He turned to the group with an easygoing grin. “Alright, everyone—looks like you’re under new management now.”

  Niru’s grin widened as he placed his hands on his hips and puffed out his chest, almost as if proud of himself. His demeanor carried a mix of authority and nonchalance, as though this chaotic situation was just another day at work for him.

  “Normally, this would take a long time to explain,” he began, his tone brisk and tinged with urgency. “But we don’t have that luxury-

  “Can I just go home? I don’t want to be here anymore. Why are we even here?” the brown-haired boy asked, his voice trembling with frustration.

  We all turned to look at him, then shifted our gazes to Niru, silently waiting for an answer. Deep down, though, I already knew what he’d say—it was impossible.

  “Sorry, kid,” Niru replied, his tone soft but firm. “There’s no way to travel between worlds. Only the gods have that kind of power.”

  I sighed inwardly. Of course. It made sense. It seemed the gods were pulling all the strings here, deciding our fates as if we were pieces on their board.

  He clapped his hands together, the sharp sound cutting through the tension like a whip. “Alright, everyone, I need you to form into groups of two.”

  A group? I couldn’t quite grasp the reasoning behind putting us into groups at this point—it didn’t make much sense given the situation. Still, I wasn’t about to question it. The only thing on my mind was getting out of here as quickly as possible.

  A brief silence followed as the group exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of who to pair up with. Olivia and Sophia instinctively huddled closer together, their bond apparent. Meanwhile, the rest of us stood awkwardly, hesitant to make the first move.

  “Alright,” Niru said, breaking the pause before it could linger too long. His sharp gaze scanned the group before landing on Lucian. “You—join the girls. That’s one group.”

  Lucian’s lips twitched slightly, a faint frown threatening to appear, but he didn’t argue. His pale eyes flicked toward Olivia and Sophia before he shrugged and moved toward them, his steps slow and deliberate. Sophia shot him a glare but kept her distance.

  Niru turned his attention back to the rest of us. “You—redhead,” he said, pointing at me, “you’re with him and…” His hand gestured toward the brown-haired boy lingering at the edge of the group. “That makes our second group. Got it?

  Another clap of his hands punctuated the decision, final and resolute. “No debates, no swaps. This works. Let’s roll with it.”

  I glanced at Victor, catching his calm, reassuring nod. His steady presence was a small comfort amidst the chaos. The other boy, however, looked as though he might collapse at any moment. His eyes darted nervously between us and Niru, his discomfort etched plainly on his face. But there was something different about him now—his posture was less tense, his movements more deliberate. Oh… the status. It must have told him his name.

  I thought about asking him for his name but decided against it. He didn’t seem to be in the best frame of mind, and I didn’t want to risk making things awkward. It wasn’t that I lacked the courage—it just felt more considerate to give him some space. I could always ask later, when the timing felt more natural.

  “Alright, first things first… clothes, money, explanation—yeah, okay, I got this,” Niru muttered to himself, rubbing the back of his neck with a casual shrug. His tone was light, but there was a determination beneath it that made me feel like maybe we were in capable hands after all.

  We exchanged uncertain glances. After everything we’d been through, anyone had to be better than Jacquin. At least, that’s what we told ourselves.

  “Follow me,” Niru said, motioning for us to move. “Normally, someone would take your measurements properly before sorting out clothes, but we don’t have time for that. I’m taking you to the storage room where we keep the spare uniforms. With any luck, we’ll find something that fits you.”

  As we stepped through the door, Niru paused, holding it halfway open. His brows furrowed slightly as he seemed to weigh his next move.

  “Umm,” I muttered, the word slipping out before I could stop it. I immediately regretted drawing attention to myself. My gaze dropped to the floor, my fingers fidgeting nervously.

  Inside, my thoughts churned. Jacquin’s suffocating presence still lingered in my mind, a dark storm cloud that refused to dissipate. The thought of him returning made my chest tighten. Every second spent here felt like borrowed time, like we were waiting for something terrible to happen.

  “...Actually,” Niru muttered, half to himself, “now that I think about it, this might take too long.”

  He turned back to us with a sharp nod, his decision made. “Change of plans. We’re going to meet the Vice-Captain. With his help, we can speed this up. Let’s move!”

  Our pace quickened under his command. The halls stretched endlessly, their vastness amplifying the eerie silence. Occasionally, we passed guards stationed at attention, their presence a stark contrast to the otherwise desolate surroundings.

