Along the cobbled street, a man robed in white preached. Through the thick crowd of people, swarming the streets in droves, his lengthy words, hoarse voice rattled all opened to listen. Most of Freywyn remained ignorant, uncaring for what the seer had to say, yet some stayed, watching the man's bony stature move radically while he sprouted the unbecoming, coming. Like many before they had seen the times of desperation, times of men falling still much passed reigning over their closed minds in seclusion, in false security. They' know what he says may amount to truths too hard to bear, in fragile lives, living in glass walls too easily shattered.

"Do you feel it? Does the world not quake far more than it has ever had before, we've all seen what coming, the ground beneath our feet isn't stable. Those who wish, clutching to their lives lest heed what I have to say, armies rage violently to the northern continents, and much of the south lay in turmoil the times once again comes. The east, west to prepare even our very city trembles do you not sense it? Will you remain idle? There's been word the shadowborn lingering to the north, tearing the lands. Talk of the an overlord’s return, his legions march deep within the north these creatures of darkness are only he cusp of what's to come." Extending his hands, many of those who stayed wide-eyed, stood with hairs on end, numerous chatter lit from within.

"Is it true?" An elven looking man spoke, amongst the clamoring, "What, you say mustn't be true it has to be a false lord!" He exclaimed, the passersby stopped, sensing the commotion creating an even larger mass than before. "The times of reckoning are coming again!" Shouting the crowd became more frantic, filled with fear. Their faces were stricken with worrisome expressions. "It must be.." "Why now?" Stuffing the air with more woeful cries the seer huffed ... "Quiet, let the seer speak!" A man called out, only slightly quieting the disturbance. Still raging a loud bang came from the sea of people, a staff struck the cobbled street. "Let's hear what the seer has to say." Steering attention, an old man calmed the commotion.

With all eyes peering once more towards robes of white, the seer scoffed. "Truth is I do not know if this is a false lord or not but is it not reason enough, to prepare ourselves? Do you not remember the destruction the previous false ones caused, even someone not one of the destined awakened create great danger. Powers far beyond what we can imagine, splitting the land and sky with mere words these are who we will soon witness." .. Pausing the seer gauged the crowd, watching with a somber expression. "There is a way... Join together only goddess of Niferia can save us." ... "The goddess of light, Niferia will lead us to salvation." His echoing words caused the crowd to drop, to their knees praying to the goddess of light in reverent devotion.

Rows of people prostrated themselves before the seer, folded hands continuously praying in unison, only a stark few still stood meeting the seer with faces of disbelief. Gauging the spectacle from a distance, Ceron loomed. At least something is the same. He thought inwardly, with the duo in tow as they walked past. With wide strides the group left the ruined graveyard of buildings entering the city limits on the verge of rebuilding. From scorched buildings, crumbling at their leisure fully furnished structures came into view striking a similar air to the city center Ceron basked in before. Rustic buildings, hobbled together with tiled roofs lined each side of the road, various second story windows were opened with fine wire extending out drying assorted linen.

Lining the sidewalk stalls filled with varied folk carrying on, buying and selling wares. Sprawling nearly a city block these booths filled the entire road as if a block of commerce, sounds of coin and idle talk filled their ears albeit forcefully. Men draped in expensive cloth, lying aside those in tattered rags selling dirt pottery, expansive aromas filled Ceron's nose as they entered, roasted meat and bountiful fruits sat on counters dragging attention of the commoners. Few stallers met eye's with the group, those that did gave Asriel odd glares, looks of disdain. "It's him." Huddling together a myriad of these stallers spoke, giving Asriel their Ire. "Don't sell to that rabble, he's a disgrace to his father's name." ... "He's only living off the money." "Utterly useless." Snickering they continued, bellowing their voices to his ears.

"Master.." Beth said, Turning Ceron saw her trembling figure, with dark eyes. "May I have permission to silence them..." Too Travis seemed displeased, "Let's give them a painful lesson." Travis interjected. "No." Ceron said, Beth and Travis ready to retort were stopped passing a serious look Ceron continued walking forward. Travis lowered his dagger, huffing jogged back into pace, snapped back Beth followed. "Now's not the time we have work to do." His words carried, to those snickering as well. Puffing up the stallers turned away in anger, averting gazes. Advancing in silence, a swarm of people swept past, some with parting smiles and others continuing brief glances with them, directing their disdain towards Asriel.

