It was a month since snow covered the ground in this part of the borderlands. The territory that belonged neither to the barbarians nor to Alliot's fellow enlightened. So, he had to choose every step carefully, checking the surroundings to be sure no one watched. To ensure that no ear, sharpened by malice, would catch the whispers of his passing.

The barbarian humans lingered in the shadows of ignorance, untethered from the enlightenment that graced Alliot's people. But if several of them ambushed him, it may cause some problems. Mostly because he'd have to kill them. And that went against the Doctrine. Ultimately, keeping their population stable was only beneficial for the enlightened community.

This was Alliot's first mission outside the city. He had been preparing to fully embrace his role as a defender since he remembered himself as an awakened enlightened. He enjoyed every step he made outside of the ancient city and every magnificent view he had a chance to experience. His mission led him to a mountainous region, which was also something he had never experienced during his conscious years.

This season marked the 247th winter since his awakening, yet among the venerable, Alliot remained but a sapling swayed by the winds of time. Still, despite young his age, Alliot held strong views and principles, following the Doctrine by the letter. He firmly believed that every life should be valued, even the lives of the barbarian humans.

He hadn't experienced the Dawn of the Enlightenment himself; Alliot was too young for that. But the High Shaman, Ainorrh, had witnessed the world change forever when the old human civilization split into two factions. One faction clung to the ways of the past, squabbling and futilely striving for former glory. At the same time, the Enlightened chose to forge a stronger connection with nature and the world around them, guided by their elemental affinities.

Thinking about the achievements of his people over the past few centuries filled his heart with gratitude and a sense of being a part of something larger than life. His mission, their mission, was to make this world better. And even the petty aggression of the humans couldn't lead them astray.

Air is not merely an element to Alliot's fellow enlightened; it was the essence of their being, a current that shaped thought, breath, and destiny alike. It influenced everything from their culture to their architecture, which was envisioned to harmonize with the natural flow of the wind. And now, when Alliot looked at this ugly ancient building that spread over the valley below him like cancer, he felt the distance from his home as never before.

Being chosen for this mission by the High Shaman herself was a great honor. Even if Alliot had reservations about leaving the city's tranquility, he would never consider defying an order from the highest of the enlightened. Her ability to master the air affinity and her deep connection with nature commanded respect and loyalty. And if that wasn't enough, her age and the fact that she was a significant figure in the wars of the first years after the Dawn of Enlightenment should prevent anyone from doubting her. She was a hero of their people.

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Yet, not everyone shared his unwavering beliefs. His clutch of the enlightened included a variety of different people. But as he begrudgingly acknowledged that every one of their talents was necessary for the city and the enlightened community in general, he had to accept their right to debate as well.

So, some of his friends had tried to impress upon him that some things were more complex and not as straightforward as they seemed. Politics, they argued, couldn't be clean, and the shaman's role involved more than just mastering the air affinity and enhancing the city's harmony with nature.

Just the previous evening, he attended a debate club organized by someone from his own clutch. Alliot was appalled by their accusations: "We should hold the shamans and other high enlightened accountable. They must prove they act in the best interests of the city and the whole community! Not only for their own benefit!"

Alliot was enraged, though he knew such emotions were reproachful for an adult. "The community leaders always act in our interests. How dare you doubt them? Especially in these challenging times. Together we emerged from the stillness of ages past, you, I, and the others of our clutch. When was the last time multiple enlightened were awakened simultaneously? Ages ago! At least a hundred years. Our numbers are dwindling, new members join our community only once every few years... no, decades! And there are no more human volunteers."

"Have you questioned why that is?" his opponent challenged. "Where did these volunteers come from? It's a conspiracy between barbarian warlords and our leaders, not voluntary at all."

"That can't be true," Alliot answered. "You push this idea year after year without evidence. No witnesses, nothing! I'm surprised you haven't been sanctioned!"

These accusations made his blood boil. And the whole debate left him unsettled. Still, even despite his friends' outspoken skepticism and the fact that they openly questioned the authority, the leaders of the city chose him as a primary candidate for this mission. Supposedly, it could lead to a historic inflection point. Change the fates of all enlightened of this world.

That's how he was tasked with a reconnaissance mission near that ugly human ruin. Some time ago, Shaman Ainorrh had sensed unusual energy fluctuations that couldn't be attributed to the barbarians. And now all the traces led to this place. Was it a newly awakened Enlightened? An anomaly? He wasn't told. His only command was to spread his senses wide and report any unusual activity.

But what he knew for sure was that nobody sent a defender to pick up a newly transformed person. They either reached the cities on their own or were intercepted by specialists who knew better how to guide the disoriented people into their new lives.

When he left the city, the air around him seemed to hum with the energy of air. He knew it were the protective barriers set around the perimeter in ancient times. The wind whispered secrets and carried the scent of distant lands. Alliot took a deep breath, feeling the familiar comfort of his element. But nothing helped him get clarity on his current mission. He'd have to get to the location and investigate there in person.

So, despite the uncertainty and the lingering doubts planted by his friends, he didn't see any other path than to focus on his purpose as an enlightened defender. This sacred charge was Alliot's chance to etch his name into the annals of his people, a testament to devotion and resolve. But more importantly, it could change the lives of all enlightened forever. He had no choice but to fulfill his duty and return with the answers his superiors sought. There was no doubt about it.

He was ready.