ã€ŠThe Heroes of Aurum: A Path Unboundã€‹


 Part One

    Year 536 CC, Primal Chaos Era

    The night sky was dark, and no one could see anything below their feet. Despite the lamp attached to their holder, only a foot of light cast them in a circle in darkness.

    The scouting legion among the darkness traveled along the dark roads; stone walls on either side blocked people from entering the forest to prevent anything from getting out. They clumped together, and their lanterns expanded the light source by a few feet.

    Though the light shed away the darkness, it was both a boon and a curse that could attract the monstrous creatures called Fiends that roamed the realm.

    Since the deity of light, Saint Lumos, cast the dark deity, Deimos, the world of Aurum had fallen into disarray during the Primal Chaos Era.

    The Dark Ages were an epoch veiled in shadows, during which the echoes of a once-great civilization faded into obscurity.

    As the light of humanity dimmed, ignorance and superstition flourished.

    However, amidst the darkness, glimmers of hope flickered like distant stars in the night sky.

    The legion''s mission was to retrieve proof of a magical geyser that could grant untold power. With that power, it could smite their foes and eradicate the Fiends.

    The legion had been traveling for less than a fortnight and were coming up with no solid proof. Yet, they denied going back for fear of defying their Tsar.

    ¡°We move forward, men! For we shall rest when we return with good tidings.¡± their captain, Praefectus Vigilum Osiris Aegis, urged his men on.

    The legion of armed soldiers cheered in unison, elated by his message.

    Little did they know, their journey led them into a conflict they could not yet fathom.

    Ahead of them, there was an orange glow from a lantern. The legion was ready to take arms if the strange person was an enemy.

    Osiris¡¯ thick black brows rose at the strange man dressed in odd attire unfamiliar to the era.

    ¡°G¡¯d evening to you, traveler,¡± Osiris said. The stranger had stunning blue eyes that were both foreboding and daunting, but he couldn''t explain why his heart thudded and blood pumped quickly.

    ¡°And to you, fine legion,¡± the stranger replied.

    He tipped his tricorne hat that matched the rest of his moss green and brown suit. His hair was the color of mud, much like his clothing.

    ¡°You travel alone?¡± Osiris asked the mousy-haired traveler. His instincts were on high alert, and in case of an ambush, the hushed whispers of his legion shook his insides.

    ¡°Yes and no.¡± Leaving his answer vague and unknown. Before Osiris could question him, he replied, ¡°Just waiting for the right moment. For you.¡±

    Heat flushed to his face at the reveal of being tricked.

    Osiris and his men took no chances. One by one, they brandished their swords.

    ¡°What business do you have with us?¡±

    The gleam in the stranger''s eye made the Captain''s blood run cold, and his throat tightened.

    ¡°Why this.¡±

    The surrounding area grew foggy, and a monstrous roar erupted into the sky.

    ¡°Stay strong! Formation, everyone.¡±

    They did on command but did not expect the men to disappear into the foggy wake one by one.

    <hr>

    The year 1085 CC, Month of Solara, on the 2nd day of Aurorion

    During the early dawn hours, a traveler enters Verdan Glen''s idyllic, rural town of Sylvanbrook. Its rolling hills stretch for miles, surrounding itself in lush forests and a lake yonder into town.

    The traveler crossed the bridge, overpassing a stream and into the town¡¯s gates. There weren¡¯t many people out as the day had only begun. The traveler, cloaked in a hood to hide their face, passed by residential brick buildings and into the center of town where the shops were located; a few owners were beginning to open their doors for the day.

    The traveler approached the end of the street where Sylvanbrook¡¯s Ashen Vanguard guild resided.

    Their gloved fist, gentle but hard, knocked on the wooden door. They wondered if the owner still opened it daily at the same time. He did, and the door opened, revealing an older man, about his late fifties, with salt-pepper hair, on the other side of the door.

    The traveler''s amber eyes widened. Despite their cloak hood, the older man recognized him immediately; he was his adoptive son.

    ¡°Eamon?¡±

    The traveler, Eamon, smiled sheepishly. He removed his hood and exposed curly black hair that reached the nape of his tanned neck. His deep brown oval eyes looked at the man he regarded so fondly and disappointed.

    ¡°Hello, Master Ealdred.¡±

    Ealdred ushered his pupil inside, closing the door behind him. When Eamon stepped onto the wooden training floors, a sense of euphoria filled his entire body as filtered memories flooded his mind. The smell of the upholstered wood filled his nose, and even the faint scent of lavender incense that Master Ealdred put out to cleanse the area and free it of negative energy.

    Eamon closed his eyes, and his heart swelled with longing. The euphoric feeling was proof that he was home, but a brief stab in his chest also reminded him that this was home.

    ¡°How have you been?¡± Ealdred voiced out, thankfully freeing Eamon of his agonizing thoughts. ¡°The last time I saw you was four years ago when you left the guild to join the Argonian¡¯s Imperial Military.¡±

    The atmosphere around Eamon tensed, and he stiffened. The stab in Eamon¡¯s chest returned. ¡°It''s better left unsaid.¡±

    Ealdred assumed, judging by the sorrowful expression on the young man''s face, that his experiences with the Argonian Empire were not fulfilling. His past was not for prying ears, even if no one was around.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s leave talk of the Empire outside these walls¡ªrelax yourself¨Cno one has arrived but myself and another student.¡±

    Eamon¡¯s cinched shoulders relaxed, and he released a strangled breath. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you are still teaching, Master. Who is this student that rises this early in the morning? Reminds me of our schedule.¡±

    ¡°Aye, she reminds me of you quite a bit despite her being three years younger, especially with that thick skull you both seem to have.¡±

    Eamon gave a dry laugh, one that Ealdred noticed was not in the same manner as it was when he was younger. Now a young man, he looked like he weighed the world on his shoulders that was more than just from war.

    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t wait to meet her. Oh, is that Riftblade?¡± Eamon¡¯s brown eyes took notice of the brilliant silver, gilded great sword hanging on the wall.

    It once was held by Ealdred when he was fighting the  Veilspawn and closing Rifts. Eamon walked over to it, about to touch it, when there was another voice.Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°You can look, but you can¡¯t touch.¡±

    Both men turn to see a young woman with a curly black afro and bright amber eyes that complimented her tawny brown complexion.

    ¡°Glad to see that you¡¯re done with your chores.¡± Ealdred regarded her with a tender smile.

    The girl grinned and shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Yeah, it was no problem. Who¡¯s this?¡±

    The girl headed toward the sword and picked it up, surprising a gaping Eamon that she removed his Master¡¯s legendary sword.

    ¡°L-Later for that!¡± he balked at the girl. She held the sword with ease despite its weight and her small stature. She trained to master it without breaking a sweat. ¡°Who are you to even touch that?¡±

    He pointed to the sword she was now leaning on to add further confusion on his part.

    The girl said with a frown. ¡°I can because it¡¯s mine, thanks for asking.¡±

    Eamon¡¯s eyes widened. A mental short fuse started to form in the back of his mind. ¡°Y-Yours?¡± He averted his eyes from her to his master to see if she was telling the truth.

    Ealdred nodded. ¡°It is true. Her skills have excelled quite well.¡±

    Eamon scoffed. ¡°In terms of what? She¡¯s practically a kid.¡±

    Ealdred sighed and rested his hand on his face. ¡°And now you¡¯ve done it.¡± He knew what to expect now that Eamon released the tainted words.

    Eamon furrowed his brows, unsure what he was talking about, when a sharp hostility struck him to the chord. He turned to see the girl with fury in her amber eyes, and a shiver ran down his spine.

    ¡°Who are you calling a kid?! I¡¯m eighteen.¡± She exclaimed. ¡°And I¡¯ll have you know I earned this.¡±

    Waving off his early reverie from her sudden aura of power, he smugly grinned. ¡°Right, I bet you can¡¯t even control its power.¡± Eamon knew that was a lie, but he couldn¡¯t help his jealousy into goading her.

    She gasped at his audacity. ¡°Wanna bet?¡±

    She easily propped the giant sword on her shoulder to make a point. She prepared herself into a ready stance, feet a few inches apart, and channeled her energy.

    The circulating energy formed an aura of radiating energy. With the sword drawn over her head, she jumped in the air and yelled a battle cry to her signature move: ¡°Radiant Slash!¡±

    A burst of white Essentia shrouded the blade and transformed its power into the element Zephyr. Its powerful gust of wind smashed into the guild''s wooden wall without her having to strike it physically.

    The girl dropped down to the floor with one knee and stood with a grin on her face. ¡°What do you have to say about that?¡±

    Eamon couldn''t help but be impressed, but there was no way he was letting her know that.

    He crossed his arms and snorted. ¡°It¡¯s childish to call out your attacks like that. You¡¯re giving your enemies the advantage by announcing your presence.¡±

    The girl''s eye twitched, knowing full well that he was bothered. She rolled her eyes with a snappy comeback. ¡°Yeah, what enemies? One strike and there won¡¯t be an obstacle in my way.¡±

    Eamon frowned. She was strong as she was cocky, and she knew that he knew. It only made the burning spikes of jealousy heat at his cheeks as the two stood mere feet apart, glaring at the other to submit first. ¡°Cockiness like that will get you killed.¡±

    She smiled. It was evident by the redness of Eamon¡¯s face that she was getting under his skin. She held her head high. ¡°Not cockiness if you¡¯re confident in your skills.¡±

    Their dagger-like glare continued, trying to will the other to submit defeat.

    ¡°Alright, that is enough. Eamon. Lyra. Break it up.¡±

    The tension ceased when Ealdred doused the fire. Eamon, however, was now curious about the familiar name.

    ¡°You¡¯re little Lyra? Lyra Ashbourne?¡±

    Lyra looked at her manicured nails. ¡°Yup, and that would make you Eamon, the traitor who ran off to join the Imperial army.¡± She looked him up and down, unimpressed.

    The only thing about him that changed was that his usually short hair had grown much longer, and the vibrant brown eyes she used to admire¨Cthough she¡¯d never reveal¡ªlooked dull and faded, shrouded by a curtain of misery.

    ¡°You looked better before. Oh, and another thing: I¡¯m. Not. Little.¡± Her eyes squared at him with knit brows. Her agitation only enhanced being called little.

    Ealdred cleared his throat. Despite him stopping it before it could get heated, there was still the intensity in the air. ¡°Perhaps it is best you worry about the damages you caused, Lyra?¡±

    Lyra turned to where he jutted his thumb at the leftover X mark on the side of the wooden guild''s wall. It collapsed with a crash, exposing the other half of the building.

    Lyra flinched. ¡°Sorry, Grandpa. I¡¯m on it.¡± She placed Riftblade back on the wall''s perch. She caught Eamon looking and glared at him before leaving the two men in the training hall alone.

    ¡°Come, Eamon, to my office, and we can discuss further.¡±

    ???

    Once in private, Eamon sat in the brown corduroy loveseat across from Ealdre¡¯s oak desk.

    Ealdred sat down and folded his hands together. He took in Eamon, who was both familiar and a stranger. ¡°I¡¯ll come out and say: What brings you back?¡± He didn¡¯t want to be direct about bringing up anything about the military.

    Eamon weakly smiled at his master¡¯s forwardness. He missed that. ¡°I would like to rejoin the guild as your student again, Master Ealdred.¡±

    He raised a thick gray brow. ¡°Oh?¡±

    Eamon nodded. ¡°Yes, I know I left for the Imperial Army suddenly, but I had to answer a calling for myself.¡±

    ¡°Hmm. And what did this calling lead you to?¡±

    Eamon fidgeted in his seat. His eyes averted to everywhere else in the room, to the ficus plant in the corner of the room, the old wooden radio on the table that he¡¯d listened to when he was younger, and to the bookshelf against the wall filled with tomes he had often read growing up.

    ¡°I can¡¯t divulge that¡­I¡¯m sorry. I hope you understand.¡±

    Ealdred closed his eyes, humming to himself. ¡°I do. Some things should only be kept between you and Saint Lumos. Now, as for your reinstatement, besides a few changes to the interior, everything is the same as when you left.¡±

    Eamon gaped at his master, realizing what he meant. He shot up from his seat and thrust his head into a bow. ¡°Thank you, Master. I won¡¯t let you down.¡±

    ¡°I know you won¡¯t. It¡¯s different this time.¡± Even if his student couldn¡¯t divulge any information, he knew it was for a reason, and he was glad he made it before it was too late.

    On the other hand, Eamon wasn¡¯t sure what his master meant, but he was always wise, even though he was cryptic.

    ¡°There is¡­one other thing I wanted to ask you?¡± It had been reeling in the back of his mind since he first saw the sword perched on the wall.

    ¡°About my giving Riftblade to Lyra?¡±

    Eamon gave a stiff nod. He was ashamed for letting jealousy gnaw at his gut. Riftblade was supposed to be his. He, of course, knew that he had no claim to the weapon since he was the one to leave, but it still hurt seeing what could have been his legacy no longer appointed to him.

    Ealdred sighed. He rested his hands on the surface of the desk. ¡°When you left Eamon, it devastated me. You were an exceptional Locksmith, and there was no one better I would have wanted to inherit Riftblade. But I understood your decision and had to let you go.¡±

    A gleam appeared in Ealdred¡¯s eyes as he remembered training young Eamon as a child and raising him as his own.

    Ealdred rose from his seat, and Eamon¡¯s eyes followed his master¡¯s movement as he walked along the shag carpeting of the office.

    ¡°You were no longer that young boy I raised.¡±

    Ealdred headed over to the bookshelf, where he removed a rectangular blue book from the shelf, a photo album filled with sepia and grayscale photos of him and Eamon as a small boy.

    He momentarily flipped through the pages, admiring them before passing on to the next one.

    ¡°Since your parents¡¯ accident and taking you into the guild, you¡¯ve always strived to be better and wanted to help those in need. It¡¯s what I see in Lyra, too, and though she may be young and a bit headstrong, she serves that same fire and determination you did.¡±

    Hearing the word ¡®did,¡¯ Eamon assumed his master had already read him like a book, but Eamon couldn¡¯t reveal what he had gone through, done, in the Imperial Military.

    ¡°I understand, Master,¡± he said, watching him close the album and return it to its home. ¡°I will get along with Lyra as we will both be students under your tutelage.¡±

    Ealdred smiled. He walked back over to him and clapped him on the back. ¡°Good. You¡¯ll be a good senior to her with your experience. Besides, you two may hit it off well, like you did as children. She¡¯d follow you around, and you¡¯d try to impress her with a fighting move, ultimately hurting yourself, and I had to heal up the scrapes.¡±

    Eamon¡¯s face reddened. Ealdred barked out a laugh. ¡°Y-Yeah, I don¡¯t think there will be any of that. Besides, we haven''t seen each other since we were kids. I practically insulted her, and I can only imagine what she thinks of me.¡±

    Ealdred leaned close with a lidded-eye look and a sly grin, scooping Eamon¡¯s neck in his arm. ¡°We¡¯ll see. You never know.¡±

 Part Two

    ¡°I can¡¯t stand him,¡± Lyra said, arms crossed, as she faced her grandfather. They, with Eamon, were in one of the guild''s training rooms. ¡°And now you¡¯re saying we have to work together? With him as my senior?¡± She balked out as if it was a wild concept for him to come up with.

    ¡°Grandpa,¡± she clasped her hands together, the tip of her fingers touching her lips as she breathed through her nose. ¡°I¡¯ve been training more as a Locksmith while he was gallivanting as an imperialist.¡±

    Eamon sat on the floor, legs crossed, and cringed at her statement.

    Hmph. Good. Lyra snidely thought. It serves you right to side with them.

    Ealdred sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. ¡°Now, Lyra, let us not judge a person but by their actions, yes?¡±

    ¡°Uh, I am. He joined the Argonian Empire¡¯s military. The same Empire that annexed small businesses and residentials, and then, to make matters worse, they thought bribing those same people with land and money would make them forgiving?¡± she said as she counted off the heinous acts. ¡°I can go on. Chancellor Viktor Radovinov is a narcissist Veilspawn in disguise that would even make Lumos blush.¡±

    Ealdred sighed once more. ¡°What colorful vocabulary you picked up over the years. I shouldn¡¯t have let you listen to the radio with me when you were younger.¡±

    She shrugged. ¡°What can I say? I¡¯m well informed.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± he clapped his hands, looking between his two students. ¡°Aside from everyone¡¯s background. You are both my students at the Ashen Vanguard guild and will honor and respect one another as fellow Locksmiths. Is that clear?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Master,¡± They both said.

    He nodded. However, some of him wasn''t sure if he should believe them. ¡°Good. I must attend to the other students for the day. So please maintain the chores, train, and be ready when a Rift appears.¡±

    Again, they replied, ¡°Yes, Master.¡±

    Ealdred started to leave but turned back around. ¡°Oh, and before I forget Eamon. I kept your weapons away for safekeeping. You¡¯ll find them in a lock box in the closet.¡±

    Eamon¡¯s eyes widened. He was surprised he had kept his weapons from rusting after all these years. ¡°Thank you, Master,¡± he said with a bow.

    Ealdred left the room, leaving Lyra and Eamon alone.

    The silence was awkward and loud; you could hear a pin drop, but Eamon bravely spoke to break the ice: ¡°So, how should we tackle these chores?¡±

    Lyra sucked her teeth with a roll of her eyes. ¡°Just split them half and half, then after we spar, you show me what the ¡®great Imperial soldier¡¯ has learned.¡±

    Eamon frowned. ¡°You know your grandfather is our Master.¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± she said, expressionless.

    ¡°And my adoptive father,¡± Eamon pointed out.

    ¡°Yet, you left him.¡± She dryly retorted.

    Eamon pursed his lips. There is no getting around this girl. ¡°And we¡¯re more than students but family. He wants us to work together.¡±

    Lyra crossed her arms. ¡°And am I not? I said we should do half the chores, so what¡¯s your point? I am working with you, yet I see you making no effort to apologize for your comments the other day.¡±

    Eamon¡¯s shoulders sagged. He sighed.

    No matter how he felt about Riftblade ending up in someone else¡¯s hand, he knew his master did things for a reason, or at least, he was telling himself that.

    ¡°Fine. I apologize for my insensitive comments when I¡¯ve only just returned. I shouldn¡¯t have made boastful demands like that.¡±

    Lyra¡¯s brow rose. ¡°So an imperialist can apologize. Alright, guess we can make this work.¡±

    ¡°And can you not call me an imperialist? It rubs me the wrong way.¡±

    She placed her hands on her hips and stuck her neck out. ¡°As it should, given all they¡¯ve done, but fine. No imperialist¡­Soldier Boy.¡±

    He sighed. I swear there¡¯s no getting around with her.

    ???

    After finishing the chores, they needed wood and scaffolding to fix the wall. They headed toward the back of the guild to chop some wood. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Eamon watched Lyra swing the ax down and slam into the wood. She swiped her forward, free of the sweat that fell into her amber eyes. Her usual wild afro pushed back with a headband.

    He barely remembered the little girl who would follow him as a kid. The person in front of him was different. She still seemed like she had an air of yours about her from her passion and how she fought, but like Master said, a determination layered there.

    ¡°Why do you hate the Argonian Empire and the Imperial Military?¡± he asked.

    She snorted. She was looking at him with a noticeable glare. ¡°Is that a trick question? Well, maybe not since you left for them.¡± She rested her elbow on the thick end of the ax. ¡°Though I¡¯m curious why you returned after all this time.¡±

    Eamon pressed his lips together. His eyes twitched at the thought. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to divulge that information yet.¡± However, a part of him asked that himself. He was always left confused and struggling to answer why he returned, let alone left initially.

    She hummed. ¡°Right. Just like an imperial to diverge the truth. But to answer your question, it¡¯s exactly that¡ªdiverging from the truth.¡±

    Eamon said nothing. Watching her shoulders cinch, then loosen.

    ¡°The Imperial Military, Chancellor Viktor Radovinov, even his secret police: The F¨¹hrers. They go behind the public''s back, make businesses sign deals with promises of a fair deal, but it¡¯s not.¡± The last part of her sentence hardened as her eyes pinched together.

    ¡°Most, if not all, of Lysandrian Kingdom dislike Argonian, but the Chancellor has the Empire wrapped around his finger.¡±

    Her eyes blurred with tears that she hadn¡¯t expected. She wasn¡¯t upset but frustrated and tired of the apparent lies no one saw.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Eamon said. He approached her, surprising Lyra so that she jumped at their closeness. She would have smacked him, but a solemn look on his face held her back, one that wasn¡¯t pity. ¡°I may not be able to tell you what happened, but I do understand what you mean¡­the imperials make things enticing that you fall in step with whatever they say because they make you feel¡­seen. Like you can do more to help the world.¡±

    Lyra wiped at the tears on her face. She studied the man before her, hoping to get a read on him. ¡°Care to elaborate on that? What could they possess that we, Grandpa, our Master, couldn¡¯t?¡±

    Eamon couldn¡¯t say anything and lowered his head to avoid meeting her questioning eyes. ¡°I¡­I''m not¡­it''s complicated.¡± His brow furrowed as if trying to recall something made his head hurt.

    Lyra hummed. ¡°I see. Complicated. Well, we should train now.¡±

    She slammed the ax into the pile of chopped wood and began to stretch.

    ¡°Wanna dust off those weapons, or do you think you¡¯ll have to hold off on fighting me?¡± she grinned after stretching.

    He smirked. ¡°I promise you, I¡¯m far from rusty.¡±

    She laughed. ¡°Alrighty, Soldier Boy, I like that fire. Let¡¯s see what you got.¡±

    But as they were about to get ready and get their weapons, Lyra stopped and looked up. Eamon turned back around to see she was no longer moving.

    ¡°You okay?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t sense that?¡± She asked, still looking up at the sky.

    Maybe I¡¯m rustier than I gave myself credit for. He focused this time, and a strong surge of electricity coursed through his body.

    They both looked at each other simultaneously, nodding, as they thought the same thing: There were Rifts.

    ???

    Lyra sprinted back into the guild and grabbed Riftblade off the wall, shouting to him, ¡®Hurry up!¡¯ Eamon ran to his room down the hall and grabbed the red garnished wood lock box that held his weapons: Long, metal Escrima sticks with a steel blade at the ends.

    Eamon was unsure if he''d be able to handle using the weapons again since he had been used to using a rifle for so long during his time in the military. Despite that, he could still feel an aura of Essentia flowing through the weapon into him from the root of the Geiser Wellsprings.

    He rushed out of the guild to catch up with Lyra. Looking up at the sky, he saw a trail of red smoke from the Rifts.

    Those dark veils existed for five hundred and eighty-five years since the Primal Chaos, a time of discord and disarray when the Essentia of the Wellsprings was non-existent. Locksmiths didn¡¯t exist, and darkness roamed the land. It was recorded as a dark age era.

    No one knew the true reason for the Rifts'' existence; they were malevolent forces that threatened Aurum and produced the malignant shadowy Veilspawn creatures.

    Eamon ran through the residential district and onto Main Street. The smoke trail led him far away from people and into the forested area. Once in the forest, he was amazed at how far Lyra had run up the rough hill. The uneven terrain was nothing to him, as his experience in the military tripled his endurance.

    He finally reached the end of the smoke trail, as the source was forming a chaotic black and red mass tornado above the roof. The Rift was at an abandoned warehouse, and right at the entrance, Lyra was forcibly trying to close the building door, where the gaping black vortex was trying to release itself onto the world.

    ¡°Lyra, I¡¯m coming!¡±

    The moment he started to reach her, dark figures emerged from the shadows, and lanky, oblong creatures with clawed hands and red eyes blocked his path.

    The Veilspawn¨Cthe antithesis of discord and negativity¨Cwas born from the Rifts. It was attracted to negativity and sought out the life force of humanity.

    Eamon readied into a fight stance. This was the duty of a Locksmith: close the Rifts and eradicate the Veilspawn that they produced.

    ¡°Can you hold on for a little longer?¡¯ He called out to Lyra. She clenched her teeth as her Essentia aura swirled around her as she used the Wellsprings elemental power.

    The Veilspawn let out an odd-sounding rattling noise.

    ¡°Please,¡± she strangled out a haggard breath. ¡°I¡¯ve been doing this since you left Soldier Boy, but if you want to assist me, be my guest.¡±

    Eamon grinned. ¡°All you have to do is ask, you know? Guess you can¡¯t smash your way out of this one.¡±

    Lyra rolled her eyes. ¡°Ha-ha, just come on if you¡¯re going to help.¡±

    ¡°With pleasure.¡±

 Part Three

    Lyra tried to push the gates closed as the elemental Essentia surged through her body. The vortex that was trying to escape was more robust than the previous ones she had closed.

