The air in Necrovale’s slums was thick with decay and desperation. The capital of the Ossari people was a city of stark contrasts: towering spires of bone-white stone loomed above labyrinthine alleys, where flickering phosphorescent lights barely illuminated the filth-strewn streets. Here, in the shadows, the living and the dead walked uneasily together, and survival often hinged on secrecy.

  Vitaros moved silently, his skeletal frame cloaked in dark, flowing robes. His pale, ash-gray skin blended seamlessly with the gloom, and his glowing blue eyes scanned the crowd with calculated precision. The target was close, he could feel it. The stolen tome from Lexico, a world-renowned Ossari tech company dealing in the preservation and trade of information and creators of the Lexicom. Vitaros had spent the better part of two weeks tracking its thief.

  He slipped into a narrow alley, his footsteps muffled against the damp cobblestones. Ahead, the faint glow of a makeshift fire revealed a huddled group of figures. He paused, listening to their murmured conversation. One voice stood out, sharp, nervous, and unmistakably human.

  “I told you,” the voice said, “I don’t have it anymore. I just… borrowed it, okay?”

  “Borrowed,” Vitaros muttered to himself, the faintest edge of a smirk curving his skeletal lips. He stepped into the light, the glow from his core casting eerie shadows across the alley walls.

  The group scattered at the sight of him, leaving only the human, a young man with disheveled hair and panicked eyes, backing away until he hit the wall.

  “Stay back,” the man stammered, clutching a small blade. “I don’t want trouble.”

  Vitaros tilted his head, his voice calm but cold. “Trouble found you the moment you crossed Lexico. Where is the book?”

  “I don’t have it,” the man repeated, his hand shaking. “It… it’s with someone else. I swear!”

  In a desperate act, the man lunged forward, driving the blade toward Vitaros’s hand. The dagger sank into his palm. Vitaros blinked down at it, expression unimpressed. “Ow,” he said dryly.

  A heartbeat later, the blade snapped in half, the metal corroding like it had struck unbreakable stone. The wound on Vitaros’s hand sealed shut instantly, as if it had never existed. The human’s breath caught in his throat.

  “Names,” Vitaros said, his tone unchanged. “Now.”

  Nyx and Luminar’s apartment was modest but homey, its walls adorned with memories of their years together: photographs from local events, medals from smaller tournaments, and a vibrant painting of Halcyon Vale’s crystal-studded skyline. The space smelled faintly of Luminar’s favorite herbal tea and the well-worn leather of Nyx’s training gear.

  “Are you sure we need to put all this in storage?” Luminar asked, holding up a framed photograph of their first underground match.

  Nyx glanced up from his duffel bag, his swirling eyes softening. “We can’t take everything with us, Lumi. We need to travel light. Besides, we’ll come back for it someday.”

  Luminar sighed, setting the photo in a box marked ‘Storage.’ “I know. It’s just… strange, leaving it all behind.”

  Prism leaned against the doorframe, her tail flicking. “Hey, look at it this way. You’re trading cozy for legendary. It’s a fair deal.”

  “Easy for you to say,” Luminar said, shooting her a wry look. “You don’t even have a proper bed.”

  Prism grinned. “Beds are overrated. Adventure’s where it’s at.”

  Despite the teasing, Prism had already helped pack half the apartment, her efficiency belying her carefree demeanor. Luminar paused, lifting her Lexicom, snapping a quick picture of the now half-empty living room before shutting the device. “At least I’ll have proof this place existed.”

  Nyx smirked. “You treat that thing like a scrapbook.”

  “I don’t need it for much else,” Luminar replied with a shrug. “It’s nice to keep records.”

  By the time the last box was sealed and labeled, the trio stood in the now-empty living room, the weight of the moment settling over them.

  “This is it,” Nyx said quietly.

  Luminar nodded, her gaze steady. “It’s time to move forward.”

  Outside, the rental vehicle hovered gently, its sleek silver frame catching the late afternoon sun. Nyx loaded the last of their bags into the trunk, while Prism climbed into the driver’s seat with a grin.

  “You two ready?” she called.

