Demoness 3 - Chapter 1: ​New Beginnings (17,205 Words) (Patreon)

Elania watched as Contia’s Silver Soldiers escorted the civilians away to the refugee camps provided by Arlois and the city. The promise of shelter, food, and water was a welcome relief after their harrowing journey from Neftasu.

Yolani stood beside her, a comforting presence. Elania glanced at her partner, taking in the determined set of her jaw and the glint of steel in her green eyes. Despite the challenges they had faced, Yolani remained steadfast and strong.

As the last of the refugees disappeared from view, Elania let out a heavy sigh. The weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders like a physical burden. These were her people now, and their well-being rested partly in her hands.

“What now?” Yolani asked softly, her voice barely audible over the distant sounds of the city.

Elania turned her gaze to the pile of muskets and other advanced firearms that had been confiscated from the City Watch Guards.

The weapons represented a significant investment of resources and craftsmanship, and the idea of simply handing them over with no compensation didn’t sit well with her.

She glanced at Yolani, who was eyeing the pile with a calculating look. “She said the law prevents them from having them, but nothing about us selling them.”

Yolani nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. “That might work. Maybe we can negotiate with Arlois for compensation.”

Elania was about to respond when she noticed Arlois approaching, her purple wings flared out behind her. Her expression was unreadable as Arlois passed the darkwalker cub being placed in a cage to be carried out of the celestial engine chamber.

The woman must have caught her gaze, because she addressed the concern first.

“The cub will be well cared for,” Arlois said, her tone neutral. “You’ll be able to check on it later, once things have settled down.”

Elania nodded. She gestured to the pile of weapons. “About these firearms...”

Arlois held up a hand, cutting her off. “The law is clear. No advanced weapons are allowed within the city limits.”

Elania exchanged a glance with Yolani, who gave her a subtle nod.

“We understand about handing them over,” Elania said, turning back to Arlois. “But I expect compensation for them if you’re taking possession.”

Arlois stared at her for what felt like an entire minute before finally inclining her head. “We can discuss the specifications later. In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that we’ve found a suitable space for the Mushroohums. They’ll be housed in a segregated area within one of the city’s arena buildings, where they’ll be paroled. They will be restricted to the building at all times.”

Yolani’s brow furrowed as she watched the Mushroohums being herded towards the arena building. She turned to Arlois. “Is it really necessary to lock them up like that?”

Arlois met Yolani’s gaze, her expression stern. “It s that or throw them off the city, literally, to their deaths. I will not make exceptions for them. They are barely civilized as it is.”

Elania placed a hand on Yolani’s shoulder.

“That’s fine for now,” she mumbled. “The Mushroohums can be touchy, and we don’t want to risk any incidents. I’ll do my best to see what they want to do after things have settled.”

Arlois nodded, her purple wings rustling behind her.

“There’s something else you should know. None of the refugees, including the Mushroohums, will be given space for free for more than a month. I’m personally paying for the costs. After the time is up, either you will have to pay as their patron to maintain their living spaces and board, or they will need to pay themselves.”

Elania felt a sinking feeling in her stomach.

She had known that their situation was precarious, but the reality of a financial constraint was daunting.

“I understand,” she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “We’ll figure something out.”

Yolani bit her lip as she turned to Arlois. “What happens if they can’t pay?”

Arlois fixed Yolani with a hard stare. “If they can’t pay, they’ll have to leave the city. They can either pay for a ride down to the ground, which is expensive, or jump.”

Elania’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Jump? Are you serious? These people have been through enough already. They should be given a trip down for free as part of their refugee status.”

Arlois shook her head, her expression unyielding. “Transport to the ground is expensive and requires an airship. Dimensional magic is banned outright and—normally—blocked by anti-magic fields around the city’s exterior. The cost of moving everyone to the ground would be very high, and I’m not willing to pay for that.”

Elania narrowed her eyes, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of the situation. “Wait a minute. How can airships be more expensive than a month’s room and board for thousands of people?”

Arlois sighed, her wings rustling behind her as she shifted her weight. “Airships take a large amount of arcane [Power] to operate. Simple passage is more than a cheap month’s rent for most.”

Yolani turned and pulled out a piece of metal from her pack, her brow furrowed in concentration. The metal began to glow with a golden light, and Elania felt a slight tug on her power as Yolani used the ability.

It was the first time she had noticed Yolani’s usage of their conduit draining her.

A flicker of concern crossed Elania’s face.

If they were away from Neftasu and the remnants of the Celestial Engine, would her powers be reduced?

She had wielded incredible abilities there, but if they were now fading, they would need to consider things carefully.

Especially if she grew weaker when there were combatants like Arlois, and potentially the three other ‘towers’ that had been mentioned, even if she didn’t know who or what they were.

Yolani turned the metal into a gold ingot and smirked at Arlois. “Would this pay for anything?”

Arlois raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. “It’s a nice ingot of gold, but Contia has survived its share of ‘Priestesses of Wealth,’ much less an Artificer. I’m not impressed. Metal has little value in Contia. We have more than enough of it.”

Elania frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion. “What’s the currency then?”

Arlois gestured to the necklace around Elania’s neck, the mana shard embedded in its center glinting in the light.

“That shard would be worth a considerable amount,” Arlois said, her eyes fixed on the necklace. “If you have more hidden away, they could be exchanged for value.”

Elania reached into her bag and pulled out a shock crystal, holding it up for Arlois to see. “What about this?”

Arlois took the crystal from Elania’s hand, inspecting it. “This would be worth a little. Approximately one scrit, which is Contia’s smaller denomination of value, written on arcane paper by the Bank of Contia.”

She handed the crystal back to Elania and pointed to the mana shard in her necklace. “That shard, on the other hand, would be worth a crit, which is approximately one hundred scrit.”

The gears in Elania’s head began to spin quickly as she tried to figure how much the potential value of the ammunition and mana shards they had brought would be.

Before she could figure anything out, she was interrupted by the sight of a large cage being carted out, containing a familiar figure… and a bunch of chickens.

Tessa, the cannibal-elf demoness, was curled up inside the cage, still sleeping. Arlois’s expression darkened as she watched the cage being wheeled away.

“Demons are illegal in Contia,” she said, her voice stern. “They must be contained within a Tower, and only the divine may hold demon livestock. Any outside that purview is illegal.”

Elania stared at Arlois. She opened her mouth to speak, but Yolani beat her to it.

“Is that going to be a problem for Elania?” Yolani asked, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Arlois turned to Elania, her purple wings rustling behind her. “Your status as a Demi-Divine overrides any consideration of race,” she said, her expression unreadable.

Elania’s brow furrowed as she watched Tessa’s cage being wheeled away.

She turned to Arlois. “What will the conditions of Tessa’s imprisonment be like?”

The Demi-Divine gave her a concise explanation. Tessa and her chicken demons would be placed in cages. They would then be provided food and then have excess [Power] extracted from them via mana shard.

Elania’s lips pressed into a thin line as she processed Arlois’s words. It was a common theme, she realized, and one that she found deeply unsettling.

The idea of Tessa being used as a resource, her [Power] drained to charge what were essentially magical batteries, made her skin crawl.

“Tessa doesn’t belong to you,” Elania said, her voice firm. “When I find other arrangements for her, she will have to be returned to my custody.”

Arlois raised an eyebrow, her wings rustling behind her. “There are no other arrangements possible, not on Contia.”

Elania’s jaw clenched. “Then maybe I’ll find arrangements elsewhere,” she said, her voice unwavering. “But the point stands. Tessa is not yours to keep forever. Or the chicken demons.”

Arlois studied Elania for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she inclined her head in acknowledgment. “I understand your demand,” she said, her voice cool. “I accept it.”

Yolani stepped forward. “Are there any other laws we need to be aware of?” she asked, her tone cautious. “Anything that could get us into trouble?”

“While the people of Contia are accustomed to the Four Towers, they are not used to random Demi-Divine roving the city,” Arlois said, her purple wings rustling. “Although we have had visiting Demi-Divine or their clergy as guests at various times, there are certain rules you must follow.”

Arlois fixed Elania with a stern gaze, her voice firm. “You are forbidden from converting new followers from the Four Towers’ faithful. You are forbidden from creating a temple without the express permission of the council. You are forbidden from stirring discontent or using any types of coercion—divine or arcane—and you must follow the laws of the average citizen, although certain dispensations for your status are granted.”

Elania nodded, her golden eyes meeting Arlois’s without flinching. She hadn’t exactly had missionary work or temple raising on her mind…

Arlois turned to Yolani, her expression growing even more serious. “Manipulating or damaging the Artifice that maintains the city, whether on purpose or by accident, is expressly forbidden. It is the first law of Contia, and there is no defense or appeal. The sentence is death by submersion in the Celestial Engine with no mitigation permitted.”

Elania felt a chill run down her spine at Arlois’s words. She glanced at Yolani, seeing the same worried expression mirrored on her partner’s face.

“That’s extreme, don’t you think?” Yolani said, her voice tight with concern.

Arlois shrugged, her wings rustling behind her. “Some fools have damaged the city over the millennia, and this law prevents it from happening more often. The city’s Theotechnician Guild maintains the city’s function.”

Elania glanced at the remaining refugees waiting to be escorted out of the Celestial Engine chamber. The process seemed to be moving faster.

Arlois seemed to notice as well. “The estate house I’ve prepared for you should be ready,” she said, her voice crisp and businesslike. “I’ll escort you there myself. Bring your clergy as well.”

Elania blinked, confusion flickering across her face. She glanced at Yolani, who stood beside her, and then nodded to Arlois. “Of course I was going to bring Yolani,” she said, her tone slightly defensive.

Arlois shook her head, her expression stern. “No, I mean bring all of them.”

Elania did a double take. “What do you mean?”

Arlois nodded across the room to the Black Candle cultists, who were meditating in a large group. Elania spotted Darius among them, his eyes closed and his hands clasped in front of him.

“I don’t really know much about them,” Elania admitted, her voice hesitant.

Arlois fixed her with a stare. “They worship you,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact. “I can clearly see the links between you and them.”

Elania felt a sense of unease wash over her. She had been aware of the Black Candle cultists’ presence, but she had given little thought to their connection to her. The idea of being worshipped made her uncomfortable, and she wasn’t sure how to handle the situation.

She glanced at Yolani again, seeking guidance, but her partner looked just as uncertain as she felt.

When Elania looked at them, sure enough, golden threads shimmered into existence, stretching from her to each and every person who had come from Neftasu.

Most of the connections were thin strands. They seemed slightly more substantial than she remembered seeing in the city.

Perhaps it was because she had saved them, and that act had strengthened the bonds between them.