    Her grandfather had warned her the Rifts would grow more robust as they were attracted to negativity. Humans had plenty of it, and Veilspawns wanted to feed off of it.

    Eamon burst through with power that made Lyra snap her head up. There was no Wellspring Essentia fused with his weapons or in him; it was just his natural aura. He charged for the Veilspawn with a war-like cry and bashed it several times until it exploded.

    He dodged out of the way with timed precision as a claw headed for him. Two Veilspawns charged him for a two-chained attack.

    Eamon crossed the metal sticks together in a defensive stance, parrying the creature''s blows. The residual effect caused the animals to stagger, giving Eamon enough time to bash them out of existence until there was none left.

    He ran over to Lyra and helped her close the door to the Rift until it shut completely.

    ¡°Lyra, now!¡±

    Lyra nodded. She backed up a few inches in front of the door and stretched out her palm, chanting the incantation to seal the Rift: From darkness bound, to the light we¡¯re sworn, by Lumos¡¯ grace this Rift be sewn.

    A brilliance of power shot up from the ground, and gold sparks of light surrounded Lyra. It blew her hair back as she could feel the calming sensation of the Wellsprings power coming to her aid. From her palm, that same Wellspring powers shot out in a beam of light and trapped it within its glow, making it easier for Eamon to shut the door completely.

    Lyra cheered with excitement. Though Eamon had less excitement as he brushed himself off.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t celebrate too soon. You never know what enemies could be waiting for when your guard is down.¡±

    Lyra rolled her eyes. She let out a grumble. ¡°This is not a battlefield. Locksmiths close Rifts. Closing the Rifts ends the existence of all the spawns attached to it. If you had never left, you would have remembered that.¡±

    Eamon pressed his lips together. He didn¡¯t want to start another argument. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt to be cautious.¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m walking back.¡± Leaving Eamon behind.

    Lyra removed her Vox Link, a long rectangular device used to communicate via messages via a beacon tower with a limited call feature. Though the range wasn¡¯t far, it became one of the most famous inventions once people started to get used to it.

    She groaned.

    There were a few missed calls and dozens of messages from her mother. She called her back, and her mother picked up just as Eamon called her name.

    ¡°Lyra Ashbourne,¡± her mother¡¯s stern tone said into the device. ¡°Was that a man¡¯s voice I heard? Where are you, young lady?¡±

    Lyra glared at Eamon, who jogged beside her with a confused look and then mouthed, ¡®Sorry.¡¯

    She shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Mom, just someone passing by. I was helping Grandpa this morning.¡±

    Lyra could hear the hospital and staff in the background, followed by static from Voxlink''s internal system.

    ¡°We do not leave at dawn without telling me or doing any chores.¡±

    ¡°Ma, you know I go to Grandpa¡¯s all¡ª¡±

    ¡°Lysandra.¡± Lyra flinched when her mother used her full name. ¡°Do you hear what I¡¯m saying? There is too much going on in this country, and I need to know your whereabouts.¡±

    She sighed softly. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll be doing an overnight shift, so you must find something for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± she said again. The call ended shortly after. Lyra tucked the device back into the pockets of her loose-fitting linen breeches.

    ¡°Did I¡­get you in trouble?¡± Eamon whispered, concerned etched across his furrowed brows and pursed lips.

    She shook her head. ¡°Nope, Mom is always like this.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± he asked as they walked side by side down the hill of the forest.

    Lyra looked at him from the corner of her eye. ¡°Sometimes she can be a bit smothering, if not demanding. I know she¡¯s my mom; I respect and love her, but she only sees what she wants to see. She doesn¡¯t even know I¡¯m a Locksmith.¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Eamon hummed, nodding. ¡°I do think I remembered something like that. Ms. Edie, right? She was annoyed that she saw you holding my Escrima sticks once.¡±

    Lyra gaped at him in astonishment. ¡°Oh, wow you remember that?¡± She chuckled. ¡°I was eight then, and I think you were twelve?¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°Eleven. I¡¯m surprised you remember; it was so long ago.¡±

    They left the mouth of the forest and headed back to town.

    ¡°I have a pretty good memory. Plus, being in this town since you were little, nothing much has happened here. Don¡¯t get me wrong, it¡¯s amazing and serene here, but I think about the rest of Aurum, exploring and defending it from Rifts.¡±

    She looked peaceful as Eamon watched her look up at the sky. Her broad and eager eyes were hopeful and full of wonder. He vaguely remembered being that way, but it all faded when he joined the Empire.

    ¡°I know what you mean by that. Memories flood back to me from when I was a child. It¡¯s strange, though.¡±

    Lyra¡¯s brow raised. ¡°Why?¡±

    Eamon¡¯s eyes drooped low. ¡°Because those child-like memories feel alien in this body.¡±

    Lyra looked at him and wondered what he really had gone through and seen all those years ago.

    She stopped walking. Eamon did, too.

    ¡°Lyra? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Come to the lake and train with me. You heard my mom, she¡¯ll be working late, and we were interrupted earlier. You were pretty handy with those Escrima blades.¡±

    Eamon grinned, rubbing the back of his head. ¡°Sure, why not.¡± Taking her up on the offer and headed the opposite way of town.

    ???

    The two trudged up the hill to the lakeside, where a glistening crystal lake spread toward them. Eamon stared in awe; he had forgotten how beautiful the lake was since he had left. Even the forest trees in the background complimented the surrounding area.

    ¡°Wow¡­¡± he breathed out, his jaw agape.

    Lyra peered at him with a grin. His stunned look made him look almost normal, and she almost forgot that he had gone to the Empire. Her thoughts, however, changed to panic and concern when she saw his eyes getting teary-eyed.

    ¡°Eamon? What¡¯s wrong? Are you okay?¡±

    Eamon blinked a few times with furrowed brows.

    ¡°What? Of course, I¡¯m okay.¡± he touched his cheeks and peeled his fingers away to see his fingertips wet with tears. ¡°Why am I crying?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I would like to know, too,¡± Lyra said, her arms crossed. She waited for him to reveal whatever it was he thought about. ¡°You can tell me anything, you know. Even if we haven¡¯t seen each other since we were kids, it doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t lend an ear.¡±

    He parted his lips to speak. She thought he would come clean and tell her, but he smacked his lips closed. Lyra mentally rolled her eyes and huffed under her breath.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s practice a little further uphill.¡±

    They made their way to the large tree on the hill, where a gigantic tree sat overlooking the lake.

    ¡°Wait, is that the same Elms tree we used to play on?¡± Eamon gaped at the oversized tree. ¡°Didn¡¯t we carve our names here? Where is it?¡±

    Lyra grinned. She squinted her eyes and pointed several feet off the ground where a sixth branch was located. ¡°Somewhere up there. It¡¯s grown exceedingly tall since you left. I saw it once while climbing a few years ago, but then I lost my footing and broke my arm into a few different places.¡±

    Eamon hissed. ¡°Ouch, why were you climbing up there anyway?¡±

    Her face flushed red. She wasn¡¯t about to tell him that every year or two, she¡¯d climb that tree in hopes that she would see him walking back home again. This year, she had sworn that she wouldn¡¯t climb up the tree again because she was tired of waiting for someone who had left of his own free will.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You ready to spar?¡±

    She was removing Riftblade from her back and standing in a fight stance.

    Sensing that she didn¡¯t want to continue talking, he removed his Escrima sticks from their sheath and readied himself into a stance.

    ¡°Your move first.¡±

    ¡°How kind of you, Soldier Boy.¡±

    Lyra charged forward with incredible speeds that Eamon didn¡¯t realize until she was on top of him. He caught her by surprise and blocked her slash attack. The two metals rang together as they collided with ferocity.

    ¡°Ah, crap. That¡¯s hard-hitting.¡± Eamon shook his hand, freeing the stinging sensation in his palm.

    ¡°What can I say,¡± Lyra shrugged. ¡°I know how to maneuver it.¡± She retorted back at his comment from yesterday.

    ¡°Touch¨¦.¡± He grinned.

    The two of them continued their onslaught of attacks. Sometimes, one would come in and charge with a sneak attack, while the other parried and stayed on the defensive side. They were evenly matched, matching each other¡¯s speed and rhythm. It was almost in sync with how well the two moved together. They could read their movements and counteract as if they were reading each other¡¯s minds.

    It was rare for two locksmiths to be in tune with each other as if they were one person. Only two other people had that skill: Ealdred Ashbourne, the Sentinel Riftbreaker, and The Rosevera Whip. It was even rarer not only to have that skill alone but also to excel and perfect it without Kesync.

    The two of them breathed heavily as they took a break. They eyed each other, panting, with smiles on their faces as the adrenaline fueled them.

    ¡°You¡¯re not half bad,¡± Lyra said, leaning against her sword. She swiped at her brow to avoid sweat from dropping into her eyes.

    ¡°I was going to say the same,¡± Eamon replied. He was crouched on one knee as he took deep breaths to get his breathing back to normal.

    No one broke eye contact. Staring at the other as if to see who would strike first. Twenty minutes passed when they both said simultaneously: ¡°Break?¡±

    They collapsed in the cool grass underneath their tree, with their chests beating wildly and laughter spilling from their lips. The two enjoyed the other¡¯s company, letting the day pass over them as the sun dipped below the clouds.

 Part Four

    Eamon and Lyra returned from the lake and back to the guild. It was later in the evening, and many students had already left. Ealdred had given Eamon a key to stay in the room above the guild.

    ¡°Oh, good you both returned,¡± Ealdred said when they entered the guild¡¯s hall. ¡°I tried clearing your room out, Eamon, but I¡¯ve been busy with training and haven''t had the time.¡±

    ¡°No worries, Master. You¡¯ve done quite enough for me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help him clean up a bit,¡± Lyra offered.

    ¡°Are you sure Edie is okay with you being here later?¡±

    Lyra shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s fine. She¡¯s working an overnight shift.¡±

    Ealdred nodded. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll see you both in the morning. Lyra, lock up when you¡¯re finished.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Master,¡± they both said and headed upstairs.

    ???

    The room was littered with boxes, and the air was filled with dust, so Lyra had to keep fanning away from her face to avoid sneezing. Unfortunately, she was unsuccessful.

    They shifted through a few boxes and stumbled upon a radio. Lyra turned the dial to listen to a Valerian program in celebration of the anniversary of Cassandra Aegis¡¯ achievements, the youngest woman to receive the title of the Praefectus Vigilum. As they went through things, they stumbled across remnants of the past that hadn¡¯t been touched in years.

    ¡°Oh my gosh, look at this picture!¡± Lyra squealed, holding up the photo of a little boy with a bowler haircut and a petticoat. In other similar photos, the bowler haircut boy stood next to a wide-grinning girl, revealing a wire crib along her teeth and wearing two puff balls in her hair.

    Before Eamon could intervene and point it out, the station was cut short, and an announcer spoke:

    ¡°We interrupt Valerian''s scheduled program for a speech from Chancellor Viktor Radovinov¡­¡±

    Lyra scrunched her face. Any trace of humor was erased. The picture was now forgotten as she sat it back in its box and walked over to the radio. The last person who had been in power¨CChancellor Price Regnor V¨Chad been a poor excuse of a leader. Seven years ago, he caused a worldwide financial crisis known to the world as the Seven-Year Strain.

    He caused arguments with other nations and wars to break out. Ultimately, he formed a taxation to compensate for the damage he started. He even stole funds from the people himself. This emptied the treasury, and the war expenditures increased the debt by 1 billion Denaris.

    When Chancellor Viktor was elected to take over, he thought he could make better changes by sweetening deals with locals with repayment.

    Lyra¡¯s fingers dug into her palms. She didn''t register the pain until a moment later and hissed¡ªher palm held crescent-shaped marks where she had imprinted red marks into her skin.

    Eamon walked behind her.

    ¡°Maybe¡­it won¡¯t be as bad as you think?¡±

    Lyra snorted, putting her hand down. ¡°Right,, because having an overbearing tax that caused thousands to lose their businesses and homes isn¡¯t bad. Not to mention a strained debt in a war-torn country that¡¯s still healing.¡± She gestured her hands in the air in exaggeration.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s livelihood was taken, and the Monarchs benefited when they emptied the treasury. Remember that warehouse from which we closed the Rift? That was an incident from Chancellor Price. All Chancellor Viktor is paying people off to make them forget so they can cast their votes for him for the next term. He''s preying on their insecurities and vulnerability. I¡¯m concerned about what he has up his sleeve and what he¡¯ll do this time.¡±

    Eamon saw how much it affected her, from her rigid posture and tightened shoulders to her crossed arms. Since he had been on the offensive in the military and cut off from civilians, he felt an alien feeling in the pit of his stomach that made him sick, knowing how that emotionless state was all wrong.

    A shift in the air caused Lyra to look Eamon¡¯s way, seeing him staring blankly into nothing. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    He blinked, hearing her voice and shaking his head. ¡°Nothing, I was just thinking.¡±

    Before Lyra could ask what it was he was thinking, the radio whirred to life, and Chancellor Viktor¡¯s bold, guttural, and heavy accent came through on the other end:

    Greetings, esteemed citizens of Aurum; I speak to you not just as your Chancellor but as a humble servant of the people. Together, we embark on a journey to rebuild our beloved nation, to mend the wounds of the past, and to pave the way for a brighter future. Today, I bring forth a vital announcement that marks a turning point in our collective history since the Great Convergence Era and the ending of the period of darkness that the Primal Chaos had brought us. I bring a new era of hope and prosperity.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    Lyra and Eamon give one another anxious looks in their darting eyes as they wait with bated breath.

    ¡°For too long, we have witnessed the hardships that plagued our land. The results from the Seven Year Strain at the hands of the previous Chancellor Price Regnor, left the country''s citizens betrayed as it indebted thousands. We draw closer to the one-year Anniversary of the Veilfall tragedy at the hands of the Rifts. We have seen our brave Locksmiths struggle due to inadequate resources.¡±

    Lyra grunted at the comment. Inadequate? Tch, I¡¯d like to show him with my blade at his throat.

    ¡°¡­We have witnessed The Sanctum of Lumos and The College of Lumos, our bastions of knowledge and enlightenment, grapple with financial constraints in Saint Lumos¡¯ name. And we have asked our brave military to face untold dangers with limited means.

    But I stand before you to announce a transformation. A transformation that starts with a simple yet powerful concept: unity. Unity in the face of adversity, unity to mend what was broken, and unity to secure a future where our children can thrive without fear of the Veilspawn¡¯s shadow.

    We aim to achieve several noble goals through a balanced tax distribution to appointed states. First and foremost, this approach will ensure that resources are distributed equally, fostering economic growth across our great nation. It will provide the funding the Locksmiths need to protect us, the resources for the Sanctum and the College of Lumos to continue their invaluable work in Saint Lumos¡¯ name, and funds for the betterment of our Imperial Military to become viable sources to be on par and assist Locksmiths so no tragedies have to befall us again.

    Eamon looked from the corner of his eye to Lyra. He couldn¡¯t see her whole face as she faced the radio; he couldn''t read her expression. All he could go off on was how her shoulders stiffened and her hand clenched too tightly on a cleaning rag; thankfully, it was that instead of her palm again.

    Eamon wondered how the common people would feel about taxes being taken from them after they were given money and having lands taken away after being promised a better start. Surely, this couldn¡¯t be the unity he had heard in past rumors.

    ¡°But let us not forget, dear citizens, that taxes are not merely a burden. They are an investment in the stability and security of our homeland. By contributing to this cause, you become an active participant in shaping our destiny. You empower our Locksmiths to close the Rifts and our military to safeguard us from the insidious Veilspawns. Saint Lumos herself will rain praise and prosperity for enabling the Sanctum and College to advance our knowledge and bring light to the darkest corners of our world. Our military will stand tall, unyielding in the face of human and supernatural threats, for they are our fail-safe with everyday advancement and technologies.

    In closing, I ask you to look beyond the immediate weight of taxation and instead see it as a beacon of hope. A hope that, together, we can heal the wounds of the past. A hope that, united, we can build a safer, more prosperous future for ourselves and generations yet to come. I thank you for your trust and dedication to the Argonian Empire. Let us stand as one, for our best days are still ahead. We shall forge a brighter tomorrow, a brighter Aurum!¡±

    The live crowds cheered as they resounded through the radio. The announcer returned, concluding Chancellor Viktor¡¯s speech, ¡°You heard it here. The process of the ¡®Harmony Taxation Act¡¯ will be further discussed in the coming weeks¡ª¡±

    Lyra cut the radio off before they could finish.

    ¡°Lyra?¡± Eamon called out to her. ¡°Say something. What are you thinking?¡± Eamon touched her shoulder. She released her cinched shoulders and relaxed at the touch. ¡°Is it about the Harmony Taxation Act?¡±

    She scoffed. ¡°Yeah, I have a few choice words to say about that.¡±

    She turned so he could see her face. Her eyes were narrowed, brows pinched, and lips firmly pressed together. It wasn''t anger or sadness but fatigue.

    ¡°I can acknowledge the potential benefits of funding and would probably approach it with a more analytical mindset¡­¡±

    ¡°But?¡± Eamon pressed her to keep going.

    Lyra curled a brow at him. ¡°But, I¡¯ve heard too many stories about the Empire''s greed and corruption in the past. Then, Chancellor Viktor Radovinov came into power and repaid the people that Chancellor Price had wronged. NOW wants to throw more taxes in people¡¯s faces after the Seven Year Strain caused the biggest debt in history and call it unity?¡± She shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s bad enough he¡¯s using the Veilfall tragedy like that. Are they genuinely intending to use our taxes for the greater good? Aurum¡¯s citizens should be cautious and keep a watchful eye on how funds are distributed.¡±

    ¡°How do you think the people of Lysandrian Kingdom will take it?¡± he asked, returning to cleaning, hoping the task would distract Lyra¡¯s annoyance. He was grateful when she mimicked his actions.

    ¡°That¡¯ll be some of our tasks to do early tomorrow morning. We''ll reconvene and assess people''s worries or problems throughout the town. It¡¯s not just a Locksmith''s job to close Rifts and destroy spawns but to be peacekeepers for the realm.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very admirable of you, Lyra. Like a real Locksmith.¡±

    She snorted, ¡°Oh geez, thanks.¡± The silence lasted several minutes as they cleaned, and then Lyra spoke again, ¡°Did you know about the Act? And what really happened during the tragedy?¡±

    Eamon stopped cleaning and thought of how to address her best. ¡°I¡­I¡¯m not sure¡­ It¡¯s difficult to explain.¡± Once again, his eye twitched. He grabbed the side of his head as if holding back a headache.

    She faced him and frowned. ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡±

    ¡°Lyra, you know I¡ª¡±

    She waved him off.

    ¡°Yeah, you said it a thousand times before, but it¡¯s suspicious of you to come back after all these years; you tell us nothing, and then there¡¯s this taxation act. What aren¡¯t you telling us, Eamon?¡±

    Eamon stayed silent as Lyra glared at him. He bowed his head and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Lyra scoffed and tossed the rag at him. ¡°Yeah, me too.¡± Before leaving and slamming the door behind her.

    Eamon didn¡¯t call her back either.

 Part Five

    <sub>Month of Solara, 3rd Day of Ventis</sub>

    Waking up the following day, Lyra and Eamon were at the Ashen Vanguard guild and waiting for their Master to finish with the other students. Half a dozen men and women were in white-robed Gi, sparring with one another.

    ¡°Good, you both are prompt and on time. Are you ready?¡± he asked, walking over to them.

    ¡°Yes, Master.¡± They both said in unison. However, their rigid posture and distance gave away that something was amiss.

    Ealdred¡¯s thick brow raised, and he looked between the two, sensing the tension in the air. ¡°What happened?¡±

    Eamon was about to answer him, but Lyra spoke first.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Master. Just a bit unsettled after the Chancellor¡¯s announcement.¡±

    The students¡¯ powerful cries were emulated throughout the guild¡¯s building, followed by the clanking their wooden weapons, which they used to spar.

    Ealdred hummed. ¡°Yes, the Harmony Taxation Act. How are you feeling about that?¡±

    Though Ealdred spoke generally, he looked at Eamon, who shuffled from the stare. Lyra caught the movement but looked away, arms crossed.

    Eamon answered him, clearing his throat first, ¡°Still processing, Master. What will our task be today?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure Lyra already guessed. You¡¯ll be doing your communicating duties as a Locksmith. There''s been a bit of unrest since yesterday, and we must ensure that any disarray within the people is quelled. We must not just close Rifts but keep an eye out for any.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Master,¡± They said.

    Both Eamon and Lyra grabbed their weapons and left the guild.

    ???

    ¡°Where to first?¡± Eamon asked, following closely behind. He heard her mumble, ¡®I thought you were my senior.¡¯

    A snark response fell past Lyra¡¯s pursed lips. ¡°We¡¯ll be going to Sylvanbrook¡¯s town center. With that morning''s announcement, you can bet there will be quite the chatter among the locals.¡±

    Eamon wanted to ask Lyra if she was alright, but it wasn¡¯t the time or place. They only had to walk down a straight path to Sylvanbrook¡¯s town center.

    The smell of buttery and warm bread wafted up Eamon¡¯s nose when they approached ¡®Jenkins Bakery & Goods.¡¯

    ¡°Morning, Mr. Jenkins. How¡¯s everything?¡± Lyra asked when she approached the window.

    A middle-aged man with wavy brown hair, wearing an apron, beamed at her.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re just in luck. I made a fresh loaf this morning, and I figured you¡¯d be going around town for your task as timely as ever your grandfather is.¡±

    As he wrapped the steaming loaf, Lyra leaned over the stall¡¯s table¡ªMr¡ªJenkins caught sight of Eamon.

    ¡°Eh? New Locksmith? I''ve never seen him around. Are you in training, young man?¡±

    Lyra smirked. She enjoyed the fact Mr. Jenkins thought he was under her tutelage.

    Eamon figured no one would recognize him. His black hair was usually short, past his ear, and his brown eyes had a dull, expressive look.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Mr. Jenkins. It¡¯s me, Eamon Ashbourne.¡±

    The man¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Eamon? As in Eldred¡¯s boy and prot¨¦g¨¦?¡±

    Lyra rolled her eyes. She bit into the flaky, warm bread he had handed her. She leaned against the side of the wood.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you since, well¡­ you know.¡± Mr. Jenkins stumbled over his words, not wanting to trigger any traumatic memories or incidents.

    ¡°¡­Yes, that.¡± Eamon, too, shared his uneasiness in regaling the memories.

    Neither wanted to bring up the Empire or the military.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, but I¡¯m back permanently.¡± He huffed out the last part, hoping to change the subject.

    The man laughed. Relief washed over him. ¡°Good, good! It was always a delight to have you roaming into town. You were always willing to help anyone, even beyond your Locksmith duties. Why, when you left, Lyra declared she¡¯d take up the mantle you left and that you¡¯d be proud of her when you returned.¡±

    Lyra almost choked on the bread, her face turning red. Eamon¡¯s eyes widened. He was just as surprised that even as she got older, she looked up to him and sought his approval.

    That¡¯s probably not the case now. He thought somberly.

    ¡°So, uh,¡± Lyra cleared her throat after recovering. She rubbed it, hoping to push down the clump of bread lodged there. ¡°We came here to ask about the announcement. You know, keep the peace to make sure people are managing.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    With the mention of the announcement, Jenkins'' face turned sour. ¡°Aye, you can say that. Folks are either unnerved, curious, or aren¡¯t bothered, but you can see from the crowds that people are talking among themselves about it.¡±

    ¡°And what about you?¡± Eamon asked.

    Jenkins sighed. He folded his hands together. ¡°To tell you the truth, I¡¯m just not so sure about these new taxes. Sure, the Chancellor says it¡¯s for our protection, but will it make a difference? And what about the Locksmiths? They¡¯ve always been there for us, and to hear him boast about his military and bring up the tragedy? It just doesn''t sit right with me.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon glanced at one another, and an unspoken thought of sympathy for the man was shared between them.

    ¡°But don¡¯t take my word at face value; plenty of folks have opinions on what unity could mean for them.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Jenkins. You were a big help,¡± Lyra said, bowing her head and stepping away from the stall.

    Mr. Jenkins nodded. He turned to Eamon and said, ¡°And welcome back.¡±

    They walked away from the bakery. Eamon turned to Lyra, ¡°Where to next?¡±

    Not far from the bakery was a farmer¡¯s stall selling fresh produce at the exit leading to the farmland of Sylvanbrook.

