Dawn broke over the horizon like a smile, casting a warm golden glow over the group as they sailed towards Heart Isle and An Layan. The vessel they were on was sleek and elegant, the wooden hull polished to a rich, glossy finish. Ayo stood at the railing, her gaze fixed on the endless expanse of ocean that lay before her. She inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with the salty sea air, and allowed herself a moment to reflect on all that had led her to this point.

The path to this moment had been far from easy; weeks of intense preparation had flown by in what felt like a blur. But as they approached the largest of the five islands, Ayo felt a sense of calm settle over her. She knew there were many challenges ahead, but they had done all they could to prepare. All that was left now was to hope for the best and trust in their plans.

Elder Nuru came to stand beside her, his odd rainbow-coloured eyes bright with contemplation. The newly upgraded Inner Elders, Amha and Ade, also flanked them, the latter worrying at his glasses with a cut of soft cloth.

Ayo glanced at them then and once more felt a twinge of concern for Theti and baby Bitha, left behind in the care of the House Whiterose. She had faith in Elder Yasmin, of course, but worry still nipped at her like an ant. Ade, sensing her unease, shook his head and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry so much, Ayo. Theti and Bitha will be fine," he promised. "Honestly. If we, their parents, aren’t overly concerned, I don’t see any need for you to be either."

Ayo nodded, attempting to push down the lump that had risen in her throat. "I understand. I'm just overreacting."

“You’re just filling in the role of a big sister. Which is really sweet by the way,” Ade said with an understanding smile, “but you need to relax. Come with me. The others are waiting.”

Ayo sighed, forcing herself to relax with the gesture and allowed him to guide her away from the railing back to the ship's deck. It was time for their training session. They passed by one of the side seats where Tolu and the other Redwood defectors were gathered, pointing and chatting to themselves and Ayo eyed them critically for a moment. Officially, picking them to be part of their Trial team had been a gesture of goodwill and trust. A sign that the three had the full confidence and trust of the powers that be. Unofficially though, that decision had been contested for hours and Ayo had only insisted on it because she wasn't entirely convinced the trio wouldn't be murdered the instant they left An Solidan.

"Plus, wouldn't it be better to keep them close and under watch?" Ayo had argued against Wole and Mairo's firm and loud protests. In the end, they had surrendered to her logic though Narai had muttered darkly to herself about people whose naive trust was going to be their end.

Privately Ayo agreed somewhat. She was an optimist, true, but she wasn’t stupid. For all her ideals and hopes, Tolu and her friends had still been Redwoods. They had still been enemies for too long and trust was a precious thing that had to be earned, not simply given away.

Amha was already seated by the time of their arrival and led the training session with a stern, yet caring, gaze. She waited for Ayo to take her customary position next to Wole and Mairo and started by explaining the significance of a Unique Title.

"Unique Titles are very rare and the fact that all five of you have them is just ridiculous," she began without preamble. "Not only do they grant access to the cultivation art itself, they also come with other additional abilities. It is your job to eventually figure out what those are."

As she spoke, she held up her hands to reveal intricate runes floating in and out of her skin, each one pulsing with a faint, mystical light.

"My Unique Title is Rune Princess," she said, "It allows me to create and utilise a unique rune effect system. Unlike the rest of you, I cannot create traditional soul constructs. Instead, my soulspace consists almost entirely of a central pillar with a book on top that I can inscribe with runes. The more runes there are, the more techniques I can use and the greater variety of effects I can produce."

Ayo leaned closer, intrigued. "How do you acquire these runes? And can you teach them to others?"

"The runes come to me randomly; sometimes in dreams or moments of inspiration. And no, I cannot teach them to anyone else. Not only do they struggle to comprehend the meaning, but they are unable to cast them as well. To you or anyone else, they will always remain just pretty doodles." She waved her hand dismissively. "But we're not discussing my Unique Title. We're talking about yours."

Ayo and the boys, minus Luan, were met with a frown from her. "It's already impressive enough that all three of you possess the same ancient Elder Reborn Title, but what is even more remarkable is that Ayo acquired hers the instant she transmigrated," she said. "Unfortunately, there is very little information available on this particular Title." She raised her hand to stop Ayo's protests. "Trust me, we looked into it extensively when Mairo and Wole joined us. However, our findings then were minimal and that’s still the case now. We do know that this Title is not new; records indicate it is one of the oldest known. However, its actual function remains a mystery." Amha let out a sigh. "I am sorry, Ayo, I really am. But we still don't have any concrete answers for you. Perhaps recent studies have shed some light on it, and you may have the opportunity to inquire about it during your time in An Layan. But until then, I'm afraid you're on your own."

