Venu exited the room quietly shutting the door behind himself; after which he looked around cautiously. he was supposed to meet up with Erya in the capital, but wasn’t sure where he was supposed to look. He hoped that it would be easy. Perhaps they had ways to protect the kingdom from demons… even when Erya was one of the higher demons.

While he could use his magic to look for the entrance of the castle- for some reason it didn’t work for finding Erya… he still had yet to understand the limitations of his own ability.

He moved towards the entrance and a woman’s voice came from the archway to one of the rooms- a woman that he recognized.

“There you are, demon,” Venu responded as the shape took that of how the Demon had first introduced itself.

The woman pouted, “Still?”

“I wouldn’t want to forget what you are.”

“So, I assume you want to use my powers for sleep?

“Actually… I need something else from you. Since I’ve gotten here- ‘right path’ has been leading me in different directions…” he responded, “I don’t understand why.”

It was something he was troubled by. He wouldn’t know whether or not the direction he went would guide him towards what he wanted.

The Demonos responded thoughtfully. Being Erya meant that he was the demon of opportunity- and certainly this was it. While the contract required service- it didn’t require lack of self-service.

“It’s obvious is it not?” It seemed that demonos gained the use of human speech quickly.

“How so?”

“There is no ‘right path’ if there isn’t a conclusion… Happiness is subjective… The way to achieve right path would be to choose a path and then the direction to get there.”

Upon being shocked by a new perception: Venu didn’t consider whether Erya had an alternative reason to tell him this.

“I need time to think…” Even still, Venu decided to approach the change in perspective with caution.

Erya inwardly sighed and took the form of a male butler instead. The butler held out the orb and Venu spoke ‘intake’. Instantly the dark aura that surrounded Venu left him.

Afterwards- Venu felt quite ambitious and decided that he would go into town with the ‘jewel’ and take care of the bank transaction with the kingdom jewel.

“The Great Bank!” he whispered to himself about magic, and then Venu left towards the city using ‘right path.’

---

Narika looked up at a decorated ceiling. It seemed there was an artistic trim, light through the window, and a curve in the roof. The last time he’d been in a place so luxurious- he was in Ka’atra’s own castle…. How long ago had that been?

He’d come a long way personally, but how was he ever going to get back? Would he even need to- he wondered. Instead he decided to take it one step at a time. He was in a good place with Elera by his side, so he wasn’t going to worry about it.

Narika was sure that he’d only been asleep for a couple hours at most… it was possible that he’d only slept half an hour as well. He looked to the side and saw Elera still napping. However, it seemed that Mika was up and patiently awaiting Narika to wake as well.

“Hey!” Mika spoke in an excited whisper… ready for the adventure of the rest of the day. Elera seemed to rustle at the sound of activity- despite the whisper. Sari, however, slept soundly beside them. Mika tried shaking her awake before anyone could stop him- but she kept sleeping on.

The dragon came out of the jewel and glared at Mika for trying to rouse his mistress.

The dragon actually solved the problem in Narika’s head. Narika gave a task to the dragon.

“Would you watch over Sari?” Narika spoke to the dragon.

THAT IS MY DUTY. The dragon replied.

Narika bowed to the dragon, “thanks- If she does wake up…egh… we’ll be back before nighttime.” he scratched his head.

He looked around the room and remembered that Venu said he'd be coming back- and he wasn't really worried about him. If they wanted to leave now- he was sure that Venu would figure out the way back.

He equipped his sword and gear behind him. He looked at himself in a mirror… a true mirror. It showed an unkempt but sturdy looking youth- and someone older than the last time he'd seen himself.

How long had it been since he'd first started his adventures? He had no idea how long he'd been a vagabond. After studying himself for a while- he realized his clothes were definitely worn out with multiple tears.

He turned his gaze towards the others. Mika seemed ready in anticipation while Elera was already slipping on shoes.

After a moment, "Are you two ready?"

Mika nodded, "Yep!"

Elera smiled and nodded. and the three left the room.

"Let's go."

---

Standing before Vargus in the east wing of the castle -was his liaison and personal guardian- Shadow.

Vargus – the wizard in charge of diplomacy between the east and the capitol. While he had a network of informants in the political scene and such- Shadow was his most trusted and skillful liaison.

Vargus was overall known for generosity to strangers- as a diplomat he liked to have a good face in front of others.

His eyes and ears- ‘Shadow’ was an Aqayan loyal to him as guardian. As guardians went, after becoming assigned- it was their duty to protect and serve their master until told otherwise.

“Hello Shadow…” He spoke and offered ‘shadow a platter of foods, “would you like anything?”

“Shadow” bowed before Vargus. Gratefully Vargus was a kind master- some masters treated their guardians as tools or pawns. However ‘Shadow’ being more ambitious would have preferred someone with more backbone than Vargus. Vargus seemed more intent on appeasing his masters, Temagus and Aarock and saving face in front of the people- than actually taking a stand against anything they requested of him.

“Shadow” was an air Aqayan- he was trained in dignity and meager living. The luxury that Vargus presented to him, “No,” he responded as always but added on aftewards- as Vargus had showed him, “…thankyou.”

Vargus had already told ‘shadow’ to only come to him if they were something urgent- knowing this Shadow had come anyway. While Vargus didn’t mind the company of Shadow – he respected Shadow’s own viewpoint- which was business like.

“What is the report?” he spoke frank.

Shadow had a unique gift that allowed him to traverse the lands quickly- Level 3 wind magic- He’d been assigned to keep an eye on the other places across the lands. He was told to check up on the status of the east earlier that day and had just returned.