    A brunette-haired woman with a fair tan complexion called out to customers as they passed. A few customers stopped by and handed her round, durable alloy currency: a copper and silver Denarius.

    Lyra and Eamon stepped into line. They were up next.

    ¡°Lyra! It¡¯s good to see you.¡± She beamed at her with a broad smile. ¡°Here to pick up a grocery list for your mother?¡±

    ¡°Not today, Ava. I¡¯m on Locksmith duty.¡± She whispered the last part.

    Ava nodded, knowing that her job as a Locksmith was kept secret from her mother finding out. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s about yesterday¡¯s announcement, yes?¡± Lyra nodded. ¡°But first, who¡¯s this strapping young man? Are you already courting Lyra? You are of the age, and he is quite the looker.¡±

    Lyra¡¯s cheeks had been red before, but Eamon¡¯s was even redder by the woman¡¯s words.

    ¡°Why does everyone keep saying that?¡± Lyra exclaimed. She smacked her palm against her forehead. ¡°No. No. You already know him, Ava. This is Eamon.¡±

    Ava, too, looked surprised. ¡°Ealdred¡¯s boy? Well, I¡¯ll be. It¡¯s been four years since you left at eighteen. How old are you now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve only turned twenty-one a few months ago, Ma¡¯am.¡±

    Ava laughed, slamming her palm on the wooden table. ¡°Ha, Ma¡¯am! You were always the polite stickler for titles, and you still are. Those bloody Imperials ain¡¯t turn you, thank Lumos.¡±

    Eamon nervously chuckled.

    ¡°Lyra, I approve even more. You always wanted to be around Eamon when you were little, and now Lumos¡¯ blessing has aligned you two again.¡±

    Lyra slapped her hand to her face once more, mumbling, ¡°This can¡¯t be happening.¡±

    Though Eamon enjoyed Lyra being teased, he, too, was experiencing secondhand embarrassment, and he prayed to Lumos that she wouldn¡¯t tell tales about him.

    ¡°Actually, that reminds me!¡± Ava practically shouted, making some heads turn to her. ¡°I remember when you were a young boy, and you wanted to go out to the fields and pick some orchids for Lyra¡¯s birthday.¡±

    Eamon¡¯s eyes widened, and Lyra looked at him with a raised brow.

    He cleared his throat. ¡°We came to ask you something, Ava.¡± Hoping to change the subject before she revealed anything more.

    They briefly summarized their tasks for the day, which included asking the townsfolk what they thought about the new Harmony Taxation Act.

    ¡°Ah, well, I don¡¯t mind the taxes much. It helps keep those Veilspawns away, yeah? Then it¡¯s worth it. But they better not forget about us farmers. We work hard to feed this country.¡±

    They thanked Ava and went to their next destination before she could regale them with more stories from their childhood.

    ¡°Never thought I would have been missed like that.¡± Eamon truthfully said. He always thought people would shun him or look at him with betrayal.

    Lyra hummed, looking at him, wondering why he had such a negative thought like that. ¡°What do you mean? Once a Sylvanbrook, always a Sylvanbrook. No matter if you donned the enemy''s garments.¡±

    Eamon looked at her. ¡°So you don¡¯t hate me?¡± She raised a brow, confused, so he explained in more detail, ¡°You left pretty quick yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­that.¡± She was silent for a moment. ¡°It¡¯s¡­complicated.¡± She eyed him and smirked, repeating what he had told her.

    Eamon let his smile meet his eyes. It was the first time they had a sincere conversation.

    The clanking of metals and hammers brought them out of their trance. They were led to the blacksmith¡¯s shop. A woman with an ebony complexion and locs pulled back by a scarf was hammering a broad piece of metal.

    ¡°Erhm, sorry to bother you, Fiona.¡±

    Fiona didn¡¯t look up as she continued smashing hammer to iron. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sorry, Lyra, and you too, Eamon, by chance?¡±

    Eamon was the one surprised this time. ¡°Oh, how¡¯d you know?¡±

    Fiona chuckled. ¡°A blacksmith has to have a good memory, see. And even if you¡¯ve grown taller and your hair longer, you can¡¯t wash away Sylvanbrook from your blood.¡±

    Lyra elbowed him with a grin. ¡°Told you.¡±

    ¡°Now, what do I owe you the pleasure?¡±

    They explained how they asked townsfolk about their feelings toward Chancellor Viktor¡¯s announcement.

    Fiona grunted. She briefly stopped her hammering. ¡°Taxes, Taxes, Taxes. It¡¯s all anyone ever talks about now and will do for the coming days.¡± She shook her head, hand on one hip and gripping her hammer in her other hand. ¡°I¡¯m more concerned about the rumors of the military taking over Locksmiths¡¯ duties. Can they do the same job? And it still doesn¡¯t sit right with me about the Veilfall tragedy. Veilspawns got there first? Where were the Locksmiths? They¡¯ve never let death happen, but the minute the Imperial military comes around, there are?¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°Just don¡¯t sit right with me. But I¡¯m getting distracted; I¡¯m sorry, kids,¡± she said, preparing to return to work. ¡°Was that all you needed?¡±

    ¡°Oh, no, no, we understand!¡± Lyra waved her hands enthusiastically.

    Eamon bowed slightly. ¡°Thank you for giving us your time.¡±

    They walked away from the blacksmith and stood in the center by the fountain.

    Lyra crossed her arms. ¡°Rumors, huh? I did get the impression that Mr. Jenkins said that the Chancellor was boasting about the military.¡±

    Eamon nodded. ¡°And the tragedy seemed to be used as a sympathy card, I¡¯m guessing.¡±

    Lyra hummed, rubbing her chin. ¡°Let¡¯s go further into the business district, west of here.¡±

    Eamon nodded, following her lead.

 Part Six

    There was a stark contrast to Sylvanbrook¡¯s town, from their significant hubs and commodities like the hospital¨Cwhere Lyra¡¯s mother worked¨C an inn and tavern, the Lumos Churchyard, and a schoolhouse where they taught mass.

    ¡°Any specific place to go first?¡± Eamon asked her.

    Someone called them before Lyra told him to avoid the hospital.

    A young man in his mid-thirties with short brown hair and freckles adorning his cheeks approached them as he pushed his glasses further up his nose.

    ¡°Lyra, is that you?¡±

    Lyra bowed to the young man. ¡°Brother Samuel, it¡¯s good to see you well.¡±

    He smiled. ¡°Likewise. I don¡¯t see you too often now that you¡¯ve graduated from St. Lumos¡¯ grad school. Are you off visiting your mother?¡±

    Lyra pressed her lips together. ¡°Not exactly.¡±

    Brother Samuel raised his brow, sensing that she might have been hiding something.

    Eamon wasn¡¯t sure how many people knew of Lyra being a Locksmith; there had to be a few people in town, but he couldn¡¯t be sure of the nature of what she kept from certain people.

    ¡°She¡¯s helping me,¡± Eamon interjected himself into the conversation. Samuel turned in his direction. ¡°I¡¯m a Locksmith training under Master Ealdred Ashbourne. My name is Eamon.¡±

    Samuel gaped at the name. ¡°So you¡¯re Eamon. I¡¯ve heard from past teachers that you were an astute student. You knew Lumos¡¯ teachings from memory; bravo, I must say.¡±

    Eamon grinned. He hoped the man wouldn¡¯t ask him to recite anything as most of Lumos¡¯ teaching had faded from his memory.

    Samuel chuckled. He was sensing the young man''s nervousness. ¡°Don¡¯t fret. I wasn¡¯t going to quiz you, goodness no. That wouldn¡¯t be quite what Lumos would do, would she?¡±

    Eamon sighed. He was thankful for this man¡¯s kind insight.

    ¡°Brother Samuel is kind like that. He doesn¡¯t bug you and was always patient with me throughout my days in mass.¡± Lyra told Eamon. She mentally recounted the days of her youth.

    Samuel sheepishly smiled, rubbing the back of his head. ¡°You flatter me, Lyra. You were one of my curious learners. However, you tend to get distracted easily. I always knew Lumos had great things for you as a Locksmith.¡± His eyes were directed to the sword perched on her back.

    Lyra flinched. She realized she was caught red-handed with her sword, Riftblade, postured on her back, giving her away. She sighed. Stupid, Stupid. If my mother saw this¡­

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Samuel leaned forward and whispered, bringing Lyra¡¯s eyes to his smiling ones. ¡°I¡¯ve always known, and I know your mother isn¡¯t keen on it, but you''ll be safe and vigilant under your grandfather¡¯s tutelage and Lumos¡¯ watchful gaze.¡±

    A sigh of relief left Lyra¡¯s lips. ¡°Thank you, Brother Samuel.¡±

    ¡°And if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Eamon added. ¡°Can we ask you your thoughts on the announcement yesterday?¡±

    Samuel¡¯s smile wavered, and his eyes filled with worry. ¡°I¡¯ve heard children in my classroom start talking about joining the military when they grow up.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I remember the days before I came to Sylvanbrook when children wanted to be Locksmiths and peacekeepers. Even Custodians were well accepted. Now the military is all they talk about, and it doesn¡¯t help that half the broadcast is catered to propaganda ¡®what the military can bring out of you.¡¯¡±

    Eamon recoiled. He, too, had been enticed by those same messages as a youth.

    ¡°I just hope they understand the gravity of it all. War is no game.¡±

    Samuel¡¯s Voxlink beeped, and he removed the giant machine and looked at the screen. ¡°And I should get going. I told my husband I¡¯d only be a minute. He¡¯s probably at the market where I left him.¡±

    Lyra smiled. ¡°Then we won¡¯t keep you. Give my regards to Mr. Roland.¡±

    ¡°And thank you for your time,¡± Eamon said after.

    Samuel waved to them, leaving the two.

    ¡°Well,¡± Eamon turned to her. ¡°It seems we¡¯re getting a fair bit of consensus. People are indifferent or concerned; thankfully, no one has lost their cool.¡±

    ¡°Which is a good thing. Come on, let¡¯s check one more place.¡±

    They headed for the Inn and Tavern.

    A woman with stringy red hair was sitting at the bar''s front table. She was wiping down the table when her piercing green eyes saw them.

    ¡°Well, Lyra, I hope you ain¡¯t ¡®ere to drink since you cannae legally drink, yet. So you mussa be on Locksmith duty.¡±

    Lyra nodded. She sat on the stool. Eamon sat next to her. ¡°Hey, Clarice. I''m asking the locals their thoughts on the Chancellor¡¯s announcement.¡±

    ¡°Oh good, Lumos, that. Boy, I had almost to call the guild cause ¡®er fight almost broke out. It was madness yesterday.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, ma¡¯am,¡± Eamon said, leaning forward with his hands on the table. ¡°If we could ask your thoughts and those of your patrons?¡±

    Clara raised her brow at him. ¡°Who¡¯s the cutie? Lyra Ashbourne, are you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t go there, Clarice!¡± the woman grinned like a sly cat. ¡°He¡¯s a Locksmith too. It¡¯s Eamon.¡±

    Clarice¡¯s lips spread into an O shape. ¡°Oh, lil¡¯ Eamon? Well, not lil¡¯ no more. How yer been? I heard yer left for the¡ª¡±

    From the corner of Clarice¡¯s eye, Lyra shook her head.

    ¡°Ah, but anyway,¡± She waved her hand through the air. ¡°youse did come all the way ¡®ere to regale stories. So my thoughts¡­ well, I have heard some of the local and visiting guests say that folks ¡®have already begun protesting this tax. It¡¯s getting tense out there. I think that announcing it like that with the tragedy''s anniversary and all was insensitive and presumptuous. The Chancellor wantin¡¯ brownie points for something that should already be: citizens protection.¡±

    She shook her head.

    ¡°Imma just hopin¡¯ to Lumos that chaos donna spill over more in our peaceful town. Now there¡¯s always Rifts appearing close to every other day now.¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Taking in what Clarice said, they thanked her and, again, with her permission, asked the people in the tavern their thoughts.

    A man in a long robe was reading the paper and looked up at them. From his long-sleeved cloaked garment, he was from the Valerian Republic.

    Eamon spoke first. ¡°Sorry to disturb you, sir, but we¡¯re Locksmiths asking people their thoughts on Chancellor Viktor Radovinov¡¯s announcement.¡±

    The man dropped his paper a few inches, so they made eye contact. ¡°Locksmiths, you say? From the Ashen Vanguard taught by the Sentinel Riftbreaker?¡± Speaking of their master¡¯s renowned title to the public.

    Lyra nodded. ¡°One and the same. Did you come from the Republic to meet him?¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°You have a sharp eye, young lady. Yes, the College of Lumos is by far prestigious and holds the greatest minds ever taught, but having Ealdred Ashbourne teach there is a dream. Did you know the College offered him a position once? They¡¯re still hoping he says yes, and that was five, ten, and twenty years ago! So imagine my surprise when I finally hear where Ealdred has been, and in a quaint, quiet town, no less. I¡¯ve had my digression at first, but it¡¯s such a breath of fresh air from the bustling metropolis of the Republic¡ªOh, but goodness, I''ve blabbered too long and not even introduced myself. I¡¯m Jacob Hoff, a scholar at the College training to be a Custodian.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Jacob. If you don¡¯t mind, could you answer a question for us?¡±

    So, they repeated what their task was to the soon-to-be Custodian.

    ¡°Oh, that was something, and the Republic is always up and up with what the Empire is doing.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve been hearing about other countries'' revolutions, not just because of this morning. People call it the Chancellor¡¯s Curse.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon tilted their heads. ¡°The Chancellor¡¯s Curse?¡±

    Jacob nodded. ¡°Every so often, a Chancellor makes life hard for the people, mainly the common folk. Chancellor Viktor might have been the first to sway people with bribes of land and money, but people are skeptics. If the Chancellor is sincere about improving things, this taxation may be a step in the right direction. We don¡¯t need any more trouble¡ªthe Republic already has to deal with rebel groups¡ªlet Lumos be our strength and make us ever vigilant.¡±

    They said their regards before ending their investigation and the day and heading back to the guild to let Ealdred know what they had discovered from the townsfolk.

    However, as they returned to town, they noticed the red smoke in the air. Without hesitation, Eamon and Lyra sprung into action toward the mist where the Rift was located at the edge of Sylvanbrook across the bridge.

    The Rift was a tear in the air that made blue lightning sparks come out of it.

    The two of them stopped, staggered by the strange Rift before them.

    ¡°What in the world is that?¡± Eamon asked Lyra. He was sure that she would have an idea what it was.

    Lyra unsheathed her weapon. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m going to close it one way or another¡ªdo you have my back?¡±

    Eamon drew his weapons, smirking. ¡°You don¡¯t even have to ask.¡±

    Two Veilspawns with unusual glowing blue eyes and blue electricity coursing through its body. Something was off about these Veilspawns. Slowly, they appeared one by one.

    ¡°Radiant Smash!¡± Lyra shouted and jumped midway in the air with Riftblade above her head. She brought it down to the ground and apart in large dirt mounds as shreds of elemental Essentia burst from the sword.

    The Veilspawn that had grouped in the area were destroyed upon impact.

    One Veilspawn, who the blast hadn¡¯t caught, darted across the fields at increasing speeds toward the Rift.

    ¡°Oh no, you don¡¯t!¡± Eamon called out.

    Eamob darted for the Veilspawn and smacked the shadowy creature with the broad end of the metal sticks. The enemy staggered, leaving it open for Eamon to smash it again.

    From the corner of his eye, he noticed three more of the strange blue crystallized Veilspawn surrounding him.

    What are these things? Are they really Veilspawn? Their power level¡­ feels increasingly different than usual. ¡°Uh, anytime, Lyra?¡± he called out to her as he dodged the talon claws of two Veilspawn, ducking his head out of the way just as a flying, shadowy Veilspawn swooped down to tear his face off with its talons.

    ¡°I¡¯m coming!¡± Lyra shouted. She stood in front of the Rift with her palm and called upon the incantation to seal the Rift: ¡°From darkness bound, to the light we¡¯re sworn, by Lumos¡¯ grace this Rift be sewn. With knowledge deep and will so strong, we seal the breach where shadows throng.¡±

    Unlike the usual Rifts that closed shut after the incantation was spoken, this one rippled and warped. Even the Veilspawn reacted to it with a shudder. Lyra gaped at what was happening. Eamon, too, felt discomfort from the Veilspawn¡¯s reaction, and his gut twisted when the Rift started to twist into itself and expand suddenly, without warning.

    ¡°Lyra, watch out!¡±

    He ran to her and propelled his body on top, shielding her. They fell to the ground together when the Rift imploded on itself and exploded, with the Veilspawns in tow.

    Smoke had settled around the field, and Lyra sat up and coughed. Her face and curls were caked with dirt.

    ¡°Eamon!¡± she frantically shouted, spinning around where she sat on the ground. A figure''s body sat up from the dust cloud.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright. I¡¯m here,¡± he said through bits of coughing and choking from the dust in his lungs.

    She touched her chest and sighed with relief. As the dust faded away, Lyra, too, could see Eamon¡¯s tanned complexion dusty brown from the dirt mist.

    ¡°What was that? That wasn¡¯t like any Rift I¡¯ve seen or closed. Did you see it had electricity coming from it?¡±

    Eamon nodded. He stood to his feet and then helped Lyra stand. ¡°Yeah, then it rippled and imploded when we closed it. That wasn¡¯t a normal Rift I¡¯ve ever seen either.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back and tell Master Ealdred¡ªOh my Lumos, Eamon, you¡¯re bleeding!¡±

    Lyra reached out and hovered her hand over his back, where his shirt was ripped and exposed, seeping red gashes.

    Eamon looked behind him and shrugged. ¡°Eh, no big deal. I¡¯ve had worse.¡±

    Lyra rolled her eyes. So much for being worried. ¡°Good grief. That¡¯s how people wind up dead, thinking it¡¯s nothing. We don¡¯t know what that Rift was, so let¡¯s get you checked out at the guild. Do you hear me, Mister?¡±

    Eamon¡¯s eyes widened, and he smiled. Seeing how much she cared about his well-being and did not hate his guts made his heart skip a few beats. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±

    Lyra twisted her lip to the side. ¡°And what¡¯s with that grin anyway? I¡¯m serious, Eamon.¡± She said as she chastised him back to town.

    ???

    They returned to the guild and told Master Ealdred what people were expressing about the taxes, the military, and the strange Rifts with a weird electromagnetic lightning frequency that made the peculiar blue-eyed Veilspawn.

    Ealdred rubbed his chin in thought as he sat at his desk. He had never seen something like that before. The strange Rifts were an enigma, but he was glad the town wasn¡¯t in chaos because of the announcement.

    ¡°Good job, you two. People seem to be still processing the Chancellor¡¯s message, but as for the change in Rifts. I will contact an associate to see if they can clarify some things. You both are dismissed for the day.¡±

    Eamon didn¡¯t move. ¡°Forgive me, Master, but we never heard your thoughts.¡±

    Lyra turned her attention to her grandfather, curious to know his thoughts.

    Ealdred sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the rise and fall of Chancellors and leaders throughout my lifetime, and Chancellor Viktor¡¯s promises of change echo like those of his predecessors. I know better than to take everything at face value. The Sanctum of Lumos and the Locksmiths have always been the true protectors of this land, but I¡¯m concerned about the rumors of the military taking over our duties. Locksmithing isn¡¯t just about closing Rifts; it¡¯s about maintaining the balance between our world and the Veilspawn realm and safeguarding humanity. It¡¯s a responsibility that goes beyond politics and power.¡±

    He stood up from his chair and walked toward them, standing a foot away from them with a hardened determination in his eyes that made the two of them stand straighter.

    ¡°Lyra, Eamon, you two are but one of many hopes for the future, and you, and all Locksmith, are to be true to the cause as the protectors of the realm, no matter the challenge ahead.¡±

    They didn¡¯t know what Ealdred was thinking then, but their hearts were the same. It didn¡¯t matter what a person thought; all Locksmiths swore to the same thing. That was why Lumos and the Wellsprings blessed them with the power to save humanity.

    It was their solemn oath and duty that they¡¯d live and die for if it ever came to that. Ealdred wanted them to be ready for anything because he knew the worst would soon be approaching.

 Part Seven

    <sub>The month of Solara, the 10th day of Solariel</sub>

    After a week of patrolling Sylvanbrook and attending various quests, Lyra and Eamon had settled into a rhythm. Though at times there were arguments, they were pretty attuned with the others'' fighting style.

    As for news of the Harmony Tax Act, some had grown more accustomed to it and didn¡¯t want to cause unwanted discourse with the Empire and military. Others were starting to speak out and making pamphlets with propaganda messages to ¡®break free¡¯ from the Empire''s rules. It was still a long way off, but sparks were the beginning of a revolution.

    However, one thing remained elusive: the mysterious Rifts. They had been getting stronger and were now causing a disturbance with no apparent solution.

    Lyra was at home, getting ready for the day, when her mother, Eida, stood at the doorway.

    ¡°I made some breakfast if you want any.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mom,¡± Lyra said, grabbing her knapsack. ¡°I¡¯ll be down to grab a bite before I go.¡±

    Her mother¡¯s eyes squared, sighing. She knew where she was going off to. ¡°How long are you going to be at that guild?¡±

    Lyra twisted her lip, giving her mother a similar lidded look. Really? ¡®That¡¯ guild? ¡°I¡¯m helping my grandfather and get paid for it.¡±

    It was through guild missions, but she didn¡¯t need to know that.

    Eida shook her head. ¡°Maybe you can get a job at the hospital or the school and be a clergyperson.¡±

    Lyra sighed. This was how usual conversations went. ¡°I just don¡¯t like staying in one place. That isn¡¯t me. I want to move around. Being at the guild, I¡¯m more than busy.¡±

    Her mother crossed her arms. ¡°And so is working at the hospital or even the Tavern and Inn.¡± Lyra¡¯s brows rose at her mother''s statement. ¡°Don¡¯t give me that look, you know what I mean. You need stability, Lyra and the guild¡­ well, it isn¡¯t it, and now, with the Harmony Tax being in effect, there won¡¯t be a need for the guild anymore when the military¨C¡±

    Lyra deeply frowned, appalled her mother would even say such a thing. ¡°I¡¯m not so hungry anymore.¡± She tightened her hand on her straps, squeezed by her mother, and left the doorway.

    Eida called back to her in the hall, halting Lyra¡¯s movement. ¡°It¡¯s time to think seriously about your life, Lyra. You aren¡¯t getting any younger. You should think more about your future, not a fleeting moment.¡±

    Lyra wrinkled her nose, mumbling, ¡°And end up hating everything in a dead-end job.¡±

    ¡°What was that young lady?¡± her mother¡¯s footsteps echoed behind her. ¡°Use your words audibly, like I know you can.¡±

    Lyra sighed. Her shoulders slumped. ¡°The guild. Locksmiths. They have been our protectors for a long time, Mom.¡± Her eyes grew warm, trying to keep them from bursting into tears. ¡°They care about the people and make sure we¡¯re protected, sometimes for no pay, but it¡¯s because they want to see humanity thrive. But now that¡¯s being taken away because of the military, and we all see what happens when any governing power calls the shots.¡±

    ¡°Lyra, things need to happen for things to change. I¡¯m sorry, but¨C¡±

    Lyra snapped around to face her mother. The tears she had held back burst from her eyes and trailed down her cheek. ¡°You¡¯re sorry? Things are starting to change fast, and maybe not all for the better. The military isn¡¯t as cracked up as you think, and I¡¯m sure that¡¯s why Eamon left.¡±

    Eida gaped. Her eyes were wide with surprise. ¡°Eamon? That boy you¡¯d follow everywhere as a kid? He¡¯s back? Wait, was that who I heard that day? Lyra, I swear to Lumos if you¨C¡±

    Lyra smacked her hands over her ears. Her face burned. ¡°Oh, my Lumos. Mom, stop!¡± Making her mother jump. ¡°Everything is more black and white than the shades of gray you see the world as. One moment, you want me to be older, but then you''ll turn back around and remind me: ¡®I¡¯m a kid and won¡¯t understand.¡¯ I understand perfectly and know when something isn¡¯t right. I know when things need to change or not, but I also know that sometimes you can¡¯t sit idly by and let that change happen¨CThat you know in your gut is wrong. Dad understood that and why he dedicated his life to ensuring the people have a voice, a home, and a way of life.¡±

    Her mother bristled. Her brows furrowed as her own shared brown eyes were glassy. ¡°And where is your father now? That¡¯s right, buried with his beliefs because he¡¯s¨C¡±

    ¡°Dead. I know that!¡± Lyra shouted with her arms spread out. ¡°Everyone knows, but they don¡¯t shun him for what he did, and they remember him what he did and talk highly of him. You¡¯re the only one who would rather keep him buried instead of celebrating all he¡¯s done.¡±

    Her mother started laughing, but it was shaky. She held no humor in her voice, nor did the pull of her lips reach her eyes. ¡°All he¡¯s done?¡± Stepping toward her daughter with a gait in her step. Lyra went rigid but stood her ground as the two women faced off.

