“Nice of you all to finally wake up,” Fera remarked blithely as Sirius and the others emerged from the cargo hull.

Sirius just smiled politely in response and moved over to the railing to soak up the breeze. The harshness of the storm had largely subsided. Leaving only lukewarm winds and a sheet of thin white clouds behind.

“Roan wanted me to thank you,” Talia spoke softly as she joined him.

“It’s nothing… Everyone did their part and performed well, I thought. How’s he doing?”

“Ha—” Talia let out a short, self-deprecating laugh. “He’s great, excited even… Turns out I was the only one really bothered.”

“What’s so bad about that? I understand the feeling. When I first died — I knew it was inevitable, so it took some of the... shock out of the moment. But even then, when I saw the sword piercing through my body, the thought of death — real death — still entered my mind. It’s hard to push those things from your mind when you taste the blood in your mouth and the sharp sting of a sword.”

Talia bit her lip as she mulled over Sirius’ words. “...Were you scared?”

“For a little while, yeah. Though, now that I’ve gotten it out of the way, not anymore.” Sirius chuckled, “Maybe you should try it when we get back?”

“No way…” Talia shook her head vehemently. Slowly, a sly smile spread across her face as she tied back her silver hair in a ponytail. “So, Level 7… What’s the new Skill?”

Sirius faced her and smiled himself. “Nothing exciting to show you this time, missy. I only got a Passive Skill.”

“Dammit…” Talia grumbled. “You and everyone else.”

“Hey, we’ll be in Uscuur soon. Should be plenty of interesting people there, right?”

Talia groaned. “The NPCs are all so stingy about showing off their Spells. It sucks.”

“Could be your Charisma is just not high enough to entice them,” Sirius teased.

“Hmm… You know what: you might be right! I’ll have to ask Roan what he thinks…” Talia wandered off as she became lost in her plots, leaving Sirius alone near the bow.

His eyes traced over the steadily declining precipice of the cliff faces that hemmed them in, searching for what lies beyond.

‘How long will it be until I have a ship of my own?’ Anticipation bubbled steadily in his gut as he thought about Uscuur and exploring more of what this world had to offer.

Sirius consistently struggled to avoid spoilers and previews of the games he was the most excited about. Always wanting to plan his build and path through the story out beforehand. But Vault Creative had truly left everyone in the dark, and he found himself growing more and more thankful that they had.

There was something about venturing into the unknown that both ignited his spirit and left him terrified at the same time. And these clashing emotions produced a special kind of electricity in his body...

Mulling over these things as they drifted over the waves, Sirius sank into a lull. Only now did he feel like he had the chance to settle down and really contemplate the journey ahead. Surely, the tutorial was winding to a close. But where would he go from there?

This party was destined to go their separate ways. He knew Shadowfire intended to meet up with his girlfriend, and the Talia — Roan duo likely had plans of their own.

There would likely be a connecting questline that guided the players to a new destination; however, Sirius had an inkling that branching off and forging his own way might yield the best results.

‘But first, I should see what this meeting has in store…’

The jagged walls progressively widened, submerging deeper into the frigid water as his mind continued to wander. At the edge of his perception, he could feel Fera’s supernatural winds ballooning the sails. It wouldn’t be long until they emerged at the opposite end of the strait.

***

“Not… exactly what I expected…” Sirius murmured as he and Shadowfire gawked at the imposing mountain rising from the depths of the sea.

Much like Blackhill, it was composed of dark stone that glowed with a metallic sheen in the daylight, appearing almost like onyx. However, there was no greenery, or even any land around it, to give it the same sense of vibrancy that their Tutorial Zone possessed.

It stood alone. Desolate. Surrounded by a faint mist and sparse, rocky outcrops that jutted outwards — seemingly afraid to stand in the mountain’s presence.

They had to significantly slow down their approach in order to weave their way between the retreating sea stacks. Luckily, the mist all around them didn’t do much to limit their vision, but it ebbed and flowed as if it had a life of its own. Crawling inward before washing over them like a heavy, drawn-out breath.

Not long after they waded into the fog, a notification drew his attention away from their surroundings as they circled around towards the mountain’s northern face.

Due to your proximity to a tremendous source of spiritual energy:

Spirit Regen increased by 20%. Additionally, the speed at which excess Spirit is accrued during [Meditation] is also enhanced.

Sirius glanced over at Shadowfire to see the man staring at the message with wide eyes.

“What is it?”

“[Meditation] should be a non-classed Passive Skill. I looked over it briefly in our guild database, but don’t have it yet myself. It allows those with the Spirit resource to rapidly increase their regeneration out of combat. And if used for long periods of time — they can also increase their maximum Spirit Pool.”

Sirius sucked in a sharp breath as he thought about the implications. ‘No wonder the Toth elites would gather here.’

