Dawn broke over Aurenfall, painting the city in pale gold. Frank tightened the straps on his training gear, sweat still clinging to him from yesterday's sparring. Today was different. Today was not about learning movement or strength—it was about choice.
Rhea led him through a narrow alleyway to a hidden courtyard. Inside, a circle of city trainees stood, some armed, some unarmed. At the center of the yard were representatives of the Iron Guard and the Merchant Council, facing each other with measured hostility.
"You must pass a test," Rhea said. "One that will show where your allegiance lies—or if you belong anywhere at all."
Frank frowned. "Allegiance? To whom?"
"Not to me. Not to anyone," Rhea replied. "To the city itself. Caelum doesn't care about individuals—he watches cities. If you fail here, you will be broken before you even reach him."
Frank's stomach tightened. This was no longer sparring. This was a real trial.
THE CHALLENGE
The Iron Guard wanted him to carry out a task: intercept a package from a Merchant Council courier. The package was rumored to contain information Caelum had planted himself—a test of loyalty and precision.
Frank had two options:
Side with the Iron Guard, gaining their trust but risking the Merchant Council's wrath.
Follow his own judgment, protect the courier, and prove his integrity.
He remembered the town, Leo, Elara, and the mentor he had lost. Standing didn't mean following orders blindly—it meant doing what was right.
Frank stepped forward, decision clear.
"I protect the courier," he said.
A gasp spread across the courtyard. One of the Iron Guard grunted, clearly displeased. "You dare?"
"I do what's right, not what is demanded," Frank replied calmly.
The Merchant Council envoy nodded subtly, a flicker of approval in her eyes.
THE STRIKE
The courier appeared, running through the courtyard, eyes wide. Frank met him, signaling him to follow a safer path through narrow side alleys. Iron Guard trainees attempted to block him. Frank moved swiftly, dodging attacks, using learned techniques to push past without fatal harm.
By the time he reached the city wall, the courier was safe. Frank leaned against the stone, breathing hard.
Rhea appeared, her face a mixture of pride and concern.
"You've passed," she said. "By choosing integrity over blind allegiance, you've survived a test most fail. But know this—Caelum watches everything. And your choice tonight will echo when you face him directly."
THE LESSON
As Frank walked back through the city, lanterns flickering along rooftops, he felt something he hadn't before: confidence in his own judgment. The world beyond his town was harsh, full of factions, power struggles, and hidden enemies—but he could navigate it.
His thoughts drifted to Elara. He drew her letter from his coat and read it again. A quiet smile touched his lips. Her words grounded him, reminding him that courage without heart was hollow.
And somewhere above the city, Caelum observed the outcome, dark eyes narrowing.
"He is clever… but he underestimates the weight of choice," Caelum murmured. "And choice… can be dangerous."