Mairo and Wole shrugged, having not expected much, but Ayo was visibly disappointed. She had been pleasantly surprised to learn that her Unique Title was shared by the boys and had hoped that would make it easy to uncover more information about it.

"Fortunately,” continued Amha. “Narai and Luan are completely different cases. We know precisely what their Titles do."

Narai let out a light laugh. "It's not as if the names are complicated. Mine is the same as my brand. The Reaper. And as you might have guessed, it is what grants me my Void affinity as well as the ability to steal other people's essence for my own. That last technique is horribly inefficient though so I don’t use it often."

"Mine is Echo Sage," chipped in Luan, "And I didn't actually find out what it did until after I unlocked Mirrorcrest, my soulblade. It allows me to replicate and cast any of my arts once at any time, though the copy is weaker."

"It's a lot cooler than he is making it sound," Wole explained to an amused Ayo. He was draped across them like some great cat, his legs slung over Ayo's lap while his cyan curls rested on a long-suffering Mairo's chest. "Just picture him fighting two opponents and firing a crystal shard at one while a duplicate launches itself at the unsuspecting other. No one is quite prepared for it when it happens."

"That's true," agreed Mairo, a lazy hand playing with Wole's necklace. "But speaking of soulblades, I think it's time we talked about our cultivation path forward."

Ayo nodded, her disappointment about the lack of information on her Unique Title subsiding as she focused on the conversation at hand. "Yes, let's do that," she said with a determined glint in her silver eyes. “What should we be focusing on?”

"Well, the answer is obviously Icon," Amha began contemplatively. She leaned forward, her expression serious. "Ayo, the others have a large headstart on you, both in terms of soul constructs and Ascension Well essence gathering, so we will try and use this trip to rectify that as much as possible. You all will also train with your dragons and practice using your soulblades both on and off of them. Elder Oneshi was quite insistent on it. You need to learn when to use them and when to hold back. After all, for all their power, they’re only as strong as you and their defences are weaker than yours; an attack that would only sting you would seriously injure any of the dragons.”

Ayo blinked in surprise at this, distress curling around her heart. She hadn’t known that Zuberi was that vulnerable. “Wait, if that’s the case, why would we use them in battle at all?”

Her familiar, who was curled around the Lunar Fabric construct let out an outraged hiss at that but she ignored him completely. This was serious.

Amha just smiled softly. “I would think your recent battle would’ve provided the answer. A dragon’s breath is quite possibly the most powerful technique possible at any cultivation rank. And the range is much greater. With your dragons, you’d be able to dominate a battlefield, particularly when you are fighting a large army.” Her smile grew wider. “We really are lucky you rediscovered them.”

Ayo's brows remained furrowed. “It’s not that impressive really. Me finding them was mostly an accident, to be honest.” She let out a breath. “Shame though, that they weren’t found earlier. Maybe you and Ade could have had one.”

“No Ayo, we wouldn’t have.” Ade retorted but without heat. “It has long been a policy–that we agree with by the way– to only offer the crested dragons as a potential bond to the cultivators that pass the Sigil secret quest. That’s the best way to maximise their potential and as awesome as Amha and I are, we never managed it."

“That’s another thing that’s been bothering me. Why keep it secret? Wouldn't it be more efficient to just tell people about these secret quests? We could save so much time and effort if people knew to try very hard for a synergy before trying to advance."

Amha smiled, her eyes twinkling with knowledge. "Efficiency isn't always the goal, Ayo. Sometimes, it is through the journey itself that we truly grow. But that’s by the way. The truth is that if we had told you, then you would have automatically failed the Quest. The first part of it must be completed on your own.”

Ayo's eyes widened, the realisation hitting her like a bolt of lightning. "So, the process of synergizing my art with my affinity was part of the quest all along," she said, a hint of excitement filling her voice. "Teaching me to create that perfect harmony… it was deliberate."

Amha nodded. "Exactly. We can't tell anyone precisely why a synergy is important but the System doesn't mind if we give nudges and hints. Ultimately, the point of the secret quest is to drive home that cultivation isn't just about accumulating points of essence or shaping our soulspace and arts. It is a journey of self-discovery and growth. A test of a cultivator’s resolve, creativity, and ability to adapt. Just telling them what to do would ruin it."