“How long are we talking?”

“Days. For incremental gains. But it doesn’t have to be done in one sitting. Sorry, I need to try and get the Skill right away to test this,” Shadowfire hurriedly added as he sat down on the deck in a lotus position, shutting himself off from the world.

Sirius sighed, gazing back out into the mist. Be it the Baptism or a buff like this, casters had many benefits by starting as a Toth. Although, he figured they weren’t the only faction with access to a source of ‘tremendous spiritual energy’.

“What’s he up to?” Talia walked over and nudged Sirius after seeing Shadowfire.

“Trying to get the [Meditation] Skill.”

“Oh…” she shrugged, quickly focusing elsewhere.

Sirius smiled ruefully. He didn’t take Talia as the type to sit around anywhere for longer than a few minutes — let alone settle down to meditate.

In time, the mist thickened, but under Fera’s deft manipulation of the air currents, they safely navigated the treacherous field of stones and arrived before a gaping hole in the rock face. Nearly the entire lower third of the northern mountainside had been hewn away. The cut was rough. Chipped and eroded further by the tides of time, sloping upwards as it proceeded deeper into the heart of the mountain. Viewing it from a side profile, it appeared like the dark behemoth was ready to tip over and collapse at any moment.

‘How strange…’ Sirius could see numerous lights twinkling in the dense shadows within the cavern. Deep shades of blue and purple entwined making it difficult to make out anything more than blurred outlines and silhouettes through the fog. It was the first time he’d seen light sources other than candles or torches in this world, and as a result, he’d subconsciously dismissed the idea of resources foreign to earth being incorporated into technology.

“So pretty… I’ll have to see how much they cost.” Talia’s musings drifted into his ear as their ship passed into the shade.

Sirius tensed up momentarily as he feared that their masts would clip on the overhang, but his worries were misplaced as they entered the cavern with plenty of room to spare. He laughed to himself as he recalled all the times as a kid doing something similar. Whenever they drove underneath a tunnel or an overpass he would duck his head and forget to breathe — unnaturally afraid that somehow their car was too tall.

“Who goes there!” A baritone voice suddenly rippled through the dense mist, displacing it enough to reveal the two rowboats that approached them from the left.

“Blackguard, Fera. Chosen of Nimera. I bring urgent news from Blackhill Garden.” Fera’s tone remained level as she replied. Then, as if to demonstrate the truth of her words, she sent a visible gust of verdant wind in their direction.

It passed harmlessly through the fog, dying out just as it reached the two vessels.

“...It is true that you are a Chosen of Nimera. But for now, I must ask you to remain here. This... ship is unfamiliar to us, and we must bring a troop to inspect it and make sure you are not under duress.”

“Very well.” Fera agreed immediately and moved to drop their anchor as they waited.

It took about half-an-hour of idle waiting, by Sirius’ estimates, before anyone re-emerged. This time, there was a veritable fleet of rowboats and small junk ships that rode out to meet them.

Eventually, one of the more exquisitely designed boats separated from the pack and moored right alongside their ship. Fera dropped down a rope ladder and three broad-shouldered men soon clambered aboard.

‘Ahh, Shadowfire will get along well with these guys…’ Sirius suppressed a burgeoning smile as he saw that they all wore sleek black cloaks that obscured their faces and gear.

The leader of the three stepped forward and pulled back his hood, revealing a dark, shiny scalp and worn visage. Faded scars littered his features with a particularly vicious one stretching across the bridge of his nose that seemed to squirm with agitation as he frowned.

“Fera… it's been a while…” The man’s stern countenance abruptly cracked as he revealed a toothy grin.

“Master Zaun, it is good to see you well.” Fera bowed deeply and motioned for Sirius and the others to follow suit.

“The sentries reported that you bring urgent news…” Master Zaun spared a brief glance over their party. His sunken brown eyes not revealing any traces of surprise or emotion. “...And I must admit that I am eager to hear your tale. Tell me: what is it you seek here?”

“I wish to be granted an audience with the Elder Council. The Garden has come under siege by foreign invaders and High Priestess Necrah has sent me to request aid.”

“I see…” Zaun nodded perfunctorily — as if this was exactly what he anticipated. “Not all of the Elders are present in Uscuur at this time, but there are enough to form a quorum.”

The man turned to the guards at his back and addressed them, “This matter demands immediate attention. Quickly, relay word to the forum scribe and have his page’s complete the necessary procedures to begin a hearing. I will guide Fera and our guests to the Council Chambers personally.”

Fera’s expression sunk as she saw Zaun’s reaction to the news. “We are not the first then?”

“No. And nor will you be the last. Preparations are already being made to secure safe passage between the villages, but initially, we were slow to react.”

“It's understandable. Their attack caught us all off guard.”

