Reial and Charette glanced warily at Zariya as she pulled on Yusjek’s tail. It wouldn’t have bothered them so much if she wasn’t doing it with that odd glowing hand, though the salamander didn’t seem to mind.

“Curious. Curious indeed.” Linithesis noted.

“What? Do you know what she is?” Reial asked him.

“Hmm? No. I’m just surprised that thing isn’t making a fuss. Pulling on a tail hurt’s, you know.”

Reial groaned inwardly. He should’ve known better than to expect a genuine answer out of the Pneuma.

“How did you manage to tame a veilback?” Zariya inquired as she inspected the creature more closely.

“A little coercion,” Charette answered.

Zariya looked to Reial for an explanation. Truth was, he wasn’t so sure himself how his sister had persuaded it to join them. She didn’t offer it any food or luxuries it already had access to, she just scooped it up, smiled, and said it would make a great addition to their team. Whatever that meant. Perhaps she just has a way with animals. He wondered.

“Really?” Zariya said. “That’s impressive. I’ve heard stories of some animals being intelligent enough to understand human speech, but never anything this small.”

She poked at its back with her translucent, glowing hand, causing small puffs of light to stream off of its slimy skin. Reial didn’t understand animal psychology—he didn’t really know much about human psychology either—though judging by the look in its eyes, he could tell Yusjek was growing tired of being examined.

Zariya continued guiding them through the city, resting the salamander flat on the palm of her hand. Streets rose and fell with irregularity, some rising high up into the sky like mountains, and others falling into deep depressions. A handful of times Scorch managed to slip and roll down these hills, though every time Reial rescued him, he appeared unharmed.

Stores both familiar and foreign to him were located at the edges of each street, some in Aunesfernish, others in the talon scratch writing of Thírian. A handful of times he read a store name that he could almost make out, though the pronunciation became a bit more muddled to his tongue. Khaantanese.

Although buildings and streets eventually disappeared from their sight, Gaiceranes remained. Ever present and watching. It must’ve been a comforting sight to the Recundians.

“Zariya,” Charette called. “I’m not trying to be rude or anything, but is there a faster way of getting around the city?”

“Unless you’re a Veil Strider, I suggest taking a cab. Gets you around the city fast. Until you’re stuck in a traffic jam that is. But that ruins the fun of walking around and seeing the city for yourself!”

“Not in Aunesfern. Thousands of transmitters can take you wherever you want, and I’d argue the experience of traveling through one is more exciting than walking.” Charette commented.

“Oh! A transmitter! You’re Aunesfernish then, yes?”

Charette winced. There had been little to no news on the Sygnal about their disappearance, but they could never be too safe. Just knowing they were Aunesfernish would be enough of a lead for any law enforcement or Courser to capture them. Or perhaps Reial was being far too paranoid.

Reial shook his head and tried to change the subject. “Zariya, may I ask you a question?”

Her face was still partially hidden behind her hood. Was her hair just like her hand? “Go ahead.”

“It’s about your robe. I don’t know why, but I feel like I’ve seen that symbol before.”

“That’s because you have! It’s the uniform symbol of Exania Mechora.”

“So, she’s your patron Empyrean?”

Zariya tensed. “I’m afraid I’m not of the religious type.”

“Oh. Why the symbol then?”

“While I don’t believe in the Empyreans and the Almagest as religious entities, I do acknowledge the beings they once were. Barring Solvaylius that is. Rather than worshipping them, the organization I’m a part of takes a more literal approach into their philosophies and experiences.”

“So…a religion?” Charette guessed.

“No. We learn and develop from their foundations to create a better world. Think of us as a group of scholars and professors. The sect I’m a part of is the Followers of Ex-Mechora. It’s partially the reason why I move all around for conventions.”

Reial blinked. “Wait, does that mean you’re a member of The Four-Ways?”

“For the last seven years.”

“That just leaves one last question,” Charette said. “What’s with the weird hand?”

Zariya pulled her hood back, revealing a pair of burning orange eyes and medium-length black hair. “It’s…an archaic thing really. Like giving yourself unto Essence.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

Zariya tapped a golden finger against Yusjek’s back. “I’m still not entirely certain. It’s an augmentation most members go through. Doesn’t hurt really, but even now it still tingles. Kinda like when you put your hand against a frosty window.”