Mairo made a non-committal sound. "And I assume there are specific requirements for advancing to the Icon level of the secret quest? Besides the essence accumulation and soul construct shaping of course?"

Amha nodded again. "Yes, that's correct. To advance to the Icon rank normally, you must accumulate 100,000 points of essence in your Ascension Well. Additionally, you must unconsciously shape your soulspace and unite your arts to embody your true identity and form a Domain. It is a delicate process, as your soul and your arts must merge seamlessly, reflecting the essence of who you truly are."

Ade leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Now this is where it gets fascinating. And don't worry, now that you have embarked on it, we can just straight up tell you the rest of the Quest. For the Icon secret quest, that shaping and embodying must be done consciously and actively. It is not enough to simply allow your soulspace and arts to passively take form, as most people will end up doing. You must consciously and intentionally infuse a Law, a representation of an emotion or truth that resonates with your core being, into your soulspace and the unification. This Law becomes the guiding principle by which you navigate the world and wield your power as an Icon.

"That last part is critical," Ade continued, his voice brimming with excitement. "A Domain is the manifestation of your soulspace superimposed upon the physical world. And the physical world does not like being messed with. It will fight your Domain and will always win without a Law fuelling it."

Amha nodded. "Ade isn't wrong to call it a manifestation," she said, her fingers tracing invisible patterns in the air. "But I've personally found it easier to think of a Domain as my own personal inner world. It is my soulspace being forced through and placed on the world around me. That explanation is easier to digest when you realise that, as you are right now, the five of you have it. Even though they are unformed and weak at Sigil. That is why everyone with even the weakest sense for essence can detect a higher ranked cultivator unless they are actively hiding themselves.”

Ayo listened intently, her mind whirring with the new information. "So that's what we felt during the fight between Lady Saada and Elder Oneshi," she murmured, her eyes distant as memories of the battle resurfaced. "Their Domains. But if those were veiled and partially concealed... I can't even begin to fathom the true extent of their strength."

“You people have been exceptionally lucky. An Icon’s fully unleashed Domain would seriously cripple a Sigil and kill anyone else. A Legend’s would reduce us all to atoms,” commented Ade in the tone of one speaking about the weather. “But that goes for proper, well formed and named soulspaces with a resonant Law. A so-called Perfect Domain. All Legends have one, which is one of the things that makes them so powerful. And what will make you also powerful.”

Ayo blinked at that and she wasn’t the only one. “I’m not sure we’re following,” said Luan.

“It’s simple,” replied Amha matter-of-factly. “Only Icons that passed that rank’s secret quest, hence possessing a Perfect Domain, can ever advance to Legend. It’s why despite everything, there are so few of them. And why we will be investing as much resources as we can into the five of you.”

“There’s no one else,” said Mairo in an almost whispered burst of realisation. “Elder Yasmin, Nuru and you… None of you passed the secret quest.”

“No. And these are dangerous times. It’s almost impossible to kill a Legend. But that’s still an almost. If Elder Oneshi were to fall, then House Whiterose would be left open and vulnerable and the other Houses would tear us apart. Forget the Redwoods, they are just our most open and resilient enemies. There are plenty of Houses both great and small that will not take our return well.”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

And with that cheerful information dispensed, Amha and Ade started their training with a vengeance.

***

The days that followed were a whirlwind of intense training and dedication. Ayo, Wole, Mairo, Narai, and Luan pushed themselves to their limits as they honed their skills and cultivated their soulspaces. Under the watchful guidance of Amha and Ade, they delved deep into the intricacies of their arts, attempting to mould and guide them into an overall, grand technique.

“The idea is to unite your arts under one cohesive technique that fits each of them individually. This will allow you to reshape your soulspace and art constructs to align with this unified technique and your chosen Law,” Ade had explained. “For example, my Domain is called Wasteland of Eternal Winter and consists of arts like Glacial Curse and Chilling Hand.” He had said it casually, but Ayo and everyone else had felt their hair stand on end at that utterance. “For all its importance though, settling on a Law should be the last thing you do as you prepare to advance. Unifying your arts and completing your soulspace should be the priority.”