    ¡°Do you even know what it was like being the wife of a Locksmith? It was lonely, Lyra. They could be gone for days, weeks, or months at a time, and back then, we didn¡¯t have the Voxlink to communicate. Sure, he wrote letters, but I needed him here, so while he was out helping people, he forgot his own back home. Did you know he missed your birth? He came back weeks later.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know. Grandpa told me he tried getting regular local jobs.¡±

    Her mother crossed her arms. ¡°And that didn¡¯t last long because he was back to moving around, never staying still, and always on the move. Never being able to stay focused for too long.¡±

    ¡°And you don¡¯t think he tried, Mom?¡± she shouted, her palms out. ¡°You know what Grandpa told me once? That dad felt like the worst husband and father because his mind was always in different places, though his heart was with you. He knew that he had a duty to you, me, but also the world. He tried getting a stable job in town, but staying in one place was exhausting, constantly distracted by the news and his wayward thoughts.¡±

    Her mother¡¯s shoulders became less cinched through her daughter''s words as she took in her daughter''s words. Seeing the hardened and desperate layer behind her wide eyes reminded her so much of her late husband.

    ¡°Mom, he was miserable but never wanted to show you he was incapable or weak, so he put on a smile and masked it.¡±

    Eida was silent as the final nail in the coffin hit, striking her in the chest and making her flinch. Tears filled her eyes. ¡°So what? Is it my fault?¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Lyra shook her head. She was panicking, seeing her mother suddenly break. ¡°No, Mom. It¡¯s no one''s fault, but you can¡¯t let fear, uncertainty, and complacency dictate your life. That¡¯s how you become stagnant. It made you push Daddy away, not on purpose, but because society never prepared people for how to go about life. It just tells you to do this and accept that it stopped you from joining the theater at Crystalline State.¡± Her mother¡¯s eyes blinked away the tears, hearing about the past and what she had dreamed about for years. ¡°I can¡¯t let what Chancellor Viktor is doing just go, and so many others can¡¯t do anything about it.¡±

    ¡°And what do you expect to do to speak out then?¡±

    This was it. It¡¯s time to stop hiding behind my fear and uncertainty.

    ¡°I have to try, mama. I know you want what¡¯s best for me and have sacrificed a lot to ensure I¡¯m provided for, but I can¡¯t stay in Sylvanbrook. I need to travel and explore, and I can help so many more people with what I am doing now¡­ as a Locksmith, like Dad.¡±

    Lyra let the truth sink in so her mother would understand. When it finally did, her face paled and was void of emotion¡ªa reaction Lyra didn¡¯t expect. She felt a sharp pain rush through her.

    ¡°I should get to work; it¡¯s an early rush day.¡± Eida¡¯s words were stonewalled and flat. She walked past Lyra, who looked pained by her mother¡¯s brush-off.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Lyra croaked out.

    Her mother stopped but didn¡¯t turn around. She wasn''t sure how to think or feel about her daughter''s revelation. Deep down, she felt betrayed, but most importantly, she couldn''t help but feel like she failed.

    ¡°If you can just clean up the kitchen and store the food away before you head out¡­thank you, sweetie.¡± The last part of her words were dry-like. Eifa continued down the hall and steps, leaving Lyra standing alone.

    ???

    Lyra entered the guild a little later as Eamon was waxing the floor. He sat up when he spotted her. He joked, ¡°Hey, I thought you would leave me with all the chores¡­Lyra? Lyra, are you okay?¡± He jumped to his feet, tossing the rag to the floor, seeing her cinched posture, tightened fists, and quivering lips. What made him think something was wrong was the tears that brimmed her eyes as they ran down her cheeks and under her chin.

    He approached her, closing the gap between them. ¡°Lyra, what happened?¡±

    Lyra parted her lips, mustering the strength to speak, looking everywhere but at him.¡°I¡­I told my mom I was a Locksmith. How I couldn¡¯t stay in one place, and while it¡¯s no one¡¯s fault, why did Dad choose to be a Locksmith? I think¡­she thinks she failed and hates what I am, that she couldn¡¯t try hard enough to sway my thoughts from wanting to be a Locksmith.¡±

    Eamon frowned. Without thinking, he swept Lyra into his arms in a tight hug. The gesture surprised Lyra, who was caught off guard by the embrace.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t say that.¡± His whispers muffled into her ear. ¡°Your mother doesn¡¯t think you¡¯re a failure or hates you.¡±

    Lyra squinted her eyes as the tears flowed and blurred her vision.

    ¡°Mothers¡­least from my faded memories, want what¡¯s best for their children and will try to stray them on a path they think will lead to less heartache and failure because they want to shield us; that¡¯s what mothers are, protectors. In a way, they are similar to Locksmiths: A duty to their family.¡±

    He tightened his hold on her.

    ¡°Just give her time to process it all. She will realize that sometimes children have to follow their own path of mistakes, failures, and hardships, but¡­those hardships and failures can turn into successes.¡±

    Eamon thought about how Ealdred took him in and set him on the path of a Locksmith. He let him find his way when he left for the military and let him experience the hard truth for himself.

    ¡°She loves you,¡± he continued. ¡°And knows you love her too. She¡¯ll see in time that you have your path, but that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯ll forget all she¡¯s done or taught you, and you will return.¡±

    Lyra had been still in Eamon¡¯s arms, listening to his consoling words as he eased the sadness away. She buried her face into Eamon¡¯s shoulder, and he held her there. No one said anything until someone cleared their throat.

    The two pulled away from their embrace¡ªLyra hastily wiping her face¡ªto see a woman with ebony brown skin and long silver hair that fell past her waistline. Her hands were tucked into her colorful trousers, and she wore a long trench coat over a loose-fitting cotton shirt. One bright amber eye looked back at them while a worn leather eye patch covered the other eye, and she smiled at them.

    ¡°Sorry to interrupt, but do you kids know where Ealdred Ashbourne is?¡±

    Lyra sniffed, nodding. ¡°My grandfather should be in his office.¡±

    The woman¡¯s eye widened, and she stepped forward, leaning toward her, with her hands still in her pockets. ¡°Aye, you¡¯re the little Ashborune heir he¡¯s spoken about?¡±

    Lyra jumped, leaning back at the woman¡¯s proximity. ¡°Um, yes? You know my grandfather so well that he talks about me?¡±

    The woman laughed boisterously, causing only a few students to come in staring. ¡°Know him? Bah! You can basically call me your godmother. The Sentinel Riftbreaker and I go way back. We were the best duo Aurum has ever witnessed.¡±

    Eamon was the first to catch on. He nudged Lyra, whispering, ¡°Lyra, look.¡± He jutted his chin to the gilded crimson handle and leather whip at her hip, rose petals ingrained into the material.

    Lyra gaped at the weapon and then back at the woman. ¡°You¡­You¡¯re the Rosevera Whip.¡±

    ¡°Selene Blackthorn,¡± Eamon added. ¡°The fastest Locksmith around and with speeds that could rival a bullet.¡±

    She grinned with a shrug. She had heard the compliment far too many times but was otherwise used to it. ¡°The one and only, but please, call me Sly.¡±

    Overhearing the name Sly, the Rosevera Whip, the students inside crowded around her and began asking a bunch of questions until Ealdred showed up.

    ¡°Back to training!¡± Everyone scurried off to what they were supposed to be doing. ¡°I hear ruckus and commotion, and it was just an old whittled flower bursting through.¡±

    ¡°Whittled?¡± Sly barked out a laugh. ¡°Seems your eyesight isn¡¯t what it used to be, Ealdred. You¡¯re starting to gain more wrinkles since the last time we saw each other; perhaps we should duke it out and see which of us still has it.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon stepped back. They surveyed the two seasoned warriors as they stared off. Lyra marveled and was nervous to see two legends go at it. Some of the students even thought the same.

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯re going to fight?¡± Lyra whispered to Eamon.

    ¡°Hard to tell. Sly seems fired up; it¡¯s an energy I¡¯ve never felt before, and I can¡¯t get a read on Master at all, but even his aura is at a peak if you can sense it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about you, but I kinda wanna see the Rosevera Whip in action,¡± Lyra revealed with a big grin.

    ¡°Speak for yourself; even the military still awes at her. I wouldn''t know who would win. Master is an S-Rank Locksmith, the highest ranking ever, and so few have achieved it. Sly is an A-Rank but is at Master¡¯s level. Everyone still marvels and talks about their time as a duo in Aurum decades ago.¡±

    Lyra¡¯s eyes twinkled. She wanted to know more about her grandfather and Master¡¯s time. However, Sly and Ealdred burst out laughing, catching everyone off guard.

    ¡°Seems I¡¯ve stirred the pot again,¡± Sly confessed. ¡°These students of yours wanted to see a fight, but they¡¯ll be slightly disappointed.¡±

    Ealdred waved her off. ¡°Nonsense, your skills have exceeded exceptionally over the years. I¡¯m sure you can beat me.¡±

    Sly smirked. ¡°Perhaps, but an S-Rank ain¡¯t one for nothing. Even if he is an old fart, I can feel you suppressing your power even now.¡± her voice lowered, but only Lyra and Eamon heard.

    They both shuddered at the thought of the monstrous amount of Essentia and power that their Master was harboring away. They couldn¡¯t even fathom what that would feel like.

    Ealdred, unphased by his old friends boasting about his prowess, smiled. ¡°Come, let''s go into my office to speak in private. Lyra, Eamon, you too.¡±

    The two students jumped and followed after the two Senior Locksmiths.

 Part Eight

    ¡°It looks like you¡¯re doing pretty well here, old man. I never would have thought you would be the one to retire before me.¡± Sly commented and surveyed Ealdred¡¯s office with keen intrigue. ¡°Of course, once things between you and Arabella¨CLumos rest her soul¨Cgrew more serious and you proposed to her, I knew it would only be a matter of time.¡±

    Ealdred chuckled. He poured them two clear glasses of amber liquid. ¡°You were never one to stay tied down in one place, and I was coming to my peak. Then, when Bella was pregnant, I knew it was time to settle down. The timing was right, and I was getting too old to spring around as a Locksmith.¡±

    Sly snorted, taking her drink from him, and found a seat on the love chair. ¡°Old, right.¡± She let out a bellowed laugh. ¡°May I remind you again that I can still feel your essence of power, even now. Old has nothing to do with it. Besides, I prefer well-seasoned.¡±

    He took his seat, smiled, and drank. It had been too long since he had spoken with his friend like this. It reminded him of the days they¡¯d travel throughout the Lysandrian Kingdom, fighting side by side and then spending the night at a Tavern or under the stars.

    ¡°But you¡¯re right, my love is adventure. If settling down is in the future, Lumos will let me know, but for now, I¡¯ll take my comfort and time exploring relationships.¡±

    ¡°Aye. So, on to business¡­¡± Ealdred said, placing his glass down and folding his hands together. ¡°What do you make of all this?¡±

    Sly downed the last of her drink and placed it on the desk. ¡°From what you and the kids told me about the stronger-than-normal Rifts and the strange weather anomalies they cause, some areas had been hit with a power outage. Mayor Duskmire wanted me to note what¡¯s causing this, so when I received your Voxlink message, I knew it couldn¡¯t be a coincidence and had to see what was happening.¡±

    Ealdred hummed. ¡°Aye, Lyra and Eamon will happily show you where it occurred. I wish there were more I could do, Sly, truly.¡±

    Sly chuckled. ¡°Same ole¡¯ Ealdred. You do plenty, stop. Don¡¯t ever sell yourself short. You¡¯ve passed down greatness in your students, not just for Lyra, and Eamon returned for a reason.¡±

    ¡°You always know what to say, Sly. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You can thank me with another shot, and I suppose we should let the kids back in here.¡±

    Ealdred chuckled. ¡°I can see Lyra now. Let¡¯s hope she¡¯s not too annoyed.¡±

    ???

    ¡°How long are they going to be?¡± Lyra said, slumping on the wooden floor. ¡°They wanted us for five minutes, then kicked us out!¡±

    Eamon leaned against the wall, nodding in agreement. ¡°We told them what the locals said about the strange Rift.¡±

    ¡°And,¡± Lyra enunciated. ¡°How we¡¯ve been closing Rifts that have been a thousand times harder to close than normal. Can you believe these Rifts have been popping up around Lyransdrian? Even Sly agrees it isn¡¯t normal, but what¡¯s causing it?¡±

    Eamon shook his head. ¡°No clue, but it seems like both Master and Sly are concerned.¡±

    ¡°Do you think the Empire is behind this?¡± She asked, leaning forward with her arms wrapped around her legs, pulling them to her chest.

    Eamon rubbed his chin, thinking. ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s hard to say. I don¡¯t know; they don¡¯t tell lower-rank soldiers much, but something about those Rifts that cause weather and electrical disturbances seems mystical.¡±

    Lyra¡¯s brows rose. ¡°What, like the elemental Essentia we use from the Wellsprings?¡±

    He shrugged. ¡°Yes and no. Maybe. It seems old but not as pure as the Wellsprings.¡±

    Lyra couldn''t grasp what kind of power that could be. ¡°So ancient power but not as good¡­ do you think it could have something to do with the dark ages during the Primal Chaos era? That was five hundred eighty-five years ago, though; why would the Electro Rifts return now?¡±

    ¡°Maybe someone brought it back?¡±

    Lyra frowned. ¡°Yeah, but you¡¯d have to be really powerful, like an S-Rank Locksmith or a High Elder, a Primal Coven witch or a Custodian, and be as old as Saint Lumos herself to do that.¡±

    ¡°And those are the questions to ask,¡± a voice answered her.

    Lyra and Eamon looked at the doorway to see Sly and Ealdred out of the study. Lyra jumped up, and Eamon leaned off the wall.

    Sly was impressed by their young minds thinking the way they did. ¡°You both are thinking like Locksmiths, good. I will need some young minds who know what they¡¯re doing.¡±

    They looked at her, confused.

    ¡°What for?¡± Lyra asked.

    Ealdred replied afterward. ¡°Sly is going to stay in town for a few days. Since it seems the Rifts started here, she wants to investigate.¡±

    ¡°And who better to help me than Ealdred¡¯s two C-Rank Locksmiths,¡± Sly exclaimed. Her hands on her hips. ¡°That¡¯s very impressive but not surprising, given who your master is.¡±

    Lyra¡¯s jaw dropped in surprise. ¡°What! So, we get to tag along and see you in action?¡± She squeezed her fists, bouncing on her heels.

    Sly smirked, hand in one pocket. ¡°If you¡¯re lucky.¡±

    Lyra squealed. ¡°This is the best day ever!¡±

    Ealdred chuckled. ¡°Yes, well, fun aside, finish your tasks for the day while Sly checks in at the tavern, and you two can meet up with her.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to work with two students of Master Ealdred¡¯s Ashen Vanguard guild. I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±

    ???

    After finishing their daily tasks, they headed for the business district to the Tavern and Inn. To say that Lyra wasn¡¯t nervous was an understatement, as she stared in the direction of the hospital for some time.

    Eamon noticed the pinched and furrowed look on her worried face.

    ¡°Do you need a moment? Or if you want, I can handle it here.¡±

    Lyra snapped out of her thoughts, shaking her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m okay, thanks. Let¡¯s meet up with Sly.¡±

    They entered the tavern and first saw Sly flirting with the Inn Keep Clarice as she giggled at something Sly had said. From the corner of her eye, Sly spotted them. ¡°Ah, my companions made it. Now the investigation can begin.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    Lyra raised her brow. ¡°Really? You¡¯re flirting, Sly?¡±

    Sly grins. ¡°Of course. I can spare a moment to appreciate the beautiful woman Saint Lumos has placed on Aurum.¡±

    Clarice smiled, blushing. ¡°You¡¯re such a sweet talker. I bet you say this to all the women in Aurum.¡±

    Sly leaned forward on the table so they were a few inches apart. ¡°Only if it''s true because women are wonderful, amazing, beautiful creatures that should be cared for like the gems they are.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Sly¡­¡± Clarice swooned and bit her lip at her comment.

    Lyra and Eamon could see her gripping tightly onto the counter so she wouldn¡¯t tumble over.

    Eamon leaned into Lyra, whispering, ¡°Does that work often?¡±

    Lyra shrugged. ¡°Looks like it, judging by how red she is.¡±

    ¡°But, alas,¡± Sly suddenly said. ¡°Locksmith duties call. I pray Lumos shall have us meet again.¡±

    With a fateful kiss to her hand, Lyra and Eamon followed Sly out of the tavern.

    ¡°You¡¯re a real lady¡¯s lady, huh?¡± Lyra said with a grin.

    Sly chuckled. ¡°Women, men, whoever catches my attention, and I¡¯m attracted to them, and they are to me. A great smile, eyes, and personality don¡¯t matter. My soul can sense the beauty on the inside and outside.¡±

    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s profoundly deep,¡± Eamon said.

    ¡°You think so? I also write poetry in my spare time. Perhaps I¡¯ll read one to you kids. Now, where did this Rift first appear?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you,¡± Lyra said.

    Lyra took the lead and led them to the forest path where the old abandoned warehouse was located. They arrived shortly afterward.

    Sly stepped forward with her hands in her pockets, surveying the area, while Lyra and Eamon hung behind, waiting for her following instructions.

    ¡°Tell me what happened when you tried closing the Rift,¡± she asked as she stood in the doorway and rubbed the door¡¯s frame. She wanted to make sure that she thoroughly checked every nook and cranny. Her aura changed from playful to serious as her calculated eyes scanned the area for threats.

    ¡°Well, it was a lot tougher to close, like, a strong current was pushing back.¡±

    Eamon nodded. ¡°The Veilspawn¡¯s power level seemed to spike sporadically. They were craftier and had blue electricity coursing through their bodies.¡±

    Sly hummed. She walked around the side of the building, carefully observing the dilapidated vine forage wall.

    Lyra stared at what she was doing and wondered if something seemed off to her. ¡°Does that¡­ seem strange to you?¡±

    Sly nodded. ¡°Veilspawns have been reported to Saint Lumos¡¯ HQ prior, and the reports match what you said about the spawns having gotten far stronger and more aggressive. Not to mention the strange weather patterns and outages.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon glanced at each other.

    ¡°So¡­.what¡¯s causing it, you think?¡± Eamon asked.

    Sly turned to them and smirked. ¡°Now that¡¯s the million Denari question, isn¡¯t it?¡± she started to walk toward them. ¡°Let¡¯s check out that second¨C¡±

    She stopped. Eyes narrowed. Something was amiss, noticing a different kind of tension in the air.

    Eamon was the second to pick up on it: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lyra frowned, looking around. ¡°What happened? Do you sense something?¡±

    Sly pressed a finger to her lips. ¡°We¡¯re being watched.¡±

    Eamon and Lyra grew still. Instinctively, they stood back to back as they surveyed the surrounding forest. Sly¡¯s whip cracked out with lightning speed and snapped into the forest¨Cbirds jumped out and flew into the sky.

    Nothing happened.

    Eamon had his arm out protectively in front of Lyra, whose eyes were wide open, surprised by Sly¡¯s near-invisible movements.

    All grew silent. They couldn¡¯t even hear any critters or animals.

    After a moment, Lyra said, ¡°Maybe it was an animal you scared away?¡±

    Sly continued to scan the forest with narrowed eyes, but after another moment, she relaxed her posture, if only to appear that she had given up on catching the intruder off guard.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They both nodded. A slight movement caught Sly¡¯s attention, and she grinned, a twinkle in her eye.

    ¡°Got you.¡±

    With another quick snap of her whip, it struck the area Sly had directed it in. The thundering crack made Eamon and Lyra turn around. Sly¡¯s whip had captured someone in its coil.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Sly demanded. Her eyes gleamed dangerously red as she exerted her Essentia.

    The pressure made Eamon and Lyra grit their teeth as the power threatened to push them to the ground.

    The person she captured, however, had an enormous chagrin on his face, unaffected by the sheer force of power she produced.

    ¡°My, My, to think I wouldn¡¯t get caught, but you aren¡¯t A-Rank Locksmith the Rosevera Whip for nothing, are you?¡±

    Sly ground her teeth, tightening her hold around the whip¡¯s handle. She summoned thick roots from the ground to tighten around the strange person. ¡°Tell me why you were following me, and maybe I won¡¯t squeeze you till your eyes bleed.¡±

    The young man with pale white skin and windswept chestnut hair with white streaks at the roots looked down at the roots circling his legs. His emerald green eyes twinkled in amusement. ¡°Am I about to experience firsthand the Rosevera Whips Essentia? Ooh, how exciting!¡± he exclaimed, not taking the situation seriously. It was all merely a game to him.

    Lyra frowned. ¡°Hey, guy, who the heck are you? We asked you a question, and my gut assumes you¡¯re bad news.

    He grinned. His eyes widened, making Lyra shudder. He didn¡¯t have a threatening power level, but something chaotically unpredictable unsettled her.

    ¡°And your gut would be right. I¡¯d expect nothing less from the granddaughter of the famed S-Rank Ealdred Ashbourne.¡±

    Lyra bristled. ¡°How did you¡­?¡±

    Sly stood before them, blocking his view, with her arm out. ¡°Leave these kids out of it. Eamon, take Lyra and go get Ealdred.¡±

    Eamon nodded, but Lyra rejected the idea and said, ¡°Wait, we can help you!¡±

    ¡°Ooh, Ealdred Ashbourne is coming? The Sentinel Riftbreaker? Now, that is an honor, but¡­¡± With a snap of his fingers, black fire burned away Sly¡¯s whip. He was left standing in mid-air with an amused grin, seeing everyone staring in shock at the ease of his power.

    ¡°Who¡­are you?¡± Sly''s voice was more strained than before. She couldn¡¯t believe his simple fleeting power; she didn¡¯t even feel him exert a slither of it.

    The young man bowed. He was wearing a brightly colored suit jacket and breeches. A colorful light green scarf wrapped around his neck.

    ¡°I suppose I¡¯ve alluded long enough. I am Sovran #0 Finnian. The Trickster, Finn, or simply The Trickster will do. I¡¯ve been assigned to look into you from the Children of Deimos, Sly.¡±

    Everyone, including Sly, was taken aback by his comment.

    ¡°The Children of Deimos?¡±

    ¡°They supposedly had disappeared or disbanded years ago, didn¡¯t they?¡± Eamon asked.

    Sovran #0 Finnian checked his nails. A gleam in his eyes unnerved Eamon as if The Trickster knew his very soul.

    ¡°Nope!¡±

    He looked up from his fingers and glared at them. The dark tone in the Sovran¡¯s voice made him sound less friendly and more chaotic as his power surged outward. Eamon staggered, and Lyra had to plant her sword on the ground so she wouldn¡¯t be blown back. Sly crossed her arms just as his aura pushed her back an inch.

    ¡°A message from our Master: ¡®Be advised of the path you take, for once you¡¯ve crossed it, there¡¯s no going back.¡¯¡±

    Sly snapped out of her stilled movement and let out a war cry, with fast reflexes invisible to the naked eye, as she dashed across the field. She struck out her whip and struck it forward, but Finn disappeared as the whip hit the ground, creating an earth-shattering blast as a plume of dust and smoke blanketed the area.

    A chilling laughter radiated throughout the area as the three looked around for the Sovran.

    ¡°I''m afraid I overstayed my welcome¡­see you later.¡± Finn¡¯s voice echoed in the distance. ¡°You¡¯ll see the true might of the Children of Deimos, and we won¡¯t be ignored this time.¡±

    The voice was silent, leaving the three alone. Both Eamon and Lyra slowly recovered their energy.

    ¡°S-Sly?¡±

    Sly¡¯s fist tightened. She was fuming. ¡°The Trickster¡­The Children of Deimos¡­They¡¯re back.¡±

 Part Nine

    Lyra, Eamon, and Sly returned to the guild, where Sly¨Cmore level-headed¨C retold the events to Ealdred.

