We Spin the Stars Above: A West African GameLit Epic

As the days before the end of Harvest Trials drew, a tense sort of atmosphere descended over the city. Everyone, both mortal and cultivator moved around as though expecting a fire to break out at any moment and Ayo and the rest of the participating members of House Whiterose felt the weight of the countdown bearing down on them like a leaden cloak.

One good thing that had come out of the Trials was a steady supply of monsters and cultivation spots and currently, everyone's Ascension Wells were filled with essence points and their soulspaces completed and unified. All that was left was to decide on a Law. Ayo struggled with the gravity of this decision, knowing that it would determine her fate and the fate of everyone else. What made it even more daunting was that there was technically nothing stopping any of them from ascending to Icon that very minute; they could call forth a tribulation now and the System would assign them a random Law and Domain. The only problem was that that would make them significantly weaker than most Icons, permanently removing any chance of advancing to Legend and House Whiterose would be at an even greater disadvantage if they were to lose. Despite being severely tempted, Ayo had resisted giving in, if only for the simple fact that none of the Redwood disciples had advanced either.

It seems like luck isn't on their side when it comes to choosing Laws either, Ayo had mused, which was more than she had hoped for.

Meanwhile, the rivalry between House Whiterose and House Redwood reached a fever pitch, the two houses locked in a fierce battle for supremacy in the Trials. With the trial points hovering at just over 110,000 each, House Whiterose now held a slim lead, but Ayo knew that the tide could turn at any moment. She wasn’t the only one feeling the tensions and fights had broken out between the two Houses as well as their allies both within and outside the Tower.

However, after several instigators mysteriously disappeared overnight, the remaining troublemakers learned to restrain themselves to only duels during delves. It would seem the Ordinator was keeping a close eye on things, and Ayo would not be forgetting its seemingly particular distaste for her anytime soon.

But thinking about the Ordinator reminded her that a few members of their team were still unaccounted for and amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Ayo confronted Narai and Luan about their mysterious missions for Elder Nuru, determined to find answers.

“Look Ayo, we really can’t tell you anything,” Narai replied with exasperation. “Nuru swore us all to an oath of secrecy and he’s not someone you break a promise to. I’m sorry, okay?” She chewed her tongue for a moment, thoughtful. “For what it's worth, what we are doing is important. If Nuru is right, then someone has to be prepared for when it boils over.”

Ayo hadn’t been satisfied with that answer at all, but there was quite literally no time to sulk about it. With limited days left in the Trials, she, Mairo, and Wole had made the decision to embark on one final delve into the Tower in hopes of securing a last-minute victory before the Trials came to its closing week and the Ordinator removed all of its safety measures.

The Tower remained much the same today as it had always been; it loomed ominously before them, all white ancient stones and rippling power. As they stepped inside the portal, the air crackled with anticipation, each step echoing in the vast chamber. The walls were adorned with intricate runes that seemed to pulse with a faint light, guiding them deeper into the heart of the Tower. The familiar corridors twisted and contorted, leading them down winding paths that seemed to shift and rearrange themselves at will. Shadows danced along the walls, casting strange shapes that seemed to watch their every move with malevolent intent.

Still, the first few levels were relatively calm, filled with puzzles and traps that by now had become child's play to get through and solve. Ayo's extensive knowledge, Mairo's strategic mind, and Wole's strength proved to be a formidable combination as they navigated through the maze-like corridors and swept through the challenges with ease. They ignored much of the gold and artefacts and schematics. They had more than enough by now–House Inkspire could send another team if they wanted more–and instead kept an eye out for any cultivation scroll or any other knowledge depository. In one of their rare visits to their quarters, Luan had suggested that perhaps there was knowledge on the best way to decide on a Law in the Tower and that, other than gathering more Trial Points, was their main objective on this delve.