"Beth why is Asriel so hated?" Ceron said softly, slowed his movement. "Oh... That's simple." ... Stepping to Ceron's side Beth continued " People believe Asriel to be a downright scoundrel, thievery, attempted murder and rumors of violence towards the other sex." "That's quite the list, how many of those are true?" Scratching the back of her head haphazardly Beth let out a jittered laugh, "I may have spread some of those rumors myself, before your arrival of course... I would do nothing to offend you master Ceron. Shouldn't you know taking over his body?" Giving him an inquisitive look, Ceron still gazed forward... "This woman..." Ceron thought silently, before breaking the tension. "Not everything is easily obtained, I didn't have enough power, as it quickly faded there wasn't much left to complete the process fully, even now there are lapses in my memory too." Standing still Ceron looked up, a wide airship flew past causing shadows to descend on the scenery, "But that'll soon be resolved."

...

Near the markets end, gaudy chains adorned necks of children to the elderly. Constant creaking, clunking came fourth from the oppressive march with faces rooted towards the cobbled sidewalk. Those deathly pale, coupled with many scorched in burns from an overly sun slumped in line tattered in loose rags barely attached to their bodies. Ceron watched, the slow pace looking at them caused no counter their eyes, black as night as if lifeless remained unaffected from his attention, continuing the mindless stare. Seemingly usual, the surroundings gave no parting glance, for those deemed in chains are just something to be bought like any other goods. Quivering one of the goods stumbled, meeting elbows deep with the muck filled sidewalk, weak its limbs wore thin fat, muscle was a scarcity.

Attracting attention the fallen's' face deepend, a bald man wearing luxury garb stiffened walking with a commanding pose. Towering over the fallen, his face contorted in anger. "Get up you swine." speaking with an arrogant tone the man shifted his foot, over the fallens' hand. Wincing in pain the little girl bit her lip spasming her mouth tried to utter a response, but it fell to deaf ears. Growing tiresome of the girl's pitiful attempts, the slaver snatched hair, lifted her up akin to luggage. "Another slip up like that, and you'll end up a worse fate than just service work." Smirking the man let her go, slightly chuckling he brought out a knotted whip. Dangling it in front of her face, before distancing himself and slowly walked back to the line's front assuming his dominant position. Giving no retort the girl continued pace, thought with a slight gait.

"What is it Master Ceron?" Travis said now at Cerons side, "It's nothing.... Also drop the Ceron, It isn’t wise to use my name, in public." Silently snickering at Travis, Beth looked at Ceron, as if he was her idol. "That goes for you too Beth." Short lived, Beth stopped. "Sorry."...Remaining stoic Ceron advanced once more. "Not much quality..." Lingering in his mind though only for a moment, he fastened pace leaving the markets embrace. "Regardless it's quite ineffective, those you wish to enslave should serve with undying fidelity..." Ceron said softly, rested his hand on the newly acquired shortsword strapped to his hip.

..

Deep within the howling skies, peering from the horizon behind a layer of dense clouds a swirling sphere hovered invisible to those below. Extending to multiple men in size, lone only clouds met with its violet vortex like arms securing itself between. Flying past, creatures of the sky avoided its proximity continuously, the swirling mass released an oppressive aura. A vertical slit ran down it's supposed front, moving this divide retracted from each side, stretched fully a sharp iris took its center, dark red it focused towards the city streets. Reflecting off the vortex's glaring eye three figures walked shifting through, an endless crowd. Encompassing these three entirety the eye watched, vigilantly without rest.

Inside a dim stone chamber, one stood adorned in a porcelain mask watching the other, lying on thin sheets. The latter, partially exposed draped in red linen, around her chest. Parting down the face, long silver hair met to her lower back. Turning both gazed, towards the chambers wall- Specifically the mirror that embellished it. The mirror subtly vibrated, shrouding its reflective surface turning into images of three figures walking. "Which one?" Alsin said , intently gazing at the mirror.

Rising from the bed, Carolin's body still wrapped in a fine sheet stopping at her knees. Walked towards Alsin her bust slightly bounced with each step, next to him Carolin laid her arms around his neck. Pushing her bust onto his back, unperturbed Alsin locked eyes, "Which one?" He spoke again emotionless. Taken back from her lack expression Carolin's face turned sour watching the mirror, "Hmm." Releasing Alsin, she watched the mirror stepping closer. "The one taking the lead, what's his name?" ... "Asriel I believe." "That's the boy who wasn't in uniform and had the gall to talk back to me in the lobby... Cocky bastard." Carolin thought, "I want him to taste defeat.." "It'll be done. But why?" Alsin replied, kneeling. "Ugh, get up you." Carolin spoke lifting Alsin off his knees, "On the bed now." She continued, pushing him to the bed frame, "Let me have some fun first." "If you insist, though this is hardly the time.." "Oh shut up, and why you asked hmph... It's simple I didn't like the look in his eyes."