    He was shocked by their encounter. They haven''t been seen for so long that many thought they were mere legends. ¡°The Children of Deimos? They haven¡¯t been seen in over a decade. What are they up to now?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Sly replied. ¡°But my gut says it has something to do with the strange Rifts, and from what Sovran #0, the Trickster said, "They''ve been watching me and probably any Locksmith who''s been looking into the case.¡±

    Eamon grabbed his chin, thinking. ¡°Hmm, and we have to assume HQ doesn¡¯t know yet, maybe not even the Empire. Based on your interactions with the Trickster, the Children of Deimos won¡¯t hesitate to take out anyone who tries to interfere. No matter if they are civilians or not.¡±

    Sly nodded. ¡°Agreed. I''ll be leaving at first light. Thank you for the hospitality, old friend.¡±

    They both shook hands. A solemn look crossed Ealdred¡¯s expression, seeing his dear friend leave on short notice but knowing that it was the duty of a Locksmith. ¡°You know there is always a home for you, friend.¡±

    ¡°Wait, so you¡¯re leaving?¡± Lyra gawked. They both turned to see Lyra standing at the doorway.

    ¡°Yes. You heard and saw what the Children of Deimos could do. Their power was unlike anything I¡¯ve witnessed. Then there''s that power they possess¡­ it isn''t Wellspring related but something darker, almost primal.¡±

    Lyra straightened her back and raised her chin. She had been coming up with the words she wanted to say all day. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it all day and decided: Let me accompany you.¡±

    Both of them were shocked by her reply. Ealdred was about to say something, but Lyra raised a gentle hand. ¡°Master, Grandpa, respectfully let me interrupt you for a moment. Hear me out before you say no.¡± She tightened her fist and pressed it to her chest.

    Ealdred, seeing the seriousness in her eyes, nodded to let her continue.

    She breathed out before speaking, ¡°I know the dangers of this and even how enigmatic the Children of Deimos are. Heck, even things are going down in the Empire with the military. When I witnessed these things, my heart swelled in its chest, and yes, I was scared, but I was also furious and determined that people could sit back and let Lumos know whatever to the people of Aurum and their livelihood. I can¡¯t just sit by and let that happen.¡±

    The nerves from her body''s shakiness, her muscles'' tightness, and her heart''s thrusting dissipated. Each word became more determined, and the vigor in her voice echoed her sheer determination for her country¡¯s homeland.

    ¡°Like my father and grandfather before me, I am a Locksmith, and it isn¡¯t because of bloodline or reaching your legacy, Master. It¡¯s because this is my home, and I want to become stronger, not only to explore the untouched secrets of the world but also to protect the home where my loved ones and I live. So please, Sly, allow me to accompany you and show you my resolve as a Locksmith.¡±

    She stood there, out of breath, her chest heaving as she watched Sly and Ealdred; silence settled in the study.

    Sly chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s definitely your granddaughter, Ealdred. I can see that fire in her eyes.¡±

    ¡°Aye, I agree. Don¡¯t you, Eida?¡± And I assume you feel similarly, too, Eamon.¡±

    Lyra scrunched her brow. ¡°Huh?¡± She turned to see her mother and Eamon walking into the room. ¡°Mom? Eamon, I get. It was only a matter of time, but what are you doing here, Mom?¡±

    Her mother gripped her hands together to keep her composure steady. ¡°I read your letter.¡± She removed a piece of paper from her handbag. ¡°I thought long and hard about our conversation, and I was wrong for stifling you and making you do things because I was afraid. After your father passed, I resented his duties as a Locksmith¨C relieved I never got the power¨C but not taking chances has hindered me throughout my life because of the fear of rejection. I wanted to protect you from that danger, but the truth is¡­I can¡¯t.¡±

    Her eyes welled with tears, and as if Lyra could feel her pain, her own eyes welled with tears.

    ¡°I can steer you in the right direction, but you have to make your own path, and I shouldn¡¯t let the past dictate your future. So¡­ if you decide to leave, go and protect our home. Be the Lyra Ashbourne I know you to be.¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Lyra¡¯s voice croaked. The tears broke free. She ran to her and balled her eyes out, promising through garbled cries that she¡¯d check in so she wouldn¡¯t worry.

    Eida smiled through the tears. She kissed the top of her daughter''s head. ¡°I know you will. I¡¯m proud of you, Lyra. Your father would be proud of you.¡± Watch over our little girl, Arcumedus.

    As mother and daughter bonded through tearful hugs, the others were off to the side, moved by the scene.

    ¡°Ah, family moments. They certainly are a treasure to protect, which I will do, Ealdred,¡± Sly told him.

    ¡°I appreciate it, Sly. Truly. I know that they are both in good hands with you. Isn''t that right, Eamon?¡±

    Eamon nodded, standing beside him. ¡°That¡¯s right, Master. My resolve isn¡¯t as heartfelt as Lyra¡¯s¨C it¡¯s more personal ¨Cand I wish to get those answers and provide Lyra backup if she needs it. I know I haven¡¯t been here long, but I¡¯ve started to feel like myself since returning. So¡­thank you, Master.¡±

    Ealdred¡¯s smile reached his eyes. He placed a firm but tender grip on his shoulder and looked Eamon in the eye. ¡°You are my pupil and son. This will always be your home, no matter the decisions you make or choose. Do your best and come back home.¡±

    Eamon¡¯s own eyes blurred with tears, and they nodded. ¡°Thank you, Master¡­father. I will.¡±

    <hr>

    <sub>Month of Solara, 11th day of Stellaria (Before midday)</sub>

    Before the sun rose, Eamon and Lyra had their packs with Sly and Ealdred at the town entrance.

    ¡°Be safe, pupils of the Ashen Vanguard, for you represent Locksmiths and your guild''s name.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon bowed as they said, ¡°We will, Master!¡±

    ¡°And not only that,¡± he touched each of their shoulders. The look in his eyes twinkled. He was proud of his students, his family, and all that they accomplished and strived to be. ¡°Watch out for each other, learn from the other as you will find teachings among one another.¡±

    They looked at each other, then back to their master, and nodded. ¡°Yes, Master.¡±

    Sly clapped her hands. ¡°Alright, now that the pleasantries are over, let¡¯s move on. We have a long journey ahead of us.¡±

    ¡°Oh, and Master, Grandpa, could you¨C¡±

    Ealdred grinned. Knowing what she would say, he hugged her. ¡°I¡¯ve always looked after the both of you. My son would never forgive me if anything happened to his wife and child.¡± Lyra blinked away the tears from forming as she squeezed her grandfather back. He pulled away, hands on her shoulder; she had to wipe away her tears hurriedly.

    ¡°Now go and explore the world; be the Locksmith I know you to be.¡±

    With one last goodbye, they left Sylvanbrook behind.

    ???

    The trio traveled along the dirt road, further away from the town. Lyra knew this because she was starting to see more Fiends. These monsters were similar to animals¨C in terms of features and characteristics¨Cbut were far more vicious and unpredictable. However, they were not a threat like Veilspawn and did not care too much for humans unless provoked.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    Locksmiths and explorers received quests to exterminate monsters that strayed too close to civilization or for their material.

    ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± Eamon said, nudging her slightly to get her attention. ¡°You haven¡¯t talked much for several miles.¡±

    Lyra looked at him with a smile, but it did not reach her eyes.

    ¡°No, everything is fine. This is my first time leaving home. I¡¯m just nervous, I think.¡±

    ¡°Nervousness is good.¡± They looked ahead to where Sly had taken the lead. ¡°It makes you rationalize decisions and hyper-aware of your surroundings, especially if mastered properly. I have not met one person in all my life who said they weren¡¯t nervous; that is how you know your feeling is the right path for you. Then that nervousness will turn to confidence over time.¡±

    ¡°You think so?¡± Lyra grabbed the straps of her bag¡ªa swirling pull of excitement centered in her gut.

    Sly looked partially behind her and grinned. ¡°Oh, I know so, and the best way to get into the ebb and flow is by honing your craft. How about a bit of training? You said you wanted to get stronger.¡±

    Lyra bobbed her head excitedly.

    Sly stopped. She pointed toward the open field toward their left, where grazing Fiends roamed the grass and air. ¡°Take note of that swarm over there. What do you know about it?¡±

    Lyra squinted and took in the iridescent, jewel-toned wings that shimmered like a gemstone. ¡°Those are Glimmerwings; they live in meadows and plains like these because of the vibrant flowers they are attracted to feed on for nectar. They¡¯re pretty docile unless disturbed.¡±

    Sly nodded. ¡°Very good. Pop quiz, do you know why they are sought after?¡±

    Eamon answered next. ¡°Their wings are used for various items, like clothing and armor.¡±

    ¡°Ding, Ding, give them a prize, folks. It is a C-Rank-type monster, but I¡¯m here to provide backup if you need it. Care to get me the wing of a Glimmerwing, you two?¡±

    Lyra looked at Eamon with a grin. ¡°What do you say?¡±

    Eamon grinned, revealing his weapons from their holder, and dropped his bag. ¡°I say, I¡¯ve got your back.¡±

    Lyra unsheathed her weapon as well.

    The two of them charged into the fields to initiate the battle.

    The glimmering swarm emitted a soft, otherworldly glow when they noticed the intruders. They moved as one, like a synchronized dance.

    Lyra stood in a ready stance, powering up and ready to charge. Eamon twirled his Escrima sticks in preparation, ready to support Lyra.

    The Glimmering swarm advanced, darting and weaving through the air. As they closed in on them, their wings created a dazzling display of shifting colors.

    ¡°Radiant Strike!¡± Lyra shouted into the sky. She swung Riftblade in a wide arc, releasing a wave of Torrent Essentia. However, the Glimmerwings shielded themselves from the attack by cluttering together into a protective shield, reducing the inflicted pain.

    ¡°What!¡± Lyra exclaimed. ¡°That was a direct hit!¡±

    Eamon was having trouble as he deflected incoming attacks with his Escrima, parrying their needles with a whirl of his weapons in a wide circle arc. He took two of them out, thanks to Lyra for weakening them from earlier.

    The remaining Glimmerwings regrouped, their iridescent wings glowing more intensely.

    Lyra and Eamon stood side by side, facing the fiends.

    ¡°Ugh, this shouldn¡¯t be this frustrating. I¡¯ve fought Veilspawn and lower-ranking Fiends before!¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­It would seem they possess above-average capabilities, and maybe we should try elemental weaknesses?¡±

    ¡°Elemental weaknesses?¡± she questioned. Not because she had not heard of it, but never thought of doing so since she always one-hit KO¡¯ed everything.

    Eamon nodded. ¡°Try an Ember Essentia.¡±

    Lyra bobbed her head just as the Glimmers went for their turn, charging for them.

    Lyra called on the Wellspring''s burning power as it coursed through her veins. She leaped into the air with Riftblade encased in fire and shouted, ¡°Radiant Burst!¡± With a mighty swing, she released the fire that scattered and burned the Glimmerwings, temporarily dispersing the swarm.

    Eamon seized the moment and targeted them singularly. He took them out one after the other.

    The remaining Glimmerwings tried to shake off the burn Lyra had caused, but she was already calling out for her next attack.

    ¡°Radiant Burst!¡± She performed a spinning strike with Riftblade, creating a vortex of fire that swirled around the swarm and took out more of them. ¡°Take ¡®em out, Eamon!¡±

    Eamon followed up with a swift strike, charging forward, targeting the heart of the vortex. His Escrima sticks delivered the finishing blow and rammed into the last Glimmerwings. They disappeared upon defeat, leaving their wings behind.

    ¡°Woohoo!¡± Lyra exclaimed with a shout. She brought her arm out, and Eamon mimicked the gesture sheepishly so that she could give him a high-five. They returned to Sly, who had found a perch on a nearby rock, and awkwardly slow clapped.

    Lyra pouted. ¡°Hey, what gives? I thought we did pretty good, right?¡±

    ¡°Eh,¡± Sly shrugged, raising her palm in the air and moving it from side to side to show that they did ¡®okay.¡¯ ¡°I¡¯ll give you an A for teamwork. It could have been better, but you both were effective together.¡±

    She got off the rock and stretched.

    ¡°You¡¯re like an All-Round attacker, good for defense, offense, and attack.¡± She pointed out to Lyra. She smiled widely like a treasurer cat. It fell when Sly added, ¡°But your unsureness of what elemental Essentia to use will prolong the fight, cause the enemy to run, or worse, get the upper hand.

    Lyra groaned. She furrowed her brows, annoyed to have her hopes deflated. ¡°Come on, Sly. That usually works with Veilspawn and lower ranks.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, lower ranks,¡± she pointed out. ¡°The higher rank, the craftier you should be. Veilspawn are a bit more predictable, and as long as you land a crit, they go down¨C or they used to.¡± Sly paused, thinking of the new kinds of Veilspawn. ¡°Learn to distinguish what element can remove the proposed Fiend, find its weaknesses.¡±

    She looked to Eamon, who squared his shoulders.

    ¡°And you have excellent power and form, but you can¡¯t rely on physical force alone. The elements will come in handy. Use them.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon took in what Sly said, especially Eamon, wondering if he could genuinely hone his Essentia without feeling guilty about using it.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s progress a bit further, you two. We¡¯ve stayed here too long.¡± They continued their path ahead.

 Part Ten

    After some travel, they stopped in Elmsworth, a medium-sized town located south of Sylvanbrook. The town is near the Luminous Forest, which is rumored to have mystical properties and connections to ancient Wellspring powers.

    ¡°Why are we here?¡± Lyra asked as they entered the town. It was much narrower than Sylvanbrook, with older buildings on either side of them.

    ¡°Luminous Forest, for one,¡± Sly informed her. Since things started in Sylvanbrook, checking neighboring towns is the best option. We can also visit the outpost here and procure information.¡±

    ¡°It seems we aren¡¯t the ones with that idea,¡± Eamon said, jutting his chin forward.

    They noticed the military in uniform patrolling the streets and talking to civilians, who showed clear signs of nervousness from cinched shoulders and fidgeting movements.

    ¡°Hmm, best to converse with the people too. We have a duty to the people first, and not too many people are keen on the military pawns. I¡¯ll check in at the outpost about Luminous Forest and if any stranger people, like the Children of Deimos, show up. Meet me at the outpost when you¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡± they both said. Sly parted from them.

    ¡°So, where should we investigate first?¡± Lyra turned to Eamon.

    She looked around at the quaint town, observing the many people passing by in petticoats and waist jackets.

    ¡°Let¡¯s first establish our task and see what we know,¡± Eamon replied.

    Lyra groaned with a roll of her eyes but nodded.

    ¡°So we know, or at least heavily believe, the military presence is trying to take over Locksmith duties,¡± Eamon reiterated.

    Lyra nodded in confirmation. ¡°That¡¯s a long-term goal, but it¡¯s still questionable why. Go on.¡±

    ¡°Right. Then there are reports of the strange Rifts causing outages and different kinds of Spawn to appear.¡±

    ¡°For the most part, besides the military, it seems peaceful. Not even Fiends are disturbing the place.¡±

    Every day, shoppers and travelers came and went as they pleased without panic.

    ¡°And lastly,¡± Eamon finally said. ¡°The Harmony Tax. There might be some building tension now that time has passed. We should quell any irregularities that may cause an issue.¡±

    ¡°Okay, got it.¡± Lyra agreed. ¡°Maybe we should start at the general store? Plenty of locals and travelers go there to stock up on supplies.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go.¡±

    They headed into the General Store and saw military soldiers loitering and harassing customers, making some nervous from their presence alone. The civilians would not try telling them to stop, fearing the government would reprimand them.

    Eamon stiffened seeing them. He had not realized how bad seeing the military would make him feel and if anyone would recognize him.

    Lyra, however, hated seeing distress on people¡¯s faces and stepped forward to speak in their defense.

    ¡°Hey!¡± she yelled before Eamon could stop her. ¡°Leave them alone. Can¡¯t you see that your presence is a disturbance?¡±

    The military soldiers stopped their jeering and turned to Lyra, mockingly looking her up and down. They were dressed in burgundy and red military attire.

    The one who spoke first must have been the leader of the group. ¡°Oh, look who decided to speak up, boys. A fellow Locksmith is doing their ¡®civic duty.¡¯¡±

    The soldiers snickered at his comment.

    Lyra squeezed her fists, her face flushed with annoyance and anger at the soldier''s sarcastic quip. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    The blonde-haired leader smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t you Locksmiths know that soon you won¡¯t be needed? Nor your precious Wellspring power. The Empire has a contingency plan to make sure the world knows that the military is here to stay and the Locksmith are¨C¡±

    With her arm pulled back, Lyra punched him in the nose, and he fell back.

    ¡°Geez, Lyra!¡± Eamon explained. ¡°What in Lumos¡¯ name did you do that for?¡±

    Lyra shook her hand, freeing away the throbbing, pulsating pain. She noted that she felt something crunching and figured she had broken his nose. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    The rest of the soldiers surrounded their leader and asked him if he was all right. The blonde-haired guy was frantic as they helped him stand to his feet. His movements were off balance and wobbly like he would fall over again.

    ¡°You hit me! That is insubordination! An assault on the military! I can have you expelled from your duties.¡± He pointed a gloved hand at her and held his bleeding nose, soaking his other gloved hand bright red.

    Lyra snorted. ¡°I¡¯m just doing my ¡®civic duty¡¯ to keep the peace, and you were the disruption. Should we take that up with your superiors? Because you''re preventing me from doing my job, that''s still very much legally intact.¡±

    He growled at her statement, knowing she was right.

    Eamon stepped in front and put himself in the fray in case the soldier decided to use force.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not cause a scene,¡± Eamon spoke up. A side-ways look to Lyra.

    ¡°Why?¡± Lyra snapped back. ¡°He started it. He''s no better than a vile Veilspawn.¡±

    ¡°Tch, you¡¯ll regret you messed with me, Julian Ashcroft, son of General Holden Ashcroft.¡±

    Lyra snorted. ¡°Ditto. C-Rank Locksmith Lyra Ashbourne, granddaughter of Ealdred Ashbourne, the Sentinel Rift breaker.¡±

    Everyone gasped, including Julian, who had wide and fearful eyes. The rest of the soldiers mumbled under their breaths. Julian had to think fast if he did not want to lose control of the situation.

    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯ll humble you this time, Locksmith, but make no mistake, if we meet again, you will feel my blade or pistol, whatever comes first.¡±

    Lyra touched the hilt of Riftbreaker. ¡°Likewise.¡±

    The soldiers mumbled. They caught a glimpse of the legendary blade in their presence. Julian gulped; he, too, knew the stories. He was about to rush by with his men behind him when he and Eamon locked eyes. Eamon quickly looked away, and the soldiers left.

    Eamon sighed with relief. He was glad the spat did not result in anything significant.

    ¡°Ugh, the nerve of that pompous idiot. I swear to Lumos, if I see him again, I¡¯ll give him a black eye next.¡±

    ¡°Maybe not always resort to violence?¡± Eamon suggested. A frown formed on his lips. ¡°He was right; he could have reported you, too.¡±

    Lyra waved the comment off. ¡°Yeah, if he had the guts to do it.¡±

    A man behind the counter of the store cleared their throat. He had shaggy brown hair and lidded eyes. ¡°Thank you, Locksmiths. On behalf of myself, Gregor Millson. Those military men have been coming here for some days since they arrived and have made a stir. We couldn¡¯t say anything for fear of them making it worse on us.¡±

    Lyra beamed with a twinkle in her eyes. She was glad to help and even happier that no one was harmed. ¡°It¡¯s no problem at all! Just doing our duty. I hope everyone here will be okay.¡±

    People who were in the store nodded and bowed.

    ¡°Please, if you need anything, all you have to do is ask.¡± The man bowed his head to them.

    ¡°We may not need any items, sir,¡± Eamon said. ¡°But if you can give us some information? It¡¯s important.¡±

    Understanding the private matter, the storeowner, Gregor, led Lyra and Eamon to the back of the store. Once inside the back office, Eamon and Lyra sat on a plaid cushion chair. Gregor did the same on the seat across from them.

    ¡°You said, Gregor that soldiers had been here for a few days. When did they get here and why, if you know?¡± Eamon asked him first

    Gregor nodded. ¡°They arrived less than a week ago and patrolled our town for two days. They make demands and often trouble the people by saying this is required of them.¡±

    Lyra frowned, crossing her arms. ¡°It is certainly not their right. Just cause it was hinted that the military would be making more of an appearance doesn¡¯t mean they can treat citizens like they¡¯re second rate.¡±

    Gregor nodded, agreeing. ¡°My thoughts exactly, but if we voice that, we¡¯d surely get the short end of the stick.¡±

    ¡°Did they ever mention why they were here?¡± Eamon asked. ¡°Perhaps because something strange has been occurring of late?¡±

    Eamon did not want to reveal any information on the strange Rifts or the even stranger Veilspawn that there was a possible connection to the Luminous Forest outright. It would cause the public unnecessary panic, which they did not need.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± the man drawled out. ¡°There have been some strange storms besides the military showing up. When us town folks thought they were here to help, we told them, but they¡¯d make excuses or claim there was nothing there.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you contact the closet guild to help you? Sylvanbrook isn¡¯t that far away,¡± Lyra, pointed out.

    ¡°That¡¯s the thing. The Vox Links beacon strength isn¡¯t strong enough. It¡¯s like whatever is going on around here is blocking the frequency. Even the outpost has trouble getting service.¡±

    He leaned forward to whisper. Lyra and Eamon did the same. Gregor lowered his voice so only the two could hear: ¡°If I''m being honest, I fear that the Luminous Forest has something to do with it. I''m not a skeptic, but there are always rumors that the forest has its own ancient secrets.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon gave one another a look.

    ¡°Thank you, Gregor,¡± Lyra said. ¡°I think we have enough information. We¡¯ll handle this issue promptly.¡±

    ¡°You will?¡±

    Lyra grinned. ¡°As our honor as Locksmiths.¡±

    They stood from their seats, ready to leave.

    ¡°Oh, and one more thing,¡± Eamon added. ¡°How are people reacting lately after the Harmony Tax announcement?¡±

    Gregor frowned. ¡°To my knowledge, smaller towns are taking the loss hard. Cities expect it, but we all know who will benefit the most from this ¡®Harmony Act¡¯. Many don¡¯t agree with it, and others are going along with it because there is nothing to do except let it happen.¡±

    After Lyra and Eamon said goodbye, they left the General Store.

    ¡°You alright, Lyra?¡±

    ¡°Yes and no,¡± she admitted. ¡°I¡¯m pretty pissed; we have to help these people. Something out there is doing damage, and the military isn¡¯t doing anything about it. Investigating that forest will at least give folks some peace of mind.¡±

    ¡°Agreed. Let¡¯s meet back up with Sly at the outpost.¡±

 Part Eleven

    They walked further into town, where the outpost was located at the furthest end. Sly was talking to a woman with a tawny brown complexion and black locs. They both turned, seeing the two approach.

    ¡°Right on time,¡± Sly said with a grin. ¡°Did you find out anything?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Lyra gave a half-eye roll. ¡°Not only have the military been holding up here. They haven¡¯t done anything but harass the locals here when there have been complaints and requests for help.¡±

    Eamon added to her statement, ¡°And people believe it might be coming from Luminous Forest.¡±

    Sly nodded approvingly. ¡°Well, look at you two. You both are a natural. The outpost gave the same workaround; service was spotty, so they couldn¡¯t contact any guilds, but when the military showed up, they figured why not let them settle things, to their dismay. They¡¯ve also assumed that the Strange Rifts were causing the issue, but there is no Veilspawn to speak of.¡±

    Lyra twisted her lip, thinking. ¡°So, are they the same ones?¡±

    ¡°Possibly. We still don¡¯t know much, but so far, the electromagnetic fields created stronger Veilspawn, and electrical disturbances are on the checklist to be wary about. It could cause other things, so that¡¯s one more thing to be on watch while we are on patrol.¡±

    After thanking the Outpost woman, the three made their way to Luminous Forest.

    When they stepped into the forest, cast in a bluish glow. Everything, from the forest grounds to the trees, glowed a bright cerulean blue.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Lyra awed, staring up at the twinkling trees. As they walked further inside the mystically charged forest, they could feel the power flowing from it as it coursed through their veins.

    ¡°The Luminous Forest is a powerhouse of mystical energies,¡± Sly explained. ¡°Fiends inhabit this place because of the magical pheromones it gives off. Which is a good point of reference if these Rifts are appearing and affecting the power and altering Veilspawn¨C¡±

    ¡°--It¡¯s only a moment of time till they affect the Fiends,¡± Eamon finished her sentence.

    Lyra looked horrified at that. ¡°And with the forest being so close to town, this should be a top priority!¡±

    Sly snapped her fingers. ¡°You both are right on the Denarius. So let us investigate and see if a Rift is disrupting these people. Stay sharp, you too; we don¡¯t know how the Fiends will react.¡±

    Both Eamon and Lyra withdrew their weapons and replied, ¡°Right!¡± With fiery vigor and determination in their eyes.