That said, Ayo did pause every few rooms or so to send cultivation pills and technique scrolls to her soulspace for storage. Most of them were or would soon be useless to her, but Tolu and the others might find some use for it. It had been too dangerous to allow them to go into the Tower often and Ayo felt bad that they hadn't had as much opportunity to grow. She'd ended up telling Mairo and Wole everything and to her surprise, they'd been pleased with the development.

“A Master-Student relationship isn't something a cultivator pursues lightly,” Mairo had explained. “The bond it creates is almost as strong as a soulmate’s. No one will be able to deny that their allegiance has truly shifted with that in place.” Which was one problem potentially solved.

A bright flash of light startled Ayo from her thoughts and she refocused as they suddenly stumbled upon a chamber unlike any they had encountered before. Thick, glowing vines descended from the ceiling like curtains and solemn statues stood silent guard in each corner of the room.

But Ayo’s eyes locked immediately to the centre of the chamber where in the centre of the room stood Folarin, Iman, and Diallo, their crimson uniforms stark against the backdrop of ancient, moss-covered stones. But it wasn't their presence that sent a jolt of unease through Ayo. It was the sight at their feet.

Three impundulus lay sprawled on the cold floor, their feathery wings no longer a vibrant blue, but stained a dull crimson. It was instantly clear that they had been tortured and the grotesque sight churned Ayo's stomach. Impundulus weren’t the kindest of soul beasts, but they were still majestic creatures, known for their intelligence and fierce independence. To see them slain so casually and cruelly, like mere pests cleared from a path, made a cold dread grip her heart. The culprits in question merely blinked in surprise at their unexpected audience and for a long moment, all six inner disciples did nothing but stare at each other.

Then, the tense silence was shattered by a low growl from one of the fallen beasts, its body twitching in its last moments of life. A sharp twist of the hand from Iman caused a spike of metal to erupt from the impundulu’s head, before anyone could act. It let out a final, mournful cry before falling still.

Folarin smirked, the movement devoid of warmth or genuine amusement. She stood between Iman and Diallo, their expressions unreadable, masks of indifference that sent shivers down Ayo's spine.

Wole stepped forward, Tidereaver flashing into his hands, but Mairo held him back, his eyes surveying the room suspiciously.

Folarin's lips curled into a cruel smile, a glint of malice shining in her eyes. "Look who finally decided to grace us with their presence. It seems fate enjoys a good show, wouldn't you agree?”

Ayo bristled at Folarin's words, her hand curling into a fist at her side. She was not one to back down from a challenge, but something about the smirking woman set her teeth on edge. Mairo, ever the pragmatist, stepped in front of her, a calm expression on his face.

"What are you doing here, Folarin?" he asked, his voice steady despite the simmering anger in his eyes. "Or should we be asking what you did to those poor creatures?"

“The same thing as you, I'd imagine.” Folarin's smirk widened, devoid of humour. "And them? Mere practice, I assure you. A little practice never hurt anyone."

The air crackled with tension, and Wole's hand tightened around the hilt of his soulblade, his eyes narrowed as he studied the three inner disciples.

"We're not here for a sparring match," Wole growled, his voice low and menacing. "We have our own business to attend to."

Folarin's eyes flicked to Wole, but she didn't back down. "And what might that be?"

Mairo intervened once more, his voice calm and measured. "The Trials are nearing their end. Time is running out, and we don't have any to waste on useless confrontations."

Ayo's eyes narrowed, a deep sense of unease washing over her. Something about the three of them felt off, like they were playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. And suddenly, without warning, the Tower felt different. The air shifted and time seemed to slow down.

At that moment, she noticed the runes on the walls pulsing with newfound vigour, their light flaring brighter, almost as if they were preparing for a storm. And then, without warning, the Tower began to shake violently around them.

Ayo, Mairo, and Wole looked at each other in shock, their eyes wide as the ground beneath their feet shifted and bucked like a wild beast.