  Luminar cast one last look at the apartment building before sliding into the passenger seat. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Nyx settled into the backseat, his swirling eyes catching the glow of the dashboard lights. “Let’s go.”

  The vehicle rose smoothly, its engine humming softly as they pulled away from the curb. Behind them, Halcyon Vale began to shrink in the distance, the life they’d known fading into memory.

  The rental vehicle glided smoothly along the open road, its engine purring faintly as it carried Nyx, Luminar, and Prism away from Halcyon Vale. Music streamed softly from Prism’s Lexicom, connected to the vehicle’s audio system, filling the cabin with a lively tune. The initial silence of the trip had been comfortable, but curiosity finally got the better of Nyx.

  “Alright, Prism,” he said, leaning forward from the backseat. “You’ve been keeping us in the dark long enough. Who’s the sponsor you know that works for the Arenas?”

  Prism glanced at him in the rearview mirror, her emerald eyes sparkling with mischief.

  “Just tell us,” Luminar said from the passenger seat, exasperation in her tone, as she idly flipped through her Lexicom.

  Prism let the silence stretch just a moment longer before relenting. “Well it’s not so much who, but the corp, Lexico.”

  The words hung in the air. Nyx and Luminar exchanged stunned glances.

  “The Lexico?” Luminar asked, his swirling eyes narrowing slightly. “The tech company whose product is in everyone's pockets!?”

  “Not in my pocket,” Nyx said, smirking.

  Luminar lightly elbowed him. “You know what I meant.”

  Prism rolled her eyes. “Frek, you two are hopeless. Yeah, that one. Why are you both acting like I just said we’re sponsored by Axiom or something?”

  “Because it doesn’t make any sense,” Luminar said, turning to face her fully. “Since when do other corps have official arena sponsors?”

  “Since now,” Prism said, her grin widening. “One of my cousins works there, he’s pretty high up, anyway, his division was selected to find an arena sponsor. I was told it’s a new initiative a bunch of corps are doing now, to see how much coin it brings in or something. I don’t know all the corpo details, I think it’s kind of a secret right now.”

  Nyx leaned back in his seat, processing the revelation. “So, why us?”

  Prism shook her head, then grinned, “My family loves to talk about me, even if I don’t want them too. I’ve told my sister probably too many stories about what the three of us get up to, and I guess to our benefit my cousin found out and reached out to me, like I said before he’s pretty high up so he probably pulled a few strings to help us out.”

  Nyx’s eyes narrowed, “But in the end this isn’t some charitable act. They’ll see us as just an investment, and we’ll still need to prove our worth.”

  “Exactly,” Prism said, nodding.

  Luminar folded her arms, still skeptical. “And what happens when they decide we’re not worth the investment?”

  “Then we roll with the punches,” Prism said, her voice light but firm. “Look, I get it. It’s a big leap. But this is the kind of opportunity you’ve been waiting for, and we are lucky my cousin is so high up we get this chance before it goes public. Don’t overthink it.”

  Nyx sighed, exchanging a glance with Luminar. “She’s got a point,” he said. “If we don’t take this chance, someone else will.”

  Luminar nodded reluctantly. “Alright. Let’s see where this takes us.”

  Prism grinned, already pulling out her Lexicom. “Good. ’Cause I’ve got a place for us to crash tonight, another cousin of mine lives near the coast. We’ll rest up there before hitting the skyway.”

  The coastal town of Azure Crossing came into view just as the sun dipped low on the horizon. The sky was streaked with shades of orange and pink, and the air carried the salty tang of the ocean. Prism guided the vehicle down narrow streets until they reached a modest house perched near the beach.

  Sam, a stocky Chimera with canine features and sandy-colored fur, greeted them warmly. “Prism!” he called, his tail wagging as he enveloped her in a quick hug. “It’s been too long.”

  “Way too long, Sam,” Prism replied, her grin genuine. “Thanks for letting us crash here.”

  “Anytime,” Sam said, ushering them inside. “Dinner’s almost ready. Make yourselves at home.”