    ???

    They walked the path of Luminous Forest, through the twists and turns, being wary of their surroundings.

    ¡°...So I hear you got into it with some military?¡± Sly side-eyed the two of them.

    Eamon and Lyra gaped, surprised she found out so easily. Sly chuckled in response.

    ¡°How did you hear about that? It just happened before we met back up,¡± Eamon inquired.

    ¡°The General Manager called it in, not to criticize you, but to condone you. Had he not, you wouldn¡¯t have got paid.¡± She tossed the two of them coin purses of Silver Denarius. ¡°Keep doing missions like that, and your ranks as Locksmiths will go up; you may even surpass me or Ealdred himself.¡±

    Eamon seemed the most taken aback and clutched the purse. ¡°...Maybe.¡±

    Lyra could sense his demeanor change and looked to see his forlorn expression. She had seen a similar look on his face earlier toward the military. She wondered about the meaning of the look exchanged between him and Julian.

    ¡°Speaking of the military¡­¡± Lyra Pocketed the coin purse in her bag. ¡°One of them, Julian Ashcroft, who¡¯s apparently now my rival¨C¡±

    ¡°--I¡¯d say sworn enemy. You punched him.¡±

    ¡°Bold,¡± Sly said with a quirk of her brow and a slight bob of her head.

    Lyra rolled her eyes with a casual shrug. ¡°He deserved it. He was as foul as a Fiend, but he said the military had a contingency plan to get Locksmiths out of the job.¡±

    ¡°Did he now?¡± Sly raised her brows. Lyra nodded. ¡°Then what we feared may be true.¡±

    ¡°So they''re just going to remove us? They can¡¯t!¡± Lyra exclaimed. The forest''s silence made her voice echo in the distance, making her shiver. ¡°Locksmiths are the only ones that can close Rifts and get rid of Veilspawn, especially now, with these new Rifts showing up.¡±

    ¡°...They¡¯ll find a way,¡± Eamon whispered, absentmindedly. He hadn¡¯t meant for those words to slip.

    Lyra frowned. ¡°Why would you say that?¡±

    Before she could prod him further with questions, a roar emulated throughout the forest area.

    Sly raised her arm. ¡°Cease your questions for a moment that might be what we¡¯re looking for.¡±

    They trudged deeper into the forest.

    Once they made it toward a dead-end clearing, an enormous creature as tall as a tree stood in the middle of an open space. It had two large bulging, furry arms, its fist planted into the earth, and a furry silver back with a gray torso. The creature''s entire structure radiated with a streak of blue electricity¡ªits bright blue eyes glared at them, and its large fists pounded into the earth.

    ¡°W-What is that? Is that a Fiend?¡± Lyra¡¯s eyes bugged out.

    ¡°That can¡¯t be. It¡¯s huge!¡± Eamon exclaimed in surprise at the size of the being.

    Sly shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s because it isn¡¯t a Fiend.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lyra questioned. They both looked at her. ¡°Then, what is it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it reminds me of those enhanced Veilspawn,¡± Eamon said

    ¡°Aye, that''s a good comparison. These are Magycte Beasts. They¡¯re very rare¡­because they¡¯ve been extinct for five hundred and eighty-five years, since the Primal Chaos era.¡±

    Before they could react to the reveal, the Magycte Beast raised its arms to attack.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Sly instructed them to move out of the way.

    Eamon and Lyra dodged seconds before the beast''s incoming fists shattered the ground where they had been standing.

    ¡°Look!¡± Lyra pointed at a Rift rippling through the air. ¡°What do we do?¡±

    She and Eamon were on the opposite side of the forest, with Sly on the other side.

    Sly grinned. ¡°Show me what you can do Locksmiths: Close that Rift and destroy the Magycte Beast.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon nodded, then to each other. This would be something beyond anything they had fought before, and knowing that this Magycte Beast was only a few feet away from the town instilled in them a sense of determination to keep the beast away from the townsfolk.

    It was something neither Lyra nor Eamon wanted.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    A familiar electric jolt of connection surged through their minds. It was as if a door had opened in their heads, revealing each other¡¯s thoughts and emotions. They had a similar feeling back at the lake.

    ¡®Woah¡­what is-What, can you hear me?¡¯ Both Lyra and Eamon telepathically said.

    ¡®Wait!¡¯ Lyra said. ¡®I heard about this in one of Master¡¯s lessons.¡¯

    ¡®Kesync,¡¯ Eamon finished the thought. ¡®I heard that it¡¯s a skill Locksmiths learn with time, but when they do, they can make devastatingly good results, like sharing power levels with another linked user. The combined Kesync power of two Locksmiths only gets stronger as the Locksmiths do.¡¯

    Lyra¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡®Are you saying¨C¡¯

    Eamon nodded. ¡®Yeah. Let¡¯s try out our new link on the Magycte Beast.¡±

    Sly watched them. Keeping a close eye in case they needed help or the Magycte Beast became too much to handle. She raised a brow for a moment. There was a much more fluid motion just a second ago. She realized they had unknowingly activated Kesync.

    The Magycte Beast towered over them. Its aura potent and vial like a combined power of a Fiend and Veilspawn. Its bright blue eyes glowed with a malevolent intensity and it let out a deafening roar that shook the trees.

    Lyra gripped Riftbreaker, and Eamon, his Escrima blade sticks in hand, shared a determined look with each other on the other side of the forest.

    Eamon¡¯s thoughts transmitted to Lyra¡¯s: ¡®Remember what Sly said about elemental weaknesses? Try Ember and I¡¯ll follow up with a strike.¡±

    ¡®Got it!¡¯

    Lyra initiated the battle. Her voice cried out as she called on the Wellspring Ember: ¡°Radiant Burst!¡± She leaped into the air and thrust her sword forward; releasing not a fire-based attack that enveloped the Beast in a flurry of fiery sparks. Her physical strength multiplied thanks to Eamon¡¯s power. She managed to burn and staggered the enemy in tandem.

    ¡®Eamon, it¡¯s down. Go for it!¡¯

    Moving with astonishing speeds, he darted for the Magycte and charged up what was essentially the Wellspring Gaia. It had been a while since he activated Essentia since joining the military, and they forced him to unlearn what he knew about being a Locksmith.

    ¡®Forgive me.¡¯ Whether to Lumos herself or the entity that was the Wellsprings.

    A surge of Essentia charged into the weapons, even more overpowering than he had ever imagined, thanks to Lyra¡¯s combined wellspring power. He knocked it to the side as the power of Gaia came to him. Flurries of rocks and boulders pelted the Magycte Beasts, making them fall to the ground.

    Before Eamon could make an opening for Lyra to finish it, there was pressure at the back of his mind. He had let his guard down and forgot that Kesync allowed the partners to move in harmony, but she could also feel his strongest emotions, thoughts, and¡­ memories: the very same ones he refused to reveal.

    He pushed away from the pull of the connection, severing the link entirely, mentally shattering it.

    Having the link server suddenly caused them to become exposed and staggered. The Magycte Beast shook off the earlier ailments and was about to strike at Eamon with an arm thrust when Sly shot forward and grabbed the Beast''s arm with her whip, ripping it off with a tug.

    ¡°Sly!¡± Lyra shouted.

    Sly gritted her teeth. Her furrowed brow and glare looked Eamon¡¯s way. She shouted: ¡°Go close the Rift!¡±

    Eamon bobbed his head, stumbling to get up. Lyra followed suit.

    ¡°What happened back there?¡± Lyra questioned him. Eamon couldn¡¯t look her way.

    ¡°Let¡¯s close the Rift while Sly finishes it.¡± Was his only response.

    Lyra frowned. His lack of action perturbed her.

    Sly let out a battle cry, used her whip to propel herself through the air, and landed on the Beast''s back. Sly grinned. ¡°Only heard you beasts in stories; it¡¯ll be interesting to see if I can take you down.¡±

    She called upon the Wellspring Gaia, and her whip came alive. It wrapped around the beast''s neck, strangling it, and sharp thorns sank into its fleshly core. The Magycte Beast roared in pain as Sly drained its energy and health.

    Lyra could see that the results from Sly¡¯s doing were affecting the beast. She gaped in awe at her display of power.

    ¡°Close it now!¡± Sly shouted out her instructions to them.

    Lyra commanded the chant, closing the Rift successfully. It had effectively destroyed the Magycte Beast as it faded away in the electrifying blue of the Rift until it, too, disappeared.

    Sly dropped from the air and to her knee. She surveyed the scene, and then looked back to Lyra and Eamon with a tight lip.

    ¡°Let¡¯s report this in.¡± The look in her eye suggested she was not done with them yet.

    ???

    ¡°That attempt could have been fatal, then what would I tell Ealdred if his pupils, his granddaughter, and son¡­¡± looking between Lyra and Eamon. ¡°...wound up dead?¡±

    Once they had reported to the outpost and received their reward, the three headed to the inn, where Sly berated them about their fight.

    ¡°Activating Kesync right there, while impressive, was dangerous. Synchronizing requires the partners to be one. They have a universal trust in that person, and nothing can break that. It is one of the most powerful mechanics that amplify an already strong Locksmith.¡±

    The two did not know what to say as they sat on the inn beds with their heads down.

    Sly sighed. ¡°I just need to know who broke the connection first. If we know that, we can delve into harnessing syncing next time.¡±

    ¡°It was me; I¡¯m sorry, Sly. Lyra.¡± Eamon stood as the two watched him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; there won¡¯t be a next time.¡±

    He started to head for the door.

    ¡°And where are you going, young man?¡± Sly questioned.

    ¡°I¡¯m just going for a walk; I won¡¯t stay out long.¡± Opening, then closing the door behind him.

    ¡°Whelp, guess that¡¯s that. It''s time for a drink; I¡¯ll be back later tonight¡­ I know what you are thinking, Lyra. Don¡¯t overstep your boundaries; you¡¯ll push him away like that.¡±

    Lyra pouted with a slight eye roll. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to be abrasive about it. I know his time in the military was¡­sensitive, but there are things that don¡¯t add up, and I¡¯m curious.¡±

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Sly hummed with her arms crossed. ¡°Curiosity can be deadly if not controlled. I hope you know what you¡¯re doing.¡±

    Lyra nodded, but deep down, she hoped she knew too.

    When Sly left and Eamon returned later, he thought Lyra would be asleep and wanted to avoid talking about the situation, but the lights turned on as soon as he closed the door.

    Lyra was sitting on the edge of the bed with her hands folded together. Eamon stuffed his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°Were you really waiting for me like that? What if I hadn''t come back till much later?¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯d deal with a drunk Sly, and we both can wager she¡¯s probably a sloppy drunk.¡±

    ¡°...You have a point.¡±

    They both shuddered at the thought.

    Lyra grinned. ¡°Of course I do. So, do you wanna talk about what happened earlier? You know, after our Kesync went wrong.¡±

    Eamon tried to maintain a stoic expression, but Lyra could see his shoulders cinching at her statement. He sat on the opposite bed, taking off his shoes.

    ¡°Not particularly, no.¡±

    Lyra crossed her arms. Her brows pinched together as she glared at him. ¡°You know I¡¯m still going to ask, right?¡±

    He sighed. He brushed a strand of a curl away from his face. ¡°Unfortunately. I¡¯m not sure if you even have a filter.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± she half jumped up. ¡°I know when to or not to say what¡¯s in my head, but if there¡¯s something suspicious going on, I can¡¯t let that just go away.¡±

    Eamon sighed once more. He got up and removed his shirt. Lyra¡¯s face flushed, turning away to look at the wall.

    ¡°When we were fighting the Magycte Beast, it was like we were one unit, powerful. I had your physical strength, and you could channel way more Essentia than usual from me. Even our thoughts were linked, and then¡­¡±

    She stopped. She caught him cringing out of the corner of her eye. He was now dressed in a loose-fitting nightshirt.

    She turned back around to look at him.

    ¡°Your thoughts went to Lumos, and you couldn¡¯t do Essentia anymore because the military forced you to unlearn it. Why?¡±

    Eamon was silent. His back now turned to her.

    Lyra sighed. She tried to compose herself, remembering what Sly said about probing too much. ¡°Look, I¡¯m not trying to pry, but if we¡¯re going to try Syncing again, I have to know what¡¯s happening. You have to trust me. I may not know what happened at the Empire, but I can tell it¡¯s eating at you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, you don¡¯t.¡± His hardened tone and gaze made Lyra jump when he turned to her. ¡°You won¡¯t understand, Lyra, and I¡¯m not into having my personal thoughts out for you to see¨C I don¡¯t need the judgment¡­ or pity.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re assuming I¡¯m going to do that! That right there isn¡¯t going to help us Sync.¡±

    ¡°Well, maybe I don¡¯t want to Sync with a kid who stole everything from me.¡± He looked to the corner of the wall where Riftblade was leaning against it.

    His hostility took Lyra aback. ¡°Then maybe you should have never left the man who raised you!¡± Shaking her head, she turned off the lights, leaving Eamon in the dark.

    He was glad for the pitch darkness because the mask he had been holding dropped, and he was sure he would reveal everything at any moment, but he could not. No matter what Lyra said, she would look at him differently and hate him for it.

    The only way to stop her from asking questions was to keep her at arm''s length. He hated hurting her¨CIt was the last thing he wanted to do¨Cbut that would be one more guilt to add on top of everything.

 Part Twelve

    <i>The month of Solara, the 12th day of Nimbus</i>

    ¡°Hmm¡­.¡± Sly let out a loud audible hum and looked across the table from where Lyra and Eamon sat. ¡°Hmm.¡± She continued humming and sipping her ale, glaring at them, waiting for someone to crack first.

    Lyra gave in to her prodding with raised hands in surrender. ¡°Sly, will you say something or continue humming like that?¡± She stopped eating her bread and hot porridge to glare back.

    Sly smirked. ¡°Was waiting for one of you to spill the beans. Neither of you have spoken to each other for several miles, except when we came upon Fiends in battle, but even that was sloppy at best.¡±

    Lyra frowned. Crossing her arms. ¡°I have nothing to say to him.¡±

    ¡°What she said,¡± Eamon mumbled after.

    Sly pressed her lips together and looked at them again with tired, lidded eyes. ¡°Uh-huh, right.¡± She sat the mug down on the table. ¡°I advise you two to nip this in the bud because if something worse comes along and you two still act like children, you¡¯ll see Lumos quickly. Now, let¡¯s finish breakfast and head over to the guild.¡±

    Eamon¡¯s brow rose. ¡°What for?¡±

    ¡°We''ll need to supervise the area as best as possible so there''s no panic while this is still fresh news. Especially with these new Rifts and the Magycte Beasts, places don¡¯t know about it.¡±

    Once they finished with breakfast, they left the Tavern.

    ???

    The 14th day of Aurorion, Isselgrade

    During their two-day journey, they were in Isselgrade, a town half the size of Sylvanbrook. However, there were by far more commercial buildings and businesses along the sides of the city, where they walked along the cobblestone walkway.

    The streets were wide, but plenty of people¡ªlocal and tourist¡ªwalked the city in their gowns, breeches, and waistcoats. There were a couple of drawn carriages by horseback, dropping people off.

    Lyra kept her mother updated through Voxlink messages during the journey, except for the argument with Eamon and the encounter with the Magycte Beast, assuring her of her safety and well-being.

    Eamon, too, had messaged Ealdred and, like Lyra, omitted his argument with his master¡¯s granddaughter. He did not want to give a bad impression that he was bitter about Riftbreaker.

    Although upset, he could not deny that Lyra was skilled with the sword. Master Ealdred had made the right choice, but he wished Lyra would be angry with him so she would stop asking questions. He lacked answers¡ªmost things felt hazy, making his head hurt, which could raise suspicion.

    ¡°Here we are.¡± Sly gestured in front of them.

    They stood in front of the Locksmith guild. The exterior was a vernacular brick-laden establishment with a dark roof and four windows, two on each side. A black sign written in gold letters read: <b>Isselgrade Guild</b>.

    They walked into the guild and were met with the bustling energy of fellow Locksmiths, wearing assorted outfits of varying styles, all sharing the adventurer aesthetic of shorts, trousers, and fitting shirts for comfort and free movement. The armband emblem of the Locksmith is on their lower shoulder to identify themselves to the public.

    The guildhall was a vast chamber with intricate tapestries depicting the history of the Locksmiths, Wellsprings, and Lumos herself. Between the tapestries were bookshelves loaded with textual information for all Locksmiths. The smell of old books and the outdoors clung in the air. Wooden boards in the middle of the room had listings for Locksmiths to sign up for jobs.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    They walked along the red carpet, and the guild¡¯s receptionist, a kind-hearted woman with warm brown eyes and a brunette pixie cut, greeted them. The nametag on her buttoned blue read: Elen.

    ¡°Morning, Elen,¡± Sly said, leaning an arm on the desk. ¡°My group and I just came into the city and wanted to pitch in our services if needed.¡±

    The woman¡¯s eyes twinkled, and her tiny face bobbed up and down. ¡°Oh, thank Lumos for that! We have been facing an influx of strange Rifts in the surrounding areas. The local Locksmiths are stretched thin; they¡¯re attempting to manage the disruption of these anomalies, causing the power to turn off every so often.¡±

    Laura and Eamon thought it strange that there were Rifts close to cities and people and wondered what the connection was if Luminous Forest was brimming with old magic. What did the surrounding area of Isselgrade have?

    Sly offered their help and handed in their Rank ID cards. Elara¡¯s eyes bugged out seeing Sly¡¯s, and she apologized profusely for not recognizing her. She let out a small smile and said flirtatiously, ¡®It¡¯s no problem at all. You have a lot on your plate. The receptionist blush a deep shade of red.

    Elen cleared her throat after snapping out of her flustered reverie with Sly¡¯s courtly responses. ¡°W-Will these two C-Rankers handle this? I know it¡¯s a usual Rift quest, but if you¡¯re saying that these Rifts are even more volatile than before and producing <i>Magycte Beasts.¡± </i>She whispered so no one but them could hear. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t feel right about sending them out there.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Doll face, they¡¯re with me. They work well together, and they even tried synchronizing.¡± Sly turned to them, confirming they would be on their best behavior.

    Elen¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°<i>Kesync</i>? Really? That <i>is</i> impressive for your ranking. If the Rosevera Whip vouched for you and you¡¯ve managed to sync at your level, I can rid myself of the worry and guilt.¡±

    Eamon bowed. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t let you down,¡± Lyra said, with tightened fists in the air.

    ¡°And they''re both Ashbourne,¡± Sly added. ¡°One being his granddaughter and the other his adoptive father.¡±

    Elen¡¯s eyes were even wider than before being in the presence of the Sentinel Rift Breakers heirs.

    ¡°Will we be working with anyone?¡± Sly asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see, give me a moment¡­¡± She wounded a small crank on a wooden terminal with brass accents. The small display screen booted up, showing a black-and-white interface. The Voxframe usage was for communication and basic data processing¨C similar to the Voxlink, but not portable¨C and could send and receive messages and access guild records.

    ¡°...It looks like one group of Locksmiths finished a quest not too long ago. As soon as they come in¨C¡±

    Before she finished, the doors opened to see six Locksmiths entering the guild''s halls.

    The first person who walked to the front desk had a powerful presence and notable features. A flowing gray beard reached his chest. He stood at an average height of Sly¡¯s six feet, with piercing blue eyes, a weathered face, and clothing matching his years of field experience.

    ¡°I trust all went well, Master Thaldir,¡± Elen responded.

    ¡°Aye,¡± the five other Locksmiths walked behind him. ¡°We¡¯ll be taking another Rift quest. I¡¯ll say this: they¡¯re unlike any we¡¯ve encountered before; it''s like it''s brimming with chaotic energy.¡±

    His group nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Did these Rifts produce creatures like you¡¯ve never seen before? Magycte Beast, to clarify.¡± Sly questioned him.

    The fifty-some-year-old Locksmith turned to her. ¡°You mean the stuff of legends from the Primal Chaos Era?¡±

    Sly shook her head. ¡°They aren¡¯t just legends anymore.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s right, Master Thaldir.¡± Elen nodded. ¡°Sly and the two Ashbourne Locksmiths took them out. The two of them even synced doing it.¡±

    The group was awed at Lyra and Eamon and surprised at their skill.

    ¡°I thought I recognized, ya. The Rosevera Whip and¡­Ashbourne, you say?¡±

    Both Lyra and Eamon introduced themselves, proceeding with Thaldir.

    ¡°Names Thaldir Ironshroud. I am pleased to meet the famous Sly the Rosevera Whip, the granddaughter and the adoptive son of Ealdred the Sentinel Riftbreaker. This is my crew.¡±

    He stretched out his arm to the other party members with him.

    A handsome man with a short beard cropped dark hair, and broad shoulders introduced himself next, ¡°A pleasure to make your acquaintance. The name¡¯s Jalen Strongarm.¡±

    ¡°Sorrel Wynerra,¡± the pale and lean man bowed. Some strands of his raven black hair, not pulled into a ponytail, fell in his blue eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to meet you three!¡± A boastful voice said. ¡°Gavrik Maddox, at your service.¡± A burly man with an imposing physique, dark skin, closely cropped hair, and a well-kept beard.

    The last two members were Elessa Hyarm, with flowing red hair and amber eyes that looked like fire as she introduced herself with a smirk, and Rylia Zameria, who continuously pushed her windswept silver hair behind her ear and voiced a quiet introduction that was almost too low to hear.

    ¡°Since you three are looking for a quest and have fought a Magycte, want to join our party?¡± Jalen asked them. They accepted.

    ¡°I¡¯ll put your names in the database,¡± Elen said. ¡°Be sure to report back together when it¡¯s finished. And do keep that information about the Magycte Beasts to yourselves; we don''t want to cause too much panic or confusion.¡±

    The Locksmiths all agreed to that notion. They left the guild and conversed with each other before leaving for their following location in the Strange Rifts.

 Part Thirteen

    As the party left for the direction of the Rifts, Sly, Thaldir, and Jalen discussed the recent Magycte Beasts, what that could mean for Aurum as a whole, and Chancellor Radinov¡¯s Harmony Taxation Act.

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust the Chancellor as far as I can throw ¡®em,¡± Thaldir said with a stiff grunt. ¡°He comes in after the previous chancellor, thinks he can make things better by throwing money at people who have lost so much, and now expects those people to pay taxes? We all know who it is going to affect more. Then, he thinks he can get rid of Locksmiths when we are connected to the Wellsprings.¡±

    Sly nodded. ¡°And I don¡¯t think those are rumors anymore. I can¡¯t fathom what the military would have that Locksmiths can¡¯t do better.¡±

    Jalen sighed. His broad shoulders sagged in mental defeat. ¡°Aye, that¡¯s what a couple of my mates were saying. Knowing the Empire has to be something. The Citizens Chamber is holding a conference in Crystalline City¡¯s tower in a few days, and the Chancellor will appear there.

    Thaldir scoffed. ¡°Let¡¯s hope the CC calls the Empire out. Nevertheless, we must worry about these Rifts if that is not enough. Did you say the Children of Deimos came back? What is going on in Lumos'' name?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to know, too,¡± Sly said. ¡°But I¡¯m also intrigued about the CC¡¯s conference.¡±

    While the older Locksmiths talked, Lyra and Eamon walked ahead.

    ¡°And looks like Thaldir and Jalen are at it again,¡± Sorrel said, looking behind at the elder Locksmith¡¯s going at it. He placed his arms behind his head.

    ¡°And with the Rosevera Whip of all people!¡± Rylia exclaimed. Her face burned at her sudden outburst.

    Gavrik let out a guffaw. ¡°Can you blame them? A lot has been going on these last few weeks with the Chancellor''s message and the strange Rifts. Now both the Children of Deimos and Magycte Beasts are back?¡±

    ¡°And,¡± Elessa pointed, moving her red hair to the side. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the military. They think they can take over the Locksmith¡¯s job. Well, they got another thing coming to them.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon listened to the B-Rank Locksmiths talking among themselves. Lyra, wide-eyed, was fascinated by their lively exchange.

    Eamon, on the other hand, while the group discussion wasn¡¯t foreign to him, the camaraderie of it all was. There were moments like this in the military, but much of it was dreary and serious, if not bleak.