The second largest connections belonged to the cultists, just as Arlois had pointed out. Of course, all of these threads paled compared to the massive, glowing conduit that linked her to Yolani.

Elania sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I guess they can come too,” she said, her voice tinged with resignation.

Arlois fixed Elania with a stern gaze. “There is no guessing,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “It is illegal for your clergy to spread your faith across the city. They must remain sequestered and not engage in any missionary work.”

Elania held up her hands, a wry smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I’m not really one for being worshipped or anything,” she said, her golden eyes meeting Arlois’s gaze.

Arlois stared at Elania, her expression a mixture of disbelief and exasperation. “You really are new at this,” she said, her wings twitching behind her.

*

Elania marveled at the opulent estate Arlois had prepared for them.

The expansive mansion boasted an extravagant outer architecture that looked every bit like it would suit some ostentatious nobleman.

As they stopped at the gate, Arlois turned to Yolani and Elania. Her eyes slid to Yolani as she spoke. “You are free to explore the city as you wish,” she said, her wings folded neatly behind her. “However, your other clergy must remain on the estate grounds.”

Yolani raised an eyebrow, a curious expression on her face. “Is that because priestesses get an exception?” she asked.

Arlois’s gaze shifted from Yolani to Elania, then to the cultists who were busy examining the various decorations and in the gardens and interior of the building. “Other divines can see each other’s connections,” she explained, her voice calm and measured. “And it is clear that Yolani is your oracle.”

Elania and Yolani exchanged a confused glance, their brows furrowed. “What’s an oracle?” Elania asked, her golden eyes wide with curiosity.

Arlois rubbed her forehead, a look of vexation crossing her features. It was evident that their lack of knowledge about divine matters was testing her patience.

“A Demi-Divine’s following is like a pyramid,” she began, her voice taking on a lecturing tone. “The oracle sits at the top, receiving the most divine favor. Below them are the high priests or priestesses, then the archons, believers, and followers, or whatever you wish to call them.”

Arlois’s gaze drifted to the cultists, who were still engrossed in their exploration of the estate. “It looks like you have more of a cult thing going on instead of a proper religion, though,” she remarked, her tone tinged with disapproval.

Elania shifted uncomfortably, a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach. The idea of being worshipped and having a structured following was very foreign…

She shifted uncomfortably. “I really don’t know much about any of this,” she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration.

Arlois snapped her gaze to Elania, her eyes narrowing. “That much is clear,” she retorted, her tone sharp.

Yolani stepped forward, her expression diplomatic and her voice gentle.

“We appreciate your help, Arlois,” she said, her green eyes meeting the Demi-Divine’s gaze. “If you’re too busy to answer our questions, perhaps you could provide us with someone who can?”

Arlois’s demeanor shifted, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Of course,” she agreed, her voice more measured. “I’ll send someone to assist you. For now, my time is limited.” With that, she turned on her heel and strode down the street. No one got in her way.

Elania watched her go, her golden eyes flashing with annoyance. “What’s her problem?” she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest.

Yolani shook her head, her raven-black hair swaying in the breeze. “I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice thoughtful. “Maybe she’s just like that, or maybe she’s under a lot of pressure. We can’t be sure.”

They stepped into the estate’s garden, but Elania couldn’t help but sigh, her shoulders slumping. “Either way, we need to find out more about this city, and about my Demi-Divine status and this whole follower thing.”

Yolani nodded in agreement, her expression serious. “And we need to find out how much our stash is worth,” she added.

Elania raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Stash?” she asked, her voice playful.

Yolani smiled and pulled off her weight reduction pack.

Elania’s eyes were glued as Yolani opened it, revealing a treasure trove of artifice junk and several bags.

She opened one of the bags, exposing a glittering collection of mana shards.

There were two bags of shock crystals, too.

Elania’s heart raced with excitement, her golden eyes sparkling as she remembered Arlois’s words about mana shards and the currency in Contia.

“If these are money here, we need to be careful,” Yolani cautioned, her voice low and serious. “We have no idea how far these shards will go or how to replace them.”

Elania nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. “If they use them as money, there has to be a way for people to get more, or the economy would deflate.”

Yolani raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “When did you become so smart?” she teased.

Elania poked at her playfully, a grin spreading across her face. “I was always smart.”

Yolani laughed, her raven-black hair swaying as she shook her head. “You’re a numbskull, usually.”

Elania’s fingers danced across Yolani’s sides, tickling her mercilessly. “I’m a divine-numbskull,” she corrected, her voice filled with laughter.

Yolani squealed and started to escape when a cough interrupted and they straightened up, their faces flushed with embarrassment as Darius approached.

Elania’s heart raced, her cheeks burning as she realized he’d likely seen everything.

The man’s posture was formal and his expression serious. He bowed deeply, his voice solemn as he spoke. “Dark Queen, I request an audience with you.”

The words instantly killed her embarrassment. He was the one that should be embarrassed! Dark fucking Queen…

A sigh escaped despite her best efforts. She glanced at Yolani, who simply shrugged and went with the flow. “Your request is granted,” Yolani said, her voice calm and measured.

Darius straightened up, his gaze meeting Elania’s. “We have been informed about the strict rules imposed upon us,” he began. “But we will do our best to support you as we can.”

Elania nodded, her brow furrowed.

Darius continued, his voice a bit more confident. “For now, we can act as the caretakers of the estate, serving as maids and butlers and ensuring that the chores are accomplished.”

Elania frowned. “Thank you,” she said, her voice sincere. “But why do you worship me?”

Darius took a moment before answering, taking a deep breath.

“While I was skeptical at first, you more than proved your powers and divinity in Neftasu,” he explained, his gaze unwavering. “I believe that while Relain summoned you for the wrong reasons, you can be a force of good in the world, especially for the people who are now relying on you to help them manage their displacement.”

Elania wasn’t sure what to think. She had never asked to be worshipped, had never sought out the role of a divine being. But now, with so many people relying on her... Could she be the leader they needed?

She glanced at Yolani, who gave her a reassuring smile.

“I believe in you too, Elania,” Yolani said, her voice soft but filled with conviction. “You have the power to make a real difference.”

“We need to explore the powers you have from being a Priestess of Artifice, too,” Elania mused, her golden eyes distant. “When you made that gold bar, Yolani, I noticed it might have used some power up. And now, I have no way of measuring my pool of power anymore. Supposedly, I have ‘infinite’ power.”

She reached behind her back and pulled Eziel from its sheath, shaking the sword slightly. “And he went to sleep,” she complained, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Yolani’s eyes turned to the sword. “Maybe he used up a lot of power during our escape from Neftasu,” she suggested. “The battle was intense.”

Darius cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “I may be able to help,” he offered, his voice hesitant but hopeful.

Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance.

“How so?” Elania asked.

“I’ve been a cultist for a while,” he began, his voice steady. “And I’ve learned some things about serving a deity. Indirectly. Although, I have to admit, I was unsure for a long time as it wasn’t working like it had been explained to me. That is, until you began to save the city, Elania.”

Elania leaned forward. “Tell us more.”

“Demi-Divines gain power from their believers,” he said, his voice filled with reverence. “All those connected to you, whether they worship you or simply hold a positive opinion and believe in your divinity, contribute to your strength. This is a passive accumulation that does no harm to them, but should aid you greatly.”

Yolani nodded, her green eyes sparkling with understanding. “It’s pretty clear from the glowing wings and your class that you’re divine, so it shouldn’t be hard to convince everyone.”

Darius acknowledged Yolani’s point, but added a caveat. “Not everyone has the [Identify] skill, and there are winged races,” he cautioned, his brow furrowed. “And for the connection to be valid, you have to be the one they feel closest to. For some, that might be easy if they never knew any of the older traditional gods, but others might be harder to sway.”

He explained Neftasu had been largely agnostic, which was why so many had turned to Elania in their time of need.

“The overworld is very different,” he said, his voice serious. “Most rulers are Demi-Divine or related to them in some way. That, or they’re ruled by powerful mage councils like the Magistry of Neftasu.”

Elania muttered under her breath, hoping that the rulers of the overworld would be more competent than the Magisters had been. Or, actually, maybe that wasn’t a good wish at all.

“This is one of the few places where multiple Demi-Divines are in charge,” Darius continued.

Elania frowned, wondering why that was the case. Then, a realization dawned on her.

“Demi-Divines probably don’t get along if they are competing for followers,” she mused, her golden eyes distant. “Arlois wasn’t thrilled to interact with us. Maybe that’s an example of how Demi-Divines struggle to coexist.”

Yolani spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. “We still need to figure out the divine power more than just ‘it takes something’ when I use my Priestess of Artifice abilities,” she said, her green eyes meeting Elania’s gaze.

Darius spread out his hands. “I can help teach you how to use religious skills,” he offered, his voice filled with eagerness. He looked at Elania. “And I can transfer them to you directly if you will formally recognize me as a priest of your following.”

Elania frowned, suspicion creeping into her mind.

She wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to grant Darius such a position, but she couldn’t find a reason to refuse.

The thought of not knowing how much divine power she had was incredibly frustrating, especially after being able to religiously check her [Power] on her now missing HUD.

“Alright, Darius,” she said, her voice firm. “You can be one of my priests, but you’re still underneath Yolani in rank.”

Darius bowed his head, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Of course,” he said, his voice filled with respect. “I never meant to suggest I would supplant Yolani as your Oracle. I will continue to guide the Black Candle as their leader under your auspicious guidance.”

He knelt, then held up his hands to her. A status screen popped into existence, the words glowing with a soft light.

[Your Priest, Darius Gamont, wishes to offer you the following skills: Divine Insight, Divine Emanation, Divine Communion. Do you accept? Y/N?]

Elania stared at the screen, her golden eyes wide with surprise. She glanced at Yolani, who gave her an encouraging nod. With a deep breath, Elania reached out and tapped the “Y” on the screen.

A surge of energy coursed through her body right away. She felt a tingling sensation in her fingertips, and a warm glow spread from her chest to the rest of her being.

[Skills acquired: Divine Insight (Rank E), Divine Emanation (Rank E), Divine Communion (Rank E)]

She focused her thoughts and pulled on [System Analysis], hoping to gain more information about her newly acquired abilities.

Instantly, descriptions appeared in front of her on three separate [System] cards:

[Divine Insight (Rank E): Basic functionality. Allows a Demi-Divine to view their total number of followers and their current [Divine Power] level. Provides names and basic details and location of the top 5 high-ranking followers if requested.]

[Divine Emanation (Rank E): Emits a weak aura that slightly boosts the morale and physical well-being of followers within a small radius (e.g., within the same room).]

[Divine Communion (Rank E): Enables the demigod to send and receive simple, short messages with their top 5 high-ranking followers. Messages are limited to 10 words and can only be sent once per day.]

