The midday sun blazed overhead, its harsh light bouncing off the pale stone of the Outer Sanctum, making them squint as they stepped outside. The heat pressed down on them, thick and unrelenting, while the lingering scent of incense from the sanctum clung to the air - no longer meditative, but suffocating. There was no immediate task before them - the trials were over, and they had earned their jade pedants - the moment should have felt like a reprieve, yet it did not.
The feeling that something had been left unsaid, gnawed at the edges of their thoughts. The ordeal had been too deliberate and the explanations too vague, so that the true purpose behind their selection remained unclear. They were walking into something far greater than they had been told with the feeling of being assigned the role of cannon fodder.
And inexplicably they were made a team. It was not a natural bond but one imposed upon them, a weight that settled uneasily on their shoulders. There was no sense of camaraderie, only the pressing burden of knowing they had been grouped together by forces outside their control.
The afternoon passed in an uneasy rhythm - each of them occupied themselves in different ways, pondering on their own options and expectations.
Mokai tested the training grounds, watching the temple guardians at their drills. Kaelyn spent much of her time observing and judging - both her surroundings and her new companions. Seline disappeared for a time, reappearing later with the faint scent of parchment clinging to her robes. Fengyu, despite his usual easy-going demeanour, was restless, wandering the temple grounds with curiosity but without an aim.
As evening fell, they gathered in the courtyard as they were served a meal together - a simple but well-prepared spread - and they ate in relative silence, each of them cautious, still measuring one another.
"The temple is… impressive," Fengyu said at last, his tone light but his eyes sharp as they flicked toward Seline. "Though I imagine the library is the real treasure."
Seline's gaze met his briefly before she looked away.
"It's extensive," she said simply, her tone carefully neutral, offering nothing more.
Mokai nodded. "The training grounds are well-equipped. I think I'll be spending some time there."
Kaelyn said nothing.
They were no longer strangers, yet not yet companions. The bond that had begun to form in the crucible of the dungeons - fragile and tentative - had retreated like a wounded animal to its den, unwilling to face the light of day. Nevertheless, it still lingered between them, impossible to ignore.
It was awkward.
At night, the silence was even heavier, while the courtyard bathed in the pale light of the moon.
Each of them retreated to their pavilions, but the walls between them felt thin and distance insubstantial. Though separated, they were already bound together – whether they acknowledged it or not.
The next morning, as the first light crept over the temple roofs, a written invitation was delivered to each of them - summons to an informational gathering and a series of introductory lessons meant to help them understand Mytharok's teachings and structure.
A sign that somebody in the Temple thought better than letting them drift aimlessly.
The meeting was held in a shaded pavilion near the central gardens, where a handful of other outer guardians had also gathered. The number was noticeably smaller than the crowd that had gathered in the Outer Sanctum the day before. Clearly, they had been divided into distinct groups. A deliberate sorting based on status, skill, or something else entirely?
The gathered initiates sat in neat rows, listening to the lead instructor, a stern-looking woman, whose voice carried through the chamber with practiced authority.
"I am Master Lira," she announced. "I serve as one of the senior instructors within the Outer Temple, responsible for the training and guidance of newly inducted guardians. My duty is to ensure that those chosen by the Mytharok understand the path before them - and that they prove themselves worthy of it."
Master Lira was not a woman given to wasted words. When she spoke, her tone was precise, carrying the weight of someone who expected to be obeyed. A mere shift in her posture, a slight narrowing of her eyes, was enough to instil discipline in her students.
"Today, we begin with understanding who we are and why you are here," she continued.
"The Mytharok have existed since long before the histories you know were written. We do not govern. We do not seek dominion. We observe, we guide, and when necessary, we act to maintain the balance of fate."
Fengyu leaned back slightly, arms crossed. "And yet, the universe only heard of you recently," he murmured under his breath.
Kaelyn, sitting beside him, answered in alike hushed tone. "Perhaps we were simply too blind before."
Master Lira continued undisturbed. "We do not seek to rule, nor do we take sides in the conflicts of worlds. Those who shape the world through brute force do not concern us. The true forces that guide reality are subtle - unseen by most, yet undeniable to those attuned to them. Our task is to perceive these forces and act when the balance is threatened."
Mokai furrowed his brow. "So why are we here, then?" His voice was quiet, but carried just enough weight to draw a few side glances.
The thing that Fengyu noticed early enough was that there was certain uniformity within their group. It was made up mostly of the privileged, descendants of affluent families, or those who held status in their respective societies.
There were no signs of those who lacked a home to return to, no indication of the outcasts or the orphaned. The lack of diversity felt deliberate, raising the question of why they had all been chosen and what role their status played in the Temple's grand design.
Master Lira looked directly at Mokai. "You have the potential to perceive what others cannot," she said evenly. "You were chosen not by chance, but because you have already begun to sense these forces, whether you realize it or not."
