The morning sun shone brightly, casting its golden light over the magnificent hill where Brisena and her party stood. A cool breeze swept gently through the air, imbuing the moment with a peaceful serenity. From their vantage point, the entire Whiteheaven Palace was clearly visible—its grand white structure surrounded by towering stone walls and majestic towers with unique architectural flair. Sunlight reflected off the palace walls, giving it an aura of awe-inspiring grandeur.
In the distance, vast farmlands and ranches stretched across the borderlands of Larfex and Patisia. Further still, the great mines of Blacksand were alive with activity—tiny figures of workers moving like ants below. Behind the palace, a massive harbor stood tall, encircled by industrial buildings that churned out supplies for the empire. It was a masterpiece of the world, a seamless harmony between nature and human civilization.
Robb, having risen earlier than the others, enjoyed the view from a higher ridge."This beauty... it's unmatched," he murmured, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
"Vuuxi, prepare everything. We need to leave soon," Brisena ordered firmly.
"I'm ready, Lady Brisena. But Robb is nowhere to be seen," Vuuxi replied, scanning the area.
Brisena furrowed her brow. "Wasn't he with you earlier?"
"No, my lady. I searched for him, but... his trail just vanished," Vuuxi said, clearly puzzled.
Rogg, who had been observing quietly, turned his gaze toward the Lakhsa Mountains—an immense range stretching like a wall across the horizon, their peaks cloaked in eternal snow. Mount Lakhsa, the tallest of them all, had a summit lost behind a veil of thick clouds.
"How much longer until we reach Smokeland, Brisena?" Rogg asked, his eyes fixed on the seemingly endless mountains.
"We're already in Smokeland, Brother," Brisena replied. "Last night, when we passed behind the Whiteheaven Palace and entered the mist-covered region, we crossed into it. Our destination is Lytherial Village—the first settlement of the Doliex tribe. It's renowned for supplying the palace with the highest quality fruits and vegetables."
Rogg frowned. "They haul produce through these fog-covered roads? How?"
Brisena gave a faint smile. "No. This is a hidden route used exclusively by the Doliex forces. The farmers use the Zantheris Valley—the gentler and safer path beyond that ridge," she said, pointing toward a distant hill.
"Then why aren't we using that road?" Rogg asked.
"Because you're important and secretive guests—by Mother's orders," Brisena answered. "Even Vuuxi, our youngest and finest commander, is here to ensure your safety."
Suddenly, Vuuxi interrupted, his tone serious. "Lady Brisena, Robb is still missing. Do you have any idea where he might be?"
Rogg looked confused. "How can you not find him? Aren't you expert trackers?"
Vuuxi nodded, though concern was evident on his face. "We are. But this case is... different. We can't even pick up his scent."
Rogg called out Robb's name, his voice echoing powerfully through the hills—an echo so sharp it pierced the air.
"Never call out like that here!" Brisena snapped, alarmed.
"Why not?" Rogg asked, startled. "It was just a single call, and yet it echoed so strongly."
"Your voice will echo endlessly and alert every Doliex clan to your presence. We're still trying to keep this journey secret," Brisena said. She then leaned down beside a large stone near last night's firepit and whispered to it while moving her hands in what appeared to be a ritual.
Yara chuckled softly upon seeing this. "What are you doing, Brisena? Talking to a rock?"
Brisena didn't answer. She remained focused. Moments later, from afar, Robb appeared—standing atop a large stone roughly 200 meters away.
"There he is!" Rogg shouted, but Brisena's face immediately turned tense.
"No... That's the Sacred Stone," she said, her voice edged with concern.
All eyes turned to Robb, who stood calmly upon the stone. It was perched at the edge of a cliff, offering him a breathtaking view of the entire Whiteheaven Empire. Yet something felt strange. Though the sun shone brightly and no mist was in sight, Robb seemed cloaked in something invisible. They could only see him after Brisena's ritual.
"What's the Sacred Stone?" Rogg asked, curiosity evident.
"That stone is holy ground to the Doliex forces," Brisena replied quietly. "The first person ever to stand upon it was the legendary first Emperor of Whiteheaven—an Illeum—alongside his wife from the Doliex tribe. It was there he declared his vow to unify the Guava Valley into a single empire. Since then, only the greatest emperors of Whiteheaven have stood there."