Elania blinked, processing the information.

While the skills seemed basic at their current rank, she could see the potential for growth. Plus, being able to send a telepathic message seemed like it would be invaluable in some situations. She turned to Yolani and Darius, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

“Looks like I’ve got some new tools to work with,” she said, her golden eyes sparkling with excitement. “But it seems like they’re just the beginning.”

Darius bowed his head, a look of pride and determination on his face. “I will do my best to serve you, Dark Queen,” he promised, his voice filled with reverence. “Together, we will build a strong and loyal following, and your divine power will grow beyond measure.”

Elania grunted, appreciating the sentiment, but they really, really needed to work on that title.

Focusing her thoughts, she called upon her newly acquired [Divine Insight] skill. A translucent status screen materialized before her, its soft glow illuminating her face.

[Divine Power: 3,582/5,000]

[Followers: 13,276]

[Previous Maximum Divine Power: 2,147,483,647]

Elania frowned, her brow furrowing as she processed the numbers.

Were celestial engines limited to 4 bits or something?

She turned to Yolani, her voice tinged with concern. “My divine power is only in the thousands now,” she said, gesturing to the status screen. “And look at this - my previous maximum was in the billions.”

Yolani leaned in, her green eyes scanning the information.

She shook her head. “I don’t know what standard numbers would look like,” she admitted, her voice thoughtful. “But considering your current power is in the thousands, I suspect it has something to do with your interactions with the Celestial Engine.”

Darius nodded, his expression grave. “It’s possible that the [System] is counting the remnants of the Celestial Engine’s power while you wielded them,” he suggested, his voice low and serious.

Elania took a breath and looked at her two companions. “We need to be careful while navigating Contia,” she said, her voice firm. “I doubt Arlois or the other ‘Four Towers’ will be any kinder than the Magisters.”

*

Elania and Yolani stepped out onto the street, leaving the estate behind them. The bustling city of Contia stretched before them, a sprawling metropolis of islands connected by bridges while defying the very laws of nature.

A cool wind whipped through the streets, carrying with it the scent of smoke and the distant hum of machinery. Elania pulled her new coat tighter around her, her golden eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.

“We need to gather some intel,” she said, her voice low and serious.

Yolani nodded, her raven-black hair dancing in the wind. “We should try to link up with Gaston,” she suggested, her green eyes filled with determination. “He might have some insights, and we need to make sure our supplies and the refugees are being treated fairly.”

As they walked, Elania couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Contia and Neftasu.

The streets were lined with towering buildings, their facades adorned with intricate carvings and glowing lamps that seemed to defy the cold.

People hurried past them, their faces hidden beneath thick furs and trench coats. In the distance, Elania could see other spires of the city shooting out of the clouds, hinting at just how vast and sprawling the floating city really was.

Despite the cold and the unfamiliar surroundings, Elania found herself enjoying the sights.

She glanced at Yolani, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Without warning, she wrapped her arms around Yolani from behind, pulling her close.

Yolani let out a surprised gasp, her eyes widening. “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice a mixture of confusion and amusement.

“Hold on tight,” Elania whispered, her breath hot against Yolani’s ear. With a powerful beat of her wings, Elania launched them over the railing, soaring into the sky.

Yolani’s startled yelp morphed into a delighted laugh as Elania’s powerful wings carried them over the sprawling cityscape. The artificer’s raven locks whipped around her face, her green eyes sparkling with exhilaration as they soared higher and higher.

Elania’s wings spread wide, catching the updrafts and propelling them towards the sun-drenched spires that pierced the clouds above. The golden light bathed them in warmth.

As they ascended, a flicker of concern crossed Elania’s mind. She glanced at Yolani, worried that the thinning air might be too much.

“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice raised above the rushing wind. “Is it too cold?”

To her surprise, Yolani was enveloped in a shimmering, golden aura. “I’m fine,” she assured Elania, her voice filled with wonder as she took in the breathtaking view.

A smile appeared on Elania’s lips, and she gave Yolani a squeeze, her arms tightening around the artificer’s waist. She pressed a soft kiss to the back of Yolani’s neck, her lips lingering for a moment before she whispered, “Get ready.”

Yolani looked back at her, brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you going to do?”

Elania’s only response was a mischievous grin. Without warning, she tucked her wings in close and dove, sending them plummeting towards the city below.

Yolani’s startled squawk of protest was lost in the rush of wind as they hurtled downward, Elania’s wings folded tight against her back.

Just before the cloud layer, Elania slowed their descent, not wanting to accidentally dive into hidden ground. The vapor was opaque and wet as they slid through it, the moisture clinging to their skin and clothes.

They popped out the other side, and Elania’s eyes widened at the sight before them.

More of the city stretched out below, its structure now much clearer from their vantage point. Multiple islands were connected by bridges, even at the lower levels. It looked like there was just as much city below as there was above the cloud layer.

A cloud layer… that was part of the city?

As they glided downward, Elania noticed large purple lenses on the undersides of the islands, glowing with arcane artifice energy.

“Are those lenses how the islands float?” she asked, her voice raised above the rushing wind.

Yolani nodded, her green eyes studying the lenses with rapt attention. “Probably,” she replied. “I wonder if the Celestial Engine powers them all.”

“Maybe it’s solar-powered,” she joked, gesturing to the sun-drenched spires that pierced into the clouds above. “Electricity!”

Yolani rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Very funny,” she said, her voice dry with sarcasm. “But seriously, the amount of power it would take to keep all these islands afloat would be staggering.”

As they passed below the lowest floating island, Elania’s gaze drifted away from the sprawling cityscape. Below them a lush countryside that stretched out in every direction.

The clouds surrounding the city were thick and heavy, casting a vast shadow over the land below, but only in its vicinity.

As her eyes adjusted, Elania could make out the rolling hills of green grass and the dense clusters of trees that dotted the landscape in the distance.

A glint of blue caught her attention, and Elania’s breath caught in her throat as she spotted a large lake nestled among the hills. The water sparkled in the sunlight, its surface as smooth as glass.

“Yolani, look!” Elania exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder. “It’s so beautiful down there.”

Yolani followed Elania’s gaze, her green eyes widening as she took in the breathtaking sight.

For a long moment, she was speechless, her lips parted in awe. “I’ve never seen anything like all of this,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the rushing wind.

Elania’s heart swelled with excitement as she realized Yolani had never been aboveground before. She had spent her entire life in the underground city of Neftasu, never knowing the beauty of the world above.

With a grin, Elania tightened her grip on Yolani and angled her wings, sending them zooming towards the lake below. As they descended, Elania took in the scattered villages that dotted the countryside, their thatched roofs and stone walls a stark contrast to the gleaming spires of Contia.

Elania couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Here she was, a Demi-Divine with the power to shape the very fabric of reality, and she was taking her girlfriend flying for fun. “It’s a whole new world~” she hummed.

Elania’s eyes widened as she spotted people driving carts pulled by [Ox] on the small dirt roads below.

The villagers looked up, their faces a mixture of shock and awe as they pointed. Elania grinned and risked a hand off Yolani to wave.

A small fishing village was the next thing they passed over, and then Elania angled them straight for the water.

Yolani’s brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you doing?”

Elania didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on the sparkling lake ahead.

She checked and confirmed the absence of boats on the water’s surface and, with a mischievous glint in her eye, aimed for a clear spot.

Yolani wiggled and then spun around, her arms clenching around Elania’s torso. “Elania, what are you doing!?”

Elania laughed and leveled out just above the surface, her wings beating powerfully as they skimmed across the lake at breakneck speed.

A trail of water followed in their wake, creating a mesmerizing spray that glittered in the sunlight.

They were halfway across before Yolani’s eyes finally opened and then the shine in them made Elania’s heart soar as Yolani laughed too.

As they reached the other side of the lake, Elania gained altitude once more, her eyes scanning the landscape for a suitable landing spot.

A hill caught her attention, its slopes half-covered with lush, inviting trees and a sizable clearing. She angled her wings and slowed their approach to something safe.

With a gentle touchdown, Elania’s feet met the soft grass, and she steadied Yolani as the artificer leaned against her, breathless from the exhilarating flight.

“That was incredible,” Yolani gasped, her green eyes sparkling with wonder.

Elania grinned, her own heart still racing from the adrenaline rush.

She turned her gaze to the surrounding trees, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. “We should take a closer look,” she suggested, her voice filled with excitement. “They look so nice!”

Yolani glanced at Elania, her brows furrowed in skepticism. “Why are we looking at trees?” she asked, her voice laced with confusion.

Elania’s golden eyes sparkled with excitement as she gestured to the towering pines around them. “Because they’re trees!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder. “They’re nice. Underground, there were just mushrooms and fungus. These… these look like pine trees.”

The two of them took in their surroundings, marveling at the vast expanse of wilderness that stretched out before them. The lush grass swayed gently in the breeze, and the trees stood tall and proud, their branches reaching towards the sky.

Unable to contain her joy, Elania flopped down onto the grass, her red and golden hair fanning out around her head like a fiery halo. She gazed up at the floating city above in the distance, its spires and towers piercing the clouds. The sun’s warmth caressed her skin, and she closed her eyes, basking in the sensation.

Yolani grunted, her voice tinged with unease. “This is very weird,” she muttered, glancing around at the open space. “There’s too much... far too much space.”

Elania laughed, her voice ringing out across the meadow. “This is normal!” she insisted, propping herself up on her elbows. “It was underground that was weird—cramped and claustrophobic.”

Yolani hesitated for a moment before making her way over to Elania. She sat down beside her, hugging her knees to her chest. “I’m not sure how well the people will adjust,” she admitted, her voice soft. “Considering how... how weird it all is.”

Elania reached out and placed a comforting hand on Yolani’s shoulder. “I think most everyone will be okay,” she reassured her. “We can find a way to earn the money to land them on the ground if it’s too hard to afford living on Contia.”

“I’m glad you're hopeful,” Yolani admitted. “It makes… it makes everything lost feel less… of a loss.”

Elania reached out and cupped Yolani’s cheek, her thumb gently caressing the soft skin. “I’m here for you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the rustling leaves.

Yolani leaned in, her lips meeting Elania’s in a soft, tender kiss.

The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment. Elania pulled Yolani closer, enveloping her in a warm, comforting embrace.

They cuddled in the grass, basking in the warmth of the sun and each other’s presence.

A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of wildflowers. Yolani giggled, her green eyes sparkling. “Maybe the surface isn’t too bad after all,” she mused, nuzzling closer to Elania. “The sun does feel good.”

Elania grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I hope we don’t need sunscreen or something,” she teased, drawing a puzzled look from Yolani.