Then, just as abruptly as it began, the shaking stopped. But the silence that followed was heavy, pregnant with anticipation. Ayo was about to speak when, in a whirlwind of light and disorientation, the room dissolved around them. The world spun and shattered like glass, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours blurring into nothingness.

When Ayo finally opened her eyes, she found herself sprawled on a bed of soft, damp grass. Lush foliage stretched before her, sunlight filtering through the thick canopy of a towering forest. Disoriented, she pushed herself to her feet, taking in her surroundings. Gone were the cold, sterile walls of the normal Tower rooms, replaced by the vibrant life of a primaeval forest.

A rustle in the nearby bushes drew her attention. Folarin emerged, a scowl etched on her face. Her usual air of superiority was replaced by a flicker of annoyance. But before either of them could speak, a translucent blue screen materialised before their eyes, glowing with the System's signature light.

[Tower Trial Commencing - Storm Deer Alpha]

[Objective: Slay the Storm Deer Alpha and claim its treasure.]

[Time Limit: 4 Hours]

Ayo stared at the message, a cold dread clenching her heart. Forced collaboration with Folarin, a deadly new Trial, and a ticking clock – the situation could not be worse. She stole a glance at Folarin, who seemed to be silently contemplating their predicament.

Then, her lips curled into a sly smile as she read the instructions, a glint of challenge in her eyes that sent shivers down Ayo's spine. Without a word, she turned and strode towards one of the massive stone doors leading out of the chamber, her movements fluid and purposeful.

Ayo hesitated for a moment, torn between following Folarin or waiting to see if the others would appear. But as the seconds ticked by, she knew she had no choice but to follow the path fate had laid before her. With a deep breath to steady herself, Ayo quickened her pace to catch up with Folarin, who moved with a confidence that both intimidated and intrigued her.

Let’s hope she knows what she’s doing, Ayo thought as they charged forth into the unknown.

***

The world was still spinning when, with a sickening lurch, Wole slammed into the sand, the unforgiving heat radiating off the ground scorching his skin. He choked in surprise, spitting out a mouthful of grit as struggled to his knees.

Mairo, some of his braided hair plastered to his forehead with sweat, was already on his feet, scanning their surroundings. The harsh desert sun beat down mercilessly, turning the vast expanse of sand into a shimmering golden sea.

"Don’t tell me we lost her?" Wole asked, his voice laced with frustration.

Mairo squinted, his eyes searching the endless dunes. "No one in sight," he replied, his voice rough. "Looks like it's just us as usual."

A flicker of movement caught his eye before he could answer. In the distance, two figures emerged from the shimmering heat haze. Diallo, his tall, lean frame clad in the crimson uniform of House Redwood, and Iman, the former’s ever-present sneer etched across his face.

Wole’s hand instinctively tightened around Tidereaver and had to fight the urge to fling it at them. Mairo was yet to act, but he knew what his best friend would say. That despite the simmering tension between the Houses, collaboration was going to be paramount if they were to complete whatever this Trial was. But the thought of working alongside these two left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Diallo let out a harsh laugh, the sound echoing eerily across the vast desert landscape and Wole felt his hate curdle into wax. "Well isn’t this grand?" he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look Iman. We’ve managed to catch ourselves a couple of roses."

Wole's jaw clenched, his fingers twitching around the hilt of Tidereaver. "Save your breath, bloodhound," he growled. "We're only here to complete the Trial, and we have no intention of spending any more time than necessary in your company."

Iman remained silent, his cold, maroon eyes narrowed in what could be interpreted as either suspicion or indifference, Wole wasn’t sure which and Mairo, the diplomatic, lovable fool, stepped forward, raising a placating hand.

"Fighting amongst ourselves won't get us anywhere," he said calmly, his voice firm yet respectful. "We need to work together to understand the Trial and-"

He was cut off by a booming voice that echoed throughout the desert and the appearance of their status screens.

[Tower Trial Commencing - Reunite with your fellow disciples]

[Objective: Locate and reunite with your teammates within the designated desert zone.]

