The twistwood tree had resided on the Caelum estate for generation after generation. Even after its mind formed, it was content with being a silent shelter for its planter’s House. More had been coming lately. The twistwood tree had heard some elders speak of a war in the south. If only there were so many visitors during peaceful times.

The little one named Sidrick sat under its branches. He came often, usually to practice sculpting his ice, other times to hide from his duties. The boy was… eighteen. It was difficult to keep track of years.

It watched Sidrick sculpt a girl from ice. She had a bread basket on her arm and a long dress that blew in the wind. The poor boy looked embarrassed as he tried to find the correct expression, resculpting her face several times. He finally settled on a refreshing smile.

Sidrick suddenly perked up and dissolved the small sculpture. He reformed the water into a longsword. The twistwood tree understood a moment later as the boy’s father came into view.

Had he set a spell to detect anyone approaching?

The boy’s father came and sat next to Sidrick. The twistwood tree only recalled seeing him the few times Leticia brought him here on dates. He often sent attendants to find Sidrick instead. The twistwood tree was sure that he was different before. Yes… He used to stand straighter, hold himself with pride and vigor. It was gone now.

“That was Anita, wasn’t it?” the boy’s father finally asked. “Of House Ilyen?”

Sidrick’s hand shook as he tried to focus on shaping the longsword.

His father nodded. After a moment, he put a hand on Sidrick’s shoulder. “Tell her how you feel, boy. House rules be damned.”

Sidrick looked at him.

His father’s gaze was distant as he looked up at the sky. “I’m proud of the man you’ve become. I—“

Sidrick’s longsword cracked.

“Proud,” Sidrick growled as he stood. The longsword struck the ground with a loud crash, embedding itself deep in the earth. The grass around it froze over, the twistwood tree feeling the cold reach even its roots. It saw space twist and bend around the boy’s fists, fading as he let out a breath.

“You’re proud of my magic. Not me,” Sidrick said as he left.

#

Sidrick saw Ede Alonse standing at the labyrinth’s exit. Hedwin had briefly spoken about him but he’d forgotten to mention the man’s sheer presence. It was like staring into an abyss of chaotic mana.

The others continued on without pause. Even Layla was unfazed.

Can they not see it? Sidrick thought. He had stopped walking without even realizing it.

Ede Alonse’s gaze landed on him. The abyss held Sidrick in place, its ravenous maw closing in on his head. Sidrick stumbled and barely stopped himself from falling as his mind flickered in and out of consciousness. He struggled to catch his breath as cold sweat ran down his face. His heart beat so fast, it could explode at any moment.

Layla rushed to his side and stopped him from falling.

“What’s wrong, Sidrick?” she asked, her face twisting with worry. She looked to Vivi. “Please help my brother.”

“I am afraid this is outside Miss Yenet’s expertise,” Ede Alonse said, each of his small steps covering an eerily long distance. He arrived next to them and, before Layla could say a word, placed a finger on Sidrick’s forehead.

Sidrick blinked as his mind cleared, his heart slowed, and his body came back under control. Even the sweat dampening his clothes disappeared.

“I apologize for the scare, young man,” Ede Alonse said, his overwhelming presence gone. “Had I known you were soul sensitive, this would not have happened.”

“You did this?” Layla growled, her eyes flashing scarlet.

“By mistake, yes. My deepest apologies,” Ede Alonse said. He smiled apologetically. “This was not the first impression I wished to give… I am Ede Alonse, overseer and founder of Centralis. I wanted to personally welcome you.”

“What the hell was that?” Sidrick asked.

Ede Alonse just winked and looked toward Hedwin’s party. “Care to join us in my office?”

They all nodded.

Sidrick felt the world shift. It was sickeningly familiar, as if he were back at the bottom layers of the labyrinth. A large office constructed itself around them. Shelves and carved decorations unfolded from cracks in the blank wooden wall. Stairs unfolded from the floor. Papers slipped in from out of sight and arranged themselves into scrolls, books, and countless documents. Furniture folded into being from slips of material rising from cracks in the hardwood floor.

Sidrick looked around in awe as he tried to understand the magic swirling around him. It was incredible. Certainly not a magic possible on Yenoriha. Hedwin had told him how different worlds held different rules, but he hadn’t completely believed it until now.