“Can you still feel?”

“Yup, everything’s still the same. This little fellas skin is as slimy as any other salamander I’ve ever held.”

“You can tell he’s a guy?”

Zariya nodded. “I’ve owned four veilbacks before.”

“What happened to them?”

“They all escaped whenever I tried to feed them.”

Reial and Linithesis snorted. They imagined the salamanders frightened at the very sight of her unnatural hand, scrambling around and turning invisible the moment she opened their habitat. The shared thought was jarring, almost as if he were watching someone else paint the picture for him.

“Would you be interested in seeing the convention with me? It might open up your world beyond the dim lighting of the Almagestian church.” Zariya offered.

Charette hesitated. “No thanks. I like the curse words that go along with it.”

“You can still say them.”

“Yeah, but it wouldn’t feel as effective if I didn’t believe in them.”

Zariya smirked. “Well, a good enough reason as any, I suppose. I’m not going to enforce my beliefs on you.”

Reial smiled. The church didn’t discriminate, it was an extremely open-minded religious entity that accepted many different customs. Even atheistic groups like the Four-Ways weren’t discriminated against for their lack of beliefs, and it could almost be said to be true of the opposite. It made it all the harder on him.

A religion as open and understanding as the Almagestian church was too good to be true. He didn’t hate it because he found their beliefs irritating or prying. Neither did he hate it for allowing the people to worship their God and Empyreans in any shape or form they wanted, he just hated knowing that their creator God did nothing to ease their suffering. Did the Four-Ways acknowledge that? Or did they just choose not to believe out of spite for the church’s extreme open-mindedness?

“Do you truly care about God so much?” Linithesis asked him.

Reial shook his head.

“Then what bothers you so?”

“What bothers me is that God could’ve prevented all of this suffering.”

Linithesis hummed. “Have you settled on your decision yet?”

“I’ve already told you I have.”

“Yes, but I wish to know why you want to go.”

“Because…” Because? Why? He was doing this partially for Amadanazeflious. At least he thought he was doing it because of that. The reason why, much like the murky memories of his past, eluded him.

“I’ve never seen a Thírian up close before.” He heard Charette say as she walked beside Zariya. “Your eyes really do burn!”

Zariya giggled. “Thanks. Though I think that’s just a trick of the light.”

“What part of Thírion are you from?”

“Chanazarek, the middle glades. Not much happens over there.”

Reial felt something brush against his leg and found Scorch looking up at him sadly. “Don’t worry boy, she’s not going to steal us away from you.”

Scorch whimpered softly and licked his hand.

“We can’t be rude to our guide. I’m sure she appreciates the company.”

Despite the bustling activity around them, he thought back to what Charette said. Transmitters were a very convenient form of travel, one that would’ve greatly aided the people in a city as big as this one. Initially, he had thought that every place would’ve had them. As proved apparent in their journey, it was only Aunesfern.

“How hard was it to learn Aunesfernish?” He heard Charette ask.

“So, so. It’s mainly about speaking softer.”

Charette cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

“Just how you pronounce things. You guys never emphasize anything you say. It’s almost like you have no hearts. No offense.”

“None taken?” Charette said.

Reial was more than a little surprised to hear that. His teachers had often praised every aspect of Aunesfernish society. From literature to the musical arts, even their affluent manner of speaking. It wasn’t boring, was it?

“Perhaps it’s due to the language’s smooth pronunciation that allows you to pick up other languages easier.”

“I guess so?” Charette shook her head. “I really don’t know how to respond to that, Zariya.”

“Does sound a bit mean, really,” Reial added.

Zariya smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I don’t have anything against your people. Maybe it’s just because I miss speaking in my native tongue.”

“Would it help if we listened to you say something?” Charette suggested.

She shook her head. “No, but thanks for the offer.”

“Speaking of offer, might I be able to interest you three in my very own offer?” Said a voice beside Reial.

He jumped, finding a man with no discernable features besides a classic three-pronged Aunesfernish hat.

“What d'ya say? Care to enter the raffle?”