“Sunscreen?” Yolani asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.

“On Earth, the sky was weakened by chemicals and industry,” she explained, her voice taking on a more serious tone. “The sun would burn your skin if you stayed out in it for too long.”

Yolani’s eyes widened in alarm, and she quickly checked her own skin for any signs of damage. “I seem fine,” she said, a smile returning to her face.

Elania smiled. She leaned in, capturing Yolani’s lips in another kiss. Yolani melted into it, her fingers threading through Elania’s fiery locks.

The tranquility was shattered by a sudden, violent gust of wind. Trees bent and swayed, their leaves rustling furiously as the gale whipped through the clearing. The tall grass around them thrashed wildly, lashing at their skin.

Elania and Yolani leaped to their feet, their hearts pounding as they scanned the sky for the source of the disturbance.

A booming voice echoed from above, demanding, “What are you doing here?”

Elania squinted against the sun’s glare, her golden eyes widening as she spotted a figure hovering in the air. The woman’s crimson wings beat powerfully, silhouetted against the blinding light.

Instinctively, Elania spread her own wings, the white and gold feathers unfurling to their full span. She stepped in front of Yolani, her arm reaching back to shield her lover from the potential threat.

*

Elania watched warily as the red-winged woman descended, her crimson feathers gleaming in the sunlight.

The stranger landed gracefully, her piercing gaze fixed upon Elania and Yolani. Elania quickly scanned the woman with [System Analysis].

[Demi-Divine - Human - Level 1198]

“Are you one of the Four Towers?” Elania asked, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.

The woman drew herself up to her full height, her wings flaring out behind her. “I am Ember, the Crimson Aegis,” she declared, her voice ringing with authority.

Elania struggled to keep a straight face, her mind racing. Were all Demi-Divines this dramatic? She couldn’t help but wonder if they were all just edgy teenagers in disguise, playing at being superheroes.

Ember’s eyes narrowed, her gaze boring into Elania. “I’ll ask you again,” she demanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. “What are you doing here?”

Elania held her ground, meeting Ember’s stare with a calm, even gaze. “We were just exploring,” she explained, gesturing to the surrounding countryside. “Enjoying the outdoors, you know?”

Ember’s expression remained stony, her lips pressed into a thin line. It was clear that Elania’s answer had done little to appease.

“Your actions have created panic and disturbance in the city,” Ember stated. “And every telescope in the city is probably pointed here at the moment, watching your little… frolicking.”

Elania felt her cheeks burn. She glanced at Yolani, seeing the same mixture of emotions reflected in her lover’s eyes.

“Please understand,” Yolani said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. “This is the first time I’ve been above ground. The outdoors just called to us.”

Ember’s expression remained unmoved, her eyes cold and calculating. “While Arlois may have granted you refuge, it doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want,” she said, her tone brooking no argument. “There will be a penalty for causing this disturbance.”

Elania’s eyes flashed with anger, her fists clenching at her sides. “Now hold on just a minute,” she objected, taking a step forward. “We didn’t mean any harm. Surely there’s no need for—”

“What can you do to object, Spark?” Ember interrupted, her voice dripping with contempt.

Elania felt her power surge within her, the urge to lash out at Ember almost overwhelming. But before she could act, Yolani stepped between them, her hand coming to rest on Elania’s shoulder.

“What would the penalty be?” Yolani asked, her voice calm and measured. “Surely we can come to an understanding without resorting to violence.”

Elania watched as Ember turned her attention to Yolani, her expression softening ever so slightly. “The penalty could be some hours of community service,” Ember said, her eyes appraising Yolani with a newfound interest. “I could use a Priestess of Artifice to assist with some work maintaining the city. That could serve as your punishment.”

Elania’s hackles rose, and she opened her mouth to object, but Yolani’s hand remained firm.

“As long as it doesn’t interfere with my duties to Elania and the hours aren’t excessive or disruptive, I would be happy to help,” Yolani said, her voice calm and measured. “Even without it being a ‘punishment.’”

Ember’s eyes widened, surprise flickering across her face before she quickly schooled her features. “Very well,” she agreed, nodding slowly. “I accept your offer.”

Elania glanced at Yolani, a questioning look in her eyes, but Yolani merely shrugged, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Through their conduit, Elania could feel Yolani’s emotions slightly, a mixture of relief and excitement. Maybe this was… an opportunity to learn and gain new information about Contia and its inner workings?

Yolani had made her decision, and Elania trusted her judgment. She just hoped that this “community service” wouldn’t put Yolani in any danger. If it did…

They would all revisit the issue.

“You will both return to the city with me now, before you can cause any more trouble,” Ember said.

“Are we banned from the surface?” Yolani asked.

Ember shook her head. “No, but until the people know who you are, you should remain less… conspicuous. And returning will require reworking of the protections that can’t be done easily. As it is, the entire city’s military has been forced to be on alert since you left. Now, let us go.”

The red-winged woman’s stern expression left no room for argument, and Elania picked up Yolani and begrudgingly followed.

“Excessive celestial flight around the city should be kept formal and non-recreational,” the Crimson Aegis stated, her tone brooking no argument.

Elania felt a surge of frustration at the oppressive rules, the weight of Contia’s expectations pressing down on her.

She glanced at Yolani, seeing the same resigned acceptance in her lover’s eyes. They both knew that if they wanted to fit in, they couldn’t simply do as they pleased.

“Why is that a rule?” Elania asked, genuinely seeking to understand the reasoning behind the restriction.

Ember’s gaze remained fixed ahead as she responded. “Other Demi-Divine could attack,” she explained. “And since you’re not a Tower, it’s difficult for anyone to determine if you’re a friend or foe.”

Elania mulled over Ember’s words, a thought suddenly occurring to her. “Are the other Towers color-coded too?” she asked without thinking.

Ember frowned, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at Elania. “There are four towers,” she began, her voice taking on a lecturing tone. “You’ve already met Arlois, the Purple Wing. Then there’s Lyra, the Sapphire Shroud, and Elysia, the Emerald Mantle.”

As Ember described the other Towers, Yolani’s interest piqued. “Does the Celestial Engine power the city’s flight, or is it some sort of artifice mana battery?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Ember’s expression softened, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “It’s a mix of both,” she explained, her voice taking on a more animated tone. “The Celestial Engine draws power from the people, which in turn powers the flight engines spaced throughout the city.”

Elania found herself zoning out as Yolani and Ember delved into the specifics of artifice, their conversation becoming increasingly technical. She let her mind wander, her thoughts drifting to the challenges that lay ahead as they made their way back to Contia.

*

As they flew back towards the city, Elania grew increasingly bored as Yolani and Ember delved into a complex discussion about artifice.

The two women seemed to hit it off well, their conversation filled with technical jargon that Elania couldn’t quite follow.

She resigned herself to simply enjoying the view of Contia as they approached, the city’s towering spires and bustling streets coming into focus.

When they finally landed, Yolani let out a laugh at a joke Ember had made, the sound causing a prick of jealousy to flare up in Elania’s chest.

Yolani’s response was instant, the other girl turning toward her with wide eyes.

Ember laughed with a sly smile. “I apologize if I monopolized your oracle too much,” she said, her tone light and teasing.

Elania shook her head, forcing a smile. “No, it’s fine,” she said, trying to push down the irrational jealousy. “I’m just glad you two are getting along.”

Yolani took Elania’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Elania felt a wave of warmth and love wash over her, and she couldn’t help but smile genuinely this time.

Ember’s expression turned serious as she looked at the two of them. “You should be more mindful of the laws of the city,” she warned, her voice taking on a stern edge. “Ignorance is no excuse for breaking them.”

Elania sighed, remembering Arlois’ brief rundown of the rules. “Arlois gave us a overview, but not an exhaustive list,” she admitted, feeling a twinge of frustration at the thought of having to navigate yet another set of regulations.

Ember nodded, her expression sympathetic. “It’s a large book,” she said, gesturing towards a nearby shop. “You should buy one and familiarize yourselves with it.”

Elania groaned at the thought, but she knew Ember was right. “We will,” she said, nodding in agreement.

Yolani spoke up then, her voice filled with concern. “We need to find out how our people are doing,” she said, looking at Ember imploringly. “Uhh… we might be lost?”

Ember pointed at a large spire in the distance. “Your soldiers are housed in that spire on the higher levels,” she explained, giving them directions. “You should be able to find them there. The refugees are near there as well.”

With that, Ember bid them farewell, leaving Elania and Yolani to make their way towards the spire.

After a few minutes, Yolani slipped her hand into Elania’s and gave it a squeeze. They continued without letting go.

A little later, Yolani spoke up, her voice soft. “You were jealous back there, weren’t you?”

Elania felt her cheeks heat, and she gave Yolani’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry,” she said, looking away. “It just... hit me without warning.”

Yolani’s smile widened, and she bumped her shoulder against Elania’s. “As long as it isn’t bad,” she said, her tone teasing. “I kind of like it a little, knowing how much you want me.”

Elania’s blush deepened, and she had to fight the urge to let her wings unfurl and wrap around them both. “I think the feeling is mutual,” she said, her voice low. “Especially when you started screaming my name when I—”

“Stop, stop, stop, stop!” Yolani interrupted, her eyes wide as she reached out to tickle Elania’s sides.

Elania laughed and giggled, trying to squirm away from Yolani’s attack as they approached the base of the spire.

She looked up at the towering structure, taking in its sleek black exterior. It reminded her of the Magistry tower back in Neftasu, though this one was much taller and likely didn’t have a Celestial Engine hidden at its core.

“It’s much bigger up close,” Yolani commented, craning her neck to take in the full height of the spire.

Elania nodded in agreement, her eyes tracing the intricate patterns etched into the building’s surface.

There was one elevator, and it was empty except for them.

As the doors closed, Elania marveled at the smoothness of the ride. “There isn’t even a sense of motion,” she commented, glancing at Yolani.

Yolani nodded, her eyes wide with excitement. “It’s really a shame that it’s illegal to examine or reverse engineer city infrastructure,” she muttered.

Elania smiled at her. “Maybe they sell schematics for elevators,” she suggested, hoping to cheer Yolani up.

Yolani’s eyes widened, and she turned to Elania with a hopeful expression. “Do you really think so?”

Elania’s mirth flattened slightly. “Probably not,” she admitted, watching as Yolani’s face fell into a pout.

The elevator came to a stop, and they stepped out, following Ember’s directions until they reached a crossroads. When they asked a guard, he indicated that the different groups had been split up. The Guards were one way, and the refugees and Ironfist the other.

Yolani turned to Elania, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Do you want to split up?” she asked, gesturing towards the two sections.