[Time Limit: 4 hours]

Wole gritted his teeth. Not only were they forced to collaborate with their rivals, but the Trial itself seemed a cruel joke. Reunions in a vast desert? This was clearly meant to test their patience, their teamwork, and perhaps even their sanity.

He stole a glance at Mairo, whose usual poker face still mirrored his own frustration. It was gratifying, to know that he wasn’t the only one much displeased with this entire situation. The two of them exchanged a long look, gave tiny, imperceptible nods and turning back to the Redwoods, he forced a smile, albeit a strained one.

"Looks like we're stuck together," he said, his voice laced with steel. "Let's get this over with."

Diallo chuckled, the sound devoid of humour. "I’m sure I'll enjoy your company, Whiterose," he said, his words laced with a veiled threat. "Though do be careful. Deserts hold many secrets, and not all of them are friendly."

With that, the Redwoods turned and began to walk away, their long strides leaving a trail of deep footprints in the sand. Mairo and Wole exchanged a weary glance, then, almost as one, gave two simultaneous sighs. They had no choice but to follow, venturing deeper into the vast, unforgiving sand in search of their missing teammates.

***

The translucent blue screen shimmered before Ayo as she once again reread the Trial details, the stark white text burning into her memory: Storm Deer Alpha. A shiver ran down her spine. The name itself conjured images of a fearsome creature, a worthy challenge for any Sigil-ranked cultivator.

"Well," Folarin said, her voice devoid of emotion, "it seems we're intended to be partners. How delightful." Her sarcasm dripped like honey, laced with a hidden bitterness Ayo couldn't quite decipher.

So she remained silent, her gaze flitting between the lush forest and Folarin's stoic expression. This forced collaboration left a sour taste in her mouth, but the Trial offered no room for personal grievances.

"Do you have any idea what this Storm Deer Alpha might be?" she asked, her voice cautious.

Folarin let out a short, humourless laugh. "Not the faintest," she admitted, her eyes scanning the dense foliage around them. "But if it is anything like the previous Alphas I’ve come across, it won't be a walk in the park. We'll need to work together."

The words hung heavy in the air, leaving Ayo uncertain. Folarin's acceptance of the situation felt too easy, too calculated. But with a 4-hour clock ticking against them, Ayo knew she had little choice but to accept this precarious alliance.

"Then let's get started," she said, her voice firm despite the apprehension gnawing at her.

Folarin gave a curt nod, her expression unreadable. She turned towards the towering trees, her form disappearing into the emerald depths of the forest. Ayo hesitated for a moment, then followed, the dense foliage closing behind her like a curtain. They ventured deeper into the unknown, a fragile truce hanging between them, the weight of the Trial and their mutual suspicion casting long shadows.

***

The unforgiving sun beat down on Mairo and Wole as they trudged through the vast desert. The sand stretched out before them like a shimmering sea, offering no respite from the relentless heat.

"Any ideas?" Wole grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow. "We've been walking for hours, and still haven't spotted a single sign of Ayo."

Mairo scanned the horizon, his brow furrowed in concentration. "The System only mentioned they're trapped somewhere in this designated zone," he replied. "It could take us a while to find them, especially with this vast expanse to search."

"Great," Wole muttered, kicking at a rock in frustration. "Just what we needed - another pointless task designed to waste our time and energy."

Mairo sighed. He understood Wole's frustration, but he also knew complaining wouldn't solve anything. He needed to remain focused, to strategize.

Suddenly, Iman, who had been walking silently in front of them, stopped. He pointed towards a cluster of rocky formations in the distance.

"There," he said, his voice curt.

Mairo and Wole followed his gaze, their eyes narrowing. Nestled amidst the rocks, they could just make out the faint outline of a structure - a small, crumbling building.

"Think Ayo might be there?" Wole asked, a spark of hope flickering in his eyes.

Mairo shrugged. "It's worth checking out," he replied.