    ¡°Oh, gosh,¡± Sorrel blurted out.  ¡°We¡¯re just talking and shooting the breeze; we aren¡¯t letting you two get a word in.¡±

    ¡°Oi! Forgive us, you two,¡± Gavrik¡¯s voice boomed. He made a show of apology with a smack on his forehead. ¡°When conversation strikes, we can talk for hours.¡±

    Elessa snorted with her arms crossed. ¡°Speak for yourself. I say a few lines here and there.¡±

    Lyra chuckled. ¡°No, No. Don¡¯t worry about us, well, me. I¡¯m just listening. It¡¯s amazing to be in the presence of B-Rankers.¡±

    ¡°Agreed. The information that¡¯s being talked about is very beneficial, thank you.¡± Eamon regarded them with a simple bow.

    ¡°Aw, you guys are cute and polite,¡± Rylia gushed and clasped her hands together. A twinkle in her eyes lit up her face. Shyness was gone, so she approached Lyra and squeezed her cheeks in her hand, causing Lyra¡¯s cheeks to redden.

    ¡°And here she goes,¡± Elessa shook her head with a small smile. ¡°Once Rylia finds something <i>adorkable</i>, she can¡¯t help herself, and the shyness festers.¡±

    ¡°How can you not!¡± She exclaimed. ¡°And they both managed to Kesync. At their levels, too! Gav and I have started to master it, but it takes a lot of focus and trust.¡±

    Elessa grabbed Rylia¡¯s ear and pulled her away from Lyra as she protested.

    Lyra, free from Rylia¡¯s clutches, massaged her cheeks and mumbled, ¡°Yeah, trust.¡± As she side-eyed Eamon.

    Eamon, too, looked at her and tried to hide the somber mood from the other Locksmiths. A hard pat on the back lurched Eamon forward, and a sturdy arm fell over his neck as Gavrik leaned into him.

    ¡°Hope you don¡¯t mind giving us some tips or secrets? Or¡­ is it because you two are more than just combatants.¡±

    ¡°Whhaaa?¡± Lyra and Eamon exclaimed together. Their faces grew a deep shade of red, and Lyra waved her hands wildly, shouting, ¡®I-It¡¯s not like that!¡¯ All while the group teased them with fits of giggles.

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Rylia waved at them to settle down as she controlled her giggles. ¡°Let¡¯s not tease them.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Through the laughing and teasing, Elessa had walked further ahead than the group and stood off to the side. The group walked down the trail until there was no longer a path and nothing but open fields. The path formed again, this time much narrower than previously.

    Ahead of them, a sea of dark forest.

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Elessa hummed, narrowing her amber eyes into the sea of darkness. ¡°Something¡­ isn¡¯t right.¡±

    ¡°Hm? What is it, Elessa?¡± Sorrel said behind her. ¡°Do you sense anything?¡± the laughter died down, and the group was silent.

    ¡°Is there any Veilspawn lurking?¡± Gavrik asked, pounding his fist into his palm.

    Elessa pressed her lips together. ¡°...No. There might be a few Fiends lurking but no Veilspawn, but it does feel¡­ancient.¡±

    Lyra squinted and furrowed her brows, knowing what that feeling might be. <i>A Magycte, maybe?</i> She looked to Eamon for confirmation if he felt the same, and he nodded in agreement, their anger defusing for the moment.

    Elessa¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°I¡¯m not¡­sure.¡± Elessa and her family had an innate attunement to spiritual energy, making her a profound asset when it came to tracking. However, she couldn''t feel the residual life energy this time.

    ¡°Stopping for a break, kids?¡± Sly asked. The three senior Locksmiths walked up behind them. Though as she said it, Sly frowned at the forest''s darkness, sensing something was off.

    Jalen frowned. His jaw tightened as he took in the atmosphere. ¡°The energy is off here. It wasn¡¯t like this earlier today or yesterday.¡±

    Thaldir grunted. ¡°Mmm, those dern Rifts and meddling with the activity going through the region. As if the Primal Eyre Forest was eerie enough.¡±

    ¡°Why is it more eerie than usual?¡± Lyra asked.

    Jalen turned to her and explained. ¡°Long ago, it used to be held as an execution ground for the coven of Primal Weavers during the Primal Chaos Era. Some say at the right moment, you can hear the ghostly wails of the departed.¡±

    Sly, deep in thought, held her chin. ¡°Hmmm¡­It also sounds like the perfect source of power to attract a Magycte Beast. Everyone ready?¡±

    One by one, they followed Sly into the mouth of the forest.

    The Primal Eyre Forest loomed ahead, its ancient trees reaching skyward, their roots sinking into the rich, fertile earth. Shafts of golden sunlight pierced through the dense canopy, dappling the forest floor with patches of warmth. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth.

    Sly, Lyra, Eamon, and their Locksmith companions ventured deeper into the forest. The path became less defined and swallowed by the encroaching wilderness. Every step felt like a journey back in time, as if the forest remembered the days of the Primal Chaos era.

    Sly led the way, with Elessa and Jalen flanking her. Lyra and Gavrik followed close behind while Eamon, Sorrel, Rylia, and Thaldir formed a protective rearguard.

    As they passed beneath the shadow of an enormous tree, a low rumbling echoed through the forest. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and leaves shivered in response. The Locksmiths instinctively took defensive stances.

    An enormous figure emerged from the forest''s depths, its hulking silhouette a remarkable sight. The large Magycte Beast stood menacingly, unlike any they had encountered before. It resembled a colossal Silverback gorilla, with mottled fur and shimmering blue and violet patches. Its eyes glowed with an eerie, otherworldly light.

    With a guttural roar, the Magycte Beast charged, its massive fists slamming into the earth with each thunderous step. The Locksmiths sprang into action, their attacks fueled by Wellspring magic. Lyra''s sword, Riftbreaker, gleamed with Radiant power while Eamon twirled his Escrima blade sticks, flames dancing along their lengths.

    This time, something was different. Fiends, the forest''s native creatures, began to emerge from the shadows, their eyes aglow with the same eerie red gleam as the Magycte Beast. These were no ordinary Fiends; they were under the beast''s control, moving with unnatural coordination and purpose.

    Caught off guard by the unexpected alliance between the Magycte Beast and the Fiends, the Locksmiths faced a relentless onslaught. The forest threatened to conspire against them, the once-familiar terrain now filled with dangers at every turn.

    Sly''s voice rang out above the chaos. "We need to break the Magycte Beast''s control over these Fiends! Focus on weakening it, and I''ll disrupt its connection!"

    The Locksmiths adjusted their strategy, targeting the Magycte Beast with coordinated strikes while defending against the relentless Fiends. The battle raged on, with the primal forces of nature itself arrayed against them.

    Eamon and Lyra''s Kesync connection, formed with purpose, moved with synchronized precision. A horde of Fiends surrounded Rylia, their razor-sharp claws slashing through the air, Eamon''s swift movements interwoven with Lyra''s devastating Essentia power. Together, they fended off the attackers, each protecting the other with an almost telepathic understanding.

    Amid the chaos, Sly pinpointed the core of the Magycte Beast''s influence. With a surge of energy, she unleashed a disruptive pulse that rippled through the forest, severing the ethereal threads that connected the beast to its unwilling minions.

    The Fiends hesitated, freed from the Magycte Beast''s control; the Locksmiths seized the opportunity to strike. Jalen''s mighty hammer crashed against the beast''s side. Gavrik conjured barriers to trap it, and Sorrel unleashed torrents of icy Essentia to slow its movements.

    Yet, the battle was not over. The Magycte Beast, enraged by the disruption of its control, unleashed a barrage of vined attacks as it controlled the trees now. Elessa¡¯s gauntlets wreathed in flames, lunged forward, and burned away the attacking vines, drawing its attention away from Sly.

    Meanwhile, sensing an opening, Lyra and Eamon focused their Kesync abilities on Rylia. They shielded her from the encroaching Fiends and swiftly incapacitated them. Now, a unified force stood triumphant against the remaining adversaries.

    Sly stepped forward after weakening the Magycte Beast''s connection to the Fiends. She unleashed a radiant burst of energy that enveloped the creature. The Magycte Beast convulsed, its form convulsed, until finally, with a roar, it collapsed to the forest floor, defeated.

    With the immediate threat neutralized, the Locksmiths turned their attention to the Rift. Elessa and Lyra approached the Rift''s pulsating core. Together, they channeled their Essentia and chanted together to seal the Rift.

    The ethereal disturbance subsided, and the Rift began to close, its ominous glow diminishing. Leaves rustled, and the forest seemed to exhale, returning to a state of serene equilibrium. The Magycte Beast lay defeated, now a mere silhouette against the dappled sunlight, slowly dissipated.

 Part Fourteen

    The week of Ventis, the 15th day

    Saying their goodbyes to their Locksmith companions, they left the following day.

    Lyra had not slept much the night before because she had been thinking about their last battle with the Magycte and how it could control the Fiends. She hoped that reporting to HQ about their findings would be enough.

    She and Eamon had managed to keep the Kesync stable without breaking the connection, but Lyra wondered if it was only because Rylia was in danger.

    She mentally sighed, "I hope Rylia will be okay." The physicians said the bone in her arm had split in two. She shook her head. <i>Of course, she was fine. Despite the sling, she still managed to grab my cheeks.</i>

    She was going to miss them. Then, something Elessa said came to her head about Eamon when they talked late at night at the inn: <i>¡®It may not be something he will not tell you but can¡¯t, maybe he''s unable to for many reasons, just give him time. He wants to tell you, you know how I know? Because he likes you.¡¯</i>

    Lyra¡¯s face flushed. She shook her head, freeing her thoughts. Thinking that Eamon had feelings for her was silly, but Elessa was right about one thing. Maybe she had been too hard on him. Just because he came back from the military, he was still Master¡¯s student, and he came back. <i>I''m sure there¡¯s more to it, but I guess for now¡­ I¡¯ll let him tell me on his own.</i>

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Sly hummed, turning to her. ¡°You look a bit red. Are you thinking dirty thoughts, Ashbourne?¡± She grinned with a raised brow.

    Lyra shrieked. She smacked her cheeks to hide any evidence of her face. ¡°Sly! Really? Why would you say that? That¡¯s so perverse of you.¡±

    Sly laughed at her reaction. ¡°Only way to get a rise out of you, so I know you¡¯re still with us. Right, Eamon?¡±

    He grinned. ¡°Right.¡±

    Lyra snorted. ¡°What are you laughing at?¡± Jabbing her finger into his side. Her voice had no aggression, which surprised Eamon with wide eyes. Eamon was unnerved at the thought of them talking and her getting close to him.

    They continued their trek for several more miles when Eamon spotted something in the distance.

    ¡°Eh, what¡¯s that there? A carriage?¡±

    Sly nodded, getting a better look. ¡°Yup, looks broken from here. Let¡¯s see if they need our help.¡±

    Once they were closer, a man with copper-red hair stood by his broken wheel, scratching his head and mumbling, ¡®What should I do now?¡¯

    ¡°Perhaps we can help with that.¡±

    The man turned to them when Sly announced their presence, and relief washed over his face. He saw the Locksmiths, returning the bronze complexion to his cheeks.

    ¡°Oh, thank goodness, Locksmiths. Wait¡­ you¡¯re the Rosevera Whip, right?¡±

    She smirked. ¡°Sly, in the flesh.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Lyra Ashbourne.¡±

    ¡°Eamon Ashbourne. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±

    The man gasped. ¡°And kin to the Sentinel Riftbreaker? This is amazing.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything we can do for you?¡± Lyra questioned the man.

    Snapping out of his awed state, the man returned to his horse-drawn carriage.

    ¡°Y-Yes, sorry, it would seem the roads busted my wheel, and that was my last spare.¡±

    Sly crossed her arms. She gestured her chin to the carriage, addressing Lyra and Eamon to take over. ¡°I¡¯ll let you two handle this.¡±

    Lyra nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll fix the wheel with elemental Gaia.¡± She bent down to the cracked wheel with an outstretched hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ll assist you.¡±

    Eamon bent down as well and together, palms outward, called upon the Wellsprings earth to fill the cracks of the cracked wheel.

    The man marveled at their work, having not seen Essentia up close. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s amazing. I wish you both didn¡¯t have to waste your time fixing a wheel. If the Chancellor was feeling generous, he should have fixed these roads if he wanted to make peace.¡±

    Eamon settled the wheel back into place.

    ¡°It¡¯s no problem for us.¡± Lyra waved off the man¡¯s worry. ¡°That¡¯s what Locksmiths do; help those in need big and small.¡±

    The man¡¯s eyes grew watery and bowed. ¡°Thank you!¡± Making her jump at the man¡¯s forwardness. ¡°Please let me offer you a ride into the city as a sign of my thanks!¡±

    The three of them looked at each other and nodded. Making the man¡¯s day as he gave them a broad smile and ushered them into the carriage.

    ¡°My name is Stephen, by the way. Stephen Bran. I''m from Gearford and own a General Store and Inn in Tro¨¦r ¨C I could loan you a room, free of charge, for your assistance.¡±

    The carriage clopped away as they rode down the path. Sly sat in the front. Lyra and Eamon are in the back with some of the wagon¡¯s crates.

    ¡°Oh, Tro¨¦r is nice this time of year. The Mechanical fight capital of Aurum. They still do those tournaments, right?¡± Sly asked. Curiosity sparked her as she was remembering her last time in Tro¨¦r.

    ¡°Every Ventis! You picked a good day to travel, but that is why Ventis is a special week for travelers. Lumos must have a guiding hand with you.¡±

    ¡°Hey¡­Eamon?¡± Lyra whispered. She sat across from him on the carriage floor.

    ¡°Huh? Sorry, I spaced out. I didn¡¯t¡­ didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be talking to me.¡±

    She flinched. Her lips pressed together at his comment. ¡°Fair point, but¡­¡± she pressed her hands together, staring at them.

    ¡°Lyra? Are you ok¨C?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± she exclaimed, shutting her eyes and bowing her head to her knees.

    ¡°Huh?¡± he blinked, taken aback by her outburst. He continued staring at her, waiting for her to speak up again.

    ¡°You know¡­,¡± she mumbled. She peeked up from behind her knee but didn¡¯t look at him yet. Her face was starting to burn, and she knew she was blushing. ¡°For getting mad about you keeping stuff about your time in the military.¡±

    She sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯m not saying it¡¯s my fault, but¡­ Syncing is a two-way street that requires trust on both ends¡­.¡± she was looking at him now from the corner of her eye.

    ¡°Lyra¡­¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t seen me since we were kids. I¡¯m practically a stranger to you; you wouldn¡¯t trust me yet, and forcing you to spill your guts isn¡¯t help, so I¡¯ve decided¡­¡± She bit her lip and swallowed the lump in her throat.

    ¡°You¡¯ve decided what?¡± he urged.

    ¡°...I can¡¯t be mad that you can¡¯t tell me something you aren''t ready to talk about. It¡¯s your past to tell if you want to tell me down the line.¡± She slowly lifted her head and pulled her legs to her chest. A strand of her curl fell into her face. She pushed it back behind her ear. ¡°Then, it¡¯ll be up to you to do so.¡±

    Lyra did not say anything. His soft hand grazed her cheek. She turned slightly to see Eamon tucking her hair behind her ear less than a foot away. Her face was redder than before.

    ¡°Thank you, Lyra, that¡­ means a lot you said that.¡±

    ¡°Um, yeah, well¡­ It¡¯s no big deal.¡± She shrugged, but internally, her heart thudded in its chest at their proximity. <i>He smells good. </i>¡°Y-Your business, and we don¡¯t have to Sync. We work well anyway, but we¡¯ll work on that.¡± Shaking free her nervous rambling.

    He smiled. ¡°Yeah, I would like that.¡± <i>She looks cute, flustered like that. </i>His body heated up at their shared proximity. His own heart skipped several beats.

    They stared at one another for a moment, wondering who would pull away or come closer first. Meanwhile, Sly had been watching the whole time and had a big grin on her face.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad you two love birds made up. That constant cold shoulder was starting to age me.¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    Lyra and Eamon blushed for the umpteenth time, but Lyra covered her face. ¡°Seriously, Sly?¡± mumbling into her hands.

    All the while, Sly laughed as the three enjoyed the ride.

    ???

    The carriage rode for several more miles, and as the hours passed, they entered Gearford''s region and finally came upon the mechanical city of Tro¨¦r. The mechanized mining city presented a captivating sight from afar. The outer layer resembled a coliseum, its steel walls towering high and adorned with intricate, slightly weathered engravings displaying gears, cogs, and other mechanical motifs.

    ¡°Welcome to the city of Tro¨¦r!¡± Stephen announced in a grand voice when they drew closer to the entrance. Lyra and Eamon leaned closer to awe at the structure now that they were up close.

    The massive bronze gates adorned with intricate iron-wrought designs and guards in silver armor stood astutely at the city''s entrance.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening up there?¡± Lyra pointed to the other carriages that had stopped before entering the gates.

    ¡°Security check,¡± Stephen told her. ¡°They make sure there isn¡¯t anything dangerous you have that would endanger the city.¡±

    Lyra pursed her lips. ¡°Our weapons are fine, right?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that, Lyra,¡± Sly said. ¡°Locksmiths aren¡¯t included in that rule. As long as we have our licenses, we¡¯re good.¡±

    Lyra sighed with relief. She touched Riftblade where it sat in its sheath. She could not imagine someone forcibly taking it away from her.

    Once they reached the checkpoint and handed in their necessary identification, the gates opened to them. A bustling city concealed within buzzed with a frantic energy that mirrored the ceaseless activity of its inhabitants. The clang of metal on metal and the rhythmic whirring of gears resonated through the air, creating a symphony of industry.

    At the heart resided an expansive area, the central hub of Tro¨¦r. Tall, steel chimneys rose from the industrial district. The rhythmic pulse of machinery echoed through the colossal coliseum walls. Everyday citizens walked along the cobblestone streets donned in practical yet expressive attire: men, engaged in the ceaseless toil of factories, wore dark trousers and leather boots under loose-fitting shirts, while women embraced modesty in sturdy skirts and blouses, often adorned with aprons for hands-on work. Children mirror their parents in miniature ensembles. The vibrant marketplace unfolded as a kaleidoscope of colors, merchants clad in eclectic patterns.

    The entertainment district was a haven for flamboyant styles, with flowing skirts and tailored suits. In the upper-class enclave overlooking the coliseum, the elite draped themselves in elegant gowns and refined suits, exiting from drawn carriages down the bustling streets.

    The College of Mechanical Arts was the heart of Tro¨¦r, a prestigious institution that produced many brilliant inventors and artisans famous for their groundbreaking devices in Aurum. Among its notable graduates are Dr. Isabella Marconi, a physicist from the Valerian Republic, and Professor Samuel Bannister, a mathematician from Crystalline City State, who together invented the Voxlink.

    As Sly walked past Tro¨¦r¡¯s Arena, a large stadium with a circular dome, he exclaimed, ¡°Looks like it¡¯s time to break out the Denarius. I smell a win in my future!¡± The arena displayed mechanical automatons called ¡®Iron Gladiators,¡¯ which fought in mechanized duels, each operated by a skilled pilot.

    The streets of Tro¨¦r were a maze of brick and stone, filled with shops offering a blend of innovative gadgets and traditional goods. Pockets of greenery, hanging gardens, and ivy-covered walls added a rustic touch to the vibrant cityscape.

    ¡°Oh, wow, what is that?¡± Lyra gaped as she looked above her. ¡°Are people¡­walking on that?¡±

    Above the streets is a see-through suspended walkway connecting to different building portions. Scholars and engineers often walked through the see-through tunnels, but many would ride the trams that traversed the city''s reaches, providing swift transportation for its inhabitants.

    Stephen drove through the crowd while Lyra pointed and gawked around her. They finally ended up in front of the General Store and Inn. Everyone got out of the carriage.

    ¡°If you need some help carrying these in, we¡¯ll be more than helpful too.¡± Sly offered, handing the man two silver Denari.

    He shook his head, denying the payment. ¡°Thank-you. Just take those three in the back. For the rest, I have to make deliveries in town. Just ask for Kathye, my daughter, and tell her I¡¯m setting up lodge on the house for the Locksmiths that assisted me.¡±

    Sly nodded. ¡°Will do. We''ll see you soon.¡±

    The three unloaded the cargo and walked through the doors. The bell on the door dinged.

    ¡°<i>And</i> it looks like the military is here too.¡± Lyra sucked her teeth. ¡°They just gather like flies now. Unbelievable, they¡¯re everywhere so fast.¡±

    Eamon stayed silent. Pressing his lips together and not making eye contact with them.

    They headed to the front desk, where a woman with brown ringlet hair dressed in a simple smock and apron greeted them with a smile: ¡°Welcome to the General Inn. How may I best serve you?¡±

    ¡°Kathye, right? Your father, Stephen, wanted us to deliver these packages.¡± Sly told her.

    Her eyes grew big as she took notice of the boxes in each of their hands. ¡°Oh, yes, yes! You can settle them toward the back, behind the counter.¡±

    The three-headed behind the counter to the door that led to the backroom.

    Kathye stood by the doorway. ¡°My father is alright, yes? What happened?¡± Her face was wrought with worry as she clutched her clothing.

    ¡°No worries, he¡¯s fine!¡± Lyra exclaimed. ¡°His spare wheel had broken, and we fixed it.¡±

    Kathye touched her chest and sighed with relief. ¡°Oh, thank you, Lumos. It was not anything serious. Well, I¡¯ll get your rooms prepared, as I¡¯m sure my father would have already offered them to you.¡±

    When they returned to the main dining area, the military was gone, and only locals and Locksmiths remained.

    ¡°Whelp, I¡¯m off. You kids have fun and stay out of trouble.¡± Sly gestured with a flick of her hand to her forehead.

    Lyra twisted her lip. ¡°Wait, you aren¡¯t staying with us? Where are you even going?¡±

    She removed her coin purse and shook it as it dangled noisily. ¡°Off to place my bets at the coliseum. I would invite you, but you have to be twenty-one to enter. Eamon, interested?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good. Have fun, Sly, we''ll get the key.¡±

    ¡°But not too much fun!¡± Lyra shouted as the bell¡¯s door dinged when Sly opened it, and it closed behind her.

    Lyra put her hands on her hips. Staring at the door with a shake of her head. ¡°You don¡¯t think she¡¯ll spend all her Denarius?¡±

    Eamon''s tight lip formed a slight grin. ¡°I have no idea. I¡¯m just glad we have our own coin purses. So, do you have anywhere in mind to go?¡±

    Lyra¡¯s stomach grumbled at the same time. She clutched her arms around her waist. ¡°I could eat something right about now.¡±

    Eamon grinned. ¡°I second that. Let¡¯s see if there¡¯s a tavern from which we can get some food.¡±

    Lyra and Eamon headed for the tavern down the street. It was noisy and raucous, full of locals, travelers, some Locksmiths, and the military.

    Lyra groaned, rolling her eyes. ¡°I swear¡­¡±

    ¡°We can eat upstairs or take our food to go?¡± Eamon offered, hoping she would agree so, he would not have to risk anyone recognizing him.

    He was disheartened when she denied the request with a shake of her head.

    ¡°I won¡¯t let some military people chase me away. No matter what the Chancellor says. Locksmiths have importance in society''s life.¡±

    Having no choice but to agree with her, they headed toward the counter, where a brunette-haired server was behind it. ¡°What can I get you two?¡±

    As the two finished ordering, Eamon¡¯s body tensed.

    ¡°Man, we will be stuffed with how much we ordered!¡± Lyra exclaimed with an enormous chagrin on her face. She licked her lips. ¡°Do you think we should have got Sly something? Nah, I¡¯m sure there is something at the Coliseum. Hey, Eamon, are you okay?¡±

    She looked at him. His face turned pale.

    ¡°I thought that was you.¡± A heavily accented man spoke to them. ¡°Long time no see, <i>Black Thorn, </i>or do you now go by your name, Eamon?¡±

    Over Eamon¡¯s shoulder, to the right of him, a tall blonde-haired, chiseled-jaw man looked directly at them with piercing gray eyes. He was wearing military garb, a shade of navy blue, different from the usual uniform for the military brigade. He had a confident gait about him that was not to be tested.

    Eamon''s eyes twitched at the name. A sharp shock stabbed inside of his pain; hot flashes of pain had him shaking free of the pain that came suddenly.

    He could not muster the courage to turn around and face the military personnel he worked so closely with.

    The Imperial Military man got up and walked over to them. This man¡¯s confidence not only filtered the air, but it was something sinister, too.

    Lyra did not know who this person was, but from Eamon''s cinched posture, she knew it was someone he did not want to speak to, let alone see. She stood in front of Eamon protectively, facing the man with a hardened glare.

