A veil of pre-dawn gloom shrouded the sprawling plaza before the docks of An Layan. A solemn silence hung heavy in the air, punctuated only by the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath armoured boots and the occasional nervous cough. Here, gathered under the dim glow of flickering soul lanterns, stood the unlikely vanguard tasked with venturing into the uncharted abyss of the Last Isle.

Grand Elder Oneshi, his staff, carved from what appeared to be a gnarled and ancient tree root, tapped a steady rhythm against the flagstones. It was as if the very earth itself resonated with his movements, a subtle tremor felt beneath their feet. He surveyed the assembled group with his wise, aged eyes.

They were a ragtag group, a reflection of the dire circumstances they faced. Ayo stood among them, Wole and Mairo beside her, their expressions determined and their postures exuding bravery despite the weight of their task.

House Quillhand, a vassal of the powerful Inkspires and led by the most cautious cultivator Ayo had ever encountered, had proposed and successfully won a vote to limit the involvement of most members from House Redwood and Whiterose. They’d argued, to much agreement, that having more members from both sides on the mission would only invite disaster. Therefore, only Grand Elder Oneshi and the enigmatic Red Queen, her crimson robes swirling like a malevolent flame around her, stood alongside the unlikely heroes.

However, their ranks were bolstered by a contingent of elite warriors and mages from other Houses, brought together by the dire circumstances. Ayo's heart warmed as he spotted Seph of House Trueearth, his earth-toned armour a stark contrast to the black crystal of the city. A silent nod of respect passed between them, a reminder of their shared bond forged during the gruelling Trials.

Lilah, the chain-wielding shadowmancer from House Shadowthorn, sauntered forward, a smirk playing on her lips. "Seems the whole mess sorted itself without us in those Trials," she drawled, her voice laced with amusement. "Guess this is our chance to prove we're not just useless layabouts, eh?"

Ayo chuckled, a welcome release of tension. "Glad you could make it, Lilah. Your skills will be invaluable." His gaze swept across the assembled group, taking in the resolute faces of the other House representatives – a stoic healer from House Solace, a hulking berserker from House Fury, and a wizened alchemist from House Arcana. Each brought a unique set of skills to the table, their combined might their only hope for success.

Grand Elder Oneshi cleared his throat, his voice raspy but firm. "The Last Isle," he rasped, "is a place of forgotten magic, shrouded in mystery and peril. Its secrets are as ancient as the planet itself, and its dangers as fierce as the tempests currently raging across the Archipelago. But we go not as fools seeking death, but as brave souls determined to bring light to the darkness that threatens to consume us all."

As the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, the group boarded the grand ship provided by House Inkspire. It was a magnificent vessel, christened the 'Stargazer,' in Ayo's honour, its hull adorned with intricate carvings depicting celestial bodies and mythical beasts. The sails, reinforced with Ayo's silk, shimmered with an otherworldly luminescence.

Stepping aboard, the motley crew found themselves in a whirlwind of activity. Sailors scurried about, hoisting sails and securing rigging. House Inkspire, apparently renowned for their naval prowess, had spared no expense in outfitting the Stargazer for this perilous journey.

The first few days were relatively calm, giving the crew time to get acquainted with the ship and each other. Ayo, Wole, and Mairo took advantage of this time by training rigorously, perfecting their abilities. There was much to absorb: not only their new Icon skills, but also preparing for the eventual jump to Legend.

“Flight should be your top priority, then your Domain and finally teleportation,” Grand Elder Oneshi had lectured. “The latter you should use sparingly, even when you master it. You can teleport to places you've both been and you're familiar with and even then, it carries a risk. Unless you possess a Space affinity, reality will not appreciate you meddling with it and the chance of you arriving within a mountain is as high as getting to your destination.”

Even the Red Queen, as stiff and aloof as she'd been since the beginning of the trip, had deigned to offer a few words. Grand Elder Oneshi had been discussing the requirements for reaching Legend status, which involved fully embracing one's affinity.