He glanced at Layla. Her gaze was intensely fixed on Ede Alonse. Sidrick placed a hand on her shoulder. She relaxed only a little.

The look in Sidrick’s eyes changed as he watched the office finish building itself. If he could learn from these people, his magic would make amazing strides. Never again would he be helpless. As long as the cost wasn’t too steep, he would gladly live and learn in Centralis.

Ede Alonse took a seat behind his desk. “I don’t believe I’ve gotten your names.”

Sidrick sat in the seat that built itself next to him and set Cyrina on his lap. “Sidrick Caelum. And this is Cyrina.”

Layla stayed standing. “Layla Caelum, head of House.”

He smiled. “Neither of you seem the type to care for pleasantries. Should we skip to what you want to know?”

“We won’t give you our world’s magic,” Layla immediately said.

“I had no intention of asking for it. Or taking it, for that matter,” Ede Alonse said. “Your magic is yours unless you wish to share it. Though I strongly suggest hiding any obvious quirks. Sovereigns are endlessly greedy for the magic of other worlds.”

One magical advancement could tip the delicate balance. It had done so more than once in Yenoriha’s history.

Ede Alonse leaned forward. “I built Centralis to be a haven for new beginnings. I offer you two new lives as my citizens, able to take on whatever job, study, or activity you please. As long as it does not hurt Centralis or its people, you will receive ample funding and support. You will also be provided housing and a monthly stipend until you become self-sufficient. All at no cost.”

“Bullshit,” Layla said with a glare.

Sidrick glanced at Hedwin’s party. They were waiting patiently except for Jonah, who looked bored out of her mind. Hedwin gave a small nod when he noticed Sidrick’s gaze.

“I would also be cautious in your position. And I imagine the testimony of your fellow travelers would be met with much the same skepticism,” Ede Alonse said, motioning to Hedwin’s party. “There is little I can do but simply deliver on my promises.”

Two small stacks of paper appeared in the air.

“Magical contracts,” Ede Alonse said. “They will bind our agreement by way of heavenly restriction.”

Sidrick tensed. Layla frowned deeply.

“Ah, looks like you both know of it. That makes this much easier,” Ede Alonse said. The contracts floated down into Sidrick and Layla’s hands.

Sidrick saw an unfortunately familiar golden seal at the center of the first page. He took a deep breath and pressed his thumb to it. A stream of information slipped into his mind, the contract’s details and intent becoming immediately clear. Ede Alonse was telling the truth. He had even excused them from heavenly retribution should they break the contract.

Layla’s frown deepened by the second. She started physically reading the contract, somehow doubtful of what the spell was telling her. Sidrick wondered who was actually more paranoid between them. Sidrick was looking forward to their inevitable conversation over Cyrina less and less.

Maybe his experience in the labyrinth had dulled his cynicism. Or maybe he was just that desperate to get stronger. Whatever the reason, he still couldn’t help but wonder…

“Why?”

“Because I can afford to,” Ede Alonse answered. “There is little that a slight increase in power could give me. I would much rather work on improving my nation. Travellers are always in need of a home. I provide the best one I can, and they repay me with their experience, either directly or indirectly. They make up half of Centralis’ backbone. Besides, if there is even a chance that a traveller can even become half the ally Jonah, Hedwin, and Vivi are, I am happy to welcome and protect them. No matter their past. All that matters to me are their actions on Linea.”

Sidrick didn’t reply. He simply contemplated the Sovereign’s words.

“What are our other options?” Layla asked. “We don’t know anything about this world and you’re asking us to pledge allegiance.”

“Ah, no, no allegiance,” Ede Alonse said. “You can leave if you want. Centralis is a neutral territory. We don’t demand loyalty. As for the other nations… I believe Jonah would have a better explanation than I could provide.”

Sidrick and Layla looked to Jonah.

She shrugged. “Want me to take an oath or anything?”

“No, you’re not a bullshitter,” Layla said.

Jonah gave a thumbs up before she started. “Northwatch is north. It’s cold. That’s where I first arrived. They kill dragons for a living. They’re happy for newcomers but it’s rough. Their training puts every other nation to crying shame, everyone is strong. Otherwise, the people are great and the fights are fantastic. Plus you get a badge that makes most mages piss their pants. But you have to live in the north. Which sucks.