Reial arched a brow at him. “Raffle?”

“The Annual Revitalization raffle, of course!”

Zariya perked up, her orange eyes practically glowing with excitement. “That’s today? I thought it wouldn’t be until next week!”

“It would have, were it not for the discovery of a certain prize. My gracious benefactor, Elese, head of the Yusanian branch of Revitalization, urged me to unveil her new project.”

“And what would that be?” Charette asked.

The man wagged a finger. “I can’t tell you. That would ruin the surprise.”

Reial cocked his head. He knew little of the branch of Revitalization. Save that they were a group of scientists who reverse-engineered the technology of the ancients. When he was younger, he thought that they were a rag-tag bunch of adventurers who explored deadly ruins and fought off Nether Dwellers.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

The truth was nowhere near as exciting as that. Although he did wonder what it was that was so exciting that they had to shift the date of an annual event for it. Revitalization had a somewhat terrible reputation for rediscovering incredibly niche items. Like a self-propelled sphere used for massaging and scratching one's back. The price tag on it still amazed him to this day.

However, he couldn’t say they were completely useless as scientists. Not when they were the ones that rediscovered EBM’s and the generators that produced the dome’s effects. They were capable, just nowhere near as capable as their founder. Exania Mechora.

“I’ll take your answer as a yes then!” The man smiled. “This way, if you please.”

He started down the road pointing them to fourth street. It finally hit Reial that this was the lottery the man back in the fair had mentioned. Even though he didn’t care much for that branch of science, he was still curious about what they had found.

A short walk later they melted into a large crowd that spoke in hushed whispers. Some of the people were dressed like Zariya, others in a familiar crimson robe with a yellow star painted on. The Red Star’s Dawn. What were they doing in a place like this?

“You’re being awfully suspicious,” Linithesis said.

“I’m not! I find it curious is all.”

“Care to explain why?”

“You know, because of all the religious things they constantly spout.”

“How does religion relate to them not being interested in technology?”

Reial blushed. “I don’t know! It’s just…there’s something off about them. I can’t explain why.”

Linithesis hummed. “I’ll keep a closer eye on them than. For now, enjoy yourself here. I don’t get the sense that something bad is going to happen. Not yet.”

They were led through the crowd to a wooden stage lifted high into the air. Below it was a box, slips of paper, and a writing utensil.

“Write your names down and wait with the others in the meanwhile. We’re about to announce the lucky winner in a few minutes.” The man said.

Reial walked up to the slips of paper and grabbed the pen. He stared at the blank slip for several seconds, contemplating whether to put his real name or not before deciding on a course of action. Once he was finished, he slotted the paper through the box and handed the pen to Charette. Zariya eagerly awaited behind her, practically bouncing in place.

“You’re rather excited,” Reial noted.

Zariya beamed. “Why wouldn’t I be? Ex-Mechora spent all her life inventing and rediscovering long lost technologies for the betterment of mankind. This is yet another step towards the world she imagined.”

“I thought you weren’t religious.”

“I’m not.” She reaffirmed. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t respect and honor the wishes of those who came before us. Even those we deem divine. For what is the purpose of our existence if we can’t appreciate the foundation which it was built upon?”

“But…aren’t you bothered that people worship and idolize the same person you believe isn’t holy?”

“Somewhat, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to yell at them for believing in something different than I do. That’s why we need to learn how to respect each other’s differences rather than being afraid of them. Something the Khaantanese still fail to grasp after all these years.”

“So you aren’t afraid of there being no God?”

Zariya lifted her pale golden hand to her face. “Afraid of what? Afraid of there being nothing after I’m gone? Afraid that I didn’t spend enough of my life worshipping a figment of someone’s imagination? Afraid that I lived the life I wanted to instead of how the Almagest saw fit?”

She lowered her hand and turned to face him with a small smile. “The only thing I’m afraid of is wasting my life trying to satisfy others.”

The Empyreans weren’t inherently better than everyone else because God made them better, but because they worked for the knowledge and strength in their lives. He, his sister, Zariya, even Scorch could become as great as an Empyrean. They weren’t cursed or blessed, everything that happened was due to causality.