...

Gushing past, enveloped within a sea of eyes, Ceron quickened pace with goosebumps following him from behind, running along his back. "This sensation..." Looking down, his body stood on end, a heavy force pushed down weighing his feet. "Someone is out there, I can feel their intent... Do they know I'm not who I appear to be..?" ... "The pressure, whoever it is or.. Whatever it may be, it's powerful, I can't tell the source... If they, or it knows who I am, would've attacked by now, or perhaps not cautious maybe... Yet I hadn't felt this presence before, sure of it." "What's the matter your sweating?" Travis touched Cerons shoulder, "What?" Feeling a cold river down his face Ceron's posture lowered "The feeling is gone.." he inwardly thought while glancing around, "Was it merely a passing intent? Can't take that chance.." ... "We need to get out of the open, we're close aren't we?" Ceron said.

"The preliminary for acolytes, is over here." Coming from their side, a sharp voice rang. An older man, living in his later years stood wearing a black uniform, fitting his body like a glove. Well groomed his looks retained a spark of youth and refinement despite his age, thick brown hair covered the person's head. However bowing the man's sudden appearance still caused Ceron, the others to be alarmed. "This man... I didn't notice him until he spoke." Inwardly, shocked Ceron remained guarded watching the old man, "Was he that presence I just felt before?" Sensing the confusion, the man smiled. "Oh forgive me, it was not my intention to scare you." "Who are you?" Ceron replied.

The man's lavender eyes tightened, pulling a courteous pose. "I'm the guardian of the ground entrance. My name is.. Junas V. it's a pleasure."... "I noticed you three before, from the list Ms. Carolin gave me." "You have keen senses for someone of your age, noticing our faces while under cowls." Ceron said, lowering his hood, "Well I am a guardian of the gate." Chuckling Junas continued, "If these senses had left me in my age I wouldn't have this job." "I doubt you've come just to introduce yourself, what do you want?"... "Quite prudent, for a young man Asriel, yes I wished to see the forums that were given to you at the lodge. Only then I can allow your group to pass."

After mulling briefly at the man before him Ceron motioned Beth to his side, however facing away he could feel her face widen when beckoned. "Very well.".. "Hand me the papers Beth." Diligently following his command, she grabbed one of her numerous leather satchels pulling three papers from within. Handing them to Ceron, then off to Junas- "I see." Junas said as he shuffled the papers, then handed them back to Beth. "You all are free to enter." Ceron, the others nodded in response, as Beth placed the papers back Junas began to guide the group. "This guardian isn't a normal man." Alone in his thoughts Ceron continued behind Junas, keeping his stoic expression.

...

Stopping, Junas reached out extending his hand. Soon began to release a small whisper, in rapid movements jolted his hand, as if clutching the air itself Junas started to pull sideways. Fissures of light crept from where he had peeled back an invisible layer, soon taking up the walkways entirety. "Come." Junas said, walking through the strange light.

As they followed the city scape left them, devoid of the clamor only subtle steps weighed on ears. Walking behind, thick fog began to protrude from nearly all directions unaffected, their guide continued. "Follow close behind, if not swirling wisps will drift you away." Junas said somberly, while lighting a lantern, Closing the gaps, Ceron drew closer to Junas... Shifting, strange silhouettes formed just beyond the lanterns embrace, calling out enchanting whispers and songs came. Growing more dense the surrounding world became all but white, looking back Ceron saw Travis standing, agape peering into the abyss. Hurriedly grabbing Travis, Ceron pulled him back. "Did you see it? There was a woman." Pale Travis tumbled, onto Ceron. "Don't be deceived, this isn't any ordinary fog. "..." Regaining composure they continued, "It's a astral border isn't it Junas?" Ceron spoke, watched the surroundings with dagger-like eyes...

"Correct it is an astral border, though only a small fissure." ... "I thought so." Ceron said cautiously. "There's no need to worry, as-long as you follow me and continue the path ahead everything will be fine." Junas kept forward as he pointed to the red bricks beneath their feet, "It'll will lead us out of here safely." ...Confused Beth scratched the back of her head, "Astral border?" Seeing the dumbstruck, Ceron glanced at her "It's a rift between worlds, where spirits of those recently deceased wander unto... However incorporeal these spirits prey on those still living lest they cease to exist."... "Why don't these spirits leave the rift, seeking other astral planes?" Beth said, tilted her head. Ceron chuckled. "Foolish question... Although it's wise to ask even if you don't realize it would be ignorant of you not to." Looking back at Beth Ceron continued, "It's simple, unlike us these incorporeal beings however powerful, lack a body and without one they cannot escape. A spirits mass will decay if left unprotected without flesh, only rifts like this blurring on the world's border can harbor such things."