Elania shook her head, the thought of separating from Yolani making her uneasy. “Heck no,” she said, reaching out to take Yolani’s hand again. “We should stay together, at least until we’ve gotten used to the city.”

Yolani nodded, squeezing Elania’s hand in agreement. “Which one first?” she asked, looking at the two sections.

Elania didn’t hesitate. “The City Guard,” she said. “We should check with Gaston and Henri and see how the men are faring.”

As they made their way through the streets of the upper districts, Elania couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast to the lower levels of the city.

The alleys were more crowded; the houses packed tightly together, and the overall atmosphere seemed less vibrant. She frowned, turning to Yolani. “Why do you think it’s like this up here?” she asked, gesturing to their surroundings.

Yolani looked around. “Maybe it’s because of the extra height?” she suggested. “It could be because it’s colder and less pleasant this far up.”

Elania tilted her head, considering Yolani’s words. “But they get more sun up here,” she pointed out, squinting against the bright light filtering down from above.

Yolani shrugged, clearly unsure.

As they continued walking, the center of the island came into view, dominated by larger buildings built directly into the stone.

Elania’s eyes were drawn to a large, square structure that protruded from the rock face. “That’s it,” she said, pointing towards the building.

Yolani nodded, a small smile on her face. “It’s sort of like home, isn’t it?” she mused. “Since it goes into the island and all.”

Elania considered that. “I wonder if that was on purpose,” she said.

As they approached the building, Elania noticed a group of Silver Contia Guards standing outside, their postures alert and watchful. They didn’t move to stop her or Yolani as they made their way towards the double doors.

The moment the doors swung open, Elania’s jaw dropped.

Inside was a massive hall filled with hundreds of large tables, each one crowded with men of the Neftasu City Watch, drinking and eating. The sound of laughter and conversation filled the air, and the smell of roasted meat and ale was almost overwhelming.

Elania turned to Yolani, her eyes wide with shock. “A party?” she asked, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Yolani looked equally stunned, her gaze sweeping over the raucous scene before them. “I guess they’re celebrating something,” she said, her voice barely audible over the din.

*

Elania hesitated at the entrance, her hand tightening around Yolani’s as they took in the chaotic scene before them.

The celebration was in full swing, with men laughing, drinking, and feasting at every table. The intensity of the revelry was confusing, and Elania turned to Yolani with a puzzled expression.

“Where did all this food come from?” she asked, her voice barely audible over the din.

Yolani shook her head, her eyes wide with bewilderment. “I have no idea,” she replied, scanning the crowd. “We should find Gaston.”

Elania nodded, and they stepped into the hall, weaving their way through the throng of boisterous men.

As they moved deeper into the room, the men began to notice their presence, and a cheer erupted from the crowd. Incoherent shouts of exuberance were directed at them, and Elania felt Yolani press closer to her side.

A man broke away from the group and ran towards them, his arms outstretched. He engulfed Yolani in a hug, lifting her off the ground. A hiss escaped Elania’s lips, ready to intervene.

His friends were quick to act, dragging him away and apologizing profusely for his behavior.

Yolani stumbled back, her face flushed with embarrassment and shock. She clung to Elania’s arm. Elania wrapped a protective arm around her, scanning the room for any further obstacles.

At the far end of the hall, Elania spotted Gaston and Henri standing off to the side, watching them. They waved, beckoning them over. Elania nodded, and she and Yolani began to make their way towards them, dodging the rowdy men as they went.

Gaston greeted them with a smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Are you two alright?” he asked, glancing at Yolani.

Yolani nodded, a slight flush still coloring her cheeks. “I’m fine,” she assured him. “Just a bit surprised.”

Elania turned to Gaston, her brow furrowed. “What’s happening here?” she inquired, gesturing to the surrounding celebration.

Gaston chuckled. “One of the Silvers’ in charge got wind of what happened in Neftasu. They brought in this feast for the men.”

Henri nodded, his grin widening. “We’re celebrating our survival.”

“And toasting lost brothers,” Gaston added.

Elania looked out over the crowd, her vision shifting. She could see the connections between the men, the invisible threads that bound them together.

It was likely a result of how much she had fought alongside them in the battles against the Lightbringers. A thought crept into her mind, unbidden and uncharitable.

Perhaps the Silver Soldiers or one of the Towers were trying to ingratiate themselves with the remnants of Neftasu’s Guard. Everything she had seen so far led her to believe that silent connections like that—political or divine—were tightly integrated into the fabric of Contia. They needed to be on guard against such machinations.

Yolani and Henri fell into easy conversation, their laughter ringing out over the din. Yolani cracked a joke about the difference between the elevators in Neftasu and Contia, drawing a hearty chuckle from Henri.

Elania turned to Gaston, her brow furrowed with concern. “How are the quarters and things settling in, aside from the feast?” she asked, her voice low and serious.

Gaston sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We haven’t had much time to adjust, but we’ve sorted out most of it. The quarters are fine, considering the circumstances.”

He paused, his expression turning grim. “As for the guard, we have exactly 6,383 men left. That includes the injured.”

Elania felt her heart jab painfully in her chest.

That was less than half the men they had when the final assault on the Magistry District began. She closed her eyes, focusing on her divine abilities. With a thought, she pulled up her [Divine Status] using [Divine Insight].

[Followers: 13,276]

The number glowed in her mind’s eye, and Elania quickly did the math.

If they had 6,383 guards, that meant they had likely rescued 6,893 civilians.

But that number could be even less, depending on whether the Mushroohums and Tessa counted among her followers. They probably did, which meant the actual number of civilians saved was likely lower. Although not by too much.

Yolani must have seen something in her eyes, because she reached out to squeeze her shoulder. “We did the best we could,” she said.

Elania nodded, leaning into Yolani’s touch.

Elania looked at Gaston, her expression turning serious. “Keep the men in good spirits,” she said. “And keep your ears open. We need to learn as much as we can about what’s happening in Contia.”

Gaston nodded. “I’ll do my best,” he assured her.

Henri stepped forward. “I could lead a squad and scout the city,” he offered.

Yolani frowned, her brow furrowing with concern. “That might anger Arlois,” she cautioned, glancing at Elania.

Gaston shook his head. “We’re not prisoners here,” he pointed out, his tone firm.

Elania bit back the word ‘yet,’ but the worry gnawed at her nonetheless. She couldn’t shake the feeling that their freedom was tenuous at best.

“There’s also the matter of the cost,” she said, her voice heavy with concern. “Housing all of us, feeding everyone... we only have a month to figure out how to pay for it all.”

Gaston nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I’ll wrangle some quartermasters and get a handle on what we’re going to be looking at. We’ll figure it out.”

Yolani nodded to Gaston. “The city has a unique form of currency,” Yolani explained, her voice low. “It’s written on magic paper.”

Henri raised an eyebrow, his face a mask of confusion. “Why would paper have value, even if it is… magic?” he asked, his tone skeptical.

“It’s backed by the ‘Bank of Contia’ and represents [Power] containment,” Elania said, her gaze flickering between the two men. “Shock-crystals basically are the lowest denomination, and mana shards are the larger one.”

Gaston frowned, his brow furrowing with concern. “That might be a problem for us if our coin isn’t worth anything,” he said.

Yolani shook her head, her expression confident. “We brought considerable supplies from the Magistry,” she assured him. “And Elania and I have a personal stash with a lot of shards.”

“You’ll need to be careful if you’re carrying a lot on you,” Gaston warned.

“I’ve been around places and can handle myself,” Yolani said, her voice edged with a hint of defiance.

Gaston held up a hand. “I know,” he said, his voice soft. “But the warning is still relevant.”

“We’ll be careful,” Elania said. “Thank you for the warning.”

She turned to Yolani, her eyes searching her partner’s face. “Maybe our next stop should be finding the bank instead of checking on the refugees.”

Yolani nodded, her expression determined. “Let’s go,” she said, her voice filled with resolve.

*

The bank was on one of the lower levels, they learned, on the city’s largest, most central islands.

The closer they got to it the more of the vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds that the Cloud district held came into evidence, with vendors hawking their wares and people going about their daily lives.

Elania scanned the signs above the shops and stalls, her eyes searching for any indication of the bank’s location.

Suddenly, she spotted a sign with the words “Bank of Contia” etched in elegant script.

She pointed to it, a smile spreading across her face.

“There it is,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “That’s the bank.”

Yolani followed her gaze. “I’m really glad that you can read everything. It makes navigating this city so much easier.”

Elania laughed, the sound bright and carefree. “All that studying on Earth is finally coming in useful,” she said, her voice filled with amusement. “Who would have thought?”

Yolani nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. They walked in silence for a moment, the sounds of the city swirling around them. Then Yolani spoke, her voice hesitant. “Elania, can I ask you something?”

Elania glanced at her, her brow furrowing with concern. “Of course,” she said, her voice soft. “What is it?”

Yolani bit her lip, her eyes searching Elania’s face. “Your family back on Earth. Don’t you miss them?”

Elania froze, her eyes widening with shock. The question hit her like a physical blow, knocking the air from her lungs.

She hadn’t thought about her family in so long, had pushed the memories of them to the back of her mind. But now, with Yolani’s words hanging in the air between them, the pain came rushing back, threatening to overwhelm her.

Yolani’s eyes widened with horror, and she reached out to Elania, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I shouldn’t have brought it up. I’m sorry, Elania.”

Elania felt like she was drowning, the weight of her guilt and sorrow crushing her chest. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, couldn’t move. The world around her blurred, the colors and sounds of the city fading into a distant haze.

“I haven’t thought about them at all,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “But they must be so worried about me. I was away at college, but surely they know I’m missing by now.”

Yolani squeezed her, her touch a lifeline in a storm. “It’s okay,” she said, her voice soft and soothing. “You’ve had so much on your mind, so much to deal with. It’s understandable that you haven’t had time to think about them.”

But the words did little to ease the ache in Elania’s heart.

She knew Yolani was right, knew that she had been focused on survival, on finding a way to navigate this strange new world. But the guilt still gnawed at her.

Around them, people stopped to stare at the panicked Demi-Divine.

That wasn’t great.

Elania took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to solidify herself, to push down the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

“We can talk about it later,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Right now, we need to focus on our survival. And getting money is part of that.”

They moved toward the bank with purpose.

As they approached the bank, Elania noticed the presence of Silver Soldiers stationed outside. Their polished armor glinted, and their stern expressions seemed to discourage any thoughts of mischief.

No one moved to stop their entry, though.

Stepping inside the bank, Elania’s eyes widened slightly.

The interior was incredibly ornate, with intricate stonework adorning the walls and artificed lighting casting a warm glow over the plush furniture. The opulence was almost overwhelming. It seemed too posh for a simple banking establishment.