But could he truly convince himself of the same? If he did, that opened up one horrible, terrible, festering truth. One that he immediately shoved into the back of his mind. No, he couldn’t do that. Not now. Else he wouldn’t know what to do with himself.

Linithesis shifted around in his mind, wrapping and coiling around a part of himself he didn’t know existed. The Pneuma’s presence dimmed, then glowed like a fire in the dark. For whatever reason, it made Reial feel happy and loved. Like when his mother and father had comforted him after a night terror.

Zariya bowed her head apologetically as he and Charette stared at her wordlessly. “Forgive my unbridled passion for explaining. It’s a force of habit at this point.”

Reial waved dismissively. “You’re fine. Besides, what you said helped me quite a bit.”

“Really? How?”

He hesitated. If only there were more people just like her out in the world. People who were willing to explain their thoughts and actions and not leave him wanting for more. Unlike a certain dwelling Pneuma.

“By opening up my mind to new possibilities.”

Zariya grinned at him, then nodded. “I’m glad I could help then.”

Once Charette and Zariya finished writing their names down, they went to go wait with the rest of the crowd. Reial wasn’t keen on waiting, but the man had said the winner would be announced soon. So, he decided to pass the time by listening in on the various conversations that were being held all around him.

There was talk about a stadium being rebuilt in the western ring of Endona after the last one was destroyed by a coach hurtling through it. Then there were the rumors about Ishrelai not attending this year’s Solis Games, which came as a great shock to him. A Solis Game without Ishrelai was no Solis Game at all.

Others chatted about what the mysterious prize could be, convinced that it was nothing less than the greatest relic of the ancients. What this relic was he was unsure of. Though he’s read many theories on the Sygnal regarding the subject. From a gateway that could peer into the past and future to a living, breathing star that could fit inside the palm of your hand and grant wishes. Some claimed it was Solvaylius itself, but that begged the question of why the ancients would go so far as to capture a God.

Whatever it was, the crowds’ excitement was palpable. It didn’t matter whether he was a Veil Strider or not. He had to compete fairly with others in a game of chance. No favoritism or special treatment just because he was supposedly blessed by God itself. Instead, it all depended on the random aspect of infuriating, terrible luck. He didn’t know if he preferred it that way now that he thought about it.

“-What do you think, Rail?” Charette asked him.

“Huh?”

“We wanted to know where you thought Essence came from.”

“Solvaylius, probably.”

“Pretend It didn’t exist then,” Zariya suggested. “Where would the source of our power originate from?”

Reial groaned inwardly. He didn’t want to give them his half-baked version of Linithesis’s explanation. Even if the Pneuma was technically correct about the origin of Essence, hearing it come from him would make him sound insane. How could he explain nothing and still make it sensible?

“You’re going about this too literally. That’s your first problem.” Linithesis pointed out.

“But explaining a concept is about being literal.” Reial countered.

“Concepts by their very definition are abstract ideas. How can you explain something that’s never existed before?”

“By comparing it.”

Linithesis’s presence rippled with amusement. “Ah, yes, but what if there is nothing you can compare it to? References are finite. One must transcend mundane understanding to draw from theoretics. After all, amplifying one’s mental potential is little more than a paradigm shift upon a sea of resonance.”

Reial pinched the bridge of his nose and suppressed an exasperated sigh. Once again, the Pneuma wasn’t making this any easier on him. He looked at Charette, then at Zariya, trying to rearrange his thoughts and debating whether or not he should come up with something on the spot. Finally, he settled on an answer.

“Perhaps Essence exists outside of our universe. You know, kind of like when you see a puddle outside of your bedroom window. When it’s night, you can’t see it, but if you stumble around you’re bound to step into it.” He paused, wondering how to continue his terrible analogy. “Our minds are much the same. Reaching and grasping for something we can’t see until we inevitably make contact.”

Charette and Zariya stared at him, their expressions etched with confusion as Scorch padded around their feet. The drog looked back up at Reial, then at the women.

“That’s certainly an interesting theory,” Zariya mumbled. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything of the like.”

“Yeah,” Charette agreed. “Although it’s nowhere near as silly as those who believe we have a pool of energy inside of us.”