“That's not entirely accurate,” she had clarified. “You'll be bonding with a tiny, infinitesimally small piece of your affinity. It's impossible for any mortal to fully embody what it means to be, say, the Wind - the word holds too much meaning and complexity, just here in Vestige, let alone the rest of the multiverse. And even embracing that small piece is dangerous, for both you and everything around you. That's why the secret quest exists - to prepare you mentally and physically for binding with and uniting things greater than yourself. Whether it's an art or a Law.”

A blue screen appeared before her. “It also explains why, as you've probably noticed, you no longer have an Ascension Well slot in your statuses. What you're attempting is highly unnatural and no amount of essence will fix that.”

But their training wasn't all warnings of dire consequences; Ayo also spent time practising weaving and tailoring under Oneshi's guidance, learning how to craft magical clothing. Wole, on the other hand, spent hours forging a connection with the ship's resident sea serpent, a colossal creature tasked with guarding the hull from lurking predators. Mairo stayed mostly on the deck, shooting down fruit trees and aerial monsters for the amusement of the sailors.

Their tranquil days didn't last long though. As they ventured further into uncharted waters, the weather grew harsh and unpredictable. Monstrous waves, whipped into a frenzy by sudden squalls, threatened to capsize the Stargazer. Wole’s newfound ability to control wind currents became crucial, his every command through his Domain a desperate attempt to keep the ship from being overwhelmed by the raging storm.

On a particularly terrifying night, the crew was ambushed by a monstrous kraken, its massive tentacles reaching up from the dark depths of the sea and its eyes glowing with malice. Wole's connection with the colossal sea serpent proved invaluable as he used telepathy to awaken it from its slumber. The resulting battle was intense, with the two great creatures thrashing and churning the water into a frenzy while their cries echoed across the stormy seas. Eventually, their combined strength overwhelmed the kraken, causing it to retreat into the deep.

As days turned into weeks, the crew faced a constant stream of challenges. Sharp reefs threatened to damage their hull, and bioluminescent jellyfish with paralyzing stings swarmed around them. Each obstacle tested their teamwork and forced them to rely on their unique skills and growing trust within the group. Ayo, Wole, and Mairo emerged as leaders during this time, with their newfound abilities complemented by the experienced members of other Houses. Ayo wasn't sure how she felt about being in charge, but Oneshi and the Red Queen were reluctant to take charge unless they had to and they left most of the decision-making to them.

In any case, after a particularly harrowing three days, finally, on the horizon, a faint silhouette emerged from the swirling mist. The jagged, ominous shape grew larger with each passing hour, casting a long, ominous shadow across the water. Ayo stood with the others on the deck, watching the Last Isle, its shrouded peaks a stark contrast to the clear, star-studded night sky above. The journey had been perilous, testing them to their limits, but now they were to brave the island itself.

[ALERT! You have arrived at the Last Isle, the last remaining active zone of the Duru Empire. Take care for great dangers abide here.]

[Good luck!]

[ALERT! Bearers of the Legendseeker Title have been detected! Path of Legends Questline has begun! Please proceed to the heart of the island.]

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

***

Kiva of House Suncrest wiped the sweat from his brow, his hand shaking slightly. The tremors weren't entirely from exertion. Witnessing the raw power unleashed just moments ago had left him awestruck and a little terrified. He stole a glance at the five figures standing at the forefront of the group. Ayo, Wole, and Mairo, the three Icons, their forms wreathed in the faint glow of their activated Domains. Beside them stood the enigmatic Red Queen, her crimson robes whispering secrets on the humid breeze, and the stoic Grand Elder Oneshi, his staff crackling with arcane energy.

Their arrival on the Last Isle had been met with immediate hostility. Strange, vaguely humanoid constructs, their bodies formed from a swirling mass of dark energy, had materialised the moment they set foot on the black sand beach. The ensuing battle had been a whirlwind of steel and magic.

