The room was dimly lit, flickering lamplight casting long shadows on the wooden walls as Dune, Atlas, Ned, and Cadogan sat around the low table. A heavy silence lingered until Cadogan finally broke it.
"So?" he asked, his tone sharp, expectant. "Did you two gather enough information? What did you learn?"
Ned let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "The food here is amazing, no doubt about that. But it's just meat, meat, and more meat. These people have no idea how to cook anything else. Honestly, I kind of miss fish."
Atlas scoffed. "Are you stupid? There's literally a fish shop at the edge of the village. It's right by a massive lake."
Ned's eyes widened. "Wait they have a lake? You went that far? What the hell?"
Atlas leaned back with a grin. "Rode the flying horse. Thing soared like a dream. The view was insane."
"You what?!" Ned groaned, slumping forward. "And you didn't even call me?"
"Well…" Atlas shrugged, clearly unapologetic.
Cadogan cleared his throat, raising an eyebrow toward Dune. "What about you? Did you kill anyone else?"
Dune didn't even flinch. He shot Cadogan an annoyed glance. "I told you, he deserved it. I've never killed anyone innocent. And I never will. So stop circling back to that."
He exhaled slowly, folding his arms as he continued, "I went to visit the swordsmith. Watched two beast-humans fight. Then I saw a woman… she was using some sort of cultivation technique. She spun her red Neba in circles, and claimed it made her stronger without physical training. I didn't really get it, and she wasn't exactly eager to explain."
Cadogan's expression shifted instantly. "Are you making that up?"
Dune frowned. "No? Why would I lie about that?"
But Cadogan was already standing, the tension in his posture clear. "Are you absolutely sure?" he pressed.
Dune narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "Yeah? Why are you acting like this?"
Cadogan stared at him for a long moment, then spoke, voice lower, more serious. "The highest confirmed level of Neba in Varrinir is Orange. Even Arech, for all his strength, hasn't dared take the trial. He knows it could kill him. And you're telling me you saw someone with Red Neba?"
Dune, Atlas, and Ned exchanged uneasy glances.
"Shit," Atlas muttered.
Dune leaned forward. "Do you think she's an imposter? A spy? From Rendely?"
Cadogan turned to the window, hands clasped behind his back. "I don't know. Did you say anything to her? Reveal anything important?"
Dune shook his head. "No. I stayed vague."
"Good," Cadogan muttered. "Because I've never heard of a cultivation technique like that, not in Varrinir, not in Sanatria. That woman… she either lives dangerously close to the edge of the continent… or—"
Dune's eyes widened. "She's from another continent," he finished, voice sharp with realization.
Atlas stood, disbelief in his voice. "But that's impossible. No one can cross the barriers between continents… right?"
Cadogan didn't answer immediately. He was deep in thought, fingers tapping against the windowpane. "They can. But only the strongest, King Aramir, and a few of the Purple Neba wielders. Even then, it's rare, difficult and nearly suicidal. For a Red Neba user to do it?"
He trailed off, eyes narrowing. "Unless she has something special… a unique ability, or a hidden tool. If this cultivation technique is real, we need to find her again. Learn more."
His gaze snapped to Dune. "How did she look? Any details?"
Dune closed his eyes, trying to recall the image clearly. "Black hair. Black eyes. She wore gold ornaments, long earrings, long black robe. She looked… noble."
"As expected," Cadogan muttered. "High blood. Foreign."
He turned back to them, face grim. "From now on, be careful. We leave soon, and whatever that woman is… I don't want you to be here when she decides to show her true colors."
The boys nodded in agreement, the mood in the room heavier than before.
The next day dawned crisp and cold, the early morning light slicing through the mist that clung to the trees surrounding Varrinir. After a long night of rest, Dune quietly split his Golden Neba coins, half to Atlas, half to Ned.
By the time the sun climbed above the horizon, Arech stood waiting outside the gate with Cadogan at his side. His arms were crossed, three large bags at his feet, each stuffed with food, flasks, and travel necessities.
"These are for you," Arech said, nodding at the packs. "Take a slow pace today. Tomorrow, a caravan will pass through this road—it'll catch up to you in less than a day. I've already spoken to them. They'll take you the rest of the way."
Dune slung his bag over his shoulder with a grunt. Atlas gave a mock salute, and Ned whistled at the weight.
Then, a soft rustle of steps. Mindya appeared beside Arech.
She looked like a different person. Her skin, once smudged with dirt and dried blood, was now soft and clean, catching the morning light with a gentle glow. Her long black hair was combed and tied back simply, and her clothes, while still humble, were fresh and fitted her well. She stood straighter, calmer, no longer twitching with fear, no longer shrinking into herself. There was a quiet strength in her presence now.