Zariya snorted. “Right? I’d sooner believe Solvaylius was the one that granted us its powers.”

Linithesis hummed. “I wonder, does she think that because of the complete absence of spirituality on this planet?”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Reial frowned. “Linithesis.”

“Your concept of being is correct, theirs isn’t. It doesn’t matter.” Linithesis stated.

“Theirs?”

“A people you’ll never meet or know.”

“Are they on Yushiloc?”

“No.”

Reial searched his mind for stray thoughts and feelings emanating from the Pneuma. What he found instead was a general understanding of acceptance. That whatever may come, will come, for him, or someone else. It didn’t matter to him, because that’s what it meant to be.

“I didn’t know you were religious,” Reial commented.

“I’m not, though your ‘religion’ does happen to share a few of my beliefs.” Linithesis corrected him. “Don’t confuse similarities with association.”

That made sense to him. Not every Veil Strider was like the Veil Striders of old. Like him, for example. You couldn’t define someone for sharing similar qualities to other living beings or ideals.

At that moment, a sharp, zipping sound raced through the air. The unmistakable amplification of sound through Essence. “Welcome, one and all, to the Annual Revitalization raffle!”

Reial turned his attention to the stage, finding the hatted man standing next to a tall, smartly dressed woman with dark hair. Physically, she appeared to be in her third decade, yet her silver eyes betrayed a depth that rivaled that of the ocean. Ancient, wise, forlorn, and optimistic. She appeared…familiar. Had he seen her before?

Linithesis hummed curiously. “It’s as if my mind is being dragged in by the tide each time I grasp the surface.”

Reial knew all too well what that felt like. It was equal parts frustrating and perplexing. Almost as if his mind was conspiring against him.

“I hope that you’re excited as I am. For what we have today is a relic beyond comprehension! One so ancient, one so powerful, that I daresay our minds have found a match for their intelligence!” She announced

The hatted man walked off stage and retrieved a glass case with a cloth draped over it. “A discovery unlike any we’ve made! Far outshining the utilitarian resourcefulness of the hunger ending Essence-based meals and humidity defying weathering domes!”

The crowd erupted into a chorus of excited whispers as they eyed the glass case hungrily. Reial didn’t understand the obsession with new technology. He liked it, but he didn’t see himself going crazy over it. They already had the Sygnal and Solvaylian Arts anyway.

“Behold!” She cast off the drape with a dramatic flourish, revealing a shining, silvery pair of serpent-like shapes lying atop a cushion. “The Arcaneum Librotecha! Or ALT for short. The latest in reverse-engineering! A replica that not only rivals but surpasses that of even the Ancients’ design!”

A short round of applause was given for the enthroned tech. Zariya and Charette joined them, but Reial did not. He was too busy wondering if what she said was true. The ancients were master craftsmen. Both technologically and artistically. How else could they explain the Remnants and Amadanazeflious? Their greatest work now lost and endlessly soaring through the skies. How could anyone save the Empyrean’s claim to create something of greater value?

“Be it guidance, historical accounts, animal encyclopedias, recipe books, or time-waster, the ALT has it all!”

The hatted man lifted the small glass off of the cushion and bowed his head. The serpent-pairs extended on their own, producing a thin, inky surfacy that exploded with light, projecting greetings in sharp Aunesfernish, Khaantanese, and Thírian. A thundering applause exploded from the crowd around Reial. Was it always like this during the Revitalization raffles?

Charette glanced at him, confused. He was glad that he wasn’t the only one put off by the event. Did that make them the odd ones out for not being as excited as the rest?

“But I’m not here to drone on, nor hold you away from your prize. To do so would be unjust in the eyes of the Almagest and the Empyreans.” The tall woman smiled.

So warm, so loving, so caring. Almost as if she were—the thought slipped away from his grasp before he could even fully comprehend it. Hyvas, it was like when he thought of that strange green-eyed man and his past. Who could it be that was so important that even the Almagest didn’t want him learning of?

“Now, shall I draw up our winner?” She asked.

Cheers of approval rang throughout the street. Hyvas, they made the birds in Aunesfern sound pleasant. A cart holding a box rolled out onto the stage, the same box Reial and his sister put their names in for the raffle draw. The tall woman lifted the lid off of the box and dipped her hand inside, sifting through the slips of papers as if she were trying to search for the right one.

