

Breaking this trance took more mental fortitude than the Miscreant knew he had, but alas, the siege on his mind at long last reached it's conclusion.