  The meal was simple but satisfying: grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and a fragrant rice dish that paired perfectly with the crisp sea air wafting through the open windows. As they ate, Nyx and Sam started chatting about the latest episode of Lair Legends, a show filmed in the Ossari catacombs where treasure hunters navigated dangerous underground ruins filled with puzzles and traps.

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  “I swear, last night’s episode was gold,” Sam said, shaking his head. “The guy had an Affinity for stone shaping and still fell into a pitfall like a total loff.”

  Nyx smirked. “That’s what happens when you bring in Celebs instead of real Thrillseekers.”

  Prism groaned, rubbing her temples. “You two actually watch that plazz? Cova, I thought you had taste.”

  Luminar smirked, snapping a picture of the meal before responding. “It’s okay, Prism. I can see the appeal.”

  Prism turned to her, mock betrayal in her expression. “Of course you do! You have to like it too. Now I’m outnumbered.”

  Nyx leaned back, smug. “Sounds like you’re just not gold enough to get it.”

  “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,” Prism said, rolling her eyes. “At least I don’t waste my time watching people bumble around in tombs.”

  After dinner, as the artificial stars began to dot the sky, Sam brought out a Chimeran sitar—an intricately carved instrument with shimmering strings.

  Prism leaned back in her chair, her crystalline fur catching the moonlight as she began to sing, her voice warm and soothing. The melody was simple but heartfelt, weaving through the gentle notes Sam played on the sitar.

  Nyx and Luminar silently excused themselves, stepping onto the beach where the waves lapped softly against the shore. The sand was cool beneath their feet as they walked in companionable silence.

  “Feels strange, doesn’t it?” Luminar said, breaking the quiet. “Knowing we’re leaving all of this behind.”

  Nyx nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Yeah. But it feels right, too. Like it’s time.”

  As they continued down the shoreline, Prism’s voice rose faintly behind them, accompanied by the gentle strumming of Sam’s sitar. The song carried a wistful, almost nostalgic quality, blending seamlessly with the rhythmic crash of the waves.

  Luminar snapped a picture of the view, tucking her Lexicom away. “This is life, isn’t it? Moments like this.”

  Nyx returned her smile. “Yeah. This world… it’s built for moments like this. A place where people can chase their dreams, make their own paradise.”

  “If they can make it,” Luminar added softly, her gaze returning to the ocean.

  “We’ll make it,” Nyx said firmly, the determination in his voice cutting through the night. And with the stars above and the music behind them, it felt like anything was possible.

  The morning air was crisp as Sam stood by the rental vehicle, watching Prism inspect the dashboard with an exaggerated sense of focus. His sandy-colored fur glinted in the sunlight, and his tail flicked with mild amusement.

  “You sure you know what you’re doing?” Sam asked, folding his arms as he leaned against the doorframe. “Driving on the Skyway isn’t exactly like zipping around town.”

  Prism shot him a toothy grin, her fur catching the light. “Relax, Sam. I’ve got this. You forget who you’re talking to.”

  “Yeah, that’s exactly why I’m asking,” he replied, his tone dry. He glanced at Nyx and Luminar, who were loading the last of their bags into the trunk. “You two really trust her with this?”

  Luminar straightened, brushing a stray strand of silver hair from her face. “Her name’s on the rental agreement,” she said with a shrug. “If she crashes it, it’s her problem.”

  Prism feigned offense, clutching her chest. “I’m wounded. Where’s the faith?”

  Nyx smirked as he slid into the backseat. “We’re here, aren’t we? Let’s get moving.”

  Sam chuckled, stepping back as Prism hopped into the driver’s seat. “Alright, alright. Just stay in the middle lane, and for Axiom’s sake, don’t speed.”

  “Middle lane. Got it,” Prism said, waving him off. “See you around, cova.”

  “Good luck,” Sam called as the vehicle rose smoothly onto its hoverpads. He stood watching until they disappeared down the road, his expression softening into a smile.

  The entrance to the Skyway loomed ahead, a massive gateway of shimmering light that stretched high into the sky. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes glided effortlessly through its translucent walls, merging into the steady streams traveling in every direction. Nyx stared out the window as they approached, the prismatic glow reflecting in his swirling eyes.

  “It’s bigger than I imagined,” he murmured.

