Chapter 14: Splintered Truth
"We ride tonight," Valerian muttered, voice low but steady.
> [Quest Activated: "Summons of the Deep Court"] Objective: Reach the Obsidian Conclave alive. Warning: All transport sigils denied. You must travel through the Vale of Lost Names. Recommended Level: 35+ Penalty: Death and soul fragmentation. Reward: Access to Forbidden Lore and Class Upgrade Opportunity.
He exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing.
"No time to waste."
---
By dusk, Valerian stood at the gates of the academy, cloaked and masked. Only Mila appeared to see him off, leaning beside the stone pillar that once marked the first King's arrival on campus.
"You're really going?" she asked, her voice strained, almost fragile in the cold wind.
"If I don't, I lose everything."
She frowned. "And if you do?"
Valerian looked up at the sky. A single star blinked, as if watching him.
"Then I find out what I really am."