    Her action made several eyes from the military look her way, who were surprised she butt in. Even the man himself smirked, amused. Annoying, a scowl-lipped Lyra. Eamon was shocked and snapped out of it, staring at the back of her head.

    ¡°Hello, and who do I have the unwanted pleasure of meeting?¡± The man stood at six feet, a foot taller than Eamon. He had an athletic build beneath his uniform.

    Lyra squared her shoulders, holding her head high to not let this man phase her. ¡°Unpleasant indeed since you so rudely came up to us, and it¡¯s clear no one wants you here.¡±

    He raised a thick brow. ¡°Oh? Is that so?¡± He turned to his military friends. ¡°How about you all? Do you all want me here?¡±

    They jeered at his response like yapping drunkards.

    Lyra rolled her eyes, her arms crossed. She was not phased. ¡°The drunken words of inebriated men mean nothing.¡±

    He hummed and chuckled. His lidded eyes stared at Lyra, who tried her best to keep herself steady. It was proving difficult, as his aura was so overpowering it could knock her over.

    ¡°You¡¯re a smart one, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Smart, funny, strong, strategically gifted, I could go on.¡± She listed confidently, hoping to show she would not be messed with either.

    ¡°Nikolai, stop this.¡±

    Eamon managed to muster a few words with clenched teeth but with strained effort. Physically, Eamon was shivering from his mere presence alone.

    ¡°Why? Your¡­ <i>acquaintance</i> and I were starting to get along. So this is the person you left me and the military for?¡±

    His eyes trained on Eamon, and a dark look crossed his features, making Lyra flinch.

    Nikolai smirked. Catching the movement. ¡°Guess that steely resolve was a facade after all.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I got your facade right here¡ª¡± She reached for her blade, but Eamon held her shoulder, stopping her. Lyra looked back at him, wondering why he would stop her, but he was not looking at her but at Nikolai.

    ¡°What are you doing here, Nikolai? The last time I saw you were in the Empire.¡±

    His face glowed with pride. ¡°That¡¯ll be <i>Captain</i> Nikolai Volkov now. I have received a promotion. I still work with the military and now the Chancellor.¡±

    Eamon gaped. ¡°You made Captain?¡±

    ¡°<i>You¡¯re</i> working with the Chancellor?¡± Lyra snidely quipped. Her brows furrowed.

    A somber expression cast across his face. ¡°Yes, you could have been in the same position. But if you cut this act now, I can put in a good word for you with the military and the Chancellor.¡±

    Eamon gritted his teeth, backing away. ¡°No. My place is with the Locksmith¡­. Where I never should have left.¡± Mumbling the last few lines.

    Nikolai frowned. ¡°A Locksmith, <i>tch</i>.¡± He spit at the word as if it was poison on his lips. ¡°Quit the games, Eamon; you know you have no qualities as a Locksmith. Being in the military by my side was your purpose as my adversary and weapon.

    He reached out a hand to Eamon, but Lyra smacked it aside. It was the first time Nikolai reacted with widened eyes at the quick movement he had not sensed.

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t you know no means no?¡± Lyra glared at him. ¡°He¡¯s not going back with you, and if you need help understanding, then¡­¡±

    She removed Riftblade from its sheath, and the military gasped, recognizing the legendary blade. Patrons gasped, unsure of what was going on, and most importantly, Nikolai''s eyes gleamed as he, too, recognized it.

    ¡°Is that¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yep. You¡¯re looking at the one and only. Lyra Ashbourne, at your service.¡±

    A callous look crossed his face. When someone burst through the door, he reached into his pockets, ready to draw his weapon and take her offer.

    ¡°FIENDS!¡±

    Screaming was heard, pulling the military and Locksmith away to the outside. Everyone scrambled outside to see flying Fiends airborne through the sky and citizens running for cover.

 Part Fifteen

    ¡°We have to help!¡± Lyra shouted. She gritted her teeth, seeing the panicked looks on people¡¯s faces.

    ¡°Care to hold off on our match?¡± Nikolai voiced beside her. Lyra rolled her eyes. ¡°Hopefully, we''ll see each other again, Eamon.¡±

    Eamon stiffened. He could not move or speak. Lyra took his hand and pulled him opposite where Nikolai and the military were going.

    Running by her side, Eamon managed to snap out of it. ¡°Thank you¡­ for that.¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°Of course, I would. That guy¡¯s a jerk. Don¡¯t listen to him; you are every bit a Locksmith. Remember: You came back, so that''s what is important.¡±

    Eamon nodded. He took in what she said to heart. ¡°Thank you, Lyra. I¡¯ll try to remember that.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± She grinned. ¡°Cause it is true. Also, I think I¡¯m starting to build a list of rivals. So that''s always fun.¡±

    He chuckled at that.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s focus and save the people here.¡±

    ¡°Right. I have your back.¡± returning to himself.

    Lyra and Eamon rushed through the streets of Tro¨¦r, helping, aiding, and preventing Fiends from harming any citizens. They heard a sudden whip crack and saw Sly protecting a family from a gang of bulbous Fiends¨C the Arataka¨C with one large yellow eye and leather wings.

    ¡°Sly!¡±

    Lyra jumped in the air, sent a Radiant Slash toward the Fiends, and sliced off its wings. Eamon came from behind and bashed the Fiend with an earth-shattering pulse. Sly finished it and wrapped her whip around the creatures, squeezing them until they exploded.

    ¡°Go to the nearest shelter!¡± Sly told the family, who thanked them before running. She turned back to Lyra and Eamon. ¡°Good to have you two show up.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Eamon asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t think Aratakas¡¯ would come near a city, let alone daylight; they''re usually nocturnal.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Sly confirmed. ¡°My Denarius is on that strange Rift affecting the Fiends¡¯ Circadian rhythm.¡±

    There was an explosion down another part of the street.

    ¡°What can we do?¡± Lyra asked, frantic.

    Sly smiled. ¡°Follow me.¡±

    Eamon and Lyra followed Sly down the city streets to see the military surrounding a giant Monosaurus Fend with rocky skin, thick, thigh-gray legs, and big tusks.

    Nikolai stood among them.

    ¡°And fire!¡± He commanded.

    The military fired their strange polygonal-shaped, spiral-patterned weapons. The creature in question was not going down, but it staggered and got hurt, to everyone''s surprise¡ªonly a Locksmith could do severe damage.

    ¡°Nikolai!¡± Eamon managed to call out.

    The blonde-haired Captain turned and smiled. ¡°Oh, good. You finally made it, and you brought the Rosevera Whip with you. It must be fate.¡±

    Lyra snorted. ¡°Yeah, whatever. What kind of weapon is that? It looks like a rifle, but it¡¯s not one I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know lil¡¯ Ashbourne.¡± Nikolai grinned. ¡°But to answer your question. The Musketeer¡¯s Edge is in its prototype stages to improve the rifle''s accuracy, reliability, and firepower to test out on Fiends before we can obtain better means of eradication. The firearms specialists in Flintlock City are prioritizing it for the military.¡±

    Lyra gritted her teeth. She thought this might have something to do with the military taking Locksmith''s positions. Surely, it is only a rumor¡­ right?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± It was as if he could read Lyra like an open book. ¡°I¡¯ll allow you to share the glory, but we¡¯ve handled this.¡±

    ¡°Tch, whatchu you say?¡± balling her hands into fists. ¡°We don''t do this for the glory we¨C¡±

    Sly held her arm up to keep her back.

    ¡°Yes, for the protection of the people.¡± Finishing her sentence. He sighed. ¡°You Locksmiths can be quite repetitive. And this is what you came back to?¡±

    He directed his question at Eamon, his tone accentuated by a disapproving glare.

    ¡°Leave Eamon out of this! You want to talk about repetition. You military scum could use some semblance of a soul being the heartless war hounds the Empire lets loose.¡±

    Had Sly not been holding her back, she would have attacked him. Giving him a shiner before the military could take her out.

    Nikolai feigned hurt, touching his chest. ¡°Lil¡¯ Ashbourne has claws, huh? Guess you like them feisty, eh, Eamon?¡±

    Eamon¡¯s face grew dark, and they approached him. He grabbed the Captain by the collar and stood toe to toe with the blonde-haired giant. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Nikolai. Don¡¯t speak to her like that again, or else¡­¡±

    The other military were alert by Eamon¡¯s sudden movements and were ready to attack him on sight, but Nikolai held up his gloved hand to stop them. He did not take his eyes off Eamon and smirked. He enjoyed seeing the fire in his eyes and getting under his skin, wanting to see his Black Thorn again.

    ¡°Or else what?¡±

    Sly pushed the two men apart with a swift movement that neither one sensed.

    ¡°Alright, you kids both break it up. Not now. We have Fiends loose in the city. I don¡¯t know what the military is going on, but if it can take down a Fiend and protect the people, we should work together.¡±

    Lyra gasped, taken aback by her proposal. ¡°Really? We don¡¯t need them.¡±

    Sly glared at her to let her know her word was final. ¡°Having more people in your arsenal is a good thing, Lyra. Even if they are the opposition.¡±Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Ah, you wound me,¡± Nikolai sarcastically joked. ¡°But coming from the Rosevera Whip, I¡¯ll take that as a compliment.¡± Wiping his uniform free of wrinkles where Eamon had grabbed him.

    Sly had to resist rolling her eyes. Nikolai grinned and stretched out his arm. ¡°Since we are working together and all.¡±

    Lyra stepped forward, pushing past Nikolai. ¡°I¡¯ll show you not to underestimate me.¡±

    ¡°Very well¡­ lil Ashbourne.¡±

    If he calls me that one more time. However, Lyra focused on the military people and heard them mumble as she passed, ¡®Is that the Riftbreaker?¡¯ and ¡®Is she really an Ashbourne?¡¯

    Another Fiend was coming at two o¡¯clock. Lyra inhaled and exhaled. Her sword drew its stored power. She could faintly hear Nikolai say something sarcastic, but she tuned him out.

    She snapped open her eyes, charged her Essentia before going for a running stance, and leaped in the air with a perfectly executed jump. She brought down her sword with a Radiant Smash, disintegrating the Fiend in seconds.

    Lyra turned and smirked. She planted her sword down into the ground, leaning against it. The military was in awe and impressed; even Nikolai did a slow clap.

    ¡°Not bad at all. Perhaps our fight will be interesting, lil Ashbourne.¡±

    Her brow twitched. ¡°Call me that again, and you¡¯ll see Lumos real soon.¡±

    ¡°Alright, rivalry aside.¡± Sly broke it up before things became too intense. ¡°Let¡¯s just take these Fiends down as quickly as possible. I am sure guilds here have sent their Locksmiths around the city, so there should not be many left. Your military weakens them, and we finish them off. Deal?¡±

    Nikolai shrugged. ¡°Sounds fair. Lead the way.¡±

    Lyra shook her head, mumbling. ¡°Jerk.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Eamon whispered when he walked to her. She looked up at him to see a twinkle in his eyes that lit up his face. She blushed. ¡°I have your back.¡±

    Locksmiths and military raced through the city, taking out the unwanted Fiends and directing citizens to safer passages. As they headed toward the furthest western part of Tro¨¦r, they saw a group of Locksmiths taking down a last group of Fiends and a few militaries.

    ¡°What¡¯s the status support so far?¡± Sly asked a brown-haired Locksmith.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Rosevera Whip!¡± they echoed and called out her name upon seeing her.

    Nikolai approached with his military.

    ¡°Locksmith Miles at your service, Rosevera Whip,¡± the brown-haired guy said. ¡°We¡¯ve taken down the last of the Fiends in the area, and then the military had come in.¡±

    ¡°Good job men.¡±

    ¡°Sir!¡± the military saluted.

    Sly nodded. ¡°Good. We just finished taking down some Fiends back in the eastern district. I think it is time we circle back to the center. Continue monitoring the area for Fiends and redirecting civilians to safety.¡±

    With that, they were off again.

    ¡°What do you think caused this?¡± Lyra pondered aloud. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s the Rifts? There aren¡¯t even any Magycte Beasts or Veilspawn in sight.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡± Eamon mirrored Lyra¡¯s confusion. ¡°What would be the cause now? There¡¯s no forest and certainly nothing negative around.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Sly said, running beside them. ¡°But if I had to bet Denari on it, I¡¯d say the Children of Deimos have their names all over this. There¡¯s something shifty going on, something otherworldly, and it does have something to do with those Rifts.¡±

    ¡°Care if I join your club?¡± Nikolai sauntered over to them by Sly.

    Lyra rolled her eyes. ¡°Sorry, not sorry, we''re all filled up.¡±

    ¡°Well, we are working together for a brief time.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully, very brief.¡±

    Once they reached the central part of the city, they saw a giant Rift growing inside, trying to pull everything and everyone inside.

    Sly took action and used her whip to catch some citizens by swinging onto a ledge, grabbing onto citizens, and landing them safely. Lyra and Eamon used their Wellspring powers to take flight and scoop up anyone before they flew into the mouth of the Rift.

    Now, it was time to close it.

    ¡°Lyra, let¡¯s Sync.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lyra gaped at Eamon. ¡°But we¨C¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice and¡­I trust you.¡±

    Lyra¡¯s eyes widened. She nodded. They focused on their separate Essentia and then on each other¡¯s aura synchronizing.

    Let¡¯s go! They telepathically said.

    With the willingness of their synched powers combined, they were able to move in quick succession. They managed to save the remaining citizens just as a shadowy Magycte Beast appeared.

    ¡°Go high, I¡¯ll go low!¡± Eamon commanded.

    ¡°Got it!¡±

    The Magycte called the fourth Veilspawn to get in their way, but a ranged bullet made the creature stagger. Lyra turned to see Nikolai grinned and saluted her with two fingers.

    His military held back and distracted the Veilspawn.

    ¡°Gosh, I hate that smug grin on his stupid face.¡±

    Sly whipped her whip to strike a creature, and it exploded. ¡°Go! We¡¯ll hold them off from here.¡±

    Not long afterward, more Locksmiths emerged from different parts of the city to help.

    Lyra focused on the Magycte Beast as it roared, waving its black tentacles.

    ¡°I go high, you go low.¡± She reiterated, adjusting her fighting stance.

    Eamon did the same. ¡°I¡¯ll follow your lead.¡±

    The air in Tro¨¦r crackled with tension as the shadowy tentacles of the Magycte Beast unfurled, reaching toward the city like sinister tendrils seeking prey. The once bustling streets now echoed with the distant sounds of chaos, an ominous symphony accompanying the impending battle.

    The Magycte Beast''s shadowy tentacles unleashed a horde of twisted Fiends upon the city, their eerie howls echoing through the deserted streets. Lyra and Eamon, surrounded by the encroaching darkness, met the fiends head-on. Each clash of steel against monstrous flesh resonated with a primal intensity.

    As the first Fiend lunged, its claws gleamed in the light, and Lyra dodged the attack. Eamon whirled his Escrima sticks quickly, delivering calculated blows to repel the assailants.

    The Magycte Beast orchestrated the fiends'' movements with an otherworldly cunning. Unlike any encountered before, the fiends were agile and elusive, their movements synchronized with an eerie intelligence.

    Lyra and Eamon found themselves back-to-back, surrounded by a swirling vortex of Fiends. Eamon''s eyes glinted with determination, his muscles tensed. Lyra gripped firmly onto Riftbreaker.

    "Are you ready for this, Eamon?" Lyra''s voice was steady and unwavering.

    Eamon flashed a confident smile. "Always. Let''s do this."

    The first tentacle lashed out. Lyra danced nimbly away. Eamon dispatched another tentacle with a series of swift strikes. The Magycte Beast, obscured in the shadows, seemed to writhe in pain.

    Their trust in each other was unwavering, and neither showed signs of breaking. Their Essentia resonated with a kaleidoscope of colors that enveloped them. The world around them slowed, each movement calculated with the precision of a well-rehearsed dance. Instead of flickering like a fragile flame, their connection burned brighter, an unbroken bond.

    With a synchronized cry, they unleashed their ultimate move, a fusion of Lyra''s Radiant Essentia and Eamon''s physical prowess.

    "Celestial Radiance!" They shouted in tandem.

    A blinding surge of energy erupted from them, and a torrent of rainbow aura shattered the shadows. They executed a perfectly coordinated assault, dismantling the Fiends that faded into obscurity.

    The Magycte Beast¡¯s hold over the Fiends broke. The air crackled with ethereal power as the beast roared in agony, fading away.

    As the brilliance subsided, Tro¨¦r bathed in the dawning light of victory. Lyra and Eamon were triumphant and smiling, their chests heaving from exhaustion.

    "Did we do it?" Eamon asked with strained effort.

    Lyra smiled. A mix of exhaustion and triumph in her eyes. "We did." The Locksmiths, breathless and battered, stood victorious after the chaotic clash.

    The citizens of Tro¨¦r, peering cautiously from their hiding places, erupted into cheers.

 Part Sixteen

    The 17th day of Solariel

    The charged atmosphere in Tro¨¦r''s Inn is filled with tension, a lingering residue from the recent Magycte Beast attack that had shaken the city. Patrons huddled in small groups, their voices subdued, exchanging wary glances as they murmured about the harrowing events of the past few days.

    Lyra, Eamon, and Sly found themselves in a corner, their eyes fixed on the radio atop a worn wooden table. The device crackled, and a hushed anticipation settled over the room. The inn''s flickering oil lamps cast shadows on the faces of those gathered, revealing lines of worry etched into furrowed brows.

    The conversation around them was a low hum, snippets of dialogue drifting through the air. Whispers of the Magycte Beast''s rampage, the destruction it wrought, and the lives it could have claimed had the Locksmiths and, to their dismay, the military, come to their aid. The inn''s patrons, a mix of weary travelers and locals seeking refuge, spoke in subdued tones, their eyes darting between one another as if searching for solace.

    A grizzled miner, his face smudged with coal dust, leaned closer to the radio, his weathered hands gripping a mug of ale. "You reckon they''ll talk about the beast in the conference?" he mumbled to his companion, a woman with tired eyes that mirrored the city''s collective exhaustion.

    ¡°It''s not like the CC have let us common folk down. They¡¯ve always been for the people,¡± a bystander replied, overhearing the miners'' conversation.

    Sly''s gaze shifted from the patrons to the radio, her expression unreadable. She had seen her fair share of Rifts and Magycte Beasts, but the unease in the room hinted at a deeper undercurrent of fear.

    Eamon, his eyes reflecting the turmoil within, caught Lyra''s glance. They shared a silent exchange, a mutual acknowledgment of the weight in the air. The radio crackled, and the announcer''s melancholy voice echoed through the inn.

    The inn became silent, a silence so deafening a pin could be heard as they waited to see the unfolding that held the city''s fate¨Cperhaps all of Aurum¨Cin its hands.

    The conference started.

    "As we convene today to address the challenges we face, let us not forget the resilience that defines us as Aurum''s people," the announcer said, the words reaching every corner of the inn. The patrons listened, their expressions a mosaic of emotions¡ªuncertainty, hope, and, for some, a simmering frustration.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 49th Citizen''s Chamber Conference. We will celebrate half a century of collaborative governance in just a year. But today, we gather under somber skies as Aurum faces a terror that demands our collective wisdom."

    The announcement introduced the political leaders, each name reverberating through the inn like distant thunder. Mayor Elara Duskmire of Lysandrian Kingdom, Tsar Nicolas Durand of Valerian Republic, by his side, the Praefectus Vigilum Cassandra Aegis, who was appointed as safeguard and protection over the festivities. Speaker Reynard Stonebridge of Crystalline City was next, followed by Imam Fhara Sheimer of the Aurora Federation¡ªtheir titles echoed the weight of responsibility.

    Lyra, Eamon, and Sly listened intently, their eyes reflecting the spectrum of emotions that rippled across the room.

    The first topic surfaced like a storm on the horizon¡ªthe Harmony Tax Act. Mayor Duskmire spoke, her voice rising with authority: "Fellow citizens, the Harmony Tax is a call for unity, a bridge that spans the divide between common and affluent. It aims to forge Aurum, where prosperity trickles down to every hearth, but we must scrutinize its implications and be wary, as we have been burned in the past.¡±

    Sly''s brow furrowed, sensing the dichotomy of opinions in the inn. A man in plaid beside the miner grumbled, "Unity, they say, but how does taxing the commoners bring unity?"You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Tsar Durand''s response crackled through the radio, "The Valerian Republic supports this act as a step towards economic equilibrium. A strong nation stands on the shoulders of both its bourgeoisie and proletariat. But let us not be blind to its nuances."

    Eamon exchanged glances with Lyra, their unspoken dialogue mirroring the silent debates that echoed through the inn. The radio continued its relay of passionate discourse.

    Speaker Stonebridge stepped into the arena of ideas, his resonant voice asserting, "The Harmony Tax Act, while well-intentioned, must be a conduit for transparent governance. Let our scrutiny be the forge that shapes it into a weapon against inequality."

    The inn''s patrons nodded in silent agreement. The miner beside Lyra, Eamon, and Sly muttered, "Transparent governance, that''s what we need."

    Finally, Imam Sheimer''s measured words reverberated, "In Aurora, we share the aspiration for harmony. Nevertheless, let us remember that harmony is a symphony, not a monologue. The voices of the common must not be drowned."

    The radio signaled a shift to the second topic¡ªthe incident in Gearford. Tro¨¦r-¨CChancellor Viktor Radovinov addressed the bewildering disturbances gripping the city. "My fellow Aurumites, we face a new challenge: Ethereal Rifts. These strange phenomena demand our understanding. In Tro¨¦r, our people have witnessed their unpredictable might."

    Lyra scoffed. Hearing the Chancellor¡¯s voice made her blood boil, reminding her countless times how much of a snake charmer he was. It almost sounded like he knew these Rifts and was outright keeping it from the public.

    Eamon kneaded his thumb over his hand, waiting for something to drop the ball and reveal everything. At the same time, Sly''s expression was unreadable.

    ¡°My fellow citizens, I stand before you today, not as a ruler, but as a servant of the people. Our great nation has faced trials and tribulations. I have heard your concerns, your fears, and your hopes. I am here to address them and solemnly vow to each of you.

    In the hallowed shadow of this historic place, I take this oath to renew the sacred trust between the government and its people. The harmony tax, which I proposed, is a path towards unity and prosperity. We can build bridges, not walls. It is an endeavor to ensure that no citizen of this great nation feels forgotten or oppressed.

    I acknowledge the concerns raised about the military''s growing influence. I vow to uphold our constitution and the separation of powers. Our military serves a crucial role in safeguarding our nation, but it must not overshadow the voices of the citizens it seeks to protect.

    The rumors of strange Rifts - the Ethereal Rifts - are a matter of great concern. I pledge that we will investigate these anomalies diligently. They pose a threat not only to our nation but also to the entire world. With the assistance of the Locksmiths, the military will stand united in our efforts to understand and overcome this new challenge.

    I promise the people that I will always respect their rights, freedoms, and independence. I will work tirelessly to ensure that citizens have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their origin. We will build a brighter future together.

    Our great nation is diverse in its regions, classes, and people. Yet, in this diversity, we find our greatest strength. Together, we will face the challenges that lie ahead. I envision a new era for our beloved nation, an era of solidarity, equality, and progress.

    As your Chancellor, I commit to governing with transparency and accountability. You, the people, have entrusted me with the responsibility to lead this nation, and I pledge to be faithful to that trust.

    Together, I take this oath not just as words but as a solemn covenant to uphold the values we cherish, protect the people we love, and March forward into a brighter, united future.

    Let us turn the page to this new chapter of hope, where unity reigns and our great nation thrives. Long live our country! Long live the people!"

    The political discourse faded and melded with the cheering of the Chancellor¡¯s message. The inn''s patrons engaged in whispered conversations, echoing the sentiments of the leaders on the radio. The miner beside them shook his head. "Ethereal Rifts, they say. Sounds like more trouble for us common folk."

    ¡°And what does that Rift produce anyway? It was much bigger than a Veilspawn and controlled Fiends, too?¡± And another said into the crowd of locals, confused by the Chancellor''s vague message.

    ¡°What can the military do that the Locksmiths can''t?¡±

    ¡°I''ve seen them using strange rifle-type weapons. The Fiends and Veilspawn even staggered! I never thought someone other than Locksmith could defeat Veilspawns or Fiends.¡±

    And on and on, the questions continued.

    The voices of Aurum''s leaders resonated through the inn, each echoing a different facet of the complex harmony sought by the Harmony Tax Act. The air in the inn charged with the weight of uncertainty that would shape Aurum''s destiny. Lyra, Eamon, and Sly were caught in the currents of change, their perspectives shifting with each word uttered in the political arena.