Then again… it was named after the city.

As they made their way further into the bank, Elania noticed a security officer positioned in the back, watching them with keen interest.

His gaze lingered on them, making Elania feel slightly uneasy. She made a mental note to keep an eye on him, just in case.

A servant appeared before them, her delicate features framed by long, pointed ears. She bowed her head respectfully, a warm smile gracing her lips. “Welcome to the Bank of Contia. My name is Elara Silverwing. How may I assist you today?”

Elania blinked in surprise. Tessa was the only elf she’d met and…

Just about everyone she had met was human, actually.

“Oh, um, hello,” Elania stammered. “I’m sorry, I just... I haven’t seen many elves around here. Are you... I mean, is it common for elves to work in banks like this?”

Elara blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. She nodded, her smile turning slightly shy. “Yes, it’s not uncommon for elves to work in various professions, including banking. But don’t worry,” she added quickly, her eyes lighting up. “I’m not a cannibal or anything like that. I’m a forest elf!”

Elara smiled at them. “How can I help you two today?”

Elania glanced at Yolani, who stepped forward to address the question.

“We have some mana shards and crystals we would like to turn into currency,” Yolani explained, her voice steady and professional.

Elara nodded, her expression understanding. “Of course. Do you have your own scrit or crit yet?” she inquired, her head tilting slightly to the side.

Elania shook her head, feeling a bit sheepish. “No, we haven’t got any yet,” she admitted, hoping their lack of local currency wouldn’t be an issue.

To her relief, Elara simply nodded, her smile never wavering. “That’s not a problem at all. I can process that for you before you go to the appraisal division,” she offered.

Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance, both nodding in agreement. “That would be great, thank you,” Elania said, feeling a surge of gratitude towards the helpful elf.

Elara led them to a small room set aside with a desk, the space feeling private and secure. Elania watched as Elara used a magic pendant and a drop of blood to open a locked safe, the mechanism clicking open with a soft sound.

From within the safe, Elara pulled out two blue cards and two yellow cards, the colors vibrant and eye-catching.

Those were probably the magical papers that had been mentioned.

Elara gestured to the four paper cards after placing them on the desk. “These are blank scrit and crit cards,” she explained, her voice soft and melodic. “I’ll initialize them for you now, so you can use them to store your balance and make transactions.”

With a deft motion, Elara drew a complex symbol on each of the cards, her fingers moving with practiced ease. As she completed each symbol, the paper lit up with a soft blue glow, and a yellow square appeared in the center of each card.

Elania watched as the magic took hold. She had seen nothing like this before, and the idea of using paper as currency was… familiar and yet new at the same time.

Elara reached into a small pouch at her waist and pulled out a small piece of metal, holding it out to Elania and Yolani. “To attune the cards to you, you’ll need to place a drop of blood on each one,” she explained. “This will ensure that only you can access your balance and make transactions.”

Elania and Yolani exchanged a look.

“Blood… magic?” Elania asked.

Elara nodded. “It’s routine and strictly regulated by the Bank’s processes. There is no danger to either of you, I can assure you.”

With a nod, Elania took the metal from Elara and pricked her thumb, wincing slightly at the sharp sting. It healed instantly, but a small dot of golden liquid appeared all the same.

She pressed her thumb to the first card, watching as the blood soaked into the paper. Almost instantly, the yellow square on the card changed to a green check mark, and a black zero appeared in the center. The second card was exactly the same, just a different color.

Yolani followed suit, pricking her own thumb and pressing it to the remaining two cards. As she did so, Elania couldn’t help but be reminded of the touch screens on Earth, the way the paper responded to their touch and changed before their eyes.

“So we get to keep them?” Elania asked.

Elara smiled and nodded. “Of course,” she said, her voice warm. “These cards are yours now and will hold your balance. To make transfers, you must be holding the paper and touch it with another valid card that is being touched by its owner. The indicators on the cards should be self-explanatory.”

Elara stood up, and the elf gestured for Elania and Yolani to follow her. As they walked, Elara explained that the Appraisal Division could grade their mana shards and crystals, determining their value and exchanging them for the appropriate amount.

“Scrit and crit can be divided into values less than one as well,” Elara said, her voice clear and concise. “So even if your shard or crystal isn’t worth a full unit, you’ll still receive the appropriate fractional amount.”

Elania nodded, the concept immediately clicking in her mind. It was like the decimal system used for currency back on Earth.

“What if we have less than one scrit or crit?” Yolani asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. “How can we get a shard or crystal back?”

“I’m afraid you can’t,” Elara explained gently. “You have to have at least one full unit of value to collect a physical crystal or shard from the bank.”

She explained that there were delays in processing large volumes of shards and crystals if they needed to collect them, and that it was best to make an appointment beforehand to ensure a smooth transaction.

Elania and Yolani shared a look, a silent conversation passing between them.

“We have several to exchange,” Elania said, her voice hesitant. “Is that going to be a problem?”

Elara shook her head. “It might take a little longer to grade them,” she admitted. “But the bank isn’t busy today, so we should be able to process your transaction without any delay.”

*

Elania followed Elara through the bank, Yolani at her side.

The appraisal division was located in a different part of the building, and as they approached, a security guard stepped into their path. It was the same man Elania had noticed earlier. His eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Elara frowned, clearly recognizing the guard. “Thaddeus,” she said, her voice tinged with concern. “What’s wrong?”

Thaddeus shifted his gaze between Elania and Yolani, his posture tense. “They’re potential risks,” he said gruffly. “I think they need a closer watch.”

Elara’s frown deepened, and she shook her head. “They’re very polite and nice young ladies,” she said, her voice firm.

But Thaddeus wasn’t swayed. He pointed at Elania, his eyes hard. “One of them is a Demi-Divine,” he said, his voice low and serious. “She’s armed.”

Elara’s eyes widened, and she turned to stare at Elania, her expression a mix of surprise and awe. Had the elf really not known?

Thaddeus’s gaze fell on Eziel, and his eyes narrowed further. “Weapons are banned,” he said, his voice sharp.

Elania straightened, her hand instinctively moving to rest on Eziel’s hilt. “My sword isn’t a ‘weapon,’” she said, her voice calm but firm. “It’s the Arch-Seraph Eziel, who is taking a nap at the moment.”

Thaddeus’s eyes narrowed. Elara looked between them, her expression uncertain.

“Eziel won’t cause any trouble,” she said, her voice steady. “We’re just here to exchange some mana shards and crystals for currency.”

Yolani coughed into her fist, drawing Thaddeus’s attention. “We were welcomed by Arlois and Ember,” she said, her voice calm and even. “We aren’t any danger to the bank or its patrons.”

He crossed his arms, his expression stern. “I’m going to keep an eye on you two,” he said, his voice gruff.

Elania felt a flicker of annoyance, but she kept her expression neutral. “You’re welcome to do so,” she said, her voice cool. “But you can do it at a distance without interrupting our business.”

Elara looked between them, her expression apologetic. “I’m so sorry about this,” she said, her voice sincere. “Please, follow me to the Appraisal Division.”

She led them deeper into the bank, Thaddeus trailing behind at a medium distance. Elania could feel his eyes on her back, but she ignored him, focusing instead on the task at hand. It sort of felt like a joke. Why would he even announce that he was watching them?

Maybe he was worried they’d try something, and by putting them on alert, he hoped they wouldn’t attempt whatever he thought they were trying to do?

The mental gymnastics weren’t worth it and she decided to ignore the man unless he caused them further trouble.

The Appraisal Division was a bustling area, with various booths and desks scattered throughout. Elara guided them to a small booth, where a gentleman sat behind a desk, bars blocking access except at the counter, where items could be passed back and forth.

“Gallen,” Elara greeted, her voice warm. “This is Elania and Yolani. They have some shards and crystals to exchange.”

Gallen looked up, his expression serious but not unkind. He nodded to Elania and Yolani, his eyes flickering briefly to Thaddeus, who had taken a seat nearby.

“Thank you, Elara,” Gallen said, his voice calm. “I’ll take care of them from here.”

Elara nodded, giving Elania and Yolani a reassuring smile before stepping away. Gallen turned his attention to them, his hands folded on the desk before him.

“What do you have for me today?” he asked, his voice professional.

Yolani rummaged through her pack and retrieved a small bag. She reached inside, her fingers emerging with a handful of mana shards—half a dozen in total—and placed them on the counter. Next, she pulled out a fistful of crystals, at least fifty, and set them beside the shards.

Gallen’s eyes widened as he took in the pile of shimmering objects before him. His mouth opened and closed. “Quite a sizable collection. Do you want all of this converted to scrit and crit?” he asked.

Yolani nodded, a polite smile on her face. “Yes, please.”

Gallen cleared his throat, regaining his composure. “Please place the cards you wish credited on the counter.”

Elania watched intently as Yolani retrieved their cards and laid them on the counter.

They watched as Gallen work, and she appreciated the transparency of the process. He took one shard at a time, placing it under a machine that lit up and displayed a number.

He then took a card from the machine and placed the shard in a deposit box before touching the card to their crit. The number on the card updated with each transaction.

Gallen repeated the process for all the shards, handling each one with meticulous care.

“What’s your home like, Gallen?” Elania asked, her voice curious.

Gallen’s brow furrowed, and he looked up at her, surprise flickering in his eyes. “My home?” he repeated, as if unsure he had heard her correctly.

Elania nodded, her expression open and friendly. “Yes, your home. Where do you live?”

Gallen hesitated for a moment before answering. “I live in a modest apartment with my wife and children,” he said, his voice cautious.

Elania’s interest was piqued. “Do you own it, or do you rent?” she asked, her head tilting slightly to the side.

Gallen’s confusion deepened, and he shook his head. “Ownership of property on the island can’t be held by individuals,” he explained, his voice taking on a matter-of-fact tone. “Only establishments and registered businesses approved by the city can own property. I, like just about everyone else, rent my apartment.”

Elania absorbed this information, her mind turning it over. “How much does it cost per month?” she asked, her voice curious.

“One crit,” Gallen replied, his eyes returning to the task at hand.

Elania felt a mix of emotions at that.

On one hand, one crit per month seemed easily doable.

But on the other hand, if she multiplied that by the number of her followers… there was just no way they’d have enough.

Gallen moved on to the smaller shock-crystals, processing ten at a time. When he finished, Elania and Yolani had accumulated six crit and sixty scrit.

“Congratulations on such a large deposit,” Gallen said, a hint of awe in his voice.

Elania and Yolani exchanged a look, their eyes meeting briefly before glancing at their bags, which remained quite full.

Yolani looked at her, a questioning look in her eyes. Elania met her gaze and nodded. Yolani reached for her three bags and set them on the counter.

