The faint hum of murmuring voices echoed softly through the forest, mingling with the rustling leaves and chirping critters.

“The destination for the nearest village is just up ahead,” Uriel’s steady voice assured.

Relief washed over Nyx, her shoulders sagging slightly. Her legs were sore, and her stomach growled in protest, but the promise of civilization filled her with renewed energy. “Thanks for that, Uriel.”

“You’re welcome, Nyx,” the voice responded warmly.

With each step, the trail became more defined, the gentle forest shifting to reveal the presence of people. Nyx passed by lush green bushes and towering trees, their leaves whispering encouragement as critters darted about, indifferent to her presence.

She couldn’t help but marvel at the simple, vibrant life around her. For all its beauty, though, this wasn’t her destination. She wasn’t looking for just another trail—she was looking for a new home.

The gentle forest began to give way to signs of human life. The scent of woodsmoke lingered faintly in the air, mixing with the earthy aroma of damp leaves. The murmur of voices grew louder, accompanied by the occasional clink of metal and the creak of wooden wheels rolling over cobblestone.

The world ahead felt alive in a way the quiet, magical forest never had. It was bustling and unpredictable, and Nyx wasn’t sure whether to feel excited or terrified.

Finally, the path opened up, and she reached what felt like the edge of the world she’d known.

“Uriel,” she said hesitantly, squinting into the distance, “are you sure this is the right place?”

“Yes, Nyx,” Uriel reassured her. “You’re looking in the wrong direction.”

She blinked, then turned her head to the left, scanning for any sign of life.

“No, Nyx. The other direction,” Uriel corrected, a hint of amusement in its tone.

Nyx turned to her right—and froze.

There it was.

The silhouette of the village gates greeted her as she approached, looming tall against the backdrop of the waning sunlight. The high wooden walls were reinforced with thick beams, their edges darkened by years of weathering. Guards stood at the entrance, their forms rigid and alert. Each held a long spear, the sharp tips gleaming faintly in the dim light, a quiet warning to any who might think to cause trouble.

Nyx slowed her steps, her gaze lingering on the imposing structure. The gates seemed to radiate an unspoken authority, a reminder that she was stepping into a world bound by human rules—rules she barely understood.

Her lips curved into a smile, her chest swelling with a mix of awe and relief. “People,” she whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief. “They’re just like me.”

Well, maybe not exactly like her, but close enough.

“Let’s get going, Uriel,” she said, determination returning to her voice.

“Of course, Nyx,” Uriel replied, but then hesitated. “Before you proceed, there’s something we need to finalize.”

Nyx paused, her smile faltering. “Finalize? What do you mean?”

“Your aura,” Uriel began. “It’s extremely powerful, Nyx. If an 11-year-old enters a village exuding such immense magical energy, it will raise questions. Not only could it draw unwanted attention, but it may also cause issues with the royal family or those seeking power.”

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Nyx’s eyes widened beneath her veil. “Oh… I didn’t even think about that.”

“Additionally,” Uriel continued, its tone grave, “I’ve been redirecting your aura to mislead anyone who might have been following us.”

Her breath hitched. “We were being followed?!”

“Yes, but you don’t need to worry. The threat has been neutralized for now,” Uriel assured her.

Nyx let out a shaky sigh. “Thank you, Uriel. Really. What should we do about my aura now?”

“I suggest activating the skill Lunar Veil of Deception. It will mask your true power, ensuring no one can sense your full capabilities.”

Nyx nodded quickly. “Yes, do that. Please mask it.”

“Permission granted. Skill activated,” Uriel intoned.

A soft shimmer of magic enveloped Nyx, invisible to the untrained eye. Her overwhelming aura diminished, replaced by a subtle, unassuming presence.

“Wow,” she murmured, flexing her fingers experimentally. “That feels… different. Thanks, Uriel. I really need to learn more about all my new skills soon.”

“Whenever you’re ready, Nyx. I am always here to guide you,” Uriel replied.

With a deep breath, Nyx turned her gaze back toward the bustling village. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

She stepped forward, her steps growing steadier with each stride. As she approached the line of people waiting to enter, a soft breeze danced around her, tugging her hood up over her head.

She smiled, recognizing the assistance. “Thanks for that, Uriel.”

The voice whispered in her ears simply responded, “Always, Nyx.”

Uriel’s voice then broke the silence, calm and steady. “It seems the guards are scanning the travelers. You may have to explain yourself when it’s your turn.”

Nyx clenched her hands into fists, willing her nerves to settle. “Explain myself? What do I even say?”

“Keep it simple,” Uriel advised. “You are a traveler seeking refuge. They don’t need to know more than that.”

Her heart pounded as she drew closer. The guards’ eyes scanned each person entering the gates, their expressions unreadable beneath their helmets. She could feel their gaze flicker toward her as she joined the line.

“Stay calm, Nyx,” Uriel murmured. “You’ve got this.”

————————————————

The gleam of polished armor reflected the midday sun, streaks of light dancing along the cobblestone path leading into the bustling village.

Two guards stood at the gate, their presence commanding and unyielding. They were clad in full armor bearing the royal family’s crest—a roaring lion etched in gold on their chest plates, a mark of authority that left no room for doubt.

“ID,” one of them barked, his voice sharp and unwavering as he addressed the merchant at the front of the line.

“Here,” the merchant replied quickly, handing over a small, worn document.

“Purpose of visit?” the guard asked, his tone brisk and businesslike.

“I’m a merchant. I’ve got goods to sell—spices and cloth mostly,” the man replied.

The second guard stepped forward, activating a Luminal Codex, a device that seemed as alive as it was magical. The small, flat lens shimmered faintly with blue and silver runes etched into its surface. A soft hum accompanied the glow as a beam of light scanned the document. The merchant stood still as the device verified its authenticity, its light pulsing gently before fading.

“Approved. Proceed,” the guard said, gesturing to the merchant through the gates.

Further back in the line, Nyx’s hands fidgeted nervously with the edges of her Stormweaver Veil. Her heart pounded as she took in the exchange, the guards’ curt voices and the merchants’ replies sounding like a jumble of incomprehensible sounds.

She bit her lip, panic beginning to claw at her thoughts. What if they ask me something I don’t understand? What if I can’t answer?

Her pulse quickened, and her thoughts spiraled into chaos. But then, cutting through the fog of her worry, Uriel’s calm, steady voice spoke in her mind:

“Nyx, you don’t need to worry. I can translate everything they say and guide you on how to respond. Trust me—I’ll handle this with you.”

Nyx blinked in surprise, her panic easing slightly. You can do that? she thought hesitantly.

“Yes, Nyx,” Uriel replied gently. “And it’s better if we communicate this way. It’ll keep everything discreet.”

Relief flooded her chest, and a small, wry smile tugged at her lips. You really are full of surprises, Uriel.

“That’s what I’m here for,” Uriel said, his tone carrying a faint edge of reassurance.

The line inched forward, and Nyx shifted on her feet, her fingers tightening around the edges of her veil. The merchants ahead spoke with practiced ease: “I’m here to trade pelts,” one man said. “Delivering supplies from the western outposts,” said another.

Each time, the Luminal Codex scanned their documents, its glowing light verifying their authenticity before the guards waved them inside.

As Nyx drew closer to the front, the knot in her stomach tightened again. But Uriel’s steady presence in her mind kept her grounded.

“We’ve got this,” Uriel said, his voice warm and encouraging.

Nyx nodded subtly. Yeah… we do.

“Next!”