  “If you’re wondering about the lack of people, don’t worry,” Niru said over his shoulder, his tone casual yet reassuring. “Most of the units are out on a classified operation. They’ll be back tomorrow, so we’ve got a little breathing room.”

  I glanced at him, observing his carefree demeanor. Despite having just met him, there was something about Niru that felt… trustworthy. He had saved my life, defying orders and risking his position—for what? For nobody like me? The thought stirred an unfamiliar and unexpected sense of gratitude within me, knowing he had chosen to stand against Jacquin’s command just to keep us safe.

  “Ahh… thank you,” I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper. “For saving me.”

  I didn’t look at him when I said it, my gaze fixed firmly to the side, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Gratitude wasn’t something I was used to expressing.

  Niru turned to me, his grin as unwavering as ever. "No problem... just promise to buy me a drink next time we cross paths. I’ve got a feeling this isn’t the last time we’ll meet.

  I wasn’t entirely sure what had changed in me, but ever since the confrontation with Jacquin, I felt a strange weight lift off my shoulders. The tension that had been a constant in my life seemed to ebb away. Maybe it was the faint hope that this was a second chance—a new life where I could leave my past behind. For the first time in a long while, I felt something unfamiliar stirring within me. Was it exciting? Maybe. The thought of starting fresh was oddly exhilarating.

  Victor stepped closer, his hand resting firmly on my shoulder. His piercing gaze met mine, steady but tinged with concern. “You okay?” he asked gently. “You didn’t seem in the best state earlier.”

  “Yeah, I’m fine now ,” I replied quickly, forcing the words out. I glanced back at him, nodding faintly. It wasn’t a lie—not entirely.

  “You scared me, man,” Lucian piped up, his pale eyes flicking toward me. His tone was sharp, though not unkind. “I thought we were all gonna die.”

  I stayed silent, letting his words hang in the air as I focused on the path ahead. My mind replayed the earlier events, each moment weighing heavy on my chest.

  I guess he was right. My anger had clouded my judgment, making me act without thinking. I hated the idea that the gods suddenly had a use for me now, after ignoring me for so long. Where were they before, when I needed them? The thought of being nothing more than a pawn, a tool for someone else's agenda, infuriated me.

  I let that frustration consume me, let it push me past my breaking point.

  I needed to get a grip. Letting my anger control me like that—it was reckless

  “We’re here. Just let me do the talking,” Niru said, his tone calm yet firm as he stopped in front of a large wooden door. With a slight push, he swung it open, revealing a modest lounge.

  The room’s quiet comfort stood in stark contrast to the tension-filled halls we had just walked through. Two sofas facing each other across a low wooden table, their simple arrangement inviting a sense of ease despite the circumstances.

  On one of the sofas sat a man with sharp, chiseled features, his jet-black hair falling in soft, curtain-like strands that framed his face. His eyes stayed fixed on the steaming cup of tea in his hands, his calm and unhurried demeanor a stark contrast to the tension in the room. His posture struck a delicate balance between relaxed and authoritative, exuding a quiet command that was hard to ignore.

  He wore a gray uniform identical to Niru’s, marked with the same dragon insignia stitched into the fabric. Unlike Niru and Jacquin, his uniform lacked the gold plates that signified higher rank, subtly signaling his lower position in the chain of command. The broad lines of his powerful frame and a scar that ran from his neck to his chin hinted at a life shaped by combat. Despite his unassuming demeanor, the scar and his bearing revealed him to be a seasoned warrior. Yet he didn’t look up when we entered, his focus remaining on his tea. The lack of acknowledgment, combined with the normalcy of his presence, left an unsettling unease hanging in the air.

  “ Theo… buddy, Vice Commander Jacquin asked us to take care of the outworlders,” Niru said, his tone breezy as he strolled over to Theo and casually took a seat on the sofa opposite him. “Could you handle the basic procedures with them? Oh, and they’ll need 20 silver,” he added, gesturing toward us with a light wave of his hand.

  Theo didn’t respond immediately. He remained focused on his tea, lifting it for another slow sip before finally raising his gaze. His sharp, fish-like eyes shifted from us to Niru, studying us all with cold precision. There was something unnervingly calculating about his stare—so much so that it made him seem even more intimidating than Niru, despite the latter’s apparent higher rank.

  “Sir, Jacquin asked you for a favor?” Theo asked, his voice low and quiet, laced with skepticism.

  “Yes, he did,” Niru replied, flashing a wide, carefree grin as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

  “Jacquin?”

  “Yep.”

  “Bullshit,” Theo snapped, his calm demeanor cracking ever so slightly. “He’d never ask you for a favor.”