They cautiously approached the structure, their senses on high alert. As they drew closer, they could see that the building was indeed in ruins, its walls cracked and weathered, its roof partially caved in.

With a deep breath, Mairo pushed open the creaking wooden door, the sound echoing eerily in the silence. Wole and the Redwoods followed close behind, their weapons drawn.

The interior of the building was dark and dusty, the only light filtering in through the gaping holes in the roof. The air hung heavy with the smell of decay and forgotten things.

As they ventured deeper, they heard a faint sound - a muffled cry for help.

Mairo exchanged a quick glance with Wole, a silent understanding passing between them. They followed the sound, their hearts pounding in their chests.

They rounded a corner and found themselves in a small, enclosed chamber. A single figure stood in the centre, their back turned to them and it wore the familiar blue and white uniform of House Whiterose.

Relief flooded through Mairo as he saw his teammate.it wasn’t Ayo but it was still a friendly face. However, his relief was short-lived. Blocking the only exit from the chamber stood another figure, clad in the crimson armour of House Redwood. It was Folarin, and a cruel smile played on her lips.

“Well, well, well," she drawled, her voice dripping with amusement. "Looks like we found ourselves playing the same game again."

Mairo gritted his teeth. "Folarin, what is the meaning of this?" he demanded, his voice laced with anger.

Folarin's smirk widened. "Oh, just a little insurance," she replied coolly. "You see, I can't very well have you winning the Trials and overshadowing House Redwood, can I?"

Wole let out a growl, his hand tightening around the hilt of Tidereaver. "Release them," he roared.

Folarin raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his anger. "It's just a precaution," she said lightly. "Besides, wouldn't you agree that a little competition keeps things interesting?"

As her chilling amusement hung in the air, something shifted. Iman, who had been silent until now, launched himself forward with unexpected speed. A shimmering sword materialised in his hand, pulsating with a cold red light – a soulblade. Before Mairo could react, both Redwoods were already moving, a whirlwind of crimson and blue steel.

Wole roared, drawing Tidereaver with a practised flourish and the chamber echoed with the clash of metal as the battle commenced. Mairo, caught off guard by the sudden attack, scrambled to summon Daybreaker, the bow settling into his grip with a comfortable thud.

However, as his brain finally caught up with the rest of his body, he quickly realised that Iman and Diallo had not been aiming for them at all. There was a sickening thud and Wole stumbled back, his eyes widening in shock as Folarin lay sprawled on the cold floor, her head neatly separated from her body.

As quickly as it had appeared, the confusion vanished as in place of Folarin, a wisp of shimmering energy dissipated into the air, revealing a large grey worm with massive, curling antennae. A Trustbreaker.

"What the…?" Wole stammered, his voice thick with disbelief.

Mairo stared at the scene, his mind racing. Folarin, dead? But if this had all been an illusion, then, how had they known?

Diallo and Iman didn't hesitate to answer. "Of course, we knew," Iman said, his voice cold and unwavering. "We’d know our teammate better than anyone else."

His words hung heavy in the air, a silent accusation. Wole bristled, his anger reignited. "Knew what? How could you know?!"

Iman's gaze flickered briefly towards Mairo, a hint of something unreadable passing through his cold blue eyes. "It should be obvious," he said simply. "I imagine it would have turned out the same, if the Trustbreaker had projected an illusion of Ayo."

The weight of their words settled on Mairo like a leaden weight. He did not like that comparison. He did not like it at all. Yet, at the same time, the Redwoods had a point. They knew their teammates, just like they knew themselves. The brutal efficiency of their training, the willingness to do whatever it took, it was ingrained in all of them.

The revelation left a bitter taste in his mouth. He had always known House Redwood was ruthless, always known that they were willing to get their hands dirty and do whatever it took to achieve their goals. Mairo knew that the two men in front of him were monsters, there was no denying that, but this stark reality, of Redwoods that knew each other well enough to be able to see past an adult Trustbreaker’s veil, was unsettling.