Zaun scoffed. “There is no need to make excuses for the Council in my presence, Fera. You know as well as I do that they have grown increasingly indecisive and out-of-touch over the years. They would much rather lock themselves in their rooms, engaging in perpetual meditation and prayer, than deal with mundane matters,” he finished derisively.

“It is not my place to speak on their decisions, Master Zaun.” Fera revealed traces of a smile but managed to maintain her formal demeanor.

“Gah—! So be it. Let us be off and get this over with…”

***

Sirius lapsed into silent contemplation in the back of the rowboat as Zaun and Fera chatted quietly while manning the oars.

Earlier on in their conversation, he’d learned that Master Zaun was in charge of training all the new recruits in the Blackguard — which turned out to be the primary military force across all the Toth villages and wasn’t exclusive to Blackhill like he’d initially thought.

The two spoke freely, reminiscing about Fera’s days under his command and all the fresh recruits that had arrived in Uscuur this year. Talia attempted to jump into the conversation once or twice, but she was largely ignored as were Sirius and Shadowfire. However, it didn’t feel as if they were being disregarded out of spite, but just a general disinterest on the part of Zaun.

‘He must know we are Heralds if our group isn’t the first to arrive here…’ Maybe it was a result of their lacking faction reputation, but regardless, Sirius was happy to fade into the background and simply listen to all they had to say.

They continued on like this until the boat entered the shallows near the end of the cavern. A few plainly dressed men stepped into the water and helped them disembark at the bottom of a wide set of stone steps.

It may have been more accurate to refer to them as long, layered slabs that eventually leveled out after a few paces. When they arrived at the top, there were a few plain storehouses and other buildings scattered around the area. They were carved from the same dark stone that composed the mountain — as was everything else.

There were no shops or stalls, or bright colors, presenting a very minimalistic and drab atmosphere that seemed to exude a perpetual chill despite the warmth of the mist.

Zaun led them through the broad neatly paved streets until they reached a small plaza. At the end of which was a massive double-wide door that was etched into the rock face. Framing either side of the entrance were much larger versions of the dull amethyst and sapphire crystals that shed their light throughout the cavern. Much like the mist, these gemstones pulsed erratically as if the energy contained inside sought release.

The door groaned open on its own accord as they drew close, revealing another great rift in the mountain. But before they crossed the threshold Zaun came to a stop and turned to face them.

“Stick close. And don't speak to anyone unless they address you first. The Council should be gathered shortly.” A fiery light ignited in the man’s eyes as he spun back around and led them through.

Beyond the doors, the mountain had been hollowed out in the shape of an enormous hexagonal prism. They had entered the area somewhere near the bottom, at the base of a winding spiral slope that curled its way upward.

Sirius haltingly approached the short stone barrier at the edge of the ramp, his stomach fluttering erratically as he gazed down into the dark, bottomless pit below. The mist surged out of the abyss in dense bursts, and his eyes followed it closely as it rose through the chasm, coiling around the intricately marked pillars positioned at each vertex of the prism until it gathered into a cloud up above that he couldn’t see beyond.

“Didn’t Master Zaun just instruct you to stay close by,” Fera quipped as she glared at Sirius.

Fortunately, Zaun himself stepped in before Sirius had to force out an apology, “It’s alright, Fera. This is their first time seeing the Well of Nirvana. A little curiosity is to be expected.”

“What is the purpose of this place, if I might ask?” Shadowfire inquired as they proceeded up the slope, urged on by Fera at their back.

Zaun’s brow twitched as he hesitated, but in the end, he provided an answer — albeit a vague one. “It is… A place where the Chosen of the Toth gather to reflect on their path and their purpose.”

Shadowfire acknowledged the reply with a gracious nod, choosing not to pry any further.

Trudging quietly upwards, they eventually arrived at a level floor. It circled around before continuing into another slope that led to a new, higher layer.

Each of these layers within the Well of Nirvana had numerous unmarked doors lining the walls and nothing else. Sirius estimated that by the time they reached the 7th floor, they had to have passed hundreds of these rooms, yet they had only encountered a scant few passersby — each of whom was wearing a set of plain midnight blue robes.

These people all behaved in a similar manner as well. They would acknowledge Fera and Zaun with a polite bow while disregarding the others.

It was at this point that Sirius started getting a little annoyed. He was well used to Fera’s cold demeanor and Zaun was largely cordial throughout, but there was a hint of derision in the looks that these others shot his way that he found extremely irksome. It was all too similar to the way Rhis had first regarded him.

“We’re here.” Zaun finally announced after what felt like miles of uphill climbing. They had stopped in front of a set of doors that were guarded by two statuesque women. He strode up to one of them and asked, “Has the Council gathered?”

“Yes. You may enter,” the rightmost guard replied, flatly.