Kiva had watched, mesmerised, as Mairo trapped one of the constructs in a shimmering cage of light conjured from his Domain, a replica of a sun-drenched mountain peak he called "Solarheart Summit." Before the creature could even react, Ayo sprang into action. Part of her soulblade, a shimmering ribbon of pure darkness, materialised in her hand. With a whispered command, she unleashed a devastating attack – "Soulblade Release: Cascading Night Slash." A surge of dark energy burst forth from the ribbon, surging outward like a tidal wave and engulfing the trapped construct. The energy ripped through its shadowy form, dissolving it into wisps of smoke that dispersed in the wind.

These weren't the only displays of power Kiva had witnessed over the past few weeks. The journey from Heart Isle had been fraught with danger. Monstrous soul beasts, razor-sharp reefs, and bioluminescent storms had all tested the crew's mettle. But each time, the combined abilities of the Icons and the seasoned veterans of the other Houses had seen them through. Kiva himself, while not on their level, had managed to contribute. Every fallen enemy yielded a steady stream of essence, a tangible reward for surviving this ordeal. With the amount he'd amassed on this journey, ascension to Sigil seemed within reach, assuming he survived the inevitable tribulation that awaited him afterwards.

However, the true test was just beginning. Here, on the Last Isle, the air crackled with chaotic energy. Kiva watched as Ayo, a flicker of worry etched on her usually stoic face, conferred with the Red Queen and Grand Elder Oneshi.

"We're getting close," Ayo announced, waving an arm at her floating status screen. Hers along with everyone else’s had turned into maps shortly after the notice from the System. "We should be there by morning."

A collective murmur rippled through the group. It was happening soon. Kiva swallowed a lump in his throat. He was no stranger to danger, but he also wasn't a fool. They'd had such an easy time because they'd had such powerful Icons and two Legends with them. If contact with this artefact actually incapacitated them or removed from the place, then they'd be left alone on the island and at its nonexistent mercy. Kiva didn't voice any of this though. No one would be calling him a coward.

“We will rest now, then move out at dawn," Ayo continued, her voice firm despite her obvious apprehension. "Stay vigilant, everyone. Whatever awaits us at the island's heart, we'll face it together."

***

Ayo couldn't contain her surprise as a gasp escaped her lips. Ahead in the clearing, bathed in an ethereal glow, pulsed the source of the enigmatic energy that had engulfed the island. It was exactly how the Red Queen had described it - a City's Core, but on a magnitude that Ayo struggled to grasp. A colossal sphere made of stone engraved with runes, radiating an intensity that sent tingles through her skin.

The raw power emanating from the artefact was staggering. Ayo felt her own Domain flare in response. But there was something more, a familiar hum beneath the raw magic, a signature she recognised with a jolt. She remembered the overwhelming presence she'd felt during Agwu Nsi's visit to the House of Knowledge.

"Wole," her voice barely a whisper amidst the rising chaos, "do you sense it too?"

Wole turned to face her, eyes scanning the approaching horde of twisted creatures. "Sense what, Ayo?"

"The power," she said, gesturing towards the artefact. "It's...Primordial. Like the heart of a..." Her voice trailed off, the realisation dawning on her with horrifying clarity. "A god," she finished, the word a heavy weight on her tongue.

The Administrator, for all her artificiality, was a twisted reflection of divinity. The Duru Empire, in its insatiable hunger, had not just created an AI, they had birthed a god. The revelation struck Ayo with a force that left her reeling. But the world wouldn't wait for her astonishment to subside.

A guttural roar shattered the tense silence. A pack of monstrous soul beasts, their forms warped and twisted by the outpouring of essence, surged towards them. Constructs crackled with renewed energy, and a lone Aberration, a horrifying creature of pure chaos, materialised from the shadows, its sanity devoured by the raw power.