Rogg swallowed hard. "Then… what's going to happen to Robb?"
Brisena didn't answer immediately. She walked toward the large stone with cautious steps."Robb! Get down from there right now!" she called out firmly, though her tone remained gentle.
Robb looked puzzled. "Why? I was just looking around. This place offers an incredible view."
"That place isn't meant for just anyone, Robb. Get down before something happens!" Brisena said, reaching out her hand.
Robb finally stepped down, though his expression remained confused."I didn't feel anything. Why are you all so worried?"
Brisena stared at him sharply. "I don't know what might happen to you. The effects might not show right away. May the ancestors forgive your ignorance. Only someone of Illeum blood is meant to stand upon that stone."
Rogg and Yara exchanged glances, sensing the tension growing heavier.
"What's really going on here, Brisena?" Yara asked. "This place feels full of secrets. I can feel something's being kept from us."
Brisena let out a deep sigh."Smokeland isn't just a fog-covered region. It's our ancestral land—the place where the Doliex tribe's magical energy is strongest. The fog you often see isn't just a natural phenomenon. It's a shroud of protection cast by guardian spirits. That Sacred Stone is one of the core energy points."
Rogg nodded slowly."So what we saw earlier… was part of that magical protection?"
Brisena offered a faint smile."Yes. When I whispered to the stone, I was asking the guardian spirit for permission to reveal Robb's presence. That's why you were finally able to see him."
Vuuxi stepped forward, his expression unchanged."Lady Brisena, we should leave at once—before something else happens. This place is too exposed."
Brisena nodded in agreement."We'll continue through the edge of Lytherial Village. We need to find shelter before nightfall."
Rogg, Yara, and Robb followed Brisena and Vuuxi up the steep path. They moved through a dense pine forest, the silence growing deeper with each step. The wind had ceased, and the air turned colder.
"I feel like we're being watched," Rogg whispered, glancing around.
"That's natural," Vuuxi said without looking back. "The guardian spirits always watch over those who pass through this land. They won't attack as long as we respect the rules."
Robb shivered slightly. "I don't like this place. It feels like I'm trapped in a nightmare."
Brisena paused and looked back at them."Believe me, Smokeland is a beautiful place—if you learn to understand and respect it. Don't be afraid. Vuuxi and I are here to protect you."
After several hours of walking, they finally reached Lytherial Village. Nestled in a valley surrounded by lush fields, the village was filled with wooden and stone houses, their walls adorned with magical carvings that glowed faintly in the dark. The villagers welcomed them with warm smiles, though their eyes studied the newcomers with quiet curiosity.
"Welcome to Lytherial," said Brisena.
They walked through the village of Lytherial, the air filled with the fresh aroma of fruit orchards and vegetable gardens that seemed to breathe life into the morning. Though the journey had been exhausting, the tranquil atmosphere of the village seemed to restore their spirits. A few villagers who saw Brisena and the Doliex escort lowered their heads respectfully, greeting them with warm, genuine smiles.
"Young Lady Brisena has returned! You look more radiant and remarkable than ever," said an elderly woman carrying a basket of apples.
Brisena responded softly, "Veylitharé serenya taihnar."
The villager smiled and went on her way without asking anything further about Brisena's group. This only deepened Rogg's curiosity.
"What did you just say, Brisena?" Rogg asked, his brows furrowed.
Brisena offered a faint smile before replying, "It means, 'May peace be with you always.' It's a blessing we Doliex often share among ourselves."
Rogg nodded, taking a moment to reflect. "It's beautiful. It seems there's more than just magic in your words—this entire village feels enchanted."
Before Brisena could respond, Robb cut in, "Aren't we already there? This village looks perfect for a rest."
Brisena gently shook her head, replying in a calm but firm tone, "Not yet, Robb. We still have about two hours to go before we reach the next village—Lumindale. It's a special place for us—the central training ground of the Doliex warriors, where only the chosen are forged. There we train the body, the mind, and the magic within."
"What kind of training happens there?" Yara asked, her eyes gleaming with interest.
