Dawn broke over Ashveil Academy's Terrace of Runes, gilding the spires in pale gold. Lanterns still drifted among the pillars, their soft glow mingling with early sunlight. Otoku stood at the balustrade in his scholar's robes—white hair tied back, runes glinting at his cuffs, deep silver eyes earnest. Noctis padded silently at his side, the shadow-fur and silver scales of the familiar catching stray light like living embers.
Below, the academy courtyard bustled with ceremony. Banners bearing the Veilthorn Dominion's crest—a fractured star above a shattered crown—flapped in the breeze. Knights in ivory plate formed an honor guard. At the far end, a marble dais awaited the envoy.
Otoku steadied his breath. "Tomorrow's light is forged in today's darkness," he murmured—a private vow before his first great diplomatic test. Noctis brushed against his leg, a comforting weight.
---
The envoy arrived: five figures draped in deep indigo cloaks trimmed with silver embroidery. Their leader, Ambassador Kaerion, stepped forward. His regal bearing and silver hair mirrored Otoku's own—but his eyes, pale violet, carried impatience and guarded curiosity.
Kaerion inclines once. "Councilor Otoku—and the honored Council—thank you for receiving us." His voice was calm, measured.
Otoku descended the steps, flanked by Arthelia and Maeve. "Ambassador, we welcome you to Ashveil Academy. May our shared knowledge shine brighter than any star." He offered a small bow.
Behind Kaerion, Captain Elowen unsheathed a crystalline blade, its edge humming with latent light. The gesture was polite but primeval—a reminder that diplomacy here was guarded by steel.
---
Ambassador Kaerion's gaze sharpened. "I come at the behest of Queen Seradia. The Veilthorn Dominion seeks access to the Codex Companion's teachings. Our people—haunted by the legacy of the First Star-Eater—yearn for the power to save themselves from fate's cruelty." His tone hovered between plea and demand.
Otoku met his eyes. "Power without choice is a chain; I would rather break my own bones than wear another's shackles." The words echoed across the courtyard, borrowed from his own reflections. Noctis's eyes flared as if approving the declaration.
A hush fell. The ambassador's jaw tightened, but he recovered with a nod. "Then let us discuss terms."
---
In the Council chamber, flanked by Kaelis and Damaris, the debate began:
Kaelis argued for cautious sharing: "Knowledge is light. We must illuminate even the darkest hearts."
Damaris urged safeguards: "Chains of fate can be broken—sometimes by one hand, sometimes by many. But only if we bind them wisely."
Ambassador Kaerion insisted on open study for all Veilthorn prodigies.
Otoku listened, heart pounding. He remembered Lirael's words: "To master the loop is not to end it, but to choose its meaning." With quiet conviction, he spoke:
> "We stand on the edge of two worlds: one born of ashes, the other of hope. I choose the latter. The Companion's path will be shared—only under our guidance, and only with those who prove their resolve."
Kaerion's eyes flickered. "Then we have a path forward." He extended his hand. Otoku clasped it firmly.
---
As the treaty was signed in silver ink, Noctis settled at Otoku's feet, purring a low, harmonic hum that seemed to soothe the tense assembly. Arthelia offered Otoku a rare smile.
> Arthelia: "You've done it."
Otoku (softly): "Even a godslayer needs a friend to remember what it means to be human."