Zaun motioned for them to follow, but that same guard suddenly stepped forward and barred the path of Shadowfire and Talia.

“The un-initiated have no right to stand before the Elders,” she hissed.

Fera frowned and interceded between the two parties. “They are here with me at the request of a High Priestess. It is only due to the presence of the invaders that have yet to undergo their Baptism.”

However, the guard didn’t even flinch in the face of Fera’s anger. “Regardless of extenuating circumstances, my answer remains the same. Any un-initiated must remain outside.”

“They are Heralds that have bled for our cause. What difference does it make—!”

“It’s fine.” Shadowfire interrupted, holding up a hand. “Sirius can speak on our behalf, and relay the information afterward.”

Fera was still seething but managed to rein herself in after a look from Master Zaun. With a huff, she brushed past the guard, dragging Sirius into the Council Chambers behind her.

“What matter could be so pressing that we must interrupt our meditations yet again, Zaun?” A wizened voice pressed as soon as the heavy doors slammed shut behind them.

Sirius quickly glanced around the large domed space. It was circular in shape and all of the Elders presided over them from a raised dais that wrapped around the room.

“Now, now, Aur…” The sole woman among the present Elders chided softly. She flicked her long violet hair to the side as she settled into a more comfortable position. “These are tumultuous times, and we must do our part as members of the Council. If you wish to waste your days away in isolation you could always return to the temple.”

Sirius identified the old man who had first spoken when he snorted loudly in response to the young woman’s rebuke.

He sat cross-legged atop a gilded throne, thin strands of long white hair cascading down his hunched back. Upon feeling Sirius’ eyes trained upon him, he smiled mischievously, sinking back into his seat.

Before Sirius had a chance to interpret the meaning of that expression, the next voice arrived from behind. “...Fera, correct? You are assigned to Blackhill Garden alongside Rath. I take it you bring us word from Necrah?”

Sirius spun around to see an azure giant struggling to squeeze into a throne that looked to be formed from dark storm clouds. Lightning flashed around the man periodically as his deep voice continued rumbling through the room long after his mouth had closed.

“It is as you say, Elder Orous. We have recently emerged victorious in a struggle with the invaders — whom I am sure you are now familiar with. However, we have learned that they are expecting reinforcements. Because the power and the extent of these forces is unclear, Lady Necrah seeks support from the Council.”

“Indeed… You are not the first to arrive with such news,” the woman seated at the center of the dais spoke again. “Messengers from Delti Cape and the Agaze Summit have already been received.”

“Has there been any word from Motabest, Elder Sana?” Fera hastily asked, her hands fidgeting behind her back.

“I’m afraid not.” Sana shook her head, a solemn frown marring her refined features.

“I would like to ask some questions before we discuss what aid shall be lent,” The elder on Sana’s right intoned. He had a large, beak-like nose and piercing green eyes.

“Of course,” Zaun spoke up in Fera’s place after she remained silent for a few awkward moments.

“When did they first arrive?”

“A little over 3 weeks ago,” Fera replied after a not-so-subtle nudge from Zuan.

The Elder mulled over her answer for a few seconds, stroking the dark feathers that lined his throne. “And how many Chosen were among their ranks?”

“Only 4, but their leader was powerful enough to match both Berek and Rath at the same time.”

“Hmm, I ask this because we have reason to believe that their attacks were premeditated. They all occurred within the span of a few days, and they seemed to have a good grasp on the capabilities of our defenders.”

“I… can agree with that sentiment,” Fera added. “They seemed very interested in our Spirit Well. Employing targeted attacks in order to seize it.”

Sana sighed as she drummed her fingers idly, “Yes, we have heard similar from the others. It is unclear through which channels the Humans are gaining this information, but we are in the process of investigating the Orin settlements that they have been trading with in the northern reaches of the Isles.”

“We’ve been over all this before…” Aur rolled his eyes. “Unless there is new information that they can offer, let’s be done with this.”

“Aur! Do not be so eager to dismiss the troubles of our people!” Orous slammed his fist down on the arm of his throne, creating a noise akin to a thunderclap.

Sirius jumped at the sudden burst of sound. His cheeks quickly tinged red as he realized himself to be the only one to do so.

“There is some truth to Aur’s words,” Sana attempted to mediate when the quaking of the room settled. “The actions we can take are limited until we know more about our enemies and their purpose. Marin, is there anything more you would like to ask before we proceed?”

The hawk-nosed elder shook his head, but his gaze remained trained on Fera. “I am satisfied, but I think the Blackguard has something she would like to add.”

“Oh, is that so…” Aur’s eyes twinkled with a hint of mirth as he suddenly sat up in his throne.

“...Yes.” Fera inhaled a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “I would like to request the removal of Necrah from her position as High Priestess in Blackhill…”