They also trained in aerial combat on their dragons, which soon became second nature. Ayo still had doubts about bringing Zuberi into battle, but her familiar was determined to participate and she eventually gave in. Plus, the results were undeniable. They moved seamlessly through the clouds, with precise and coordinated movements, until Ayo was just as comfortable fighting on Zuberi's back as she was on land.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Training sessions were gruelling and merciless. They underwent intense combat drills, pushing their physical and mental limits to the edge. Blades clashed, sparks flew, and sweat poured down their brows as they sparred with unrestrained ferocity and unleashed themselves on an unsuspecting monster population. Guided by Elder Nuru, they occasionally made stops to hunt soul beasts and other monsters for their essence and by the time Heart Isle grew visible over the horizon, Ayo was privately convinced they’d rendered more than a few species functionally extinct. It was all worth it though.

[Enemy Defeated!]

[x5 Aigamuxas killed.]

[x5 Hydro Serpents killed.]

[x1 Bulgu killed.]

[x3 Grootslangs killed.]

[x20 Aberrations killed.]

[You have been awarded 21,700 essence for this feat! (Essence penalty applied due to defeat by team effort.)]

Time blurred together as they pushed themselves beyond exhaustion, but their determination never faltered. And when the first spires of An Layan appeared in the distance, Ayo stood with her companions, scrolling through her status screen with weary contentment.

[Name: Funmilayo Egbuche] [Race: Spiderkin] [Age: 21] [Rank: Sigil] [Affinity: Moon] [Title(s): Master Weaver, Elder Reborn, Secretseeker I] [Essence: 14,778/20,000] [Ascension Well: 35,191/100,000]

[Arts:

- Celestial Silk

- Essence Cultivation

- Eye of the World

- Moonlit Mirage

- Untamable Mind

- Verdant Blood Body]

Her gaze lingered on the new additions to her status. After a training session, during which Luan had been quick to point out how the increasing number of threads and fabric she was able to summon had led to her neglecting some of them in battle, causing them to drift aimlessly, she had set out to correct that error. It had led to her mastering a new art, Untamable Mind, as well as finally managing to solidify her many scattered ideas and give Lunar Fabric a much-needed upgrade. Overall, she was now much more powerful than she had been just weeks ago and she found herself cautiously optimistic.

[Art: Celestial Silk] [Essence Cost: Variable] [Class: Active] [Description: A merged art. Upgraded. Unique. A transcendent evolution of Lunar Fabric. Celestial Silk harnesses the affinity Concept of (Gravity) and interfaces seamlessly with the flight and fabric-generating capabilities of the user's soulblade, Nightshroud. This art enables the user to summon and manipulate vast swathes of moonlight threads, weaving them into intricate fabrics and structures with unparalleled precision and strength. The size, strength, and complexity of the creations are directly proportional to the amount of essence invested and the user's mastery of the art. For an additional essence cost, the colour and texture of the fabric and threads produced can be modified.]

[Art: Untamable Mind] [Essence Cost: None, Variable] [Class: Passive, Active] [Description: Untamable Mind is an enforcement art that amplifies the cognitive abilities and mental acuity of the user by up to 200% in its passive form. By channelling essence into the mind, this art’s active form further boosts thought speed, reaction times, and overall brain functionality, allowing the user to process information and strategize with unparalleled efficiency. Note that excessive use of the active form of this art can cause headaches, nosebleeds and in extreme cases madness.]

Mairo and Wole were much farther along than her, naturally, and were well into the process of remodelling their soulspace into the required central and unified structure. They had all also been taught a technique that allowed a cultivator to show a chosen person their soulspace, and Mairo, Ayo, and Wole hadn't wasted any time in adding each other to that list. Mairo had gone for a mountaintop for his soulspace, a place where the air was thin and crisp, and his constructs were nestled within the branches of giant trees like fruits ripe for picking.

Wole's soulspace, on the other hand, was a giant ship floating on an endless ocean. The ship was massive, its wooden hull painted in vibrant hues that danced in harmony with the changing tides. It sailed gracefully through the vast expanse of the azure waters, its sails billowing with the wind. But the true wonder, Ayo thought, was that each of Wole's art constructs was somehow worked into the ship itself. Intricate carvings adorned the bow, depicting mythical sea creatures in a lively dance, while the mast stood tall and proud, fashioned from a massive art construct in the shape of a majestic dragon, its scales shimmering with hues of gold and emerald. As Ayo explored further, she discovered that even the smaller details of the ship were art constructs in disguise. The portholes were actually the constructs for Eye of the World. The anchor itself was a representation of Ocean's Fury, and the construct's immense weight and functionality were fairly obvious even from a distance.

