The capital city of Alsira was unlike any place Emilia had ever imagined.
Built at the convergence of the four vast continents — Thalven, Ryoria, Korvale, and Dravantis — it rose from the earth like a monument to unity and survival. Towering spires pierced the sky, glowing softly with soullight. Bridges of enchanted stone curved between buildings like frozen rivers. And at its heart stood the Soulspire, a black tower that pulsed with ancient power — the seat of the Soul Council.
But under the glamour, the cinders stirred.
Weeks had passed since Asher fought the soul-bound beasts outside his cottage. Since then, they'd been on the move — toward Alsira. The Cult wasn't just hunting Emilia; they were circling something bigger.
Now, standing at the city's massive gates, Emilia felt both awe and dread.
"Doesn't look like much from the outside," Asher said dryly, his tattered cloak fluttering in the wind.
Emilia shot him a look. "It's massive."
"Big doesn't mean safe."
Elira hovered beside them, mostly invisible to the guards. She drifted like mist, quiet and watchful. Only Emilia and a few trained soul-users could sense her now.
A guard approached — silver armor bearing the seal of the Council. "State your name and purpose."
"Asher Reed," he said.
The man blinked. "The A-Ranker?"
"Retired."
The guard's posture shifted instantly. Respect tinged his voice now. "Of course. You're welcome in Alsira. Who is she?"
"My niece," Asher lied smoothly. "Emilia Gray. She's got potential. Wanted to test into a Soul Academy."
The guard studied her. "She'll need clearance. I'll fetch a soul examiner."
"Do it," Asher said.
They were let through.
Inside, Alsira was alive with color and conflict.
Soul vendors peddled enchanted charms and weapons in every alley. Adventurers in glistening armor moved in groups, laughing or arguing. Floating soul-lights lit the streets in amber and violet. There were elves with long cloaks and eyes like stormglass; dwarves bearing soulforged hammers; orks with tusks engraved in runes.
And posters.
Too many.
Plastered across buildings were drawings marked in red: MISSING — RANK B TEAM "BLACKHOUND"
SOULFLARE ACADEMY UNDER ATTACK — SEEK WARDEN AID
REWARD FOR CULTIST LOCATIONS — REPORT SUSPICION
Emilia touched one gently. "It's everywhere, isn't it?"
Asher nodded. "The world's been bleeding for years. We just didn't see it before."
Elira hovered near a street musician playing a soulflute. The music stirred something inside her — something she didn't remember missing.
"Let's head to the Academy," Asher said. "We'll find answers there."
Soulflare Academy stood just beneath the Soulspire, its grand gates lined with glowing glyphs. It trained the elite — warriors who combined weapon and soul techniques. The moment they entered, eyes turned.
A woman greeted them in the central hall — tall, lean, with raven hair and cold golden eyes. Her robes bore a high-level soul rank sigil.
"Asher Reed," she said. "You still have a reputation."
"Good to see you too, Valenira," he replied.
Valenira smirked. "Didn't think I'd ever see you drag someone here for testing."
"She's different."
Valenira turned to Emilia. "Then let's find out."
In the testing chamber, Emilia stood in the center of a rune circle. Blue fire lit around her as a soul crystal floated above her head.
It flickered once.
Then burst into brilliant light.
Valenira's eyes widened. "She's untrained?"
"Yes," Asher said.
"She has natural resonance with spirit energy. Possibly awakened soul-blood. That's not common — even among nobility."
Emilia blinked. "Is that… good?"
Valenira was silent a moment, then nodded. "Very."
But Elira floated behind her, frowning. "There's something… strange in her soul. Not dark. Not evil. But—"
Crack!
The crystal split in two, falling to the floor with a ringing chime. The rune circle flared — then died.
Everyone stared.
Valenira stepped forward, placing a protective sigil on Emilia's chest. "That wasn't supposed to happen."
Asher's voice was low. "Something's inside her, isn't it?"
Valenira met his gaze. "Or something is awakening."
Later that night, in a quiet guest chamber of the academy, Emilia sat at the window overlooking the glowing streets of Alsira.
"I didn't break it on purpose," she said softly.
Asher leaned against the doorframe. "I know."
Elira hovered nearby, half-visible in the moonlight. "She's a beacon. The Cult will come again."
"They already are," Asher said. "I saw it in Valenira's eyes. She knows something's coming."
Emilia turned. "What do we do?"
Asher looked to Elira — and for a moment, it was as if the old fire returned to his tired eyes.
"We fight."