“Karislan is northeast-ish, on the coast, named after its Sovereign. It rains a lot. The seafood is worth visiting for but not much else. It’s overly fancy and annoying to look at. The Sovereign is full of herself and forces everyone to pay a gift before entering. The people are nice enough but it gets… cultish. Travellers are considered the greatest gifts to Karislan, so only go there if you can escape easily.

“Havash is in the south. They’ve controlled the desert for thousands of years and will for many more. Centralis is best friends with them since their philosophies mostly align. Travellers are welcome, though watched closely. The Havashi dislike the unknown. I still like visiting—the art, history, architecture, all that stuff is amazing.

“The Alind Kingdom is east. Super annoying people, arrogant like you wouldn‘t believe. Beating up their nobility is crazy fun. Otherwise, not worth visiting. Their traveller policy is catch and torture on sight. I would wipe them out personally if they didn't have a dozen liches protecting their capital. Maybe more now.

“To the west is a massive forest of monsters, then the Fraylind mountain chain, and finally the Topaz Coast. That’s where all the elves are. Nice people, humble, very hardworking. Best food you’ll ever eat. They’d get more tourists if they weren’t so ridiculously hard to reach. The Westwalker protects the elves when they’re walking through the forest but doesn’t provide the same courtesy to outsiders. All the elves are descendants of travellers, so they’re pretty welcoming.”

“It sounds like we have plenty of options to explore,” Layla said.

“Well those are just the big superpowers,” Jonah said. “There are loads of smaller nations and independent cities. The vast majority are unfriendly. Their Sovereigns are the smaller fish desperate for promotions. There are also the Isles but they’re labyrinth hell.”

“Where do you stand?” Layla asked Ede Alonse.

“Hmm…” He leaned back in his chair. “I am content with my power.”

“He could spit on King Alind’s face, raid Karislan’s vault, and come home knowing that they wouldn’t even think about retaliating,” Jonah said.

Ede Alonse sighed but didn’t deny her evaluation.

“What do you think of Centralis?” Sidrick asked.

“I wish we had more elven chefs but otherwise it’s pretty great,” Jonah said. “No politics really, most are pretty happy and friendly, and the scenery is always nice. Perfect weather. Ede Alonse isn’t the saint some people think he is, but by Sovereign standards, he’s close enough. Travellers still need to hide since there are people from every corner of Linea here.”

“Which is why I cannot allow you outside secure facilities until you can pass as a local,” Ede Alonse said.

“Or else you’ll end up with a stupid title,” Vivi muttered.

“If I may add to Jonah’s words,” Hedwin said, “Centralis is the best place to practice magic and make connections. Sidrick, I know you wish to get stronger. We have the resources and mentors to help you. After you’re ready, we’d happily lead you north if you want something more.” He looked at Layla. “Am I right in assuming you want to rebuild your House?”

“I would like to eventually, yes,” Layla said.

Hedwin nodded. “Most traveling nobles have the same goal. Centralis is where people of every nation meet on neutral ground. There is no better place to broker deals, build reputation, and make new friends. For a mage of your caliber, it would be even easier.”

Layla still hesitated.

Sidrick didn’t.

The contract burned in his hands. Countless letters of golden flame swirled together into a complex matrix of arrays before compressing into a single slip of golden paper. Sidrick pushed a shred of mana into it. The stamp of House Caelum imprinted itself on the paper. A moment later, the paper folded in on itself, becoming smaller and smaller until it disappeared in a puff of smoke. The contract’s contents still hung at the back of his mind.

“I am glad to welcome you as a citizen of Centralis,” Ede Alonse said with a bright smile.

Layla stared at Sidrick before her own contract burned up into golden flames.

“Ahhh, I thought we’d get another round of back and forth,” Vivi fake complained. Layla ignored her.

Ede Alonse bowed his head slightly. “I’m glad that you’ve both decided to join Centralis. While I cannot allow you to roam the city just yet, I would be more than happy to provide a warm bed, meal, and a change of clothes.”

“That,” Layla said, finally sitting down, “would be most welcome.”