Looking at their soulspaces filled Ayo with a mix of wonder and insecurity. Her own soulspace felt small and inadequate compared to theirs. At the moment, it was a vast expanse of grassy fields stretching away towards some distant mountains and bathed in the warm glow of her moon. Her art constructs were scattered around the still unfinished pillars and columns, all of them disconnected from each other. She had focused so much on refining her Lunar Fabric art and mastering her Untamable Mind that she had neglected to create a cohesive structure within her soulspace. But that didn't mean she was completely clueless; she did have some sense of the direction she wanted to take things. Her current blueprint was an open-air temple, something in the spirit and vibes of Stonehenge from back home.

Wole and Mairo were also quick to reassure her that her soulspace was fine. They laughed and told her that it was a work in progress and that she shouldn't worry. She would refine her soulspace to perfection in time, just like they had. In any case, they were soon making landfall and there was no time to stress over it.

The bustling docks of An Layan were a whirlwind of activity, with merchants shouting and bargaining over goods while sailors hurriedly unloaded the ships' cargo. As they stepped off the ship, the now familiar tang of saltwater filled Ayo's nostrils, mixed with the sweet and tangy aroma of freshly picked fruits. It was a cacophony of scents that tickled the senses and beckoned them further into the vibrant port city.

Nervous and frosty-eyed cultivators stood guard in a ring around them, their eyes scanning the new arrivals with a mix of respect and caution. One of their number stepped forward, a severe-faced woman with a thin scar stretched across her forehead. A cursory scan of her essence revealed a Sigil aura, thin but clearly defined and strong.

"Greetings Travellers. I am Elder Nia of the Inner Circle of House Lighteye," the woman introduced herself with a voice that carried a melodic lilt. "Welcome to An Layan. We are honoured to receive you."

Ayo eyed the other cultivators contemplatively. Not all of them seemed to have gotten the message. In fact, she was sure she spotted quite a few hostile looks thrown their way. Amha, Ade and Nuru either didn't notice the looks or most likely didn't care and engaged the other Elder in conversation as they were led deeper into the city, the Lighteye cultivators trailing in their wake like fallen leaves.

The city of An Layan sprawled before Ayo like a magnificent tapestry. Towering structures speared towards the heavens, their intricately designed facades shimmering in the sunlight. The angular architecture and complex designs seemed in complete defiance of gravity, creating an otherworldly sight that left her breathless.

Every surface in An Layan was coated in a reflective material, almost like glass but stronger. Up close, Ayo was mesmerised by the sight, understanding immediately why it was called the City of Mirrors. Every other building, every street, every lamppost—each one carried the reflection of the world around it.

The city itself was alive with a kaleidoscope of colours, as vibrant banners fluttered in the breeze and ornate fountains sprayed shimmering droplets into the air.

But it wasn't just the physical beauty that fascinated Ayo; it was also the ethereal text of light that adorned every reflective surface. As she approached one particularly grand building, Ayo's eyes widened in awe. The text of light seemed alive, constantly shifting and evolving. It danced across the mirrored surfaces, weaving intricate patterns and glyphs that up close rapidly formed and spelled out words.

Elder Nia noticed Ayo's enchanted expression and smiled knowingly. "The Ledger," she whispered softly, as if unveiling a long-kept secret. "Every piece of information that is known or discovered in An Layan is sent to it. It is a repository of knowledge, accessible to all who seek it."

Elder Nia guided them through the bustling streets, her voice rising above the sounds of chatter and footsteps. "An Layan is a city built upon the principles of knowledge and transparency," she explained. "We believe that information should be shared freely, that everyone has the right to access and contribute to the collective wisdom of our society."

Ayo nodded, impressed despite herself. All of it sounded suspiciously like a rudimentary sort of internet and the idea was laudable regardless of who came up with it.

Things, unfortunately, did not remain as lighthearted. As they continued their journey through the city, the air humming with an electric energy, Ayo couldn't help but notice the glances and whispers that followed them. She read a variety of emotions of the citizens of An Layan. Curiosity most all, yet wariness of their presence as well.

Elder Nia paid these little attention and instead led them past a grand square, surrounded by towering buildings adorned with intricate carvings and sparkling glass. In the centre stood a colossal statue, depicting a figure with outstretched hands, as if offering guidance to all who sought it. Ayo's eyes were drawn to the inscription at the base of the statue:

"Seek knowledge, for it is the light that guides us all."