  “Well, I assure you, he did,” Niru said, feigning indignation as he leaned back and spread his hands in mock innocence. “Why would I lie about that?”

  Theo’s glare hardened, his eyes narrowing. “Even if he did, why would he ask you? You’re not even in his squad.”

  “Good question!” Niru said, shrugging exaggeratedly. “I don’t know—ask him. If you don’t believe me, go ahead, talk to him yourself.”

  Theo exhaled sharply, his irritation evident. His gaze flicked toward us before settling back on Niru. Running a hand through his hair.

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  “What did you tell them.. the outworlders ?” Theo asked softly, his voice carrying the weight of his frustration.

  “Nothing..,” Niru replied smoothly, his grin steady..

  Theo’s piercing eyes locked onto Niru, his irritation simmering just beneath the surface. “You…”

  Before Theo could say more, Niru stood up, brushing imaginary dust from his uniform. He pointed toward Lucian’s group, gesturing for them to come closer. “Take the three boys,” he said casually, “while I take care of these ones.”

  Theo’s expression didn’t change, but the air around him seemed to grow heavier as he watched Niru.

  Niru approached us, his usual carefree smile unwavering, though there was a noticeable shift in his tone—more serious, more deliberate. “Before we move forward, there’s something every gifted individual is warned about.” He paused, letting his gaze settle on each of us. “As you already know, being gifted makes you an Ascendant—someone who stands apart from the average person. But listen carefully—never share the details of your abilities or your rank with anyone.”

  His voice dropped slightly, carrying a quiet weight. “The more people know about your powers, the harder your life here will become. Word travels fast, and once people understand your strengths, they’ll waste no time finding ways to exploit your weaknesses.”

  We all exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. It made sense. If others knew the specifics of someone’s gift, they could devise ways to counteract or exploit it. Knowledge like that was dangerous in the wrong hands.

  Sophia offered a faint smile and gave a small nod. “We’ll see you all later,” she said, her voice warm but carrying the weight of uncertainty.

  The rest of us returned her nods, brief but sincere, before parting ways. The reality of our separation began to settle in, a quiet acknowledgment passing between us.

  With that, Niru turned toward Theo, giving him a cheeky salute before heading out the door. His departure left us alone in the unsettling silence of Theo’s watchful presence, the air heavier in his absence.

  The shift in the room was palpable, the air growing noticeably colder as an uneasy silence settled over us. Theo, seemingly unfazed, calmly picked up his tea and took a slow sip, his movements deliberate and precise. Despite the casual gesture, his sharp, unblinking gaze fixed on us, making the moment feel anything but ordinary. The weight of his stare pressed down on the room, amplifying the awkwardness that lingered between us.

  “Did he explain why he split you into groups?” Theo asked, his voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of scrutiny.

  So there was a purpose to splitting us up. Is this what they usually do to outworlders? Niru did mention something about a procedure, so I’m assuming this is part of it. I had just assumed it was a way to make it easier and faster for them to manage us in smaller groups.

  “Is it because it’s easier for you to take care of us when we’re split into smaller groups?” Victor ventured, his tone measured but curious.

  “No,” Theo replied curtly.

  “It’s because you’re going to have to take care of each other,” Theo explained, his eyes briefly scanning the room.

  He stood up and walked to the desk behind him. Opening a drawer, he retrieved three small brown pouches that clinked faintly as he picked them up.

  “There are 20 silver coins in each pouch,” Theo said, placing them on the table before us. “This money isn’t a gift. The kingdom expects you to pay it back after one month.”

  One month? That didn’t sound like a lot of time, especially for people like us, unfamiliar with this world and its systems.

  “Do you know why you were placed into groups?” Theo asked again, his sharp gaze shifting between us.

  So they do put some thought into these things. I had assumed they’d just throw us out into the world without any explanation at all.

  I have a feeling it’s designed to keep us all in line, ensuring they get their money back. It’s likely tied to making the group responsible for covering someone else’s debt if they fail to pay.

  “If someone in our group dies, we have to pay off their debt. And if someone fails to pay, the entire group faces the consequences,” Victor said, his voice steady but grim.

  Theo nodded. “That’s correct. You are given one month to repay the 20 silver. If you fail to pay, you will be jailed and put on trial. If someone in your group doesn’t pay, all of you will be trialed together. And if someone in your group dies, their debt will be transferred to the surviving members of the group.”

  Of course, it made sense that the kingdom would want their money back, but the implications of the system were harsh.