As if waiting for that exact cue, a system alert materialised in the corner of Ayo's vision, the red text stark against the backdrop of the approaching carnage.

[GLOBAL ALERT: WORLD DESTRUCTION IMMINENT]

[Leviathan and Behemoth inbound. Estimated time of arrival: 12 hours, 37 minutes.]

What?

Panic threatened to consume Ayo, but a flicker of movement caught her eye. Grand Elder Oneshi and the Red Queen were gone. A moment later, they reappeared, but not alone. Elder Yasmin and Lady Saada materialised beside them, their expressions grim.

The tension between Lady Saada and Elder Yasmin crackled in the air, a storm brewing beneath the surface. Their gazes locked in a silent battle, each House leader radiating disapproval towards the other. Yet, as Grand Elder Oneshi spoke, their postures straightened, a flicker of professionalism replacing the simmering animosity.

"Look after them," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument. He gestured towards Ayo, Wole, and Mairo, their faces etched with a mixture of trepidation and resolve. "Their connection to the artefact is paramount. We need them to activate its defences."

Saada, a warrior through and through, offered a curt nod. Without wasting another breath, she flung her hand outwards, a guttural chant ripping from her throat and a surge of infernal energy materialised, coalescing into a legion of fiendish creatures. With a deafening roar, the fiends tore into the fray.

Yasmin, on the other hand, only hesitated for a fleeting moment, the gravity of the situation eclipsing her reservations. With a flick of her wrist, a wave of emerald light erupted from her fan, engulfing a cluster of corrupted constructs. The once-menacing creatures dissolved into smouldering slag, their threat neutralised with practised efficiency.

Meanwhile, Grand Elder Oneshi turned to Ayo, his weathered face etched with a complex mix of emotions. Shame flickered in his eyes, a stark contrast to the usual stoicism he held.

"We need you to connect with the artefact, child," he said, his voice gruff yet laced with a hint of desperation. "As it is the Fragments and the Administrator are our only hope."

Ayo met his gaze, feeling the weight of all that had transpired heavy on her heart. Betrayal gnawed at her, a cold ember in her gut. But the raw power emanating from the artefact, the very essence that had twisted the creatures around them, demanded her attention. "But..." she struggled to find the right words.

The elder interrupted her with a solemn nod.

"I apologise, Ayo. I should have been honest with you from the beginning. We will try to delay the inevitable as much as possible," Oneshi said, his tone filled with genuine remorse. "House Whiterose owes you a debt, Ayo. We will make it right, I promise."

He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, a gesture that surprised her with its tenderness.

"I have made many mistakes in my life, but meeting you," he continued, his voice thick with emotion, "has never been one of them."

Ayo felt forgiveness welling up inside her, a wave of understanding washing over her as she realised the weight Elder Oneshi carried. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him in a tight embrace, feeling the comforting presence of someone who truly believed in her.

As they held each other amidst the tumultuous battlefield, the essence surged around them like a tempest, and they had to pull away. Elder Oneshi's resolve strengthened, and Ayo felt a newfound sense of purpose.

Before Ayo could respond, a surge of energy engulfed them. Oneshi and the Red Queen vanished in a flash of light, leaving Ayo, Wole, and Mairo standing alone before the pulsating sphere.

With a shaky breath, she reached out and grasped Wole's hand. Together, they turned to Mairo, their eyes locked in silent determination.

As one, they stepped forward and placed their hands on the surface of the sphere.

And the world dissolved into a blinding light.

[Artefact: Heart of the World - Activation Confirmed]

[Initiating Fragment Network Synchronisation…]

[ALERT! ELDER REBORN TITLE BEARERS DETECTED!]

[ALERT! LEGENDSEEKER TITLE BEARERS DETECTED!]

[ALERT! STARBORN SIGNATURE DETECTED. SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE ESTABLISHED. ALPHA-OMEGA PROTOCOL ENGAGED]

[SYSTEM REBOOT IMMINENT. 3... 2... 1...]