"This place, it's like a spider web easily entangled but not so easily freed..." Ceron thought, while grasping something inside his coat. ..He's quite knowledgeable for someone his age. Looking back Junas eyed him. He's different, astral borders are at least fifth level information someone must've trained him well....Low clicking emanated from the surrounding haze, rising the source became closer- Snapping forward Junas's ears twitched, looking forward his gaze tightened. Stopping, raising his palm behind to halt Junas grimaced "Something's coming, don't move." Unease settled as a cold chill swayed from behind causing hairs to rise. Deep silhouettes encroached from the sides, on the fogs border waving radically these distortions took shape. Crawling closer human like figures, revealed themselves, though still shrouded only blurry wisps danced in view.

Unable to see past the haze, Ceron sweat dropped. "What do you see Junas." Junas face turned sour, "Dammit these things should've been dealt with already..." Junas sighed, paying his company no heed. Translucent arms emerged, tearing from the fogs embrace lengthy pale bodies followed with. Resembling human-like, these entities had all but one thing, looking above the shoulders, a vacant face resided, nothing at all devoid of any facial features. Gritty moaning sounded as multiple of escaped the fogs ambiguity, "Snatchers..." Ceron grunted, "Not a very safe entrance for only a preliminary school" ... "Well this border has been unusually active the past few days, just suddenly after the horrific weather... Something stirred up the spirits. Still these mere spirits won't deter us." Oddly still the faceless watched at distance while more amassed- "Don't look at their faces." Junas spoke, "These spirits have meager energy but have a frightening ability to steal one's body by a mere glance."

Keeping his head low Junas continued, "I'm surprised you know about these Snatchers as well.. Still don't interfere nor the rest of you, as your guide I forbid you from getting hurt." "I hope that's not all just talk." Ceron said as he stood behind with Beth, Travis nodding in response a small smile surfaced on Junas, "Guess I'll have to show reason to respect your elders." Watching Junas, pressure swelled like a gushing faucet, around him frost permeated at his feet. Forming an icy path, the surroundings turned freezing. The atmosphere went heavy with the sudden change, "It's as if I'm moving through quicksand..." Intently watching Junas, Ceron smirked "Junas better provide... If not, I'll have no choice but to run and use the others as fodder." Grasping inside his coat Ceron held onto a small root, "Only as a last resort." ...

Junas huffed, looking at the tense faces from behind, "I told you these mere spirits wont stop our advance, no need to look so worried." As if startled by the sudden pressure the faceless perched their heads, jolting back and fourth between the group- numbering at ten the spirits huddled near each other. Approaching Junas clearly saw the decrepit entities, incorporeal yet ghastly their appearances were ones of death. Flesh and fabrics hung off them, loosely covering the body each one with a differing fatal gouge, cut or severed limb. Twitching sporadically most distanced themselves, facing Junas with strange postures.

Several meters ahead Junas stopped, exhaling a deep sigh. Noticing his falter, abrupt stop multiple of the faceless walked forward with bulging heads. A sudden snap came from a few, which advanced the ones that emanated this fell landing on knees. Falling forward slits of ice ran down the base of their necks, protruding deep the layers of incorporeal flesh slid off at the sides. Junas snapped his fingers, with it the ice shattered causing a cloud of icicles, splintering those still standing. In the hailstorm of ice, ghastly cries came as those pierced stood, falling back impaling themselves on spikes. Sensing those still dazed from the attack Junas dashed forward extending his hand a spear of hardened ice constructed itself, upon completion it had left his hand.

Unable to perceive its speed, the spear pierced the neck of a faceless gouging its flesh it tore through taking the creature with it. Lodged into a stone rock, the weapon melted causing the head it had taken to roll. Thin layers of frost accumulated around Junas covering his hands, shavings of ice began to swirl circling his entire body. Watching the battle from waist view Ceron saw bulging shadows, forming from the recently decapitated and impaled. "Junas, destroy the head's core entirety!" Ceron called out.

Turning with eyes closed, Junas smirked. "Thanks... But I already heard the abominations vile contortions." Just as Junas spoke, streams of ice encased the faceless including those frantically running away. With another snap the creatures encased shattered leaving only debris and stench as a final goodbye. As the clouds of ice settled, Junas opened his eyes. "Let's get going." Looking at the guides back, Ceron held a shallow smile. "That makes someone else, another peak I'll have to overcome." Ceron thought while looking at the scattered "flesh" ... "Still I'm rather thankful."