As they continued their journey through the City of Mirrors, Ayo couldn't help but notice the diverse array of people that populated the streets. Merchants with vibrant displays, their skin tones as diverse as their wares, scholars engaged in animated discussions, artisans showcasing their intricate crafts—An Layan was a bustling hub of creativity and intellectual exchange.

In the distance, Ayo caught a glimpse of towering libraries, their marble faces huge and grand with ancient wisdom. She could only imagine the vast knowledge contained within those hallowed walls, waiting to be discovered. Maybe, hopefully, containing something about the Elder Reborn Title.

Finally, after a few more minutes of walking Elder Nia led them into a sprawling courtyard bathed in sunlight, surrounded by statuesque trees with leaves that shimmered like liquid gold. At its center stood an ornate fountain, adorned with delicately carved figures that seemed to come alive as water cascaded down their forms.

Ayo couldn't resist the urge to reach out and touch the water, feeling the cool droplets dance against her fingertips. This was nice, much nicer than she had expected. The sound of the water was soothing and it and everything else conspired to fill her with a sense of tranquility.

"This is the quarters assigned to you," Elder Nia announced, breaking Ayo's reverie. She turned her gaze towards the building before them and raised an eyebrow, impressed. The structure was unlike anything she had ever seen, its architecture blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Inside, the quarters were equally as breathtaking as the exterior. The rooms were spacious and filled with natural light that filtered through large, arched windows. Ayo marvelled at the intricate designs etched into the wooden furniture, each piece a work of art in its own right. The floors were adorned with vibrant tapestries, depicting scenes of Layanian life, celebrations, and even battles fought and won.

Ayo's eyes were drawn to a majestic mural on one wall, depicting the rise of the first Starborn. The colours were vivid and rich, bringing to life the story of triumph and sacrifice. She couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as she gazed upon it, knowing that her own destiny was intricately entwined with that of her predecessors.

It was also a very obvious message. Ayo and the others hadn't exactly been trying to hide her otherworlder status, but it wasn't something she went around flaunting. To put such a mural here was them saying: We know what you are.

Elder Nia gestured towards a door leading to a balcony overlooking the city. "This will be your sanctuary until the Trials commence," she said stiffly. "Please do not hesitate to contact one of us should you require anything else."

After Elder Nia and the other Lighteyes left, Ayo stepped onto the balcony, greeted by a breathtaking view of the City of Mirrors. The sun bathed the city in a golden glow, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets.

She leaned against the intricately carved railing, losing herself in the panorama that stretched out before her. From this vantage point, she could see the sprawling marketplace filled with vibrant colours and bustling activity. The aromas of exotic spices and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, tantalizing her senses.

Beyond the marketplace, Ayo's gaze was drawn to a vast expanse of lush greenery—the Layan gardens. The foliage sprawled like a living tapestry, adorned with countless blooms of vibrant hues. Butterflies flitted from flower to flower, their delicate wings carrying them up and away in the never-ending search for food.

"Well, that was cold," said Wole lightly as he joined Ayo on the balcony. He glanced around, his eyes narrowing at the distant figures of Elder Nia and the other Lighteye cultivators disappearing into the labyrinthine streets below. "You'd think they could at least pretend to be happy to see us."

Ayo nodded, her silver hair catching the sunlight. "Yeah, but does it matter?" she asked softly. "Let’s not dwell on it. We have limited time here, and we must make the most of it."

Wole's lips curled into a smile as he leaned against the railing beside her. "You're right, of course. Let's show these cultivators what we're made of."

And with that, the duo turned away from the balcony and made their way to the others. The Elders were quick to split them up. Elder Nuru, Narai, and Luan left almost immediately, intending to slip into the city's labyrinthine streets, gather intel and understand the social and political dynamics at play.

Ade, Amha, Mairo, and Wole, on the other hand, stayed back at their temporary sanctuary to fortify the place and make plans for the Opening Ball. There was an air of anticipation as they gathered around a large wooden table in the centre of the room. Maps of the city were spread out before them, marked with intricate symbols and drawings that represented potential points of interest and danger.

Leaving them to it, Ayo slipped into her room and turned towards the sewing machine she’d had constructed to her exact specifications. A large pile of cloth and other materials lay heaped to one side and she looked at it, let out a drawn-out sigh, then cracked her knuckles.

There was so much to do before tomorrow’s ball, but Ayo had faith that they would not fail.

“Okay,” she said as Zuberi stirred within her soul. “Let’s get started.”