  If the entire group died, I supposed the debt might vanish, but even thinking about that seemed bleak and absurd. The kingdom’s system was harsh, pragmatic, and efficient, but it felt unnecessarily cruel. Still, I couldn’t deny that it drove the point home.

  “Wait here.” Theo stood up and walked to the door without another word.

  Minutes passed. The silence stretched on, and I found myself moving to the sofa, sitting down with a quiet sigh. Milo and Victor followed, settling in without a sound. None of us said a word, and I was perfectly fine with it. The quiet was better than awkward chatter, especially after everything that had just happened.

  My eyes flicked to the three pouches Theo had left on the table. They were just sitting there, filled with what I assumed was the silver we’d been promised. Didn’t he think we might just grab them and run? This Theo guy was either confident or reckless.

  “Do you know your name?” Victor asked, his calm gaze settling on the brown-haired man.

  Good job, Victor. I was thinking of asking that myself, but I couldn't find the right moment.

  The man, who had been nervously glancing around before, now focused on Victor. His expression was less tense, but a faint shadow of confusion lingered in his eyes.

  “Milio,” he said quietly, his tone uncertain. “That’s what it says, at least. Not sure if it’s even right, you know? I just… have to trust it.” He looked down, sadness flickering across his face.

  "You’re looking a lot better now," Victor said, flashing a warm smile.

  Milio gave a small nod in response, but his demeanor remained distant.

  Victor hesitated for a moment, then spoke again, his voice steady but laced with conviction. “I know Niru said we shouldn’t share our abilities with anyone, but… I think we should. At least with each other. We’re all we’ve got right now, and knowing each other’s strengths could really help us in the future.”

  His words hung in the air, drawing our attention. I glanced at Milio, whose expression remained conflicted, and then back to Victor. The logic in his suggestion was clear, but I couldn’t ignore the nagging hesitation in my chest.

  I didn’t want to share my ability. Not yet. I didn’t trust them—not fully, not now. Maybe in time, as I learned more about who they were and how they acted, I could reconsider. But for now, keeping that part of myself guarded felt like the safest choice. I stayed quiet, observing their reactions as I mulled over Victor’s proposal.

  “No offense, but I don’t trust any of you,” Milio said bluntly, crossing his arms as his wary gaze shifted between us.

  Victor turned to me, his expression contemplative, before nodding slightly in agreement with Milio sentiment.

  “Alright,” Victor said after a pause, his tone calm but deliberate. “How about this—I’ll start. I’ll tell you my rank and the god I’m linked to.”

  I blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his sudden openness.

  “I’m a C rank,” he continued, “ by the God of Solitude. My ability is pretty basic—it’s called Amplify. It enhances my physical body.”

  Oh, he was the same rank as me. Not that I knew what it truly meant yet. I couldn’t help but wonder—how low did the ranking system go? Was C close to the bottom, with ranks going down to E? Or did it climb to something like S, or even Z, at the top?.

  Victor raised his hands slightly, palms outward in a gesture of reassurance. “You don’t have to share anything if you don’t want to. I just wanted to show that I trust you guys and that I hope you’ll trust me in return. We’re all we’ve got out here, and we need to have each other’s backs.”

  I couldn’t deny the sincerity in his words. Victor’s willingness to be vulnerable was disarming in a way, and I felt a flicker of gratitude that he was part of my group. He seemed capable, steady, and genuine—qualities that would be invaluable in a place like this.

  But even with his gesture, I couldn’t bring myself to share. Not yet. Trust took time, and I wasn’t ready to let my guard down. Instead, I nodded faintly, keeping my thoughts to myself for now.

  The door creaked open after a few minutes , and Theo returned, carrying a bag slung over his shoulder and a box cradled in his hands. His expression remained unreadable, as if this were just another routine task.

  We all stood up instinctively, the tension in the room sharpening. He didn’t acknowledge us immediately, instead walking toward the table and placing the box down with deliberate care.

  “Before you change into your clothes, take this,” he said, opening the box.

  Inside, nestled in soft padding, were three small green crystals. They shimmered faintly, their polished surfaces catching the dim light of the room. Despite their size, they looked valuable—precious, even.

  “This is a Veilstone,” Theo said, his tone calm and steady. “Go ahead, take it.”

  I reached out cautiously, curious to examine the crystal. The moment my fingers brushed its polished surface, it vanished. No—vanished wasn’t quite right. It felt as though it was pulled into me, absorbed through my skin in a brief flash of light.