(perhaps vargus has disintegrate or something- anything within a certain area can be disintegrated)

Shadow told him about traitor in the midst – Devon: who was now imprisoned by Aarock…

“Devon a traitor?!” Vargus replied. Vargus made no mention of how Devon had been defeated. The mere fact that Aarock would find out about someone would indicate that he would defeat them.

Shadow continued, “it seems that Merth was using dark magic…and Devon helped to protect him.”

Vargus was surprised to say the least- this was no ordinary news. If Aarock weren’t in charge he’d worry about things more. For the time being he worked as a liaison between Aarock and the warlord of the eastern district – Marguun. He was content where he was and wanted to believe the world to be a better place. He enjoyed the comfort of his position to say the least.

(marguun has a plot to overthrow Aarock. Aarock finds out about it, and decides to replace Vargus with Kanji (aka shadow).

(meanwhile marguun puts a plot to overthrow Aarock on hold to secure his lands against intruders… ((he appreciates Vargus because Vargus is easy to manipulate))….It’s for this reason that Aarock wants him to remain in position – Aarock doesn’t feel threatened by Marguun- he lets him remain in charge because he’s effective and there’s a lack of effective leaders now.)

---

In the north.

The northern Aqayan lord: Septa… sits alone upon the throne. It’s not so much a throne perse – well – at least the Aqayans are a bit less flashy with their livelihood. While it has all the functionality and amenities of a throne room- it’s much less threatening. Of course, being known as the most powerful of the Aqayans leaves little room for grandeur.

Septa is commander of the Aqayan tribe gathered in the north. With the exception of an Aqayan woman, Scarlet- the Aqayans chose to live north after they were summoned to Earth. After seeing the potential for evil and corruption by humanity – they would rather send guardians.

While the world there is winter-like- life is still pleasant because of a magic barrier protects them.

Septa is the most recent protector. Every new generation a new protector is elected amongst the Aqayan tribe for the duration of his or her life. While seemingly dangerous – the system has worked since the beginning of Aqayans.

Septa along with many others have been keeping tabs on the situation in the capital- He negotiates with Aarock about his people and supports him fully as a king. However his position still requires him to keep the interest of the Aqayans as highest regard.

He sends a few Aqayans to become guardians in the capital- they consider it a privilege to be chosen and only the strongest are allowed to go.

“Lord,” an Aqayan- bows before Septinn- leader of the Aqayans in the north. Septin is the chief leader- and has ties to Aarock- while he has a treaty with Aarock - he's taken a more isolationist appraoch... limiting involvement with the city besides enforcing guardians.

"What do you have for me, Carrigan?"

"A couple Aqayans have arrived at the castle- but it seems that they've come from the 'South' and not our own clan...

"Hmm," Septin speaks. He remembered tell of a woman who'd escaped the Aqayan tribe- once, but that was as while ago. Could it possibly be that woman and her son?

---

“Sup guys,” Venu waved with a smile as they stepped into the halls. For some reason he seemed uncharacteristically energetic. But Narika thought it a good thing to his normal self- so didn’t mention it.

“Hey, Venu,” Narika spoke.

“Uh- I went into town to exchange the jewel while I went out,” Venu pulled out a giant bag. Inside were hundreds of golden coins.

“Wowweee!” Mika spoke looking at the bag. Venu smiled. Venu pulled out a couple smaller bags.

“In case you two want to split up, I figured I’d bring a couple extra bags,” he gave Narika a sly smile- hinting at the budding romance between the two- and passing each of them a small leather satchel and divided the coins into amount for each of them.

“Can I have one too?!” Mika spoke excitedly.

Venu however tucked away the smaller bags that he had before Mika could see it, “eh- I’ll stick with you Mika- there could be scammers so my magic can help us know if anyone tries to scam us.”

Mika looked down a bit, but Narika understood. A twelve year old boy with a bagful of money would’ve been easy pickings for merchants.

Venu spoke to the group, “Oh- since I walked around- I know a little bit of the way around- I can show you to the town center first and we can split up from there.”

Narika liked that plan and they followed Venu out. From the room they took a right till they reached an intersection- then took a left towards a light. It turned out that the light was a gate and they passed a couple guards at the gate as they exited.

---

Vincent led them down from the gate which was circled by a moat and drawbridge.

“It’s a downward slope from here,” he said in a positive manner. It was weird having him be so optimistic about things.

“Why are you so energetic?” Narika asked, surprised that Venu was taking such initiative.

Venu replied, “I don’t know,” turning away, “I’m just happy.”

Narika sensed a lie, but didn’t want to push it the issue.

Narika looked at the layout of the city It seemed that Elondra had its castle stationed in a high point so as to be safer from attack. Further behind it seemed there was a mountain range which the city built itself into.

After a few minutes, they walked through an open courtyard. It seemed to be quite vast. Narika looked as a group of trainee guardians were practicing swordsmanship from a master nearby a barracks.

Narika noticed that the swordsman were a slew of different races, a majority elfa and Aqayan. In this regard- his own training with his father was probably similar, but more advanced- since his father had given him one-on-one time.

Mika looked excitedly at the group, “wowee!”

Venu upon noticing Mika’s excitement spoke, “Eh, Narika Elera, I think we’re going to go there for a minute.”

Venu looked at Narika and Elera, “um – the way to the center of town is this way- he pointed down a footpath leading down the hillside. It should lead you all the way to a fountain- which indicates the center, after which the town is divided into sections from there…”

Narika nodded to Venu and they walked off letting Venu and Mika head towards the group of trainees.