  Luminar nodded, her gaze fixed on the glowing tube. “Makes sense. It’s the lifeline of the planet. Without it, we’d still be stuck on our continents.”

  Prism grinned, steering the vehicle into the entrance lane. “You’re welcome, by the way. For getting us here safely.”

  “We’re not on the Skyway yet,” Luminar quipped, earning a playful glare from Prism.

  As soon as they entered, the hum of the world outside faded, replaced by the soft, almost melodic resonance of the Skyway’s energy. The tube itself was a marvel of engineering, its walls shimmering with shifting colors that mirrored the natural light outside. Hundreds of vehicles traveled alongside them, their paths illuminated by glowing markers that guided them to their destinations.

  Prism veered into the designated path for the Ossari continent, the dashboard displaying a countdown to their arrival. “A few hours,” she said, leaning back with an air of satisfaction. “Smooth ride from here.”

  The Skyway stretched across the vast Great Border Ocean, a shimmering expanse that separated the continents like a carefully drawn grid. Below, the water glittered under the sunlight, its surface occasionally broken by the shadows of massive leviathans swimming just beneath. Their immense forms moved gracefully through the depths, their bioluminescent markings casting eerie, beautiful patterns on the waves.

  “Look at that,” Nyx said, leaning closer to the window. One of the leviathans breached briefly, its enormous fin slicing through the air before disappearing beneath the surface. “Never seen anything like it.”

  Luminar followed his gaze, her expression lighting up. “Wait… there are people riding it!”

  They both watched as thrillseekers clung to the leviathan’s back, tethered by long cables that kept them connected to a chase boat skimming across the water. The riders whooped and hollered as the leviathan carried them through the waves, some even flipping acrobatically before being yanked back into position by their tethers.

  “Loff behavior,” Nyx muttered, shaking his head. “They’re asking to get eaten.”

  Luminar laughed as she lifted her Lexicom and took a quick selfie with Nyx, making sure the leviathan and its reckless riders were perfectly framed behind them. “It’s insane. But admit it, you’d try it.”

  Nyx smirked. “Not unless I was getting paid a lot of Coin.”

  Prism glanced in the rearview mirror, her grin fading to something quieter. “Thrillseekers like that are what this world was made for.”

  They traveled in companionable silence after that, the rhythmic motion of the Skyway and the mesmerizing sights below creating a sense of calm. The glow of the Ossari continent grew brighter as they neared the end of the tube, the ocean giving way to the distinct, pale architecture of the border town.

  The vehicle slowed as they exited the Skyway, merging onto a smooth, open road that led into the town. The buildings were crafted from the signature bone-white stone of the Ossari, their spires reaching elegantly toward the sky. The air here was cooler, tinged with a faint metallic scent that felt uniquely Ossari.

  Prism pulled the vehicle into the parking lot of a Halo’s Grocery, a Seraphim-operated welfare store where people could spend their weekly Cloud Coin on essentials. “Pit stop,” she announced, pulling her ingot out of her pocket, showing she has some cloud coin to spend, before the weekly reset. “Might as well grab something decent to eat before we crash.”

  Inside, the store was clean, bright, and stocked with neatly arranged necessities. The Seraphim attendants, their expressions calm and distant as ever, hovered near the checkout counters, watching without interfering.

  Nyx grabbed a few protein packs, while Luminar browsed the fresh food section. “Look at this,” she mused. “A whole continent away, and some things still feel familiar.”

  Prism, holding a bag of dried fruit, snorted. “That’s ‘cause the Seraphim make sure every Halo’s looks exactly the same. It’s like stepping into a carbon copy of the last store.”

  After purchasing their food, they took seats at the store’s outside eating area, watching the occasional hover vehicle pass by on the main road. The trip was far from over, but for now, at least, they had a moment to breathe.

  Nyx unwrapped his food and leaned back, stretching. “Let’s hope the rest of the trip is this easy.”

  Luminar chuckled, sipping a fruit drink. “Don’t jinx it, Nyx.”

  Prism kicked her feet up on the bench, smirking. “Too late. Now something’s definitely gonna happen.”