  “Ahhh!” I yelped, instinctively jerking my hand back. A faint warmth lingered in my palm where the stone had disappeared.

  Theo’s gaze shifted to me, his expression as unamused as ever. His sharp eyes were steady, almost bored, as if my reaction was just another minor inconvenience. “Settle down,” he said curtly. “It’s not going to hurt you.”

  “What just happened?” I asked, staring at my hand, half-expecting the crystal to reappear.

  “That,” Theo began, pointing at me, “was the Veilstone binding to your body. It’s now linked to you. In one month, if you haven’t paid what you owe, it will activate.”

  “Activate?” Victor asked, his tone edged with caution.

  Theo nodded. “The Veilstone will mark you. Black sigils will start appearing on your body—visible, permanent markings that identify you as a criminal.”

  I stared at him, trying to wrap my head around what he’d just said. “You’ve got to be kidding me. That’s… insane.”

  “If the marks appear, even if you later pay your debt, they will remain. The only way to avoid them is to pay what you owe before the month is up.”

  This place is insane. I get that the Veilstone is supposed to mark us for identification, but come on—can’t we catch a break? And of course, they’re dead set on getting their money back. Bunch of money-hungry assholes.

  Theo, unfazed by my unease, continued in his usual calm tone.” There’s a guild on the outskirts of the city. Join it and start with odd jobs, like gathering materials. After a week or so, once you’ve stabilized, try finding steadier work—something like carpentry. Don’t be an idiot and run out to become a hunter right away. It’s not as easy as you think.”

  Victor and Milio followed suit, reaching out for their Veilstones. Victor showed no hesitation, but Milio paused for a moment, his hand hovering over the crystal before he finally took it. Just like with me, the crystals were absorbed into their bodies with a faint flash. Neither of them reacted outwardly, though Milio’s face betrayed a flicker of unease.

  Theo then opened the bag slung over his shoulder, pulling out a pile of clothes that looked like they’d seen better days. The shirts were stained and worn, some coated with dirt, and there were significantly fewer trousers. The smell wasn’t pleasant. It was clear these were hand-me-downs, likely meant for peasants. Not a single piece of undergarment was in sight.

  I rummaged through the pile and found a white shirt that looked somewhat decent. It wasn’t great, but it was the best option. I swapped out the garment I’d been wearing, pulling the shirt over my head. The others did the same. Victor chose a black vest over a white shirt paired with some slightly dinghy trousers, while Milio ended up in similar attire, though his shirt had a large brown stain splattered across the front.

  These clothes were awful. They didn’t even have enough decent shirts for everyone. It was like they wanted to remind us of just how low on the ladder we were.

  Theo motioned for us to follow. “Come on. It’s time for you to go.”

  Without another word, we trailed behind him in silence, the echo of his footsteps guiding us through the dimly lit corridors. His earlier words still weighed on me, pressing against my thoughts. There was a shift in his tone—graver now, more resolute.

  "One more thing," he said, his voice edged with something unreadable. "Don’t rely too much on your gifts. The gods… they’re not what they seem."

  There was something about the way he said it—something almost pained. He didn’t elaborate, and from the way his posture stiffened, it was clear he wouldn’t entertain any further questions. Whatever he meant, it was something we’d have to figure out for ourselves.

  Before long, we arrived at a towering stone structure, its surface engraved with strange symbols, similar to the ones from the room where we had first awakened. Theo stepped aside and gestured toward it.

  “This is a Gate,” Theo explained. “It will transport you to the center of the inner city. From there, head straight, and you’ll eventually reach the outer city. That’s where you’ll want to find a place to stay. If you ask the locals, they’ll point you to an inn. It shouldn’t cost more than a silver for the night.”

  He paused for a moment, his gaze sharp. “And don’t bother looking for a place in the inner city—it’s far too expensive. A single night there would cost you at least 20 silver, which you can’t afford. Stick to the outer city if you want to make your money last.”

  His tone left no room for debate. It wasn’t just advice—it was a warning.

  His arms crossed over his chest as he regarded us with a quiet intensity. It wasn’t just a farewell—it was a finality, a silent acknowledgment that from this point on, we were on our own.

  We exchanged glances, a silent confirmation passing between us before we stepped forward. As we neared the Gate, the inscriptions on the stone began to glow, pulsating with a faint shimmer.

  The moment our feet touched its surface, a sudden burst of light engulfed us—blinding, brilliant, and absolute. In that instant, the world around us disappeared, swallowed by the dazzling radiance as we were pulled into the unknown.