Gallen’s eyes widened as he peered into the bags, his hands trembling slightly as he processed the sheer volume of mana shards and crystals before him. He took a step back, his face paling as he shook his head.

“I’m not authorized to issue so much crit at once,” he said, his voice strained. “You’ll need to wait a moment.”

Elania and Yolani exchanged a look.

“If it’s a problem, we can come back later and do it in batches,” Elania offered.

But Gallen shook his head, his expression torn. “It shouldn’t be an issue, but I have to inform management.”

He hurried away, leaving Elania and Yolani to wait anxiously. Minutes ticked by, the tension in the air palpable. Finally, Gallen returned, accompanied by a stern-looking dwarf with a neatly trimmed beard and sharp, calculating eyes.

“This is Gresham Goldscales, the head banker of the Bank of Contia,” Gallen introduced, his voice respectful.

Gresham stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Elania and Yolani before settling on the bags of mana shards and crystals. “I understand you have a significant deposit to make,” he said, his voice gruff but not unkind.

Elania nodded, her posture straightening under the dwarf’s scrutiny. “Yes, we do.”

Gresham’s brow furrowed. “I need to ask how you acquired such a sum,” he said, his tone serious. “It’s a required question, as amounts like this can be illicit. You’ll need to confirm your answers under oath.”

Elania felt a flicker of unease, but she met Gresham’s gaze steadily. She knew that their acquisition of the mana shards and crystals was legitimate, but the question still made her worry. Was the bank going to try to… rob them?

“That’s fine,” she said, her voice steady.

Gallen placed a glowing white orb on the counter and tapped it with a wand. “Anything spoken now will be judged by the truthstone,” he explained, his voice solemn. “Any falsehoods spoken knowingly by anyone in its presence will cause the light to wink out.”

The tension in her shoulders relaxed slightly. Yolani gave her a slight nod.

Gresham cleared his throat, his posture straightening. “I am one of the Four Towers,” he said, his voice ringing with authority.

Immediately, the light stone dimmed, casting shadows across the counter. Gallen tapped the truth stone with the wand again, and it flared back to life.

“I am Gresham, the head banker of this bank,” Gresham said.

The truth stone stayed lit, its glow steady and unwavering.

Well, that was simple enough.

“My name is Yolani,” Elania said.

The truth stone went out, plunging the counter into darkness. Gallen tapped the truth stone once more, and it lit back up, illuminating Elania’s face.

“I am Elania, from Earth, and a Demi-Divine,” she said.

The truth stone stayed lit, its glow steady and bright.

Gresham nodded, his expression serious. “Please explain for the record the source of the shards and their provenance,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind.

Elania took a deep breath, her mind racing as she considered how to explain the complex series of events that had led them to this moment. She glanced at Yolani, who gave her an encouraging nod, her eyes filled with trust and support.

“The shards and crystals were acquired during our time in Neftasu,” Elania began, her voice steady. The explanation lasted for nearly thirty minutes, Elania deciding to not leave anything to doubt.

The truth stone stayed lit, unwavering.

*

Elania and Yolani strolled down the bustling street of Contia, their eyes taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Yolani’s weight reduction pack was significantly less stuffed after exchanging almost all of their shards and crystals for currency.

Elania’s hand brushed against her interior pocket, feeling the weight of the magic paper that seemed heavier than it truly was.

They had received a total of 248 crit and 1250 scrit, an amount that would have been considered a fortune for most individuals. To protect against catastrophic loss and to share the responsibility, they had split the sum equally between them, splitting it equally between their four cards.

As they walked, Elania’s mind wandered to the challenges that lay ahead.

While the money they now possessed was substantial, it was a far cry from what they would need to support their followers in the long term.

The realization settled heavily in her chest, and she knew that she and Yolani couldn’t shoulder this burden alone, at least not in any way she could currently imagine.

Providing temporary assistance for a month or two might have been workable, but the idea of putting so many people on welfare for the rest of their lives was simply impossible, even if they gave her [Divine Power] points.

No, they needed a more sustainable solution, one that would require them to tackle an even greater challenge: finding employment for their followers.

Elania’s brow furrowed as she contemplated the enormity of the task before them. It wouldn’t be easy, but she knew they had to try. The well-being and future of their people depended on it.

“We’re here,” Yolani said.

Elania looked up, and sure enough, the estate was there.

“What…?” Elania muttered.

Yolani raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Care to share what stole your attention?”

Elania smiled weakly. “I’ve been thinking about what we’re going to do with all the refugees.”

Yolani’s expression sobered, and she frowned. “It’s a tough problem, isn’t it?”

As they entered the estate gates, two cultists emerged from the gardens, bowing deeply in greeting. A pulse of annoyance flared at the sight of their black robes.

An idea formed in her mind, and she turned to Yolani. “I think I’m going to see if I can get Darius to change the name of the cult to the White Candle Cult and have them wear white.”

Yolani tilted her head. “Is there something wrong with black?”

Elania shrugged. “Not really… I just don’t want to think we’re the bad guys.”

“What? You remember who invaded Neftasu, right? White’s the worst color to switch to,” Yolani said.

Elania blinked. Oh. Lightbringers. White. “Right,” Elania muttered. “Black is just the traditional bad guy color back home.”

“Hmm. Maybe golden yellow? Like your eyes,” Yolani suggested.

“Why like my eyes?” Elania asked.

“Because they’re pretty,” Yolani said, a smirk appearing.

Somehow she managed to not get flustered, and before Elania could think of a reply, Darius greeted them as they entered the mansion.

“Welcome back, my Lady, and to you as well, Oracle. Your rooms have been prepared, and we have received a shipment of food and drink for the kitchen and pantry. If you wish, someone is prepared to cook your dinner.”

Elania nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “That would be wonderful, Darius. Thank you. Could you show us to our room?”

Darius inclined his head. “Of course, my Lady.” He turned to one of the nearby cultists. “Inform the cook that Lady Elania and Yolani will be dining this evening.”

As the cultist scurried off, Darius led Elania and Yolani up the curved staircase to the second floor. They walked down a long hallway, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpet.

“There are four empty guestrooms on this floor,” Darius explained, gesturing to the doors they passed. “One room has been set aside for you, my Lady, and another for Yolani. The other sixteen rooms, located on the first and third floors, are for the current staff.”

Elania blinked, then shared a look with Yolani. A silent understanding passed between them, and Elania turned back to Darius. “Actually, Darius, we only need one room. Yolani and I will share.”

Darius paused, his gaze flickering between them. He nodded immediately. “As you wish, my Lady. I will have Yolani’s belongings brought over right away.”

They reached the end of the hallway, and Darius opened the door to the master bedroom. Elania and Yolani stepped inside, their eyes widening at the sight. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with an ornate bed draped in delicate linens as the centerpiece.

Elania watched as Yolani explored the room, her eyes wide with wonder. The artificer ran her hand along the ornate dresser, marveling at the intricate carvings etched into the dark wood. Elania couldn’t help but smile at Yolani’s enthusiasm, finding her excitement endearing.

“Arlois really didn’t spare any expense in giving us the use of this estate,” Elania remarked.

Yolani nodded in agreement, her attention drawn to the bed. She approached it, her fingers skimming over the smooth fabric of the linens. A gasp escaped her lips as she realized the true nature of the material.

“Elania, these sheets are silk!” Yolani exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. “And the bed... it’s made of wood!”

A smile tugged at the corners of Elania’s lips as she watched Yolani’s reaction. She had already noticed the abundance of wood throughout the estate, a material that was considered a luxury in Neftasu.

For Yolani, who had grown up in a world where wood was scarce, the sight of it being used so freely was a revelation.

“Yes, it’s wood,” Elania confirmed, her tone gentle and understanding. “We saw the trees, remember?”

Yolani’s eyes widened as if she’d seen something incredibly wonderful. “Oh my gods. Trees! They’re wonderful!”

Elania managed to not burst into a laughing fit. Somehow. Barely.

Darius, who had been standing quietly by the door, stepped forward. “My Lady, the master bath is adjoined to this room,” he informed them, gesturing towards a doorway on the far wall.

Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Darius led them to the doorway, pushing it open to reveal a spacious bathroom.

There was a massive stone tube built into the floor, large enough to accommodate multiple people. Its gleaming surface seemed to invite them to relax and unwind.

The presence of running hot and cold water reminded her of Aetherhart’s Artifice, and more distantly, Earth.

The stone and marble surfaces were all immaculately clean, and the room was equipped with a running water latrine and a sink, giving it an almost modern feel.

The only thing missing was a shower. Why didn’t people like showers?

Darius cleared his throat, drawing her attention. “My Lady, would you like me to assign two handmaiden servants to assist your Oracle with your bathing and dressing needs?”

Elania felt her cheeks heat at the suggestion, and she quickly shook her head. “No, that won’t be necessary. Yolani alone is more than enough.”

She didn’t bother to correct Darius’ misconception about why she wanted Yolani to share the room with her.

Darius nodded, accepting her decision without question. “Is there anything else you require, my Lady?”

Elania glanced at Yolani, who shook her head in response. She turned back to Darius. “Has any message from Arlois arrived yet?”

“No, my Lady,” Darius replied. “Should we be expecting one?”

“Yes,” Elania confirmed. “Please keep an eye out for it and have someone inform either myself or Yolani as soon as it arrives.”

Darius bowed his head in acknowledgment. “As you wish, my Lady. I will see to it personally. I will also send someone once dinner is prepared.”

With that, Darius excused himself.

A companionable silence fell as they were finally left alone. The opulent surroundings enveloped them in a cocoon of luxury.

They both deposited their gear on the floor. Soon, cultist servants entered, carrying Yolani’s scant belongings from the other room. The weight reduction packs held what was needed for establishing a new Artifice shop. They worked efficiently, placing her items with care before quietly taking their leave.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Elania made her way to the bed, settling down on the plush surface. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips as she sank into the mattress. “You’re right, this is silk.”

Yolani smiled and came over to join, sitting beside her on the bed.

Unable to resist the allure of the silken sheets, Elania scooted back, spreading her arms and legs out, relishing the smooth caress of the fabric against her skin.

Yolani watched her, a smile playing on her lips. “It’s really nice, isn’t it?” she remarked, her voice soft and filled with wonder.

Elania turned her head, her eyes locking with Yolani’s. “It is,” she agreed, a mischievous glint in her eye. “But not as nice as you.”

A blush crept up Yolani’s cheeks, coloring her skin a delicate shade of pink.

In a sudden, bold move, she rolled over, straddling Elania on the bed.

Elania’s eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching in her throat as Yolani leaned in, her lips finding Elania’s in a greedy kiss.