At the back of the room, Seline had been listening in silence, her fingers tracing an idle pattern on the wooden bench.
"And what exactly are we preparing for?" she asked at last.
A hush settled over the hall.
"The world is shifting," Master Lira finally said. "A disturbance is forming in the currents of fate. You are here because when the time comes, you must be ready."
Fengyu exhaled softly.
Despite all the words spoken, the full truth was still just out of reach. It felt as if they were going in circles - each question carefully deflected, each answer more like a riddle than clarity.
They were here, presumably chosen, yet deliberately kept in the dark. What was the true reason behind their selection? Was there something their parents, their families, knew that they didn't? Something wasn't adding up, and he wasn't sure if he was being kept in the dark for a reason, or if the truth was simply too dangerous to reveal. And it was not a feeling he liked.
Afterward, they were led to the teaching halls and various study chambers, given the freedom to observe different disciplines—combat techniques, meditative practices, and even studies of ancient wisdom, that hinted at deeper mysteries woven into the cosmic fabric.
It seemed they had a free rein to choose and to explore, but something told Fengyu the opposite. He was sure, the answers would not be provided.
After the meeting, Fengyu lingered outside the lecture halls.
He wasn't in a hurry to leave. Instead, he leaned lazily against one of the stone pillars, arms crossed, watching the others disappear into the temple grounds.
Kaelyn stopped a few paces away, arms crossed, studying him.
"You don't seem too convinced," she noted.
Fengyu turned his head slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Neither do you," he replied easily.
She exhaled, glancing toward the hall walls.
"Can you blame me?"
Fengyu chuckled, tilting his head.
"Not at all." He shifted his stance, straightening just slightly. "So, what? Looking for someone to share in your scepticism?"
Kaelyn didn't answer immediately. She glanced toward the open courtyard, where the last few new guardians from the lecture were disappearing.
"Maybe," she admitted. "Or maybe I just wanted to see if I was the only one who thought they were leaving too much unsaid."
"Oh, you're definitely not the only one."
Kaelyn shot him a sidelong glance.
"Master Lira was deliberately vague. It's as if they want us to feel important, like we're part of some grand plan, but they won't give us the whole picture."
Fengyu shrugged. "Maybe that's part of it. Keep us guessing, keep us hungry for answers. Makes it easier to control what we think we know."
"I hate being in the dark," Kaelyn muttered under her breath.
"I get that. I'm not exactly jumping into their arms, either. But I'm not ready to just assume they're all bad, either."
Kaelyn studied him for a moment. "I don't know if I'm ready to trust anyone here. But I guess... it's good to have someone else who's at least asking the right questions."
Fengyu smiled. "I'm all for asking questions."
She smiled back. "Looks like there's more to you than just the guy who cracks jokes in the middle of a fight."
Fengyu chuckled, his tone light, but there was something more sincere behind it. "You too. Though I'm still not sure what to make of you."
"Fair enough," Kaelyn said, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"I'm not one to push," Fengyu replied, glancing around the courtyard. "But you've been through the trials with me. I guess that's one thing we have in common now."
Kaelyn met his gaze again, and for a moment, there was a quiet understanding between them. "But we're not exactly friends yet, are we?"
Fengyu shrugged again. "Not sure about that. But we're definitely not strangers anymore. And I think that counts for something."
Kaelyn glanced up at the looming temple walls. "We're in this for the long haul, whether we like it or not."
And with that, they both turned and began walking back toward their quarters, side by side. The temple grounds were quieter now, the lingering echoes of the day's lessons fading into the afternoon air.
Fengyu slid his hands into his sleeves, casting a sidelong glance at Kaelyn. "So… what did they tell your family?"
Kaelyn didn't answer immediately. She kept her gaze forward, as if weighing her response.
"That I had potential," she said at last, voice neutral. "That I was 'suited' for this path."
Fengyu huffed a quiet laugh. "Vague. Let me guess - something about being able to perceive what others can't?"
Her lips pressed together, but she nodded. "More or less. They didn't give many details. Just enough to make it seem like some great opportunity."
"And what did your family think about it? Did they send you for your own sake?"
"It was more about having a connection to the Temple," Kaelyn admitted. "We've noticed the influence the Mytharok hold - subtle, but undeniable. It's better to keep them close than remain on the outside."
Fengyu considered her words, "So they sent you as a way to secure a tie to the Temple."
Kaelyn gave a small shrug. "Something like that. Not that they'd ever say it outright. They spoke about duty, honour, the 'privilege' of being chosen. But in the end, it was about positioning."
Fengyu fell silent.
She glanced at him. "So what is your story?"
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "My brother dressed it up in destiny, my 'greater purpose.' But he was just happy to send me off somewhere where I couldn't cause trouble. Whether I liked it or not. As I have already told you, I did not."