Finally, she selected her prize and brought a thin strip to her face. She eyed it curiously, like a drog seeing their own shadow for the first time. That, or she didn’t know how to pronounce it.

“Yusolomon!” She cried. “Come and claim your prize!”

Reial froze. Out of all the things he’d expected to hear, his middle name was not one of them. He was urged on by his sister and Zariya on unmoving feet. Though he didn’t move, the ground turned to ice, and he was simply pushed along with ruby sparks trailing behind him. The crowd congratulated him as he passed, telling him to put the device to good use.

He stood nervously at the edge of the stage, glancing at the hundreds of people watching him. Had there been so many before?

“Just go to her and get your prize,” Linithesis advised.

Reial nodded reluctantly. He didn’t want to argue with the Pneuma now, not when all eyes were on him. Watching his every moment like a pack of predators.

As he approached the tall woman, he glanced at her black buttoned jacket and made out a name sewn onto the cloth. Manylara.

She scrutinized him as he stopped shortly before her. Her inquisitive eyes jumping from the sword at his hip to his eyes. “Really?” She said, more to herself than him. “I never imagined I’d have the honor of meeting you here.”

Reial smiled hesitantly. “Thanks?”

“Well, more like his descendants. Tell me, is she here too? Don’t worry, I promise I won’t tell them.”

Her? Was she referring to his sister? “How do you know who I am?” He asked.

She grinned. “I know because I am. You are you, and I’ve seen you. I’ve seen her too. In His eyes. Strong and resilient, but fragile all the same.”

“Uhhh…” Reial mentally turned to Linithesis. “Who is she?”

Linithesis’s presence radiated an aura of pure befuddlement. “I truly do not know. I’m well acquainted with people speaking in riddles, that’s a tongue I understand. What she speaks isn’t riddles. It’s a twisted, ultimate truth.”

“What does that mean?”

“Enlightenment.”

Her silver eyes lit up as if she could hear the Pneuma’s voice. “I see you’ve found a faithful companion to take you on the same road. What a wondrous occasion. Thank you.”

“For what?”

She smiled as she gingerly handed him the ALT. “For granting me a greater prize than this.”

Reial curiously accepted the tablet from her, looking it all over for a hidden message. There was none. Before he could question her, she turned to the crowd and bowed.

“Till next time, children of logic and development.”

The crowd bowed their heads in return, some even tapped their fingers against their forehead in prayer. Manylara smiled one last time at him before bowing her head and disappearing behind the curtains of the stage. The hatted man lingered for a moment, nodding respectfully toward Reial and someone behind him.

Reial sighed. He needed to come to terms that no one would ever fully answer his questions. Not with all the dwelling mysterious people floating about.

Well, at least he had the ALT to take his mind off of things. Zariya’s going to love this. He thought as he walked down the stairs of the stage. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t really know how to operate the tablet.

A good hour was spent organizing the various icons on the screen as they wandered the city aimlessly. Another two were consumed by opening the various applications and testing their functionality. Manylara hadn’t been exaggerating about its guidance feature, and although it explained everything in painstaking detail, they couldn’t understand a single word of its gibberish. Mostly because the words that it used didn’t exist in their language. Reial wondered if this was perhaps a fragmented memory of the ancients’ language.

Their wandering eventually led them into the shadow of a minor ring. Many of the residents in this area lived in large complexes that took up the entire length of a street. Some windows were lit, many were not. What was it like to live in the great shadow of this Remnant-like structure?

Corner shops flooded the dark streets with pinpricks of light, amassing large groups of playful children. They were mainly dressed in dark clothes like they wanted to blend into the darkness and scare others.

He wished that he could’ve enjoyed himself more. That he could lose himself in this sea of darkness, but Scorch’s sharp cry pulled him out of his trance. At first, he thought that it was one of the children accidentally stepping on his paw, but when he saw that it was a tall, darkly dressed man holding the struggling drog against his chest, his heart stopped. All he could see of his face were the glowing green eyes of a Seer staring back at him across the darkness.