Instinctively, Elania wrapped her arms around Yolani, pulling her closer, losing herself in the moment. When Yolani finally pulled back, her eyes were shining with emotion. “I love you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the pounding of Elania’s heart.

Before Elania could reply, the door to their room clicked open, startling them both.

A cultist stood in the doorway, her words tumbling out in a rush. “A message has arrived, my Lady-“ She halted, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of Elania and Yolani entangled on the bed.

*

Elania felt the heat rising in her cheeks as she and Yolani scrambled off the bed, adjusting their clothes and trying to regain some semblance of composure.

The servant waited outside, politely averting their gaze as Elania stepped out of the room.

Elania accepted the message with a nod, her blush still evident as she retreated into the room. Handing the note to Yolani, Elania tried to banish the lingering embarrassment. She really needed to instruct Darius to add a rule that no one could enter their room without permission.

Or at least require knocking!

Yolani looked at the note, her brow furrowing. After a glance, she handed it back to Elania with a sheepish smile. “I can’t read this, remember?”

Understanding blossomed on Elania’s face. “Oh. Sorry! Just…”

“Yeah. Opps,” Yolani said, knocking her own head with her knuckles. “Got a bit carried away there.”

“I liked it,” Elania responded without thinking, issuing a new shade of red on the other girl’s cheeks.

Elania scanned the message, the grin on her face replaced by a frown that deepened with each line.

“The Mushroohums are agitated,” she explained. “Arlois says it’s up to me to calm things down, or they will be disposed of, and soon. There will be no further tolerance, the message says.”

Yolani’s expression mirrored Elania’s. “We better hurry then.”

They got their equipment back on and then hurried down the hall and down the curved staircase, Yolani close behind her. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Darius greeted them, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of their gear.

“I hope the message wasn’t anything too dire,” he said, his voice laced with concern. “Your dinner is ready, by the way.”

Elania shook her head, her expression apologetic. “I’m afraid we’ll have to miss dinner. But if there’s a sandwich or something we could take with us, that would be great.”

Darius nodded, gesturing to a young cultist nearby. The man hurried off to the kitchen, eager to fulfill the request. Yolani stepped forward, her brow furrowed with worry.

“The Mushroohums are having some sort of trouble,” she explained, her voice strained. “We need to go and check on them.”

Darius’s expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded slowly. “I can imagine that such creatures would have difficulty adapting outside the caverns,” he mused, his tone sympathetic.

Elania frowned, guilt twisting in her gut. “We should have visited them first,” she said. “I doubt they really know what’s going on, and they can’t exactly speak with anyone that doesn’t have translation magic… or divine will.”

The cultist returned within a few minutes with two neatly wrapped sandwiches. Elania thanked him, watching as his face lit up with an almost reverent glow.

The connection between them visibly strengthened, and Elania shifted uncomfortably, feeling like a fraud. She didn’t comment on it, not wanting to draw attention to the unsettling dynamic of Demi-Divine worship.

Yolani’s eyes sparkled with delight as she unwrapped her sandwich, revealing a classic ham and cheese combination.

They thanked Darius once more before setting off, munching on their sandwiches as they navigated the winding streets of Contia.

As they traversed the various districts, Elania’s frown deepened with each bridge they crossed.

The once vibrant neighborhoods gave way to increasingly desolate and abandoned areas, the buildings crumbling and the streets eerily quiet. The contrast between the opulent city center and the outer regions was stark.

Finally, they reached a bridge guarded by a pair of Silver Soldiers. The guards waved them through, but not before issuing a warning.

“Be careful out there,” one of them cautioned. “There are no patrols in the outer districts.”

Elania and Yolani crossed the bridge, and as they stepped onto the other side, a wave of realization washed over Elania.

The dilapidated buildings, the streets empty yet flanked by the listless, and the palpable sense of despair in the air—they had arrived in a slum.

Everywhere she looked, she saw the faces of the poor and the weak, their eyes hollow and their spirits damaged.

And the air grew colder.

Elania furled her wings, not wanting to draw attention to them, and found that the action also provided some warmth. Yolani slipped under one of Elania’s wings and held her arm, the contact bringing even more comfort in the chilly atmosphere.

“This is definitely a slum,” Yolani said, her voice low and tinged with sadness.

Elania nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily. “We need to be alert,” she warned.

They made their way through the slum, navigating the narrow, winding streets. No one accosted them, perhaps due to Elania’s imposing presence.

As they walked, they came upon a large hole in the center of the island.

Upon closer inspection, Elania realized it was a pit with a roof over it, the structure peppered with large open hatches at certain points to allow light to filter through. The massive shutters formed a grid pattern above the pit with most of them currently closed.

This was the place they were looking for.

The Arena.

Through one of the open shutters, Elania caught a glimpse of Mushroohums gathered on the sandy floor below. They huddled in large groups, some even standing on each other’s shoulders or back. A few ran around in the shadows, javelins in hand.

Elania and Yolani turned to each other, speaking in unison, “What’s going on?” They shared a brief, humorless chuckle at their synchronicity before Elania’s expression grew serious.

“We need to find the staircase down,” she said, her eyes searching for a way to descend.

They found a guarded staircase, two Silvers standing in the depression. The soldiers tensed, their hands instinctively clenching on their weapons before slowly relaxing. One of them nodded to Elania.

“Your name?” he asked, his voice firm but not unkind.

“I’m Elania,” she replied, her tone even. “I’m here to check on the Mushroohums.”

“Excellent,” the soldier said, turning to open a metal door that swung inward. “When you’re ready to leave, just knock and call out.”

Elania frowned, glancing at Yolani, who mirrored her expression.

They shared a nod before proceeding through the doorway. As soon as they crossed the threshold, the metal door slammed shut behind them, followed by the metallic clank of a bolt sliding into place, locking them in.

That was sort of ominous, but she didn’t see anything that suggested the building was Demi-Divine proof, and at worst, she’d just crack the island in half… or something.

They descended a blocky spiral staircase, their footsteps echoing in the confined space.

As they reached the main arena floor, Elania noticed the evening sky filtering through the open hatches above.

A musky smell permeated the area, but it was weak, especially considering her heightened Darkwalker senses. She had expected a far more pungent odor.

The moment they stepped out into the open, a large group of Mushroohums spotted them, and a cacophony of shouts filled the air. There was no hesitation. A wave of fungal javelins hurtled through the air, aimed directly at Elania and Yolani.

Elania flared her wings and stepped forward. Eziel’s light flared to life, filling the arena with a radiant glow as Elania’s [Divine Power] surged around her and Yolani.

With a swift, decisive swing of Eziel, the fungal javelins disintegrated in a burst of flame, reduced to nothing more than ash in the wind.

The Mushroohums let out a chorus of “glua-glaa” sounds, their voices echoing through the arena before they collapsed en masse.

Elania glanced at Yolani, who had her wand out at the ready, but Yolani shook her head, indicating that she hadn’t struck the Mushroohums.

Cautiously, they approached the fallen creatures.

As they drew closer, Elania noticed that most the Mushroohums had huddled together in a gigantic pile, while the warriors had been the ones to launch the attack. The pungent smell of rotting fungus assaulted Elania’s nostrils, and a sense of unease settled in her gut.

“They might be sick,” Elania said, her voice laced with concern.

Yolani’s gaze drifted upward, her eyes widening as she looked at one of the open hatches above. “Elania, remember our flight earlier?” she asked, her voice urgent. “When you went high, you were afraid of the thin air. What if the Mushroohums can’t stand it here?”

Realization dawned on Elania, and she nodded slowly. “You’re right,” she said, her mind racing. “They were always in a closed space back in the caverns. Maybe the breeze and the different air composition are messing with them, especially their spores.”

Taking a deep breath, Elania closed her eyes for a moment, focusing her thoughts.

When she had a clear idea of what she wanted, Elania raised her hands, focusing her attention on the hatches above.

She channeled her [Demonic Aura], spreading it wide enough to encompass the entire building. With a surge of power, she physically pulled the few open hatches shut, the massive bang of their closure echoing through the chamber.

The constant breeze that had been present in the city slowed and then cut off entirely, leaving the air still and stagnant.

Next, she turned her focus to the air itself.

She drew in more air into the newly enclosed chamber, her senses attuned to the various issues that plagued the space. Holes in the sealing and other imperfections made themselves known to her, and the task of fixing everything felt incredibly complex.

As Elania grappled with the intricacies of the problem, she felt a gentle touch on her arm. Her eyes snapped open, and she stared into Yolani’s concerned gaze. In that moment, a silent understanding passed between them, and Elania knew she didn’t have to face this challenge alone.

“Help me,” Elania said.

Yolani nodded, her expression determined. Somehow, their connection was strong enough that words were unnecessary. They communicated and worked together seamlessly, their minds and hearts in perfect sync.

Elania’s [Divine Power] combined with Yolani’s [Artifice], weaving together in a beautiful dance of magic and skill.

Seams and holes in the chamber began to seal themselves, the imperfections vanishing as the building modified itself at their direction.

The air grew denser and more suitable for the Mushroohums as soon as the leaks were closed.

When the working was done, all that was left was to wait.

They watched the Mushroohums for nearly ten minutes, with no results, but then the warriors slowly regained their feet. They shuffled around aimlessly, but after a few more minutes, their movements became more coordinated and less random.

And then one of them let out a ‘Gluu-Glaa!’ that echoed.

The smell hit the air almost immediately and Elania winced. Yep, they were getting better. And stinkier.

“I think it worked,” Elania said, her voice tinged with cautious optimism.

Yolani nodded, a small smile playing on her lips as she surveyed the scene before them.

They continued to watch until a resounding bang echoed through the chamber, causing Elania to snap her head upward.

The metal hatch slammed shut, and her eyes widened as she spotted Arlois gliding down towards them, an annoyed expression etched on her face. Elania felt a twinge of apprehension, realizing that their actions might have overstepped some boundaries.

As Arlois landed gracefully before them, she spoke, her voice laced with a hint of exasperation. “It looks like you’ve made your first working in the city, Elania,” she said, her gaze fixed on the Demi-Divine. “Would you like to know what the price is to purchase the Arena, or are you planning to undo the changes later?”

Elania felt a wave of sheepishness wash over her, the realization that they had made permanent alterations without seeking permission, hitting her like a ton of bricks.

Yolani addressed Arlois directly. “It was an emergency,” she explained, her voice calm and steady. “The Mushroohums were suffering, and we had to act quickly to ensure their well-being. We apologize for not seeking proper authorization beforehand, but we couldn’t stand by and watch them deteriorate. No changes to any of the city’s artifice were performed.”

Yes! Perfect diplomacy.

Elania smiled.

She was so very lucky to have Yolani with her.