Kaelyn laughed. "So what? Have they kidnapped you here, or what?"
Fengyu said nothing, just looked into her eye.
She stopped and inhaled sharply. "No! You are joking! Seriously!?!"
Fengyu chuckled. "I've told you. I was not exactly given a choice. I fell asleep drunk in my favourite tavern back home and woke up in the dungeons."
She was visibly shocked.
For a few moments, they walked in silence.
Then, Fengyu nudged her lightly with his elbow, his smirk returning. "Well, if we're just pawns in some grand scheme, at least we're interesting ones."
Kaelyn let out a short laugh.
It was then that they noticed Master Lira entering the central garden, her robes flowing behind her as she stepped through an arched passageway framed by stone and creeping vines.
Kaelyn and Fengyu exchanged a glance. Neither spoke, but there was a silent understanding between them. It wasn't as if they were restricted in their movements - no one had warned them against wandering. And at that moment, they had nothing pressing to do.
Without a word, they followed.
The garden was quiet, the air heavy with the scent of damp earth and distant incense. Master Lira walked at ease, seemingly unaware - or unconcerned - about being watched.
From another entrance, a monk approached her, bowing respectfully. His voice was low but clear.
"The High Monk requests your presence," he said. "He wishes for you to report on the situation with your group of new recruits."
Fengyu stilled, exchanging another look with Kaelyn.
Her group of new recruits.
Kaelyn frowned slightly. They knew they were being watched and assessed, but hearing it stated so plainly was different.
She exhaled quietly. "Let's see what she has to say."
Fengyu's eyes widened, as he understood the suggestion.
They followed, keeping a careful distance as Master Lira and the monk walked deeper into the garden.
The stone pathways wound between neatly arranged trees and alcoves, creating pockets of shadow where they could remain unnoticed.
The monk led Master Lira toward the side garden, where a dense cluster of bamboo trees grew in tightly packed rows, their long, slender stalks swaying gently in the breeze.
Fengyu and Kaelyn slipped behind a small artificial mountain feature - crafted of stone and moss - on the edge of the garden. It was a simple structure, but it provided just enough cover to keep them out of sight as they peered through the gaps in the bamboo. From their concealed vantage point, they could see Master Lira approaching the High Monk, who stood with his back slightly turned, a distant figure against the backdrop of the bamboo and the lush greenery of the garden.
"Master Lira," the High Monk greeted her with a slight nod, his voice carrying a soft but firm tone. "How are the new recruits?"
"Unpredictable," Master Lira replied. "A few have potential, but most are still... unsure."
The High Monk nodded. "Uncertainty is a part of the process. They will adapt in time, or they won't." His voice held no judgment - just a simple statement of fact. "Prepare them, Lira. I know you can do a good job."
"What do you think about that young man from Pantax? Mokai is his name, isn't it?" the High Monk asked again.
"A lot of potential," Master Lira answered. "Good training, intelligent, and brave enough to ask difficult questions. He's not easily swayed, which could be both a strength and a challenge."
The High Monk's lips curled into a faint smile. "Willingness comes when the world demands it. And the world will demand it soon enough." He fell silent. "Keep a careful watch on him."
Master Lira gave a slight nod.
"I'll ensure he doesn't uncover more than he's meant to, at least until the timing is right."
"Good. Anyone else among the new recruits stand out? Anyone... interesting?"
Master Lira hesitated for a moment before responding. "No one of immediate concern, but some are deliberately keeping a low profile."
"Low profile, you say? Watch them all closely. If there's something to find, it will reveal itself soon enough."
"Understood. I'll keep a sharp eye on all of them, as instructed."
"You will follow the plan. I want you to mentor Mokai from Pantax."
"Yes, master," she answered simply.
"Thank you, Lira. You may go".
Kaelyn and Fengyu exchanged glances as they ducked further behind their cover, making sure Master Lira would not notice them as she walked away.
Kaelyn's jaw tightened. "I don't like the sound of that. What exactly do they have planned?"
Fengyu glanced over. "I'm not sure, but they're definitely up to something. It will start in Pantax, but I bet it won't end there."
At that moment, the High Monk and the servant monk parted ways. Knowing they couldn't afford to be discovered, Kaelyn and Fengyu had to act quickly. They sprinted behind their faux mountain structure, then darted into a neglected, backward part of the garden.
Unfortunately, the monk's footsteps grew louder, dangerously close, as he walked the path just next to them. Kaelyn and Fengyu pressed against the crumbling stone wall, but ahead, Fengyu spotted a narrow crack just large enough to hide one person. Without hesitation, he shoved Kaelyn into the crevice, urging her to stay quiet. He ran along the wall, moving fast to stay out of sight.
As he rounded the corner, his foot slipped. The ground beneath him gave way, and with a sudden jolt, he tumbled into a hidden pit. The ground was gone, replaced by a deep drop, and Fengyu found himself falling into what seemed like a forgotten cellar. He hit the floor with a thud, a sharp pain shooting through his body, but he quickly scrambled to his feet.