  The Halo’s Grocery outside eating area was quiet, save for the occasional whir of passing hover vehicles and the chatter of locals grabbing a quick meal. Nyx, Luminar, and Prism sat around a small table, sharing a light lunch of Ossari flatbreads, roasted roots, and a tangy dipping sauce that left a faint metallic taste on the tongue.

  Nyx leaned back in his chair, glancing at Prism. “So, are we expected at a certain time? Because it feels like we’re being pretty casual about this whole trip.”

  Prism hesitated, her opalescent tail flicking behind her. “Well… not exactly. There’s no strict time we need to get there. Within the week is fine. It’s my cousin; he’s got all this covered.”

  “Oh yeah, your cousin,” Luminar repeated, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve got a lot of cousins, don’t you?”

  Nyx smirked, resting his elbow on the table. “Do you have a cousin in every city?”

  Prism’s grin widened. “Maybe we’re born in litters. Ever think of that?”

  Luminar rolled her eyes but couldn’t help a small smile. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  Prism polished off the last of her flatbread, leaning back with a contented sigh, scrolling through her Lexicom. “Since we still have a lot of the day ahead of us, how about a little detour?”

  Nyx raised an eyebrow. “A detour?”

  “Yeah,” Prism said, her voice brightening. “The next town over, Ashen Grove, has an arena scene.” She turned her Lexicom around, showing them a Web forum glowing with excitement. “I heard it’s pretty gold. Let’s see if we can make some extra Coin.”

  Luminar crossed her arms, her tone skeptical. “And this has nothing to do with you wanting to show off or stir up trouble, right?”

  Prism’s grin turned roguish. “Who, me? Never. I’m just thinking practically. Besides, wouldn’t hurt to get a little warm-up before the capital.”

  Nyx exchanged a glance with Luminar, then shrugged. “Why not? Could be fun.”

  Luminar sighed, though a hint of amusement softened her expression. “Fine. Let’s see what this place has to offer.”

  The road to Ashen Grove was smooth and well-maintained, cutting through stretches of pale, rocky terrain dotted with clusters of Ossari’s signature bone-white spires. The afternoon sun bathed the landscape in stark, dramatic shadows, making the journey feel almost surreal.

  When they reached Ashen Grove, the town’s character was immediately apparent. The architecture was compact and angular, with sharp lines and intricate carvings etched into every surface. The streets were bustling with a mix of Ossari, Humans, and Sylvari, their movements purposeful but relaxed.

  Prism parked the vehicle near a small plaza, her excitement practically radiating. “Alright, let’s find this place.”

  However, as they wandered through the town, it became clear that the arena wasn’t openly advertised. The streets narrowed into shadowed alleys that felt far less welcoming.

  “Are you sure there’s an arena here?” Luminar asked, her tone edged with skepticism as she eyed the increasingly quirk surroundings.

  Prism’s grin didn’t waver. “Trust me. These places don’t exactly put up neon signs. You just have to know how to look.”

  Nyx raised an eyebrow. “Can’t you just look it up on the Web?”

  “It’s off the Web, and that’s where my skill comes into play.” Prism tapped her Lexicom, winking. She gestured toward a small, dimly lit bar on the corner. “You two wait here. I’ll sniff it out.”

  Luminar crossed her arms. “You sure you don’t just want a drink?”

  Prism laughed, already heading off down the alley. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back before you finish your first round.”

  Nyx and Luminar stepped into the bar, the air inside heavy with the scent of aged liquor and the low murmur of patrons. They found a booth near the back, where they could watch the door and wait for Prism’s return.

  She’s probably loving this,” Luminar said, swirling her glass of water idly while flipping through her Lexicom pictures.

  “Of course she is,” Nyx replied, leaning back in his seat. “Finding trouble is her specialty.”

  They shared a small smile, the banter easing the tension of their unfamiliar surroundings. Luminar casually lifted her Lexicom and snapped a quick candid of Nyx looking out the window.

  Nyx stared back at Luminar, raising an eyebrow.

  She simply smirked, as she set the device down.

  And as they waited, the promise of what lay ahead lingered in the air, just out of reach.