"Training that tests the limits of courage, physical endurance, and the depths of the soul. Not everyone makes it through, Yara. But those who do become warriors no force can break," Brisena explained, meeting Yara's gaze with a subtle smile.
Rogg, who had been silent, suddenly asked in a serious tone, "Will we meet your mother there?"
Brisena shook her head gently. "No, not yet. We'll arrive at Aeternum Vale by tomorrow morning—that's where she resides. Our journey is far from over."
Robb let out a long sigh. "Of course. I should've expected that." His voice held a note of irritation, but the fatigue on his face was unmistakable.
Rogg looked over at Brisena, his eyes filled with concern. "Doesn't your mother miss you, Brisena? You've been gone almost a year. Isn't that a long time for any mother?"
Brisena fell silent, her gaze distant, focused on the path ahead flanked by towering trees. Finally, she spoke, her voice softer than usual. "There's someone else she may miss even more than me. Someone who left... almost sixteen years ago."
Rogg turned his head sharply. Her words hit him like an arrow straight to the heart. "You really do have a talent for turning things around," he muttered, trying to sound light-hearted, though a quiet guilt lingered behind his words.
Brisena only gave a faint smile, as if she knew far more than she let on.
After leaving Lytherial, their journey grew more demanding. The path began to rise, and the forest they entered grew darker, despite the daylight. The gentle breeze that had once refreshed them now turned cold, biting deep into their bones. Vuuxi, riding ahead on his proud steed Snowfire, slowed down and motioned for the group to stay alert.
"Is there danger?" Yara whispered nervously.
"Not danger," Vuuxi replied calmly, though his voice carried weight. "This land holds a power that's hard to explain. We call it the Bronze Mist—a magical veil that protects Lumindale from spies and those with ill intent."
Robb let out a quiet groan. "Mist again? I'm getting tired of all these mysteries."
"Trust me, Robb," Brisena said, patting his shoulder gently. "Mystery is part of the beauty of this journey."
As they neared the gates of Lumindale, a soft mist began to surround them. But unlike ordinary fog, this one shimmered with a bronze glow, casting an otherworldly light around them. Sounds began to emerge from the village—clashing blades, heavy footsteps, and the fierce cries of warriors deep in training.
When the mist finally began to thin, the village of Lumindale unfolded before their eyes. Towering wooden walls carved with glowing runes encircled the settlement. Inside, Doliex warriors were hard at work in multiple arenas. Some fought with swords, others trained their bodies by lifting heavy stones, while others sat cross-legged within circles of radiant runes, deep in meditation.
"Welcome to Lumindale," Brisena said proudly, lifting her hand. "The place where we forge the strength that protects our world."
Rogg and Yara looked around in awe, while Robb's attention was immediately drawn to a smaller arena where two young warriors were sparring at blistering speed.
"Seems like you don't rely on brute strength alone," Rogg remarked, noticing how some of the warriors used magic to enhance their speed or power.
"Exactly," Brisena replied. "We believe harmony between body, mind, and magic is the key to creating the perfect warrior."
As they stepped further into the village, an old man in a long robe approached them, leaning on a carved staff. His face was lined with age, yet his eyes radiated calm and wisdom.
"Brisena. At last, you've returned," the old man said with a deep but warm voice.
Brisena gave a small bow. "Veynor," she replied briefly. "These are my guests. Please make sure everything is prepared for our journey tomorrow morning."
Veynor nodded, then turned to study Rogg, Robb, Yara, and little Rex with eyes that seemed to pierce into their very souls. "You carry heavy burdens, but your true journey as part of the Doliex has only just begun. Prepare yourselves—Lumindale will become your home."
"Home?" Yara echoed, concern in her voice. "What do you mean?"
Brisena smiled mysteriously. "In Lumindale, every person who arrives here has already proven their intent and courage. Once they pass through the Orbis Caelestis, they become one of us. It's our tradition. And you've already proven yourselves—even one of you stood upon the Sacred Stone of the Emperors."
"I hope this doesn't mean I have to fulfill some kind of ancient Doliex ritual," Robb muttered half-jokingly.
Veynor offered a faint smile and said, "Sometimes, the hardest trials require no sword at all."