It was deep. The scarce plants hanging down were not enough for him to climb back.
Kaelyn, hidden behind in the crack of the wall, couldn't see what had happened. She would have no idea where he'd gone. They could not afford shouting to each other for the fear of being discovered. It was up to him to figure out how to get out.
Fengyu looked around the dark, damp chamber. It was nothing like the smooth, well-maintained halls of the temple. The walls were cracked, the floor uneven, the air smelled faintly of mildew and age. Even the dungeons from before seemed to be well maintained in comparison. It was as if the temple had forgotten about this place, leaving it to rot.
He moved cautiously, his hand brushing along the wall as he stepped deeper. As he approached the far end of the chamber, he noticed a narrow passageway leading downward. It was barely visible, half-hidden in the shadows, but the faintest draft stirred the air around it. Fengyu stepped into it, hoping it would lead to a way out.
He could see the faintest trace of light ahead, where the corridor widened and began to curve. As he rounded the bend, the corridor opened up into a small alcove. A circular opening in the ceiling cast a beam of pale light, illuminating the space in a way that seemed intentional. The light shone directly onto the painted walls. This part of the temple had clearly been neglected, the murals long faded and chipped. This chamber was not precisely hidden, it was simply forgotten.
He moved closer, his hand brushing against the cool stone, tracing the lines of a mural. The images were worn but still discernible. Figures draped in robes, their faces obscured, gathered around a massive stone altar. In the centre of the scene was a large, radiant object - an artifact of some kind, glowing with a faint, otherworldly light.
One of the figures, a tall figure with a sharp, angular face, stood apart, a dagger in hand. The figure, holding the dagger, was striking down the one closest to him - a figure whose chest had been pierced, a gaping wound where the heart should have been. The other figures in the image seemed to recoil in shock, their bodies twisted in horror.
The betrayal was clear. The murder was clear.
Fengyu's heart quickened. What was this?
He leaned in closer, scanning the details, but the next part of the story was obscured by layers of soot and time. The artifact, once radiant, was now shattered, its pieces scattered across the mural's surface.
There was a deep crack running through the centre of the image, as if the story itself had been torn apart.
The mural was a puzzle, its meaning elusive, but one thing was painfully clear: the Mytharok's history was far darker and more complicated than they'd ever let on. There were pieces of their past that had been deliberately erased, and now, standing before this hidden testament, Fengyu wondered how much of their present was built on the lies of the past.
He knew one thing for certain: he couldn't walk away from this. He had to remember every detail - every line, every shade, every crack in the stone. With his fingers still lightly brushing the cool surface of the wall, he focused, committing the scene to his memory with intense precision.
In the end, he tore his gaze away from the mural. There would be time to process it later, but for now, he needed to move.
In the far end of the alcove, he spotted another corridor, though it was partially blocked. The ceiling had collapsed, leaving a jumble of rubble and debris scattered across the passage. The wreckage blocked much of the way, but there was still a narrow gap - just wide enough for him to squeeze through. He forced himself into the gap, his body scraping against jagged stone and rotting wood as he pushed himself through, the ground beneath him unstable and treacherous. He had to duck and weave through collapsing sections of the tunnel, his body scraping against jagged rocks and sharp edges.
In the distance, he saw a faint light ahead. The tunnel seemed to narrow more as he approached the light, forcing him to crouch lower and push through with his hands and knees. When he finally emerged on the other side, he found himself in a cramped, damp corridor that opened up to lush greenery - he was out of the collapsed section.
Fengyu crumbled to the ground, gasping for air. The garden's cool air rushed to meet him, a welcome relief after the suffocating confines of the tunnel.
However, he could not afford to rest. He stumbled to his feet, hoping to find Kaelyn before anybody discovered them. The monk from before was nowhere to be seen. He quickly moved toward the crack in the wall where he had left Kaelyn earlier.
As he approached, he spotted her just behind a cluster of tall, shadowed trees. Her figure was half-hidden in the shadows, her back pressed against the trunk of a thick oak. She turned at the sound of his footsteps, her expression shifting to one of surprise as she took in his dishevelled appearance. She raised an eyebrow in a silent question.
Fengyu offered a half-smile, wiping some of the grime off his face.
"I fell into a hole," he said simply. "Well, not exactly the sightseeing tour I was hoping for."
Kaelyn's eyes flickered with curiosity but she didn't press him for more.
"We need to get back to our quarters. It's getting late, and we don't want to be seen here."
They moved through the garden, slipping between the trees, and passed through the narrow passageways leading toward the guests' quarters.
It was an uneventful trek - no monks, no wandering eyes. Everything was quiet, save for the distant rustle of leaves in the gentle night breeze.