And for the first time, Dune truly saw her.
She was beautiful.
She clutched the strap of her own pack, eyes darting between the boys and Arech.
"I'm thankful you're taking her with you," Arech said, his voice lower, more personal now. "Take good care of her."
He reached into his coat and handed Dune a folded piece of parchment sealed with a crimson wax sigil. "This is a recommendation letter. I've already spoken to her about the Bloodrose Academy. Show this symbol to a man named Ramires, he is the director of the academy. He'll arrange a private entrance test for her."
Dune glanced at the letter, then back at Arech, silently tucking it away.
"She's… different," Arech continued. "Still figuring out how to talk to people, how to live among others. But she deserves a chance, even if it's hard. Also… there's a uniform for all of you in her pack, and more city clothes for her. She'll need them."
He stepped back and smiled faintly. "If you ever need help, or if fate brings you back to Varrinir, you'll always be welcome."
Dune nodded. "Thanks."
Ned suddenly jumped in front of Arech, grinning ear to ear. "You're the kindest grumpy dude I've ever met! I'll definitely come visit again."
Arech let out a rare, hearty laugh. His hand lit up with a soft green glow. "Come on, one more thing. Let's shake hands with Neba, so I can remember your signatures and let you pass through the portal next time."
The boys exchanged a glance, then turned to Cadogan, who gave them a small nod. One by one, Dune, Atlas, and Ned took Arech's hand, their Neba flaring briefly in sync with his own.
And just like that, it was done.
Without another word, the group turned to the path ahead, bags slung over their shoulders, wind brushing past them like a silent goodbye. Mindya followed quietly at Dune's side, glancing back only once.
Arech remained far away from the gate, watching them disappear into the forest trail.
As the portal shimmered and pulsed with green Neba, Cadogan stepped through it first, followed closely by, Ned, Atlas, and finally Mindya, who cast one last look over her shoulder before vanishing into the swirling light.
Just as Dune was about to step through the portal, a voice called out from behind him.
"Dune!"
He turned, surprised, only to find Sylwen rushing toward him. She threw her arms around him without warning, holding him tightly.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You saved me… and my family. I'll never forget that."
Dune blinked, stiff in the embrace, unsure of what to do with his hands. "I… It's fine," he mumbled, awkwardly patting her back.
Sylwen stepped back, eyes glistening, a shaky smile on her face. "Where are you going now?"
"Rendely," he said. "Gotta join the academy."
She nodded slowly, "i always wanted to go there…" then she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small necklace. A silver pendant hung at the end, shaped like a crescent leaf.
"Take this," she said, pressing it into his hand.
"For luck. And maybe… maybe I'll see you again one day."
Dune looked down at the necklace, then back up at her. He gave a small nod.
"I'll keep it safe."
Sylwen smiled, wiping her eyes. "You better."
And with that, she stepped back as the portal shimmered. "Bye Dune"
Dune gave her one last look, then turned, and stepped through.
A new journey has begun.
.
.
.
Arech stood still at the edge of the village chamber, the faint glow of Neba runes reflecting off his robes. The usual warmth in his expression had faded, replaced by a quiet intensity. His hands were clasped behind his back, posture rigid, gaze fixed on the spot where they had disappeared.
Then, a soft breeze stirred the air behind him. A figure stepped out of the shadows with no footsteps to announce her presence.
It was the woman from the waterfall, who Dune saw cultivating Neba.
"Calyen," Arech said without turning, his voice calm. "What brings you here?"
The woman bowed her head with reverence. Her red eyes, still carrying the peace of her cultivation, flicked up to meet his.
"My lord, we already lost Rudy," she said quietly, "are you sure about this? Letting her go with them… what if she gets—"
"Rudy… was a huge loss, it's his fault for being too arrogant. Mindya needs to learn," Arech interrupted, his tone sharp but not unkind.
"The people of Sanatria are really interesting. If she is to become more than what she is, she must see them with her own eyes."
He turned slightly, just enough for the dim light to catch the faint smirk on his face.
"I only want what's best for her," he said softly.
"After all… she's my only daughter."
As he spoke, his eyes glowed with a faint purple hue, a flicker of power barely held in check. The air around him thrummed for a moment, charged, ancient, unknowable.
Calyen's eyes widened slightly, but she bowed again, lower this time. "Understood, my lord."
With a final glance at the now faded portal, she stepped back, her form dissolving into red particles that scattered like fireflies in the wind.