They didn’t stay long after that, simply moving on after a careful and thorough search of the area for any more of the soul beasts. But there was a new scowl on Wole’s face and Mairo could tell a new wrinkle had appeared on his forehead. They had given Ayo such a hard time for sparing those Redwood Signs but… and this was the scary part.

What if she had been right?

***

The humid air clung to Ayo and Folarin like a second skin as they pushed through the dense foliage. Sunlight speared through the canopy in dappled beams, illuminating the vibrant life teeming around them. The forest hummed with the constant symphony of chirping insects and rustling leaves, a stark contrast to the harsh silence of the desert they had just traversed.

"This place," Ayo whispered, her voice tinged with wonder. "It feels... alive."

Folarin remained silent, her crimson uniform a stark contrast to the verdant surroundings. A splash of blood against a leaf. Yet, Ayo sensed a shift in her posture, a subtle lessening of the tension that had gripped them since leaving the ruins.

"It's not safe," Folarin finally conceded, her voice low and gravelly. "This forest is teeming with life, both beautiful and dangerous. We need to be careful."

Ayo nodded her acceptance. "Any idea where this Storm Deer might be?" she asked, wiping sweat from her brow.

Folarin shrugged. "Not the faintest," she admitted. "But these woods are teeming with life. We'll find it eventually."

An uneasy silence hung between them. The memory of the Redwoods in the chamber still rankled Ayo, and Folarin's stoic demeanour offered little in the way of reassurance.

Suddenly, she stopped, raising a hand to signal silence. Ayo also stilled and followed her gaze, spotting a flash of movement between the trees.

"There," Folarin whispered, pointing towards the source of the sound.

A deer emerged from the foliage, its coat a shimmering silver that seemed to blend with the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. Its antlers, majestic and powerful, pulsed with a faint bioluminescent glow.

"A Storm Deer," Ayo breathed, her voice filled with awe.

The creature was magnificent, a perfect embodiment of untamed nature. It grazed peacefully for a moment, unaware of the two figures observing it from the shadows.

"We need to follow it," Folarin said, her voice barely a whisper. "It will lead us back to its herd, and most likely, the Alpha."

Ayo nodded, her apprehension momentarily overshadowed by the thrill of the hunt. They stalked the Storm Deer through the dense undergrowth, their movements silent and synchronised.

The chase led them deeper into the heart of the forest, sunlight filtering through the thick canopy in emerald shards. The air grew cooler, the earthy scent of damp soil and decaying leaves filling their senses.

Finally, the Storm Deer emerged into a clearing, revealing a breathtaking spectacle. Before them stood a vast herd of their kind, their silver bodies rippling like a shimmering sea beneath the dappled sunlight. At the centre stood a majestic stag, its antlers even more magnificent than the others, crackling with an intense bioluminescent energy.

"The Alpha," Folarin murmured, and there was a surprising respect colouring her voice.

As Ayo and Folarin stepped out from the cover of the trees, the herd of Storm Deer tensed, their heads snapping towards the intruders. The Alpha let out a powerful bellow, a sound that resonated through the clearing and sent shivers down Ayo's spine.

As if summoned by an unseen force, the clearing shimmered, the air warping around them. Images flickered into existence – scenes of a bloody war, Houses clashing in a brutal display of power. Ayo gasped, recognizing the signature crimson and gold of House Redwood facing off against the blue and white of her own House.

A deep, booming voice echoed around them, a voice that seemed to emanate from the very air itself. The Alpha was speaking.

"As a reward for finding me, this Trial will reveal a hidden truth," the voice boomed. "About the usurpation war, a conflict shrouded in lies. You cultivators have forgotten the true cost of power and so rush forward to repeat the mistakes of your forebearers."

The images shifted, revealing a horrifying scene – the torture of an impundulu, its cries of pain echoing through the clearing. Ayo's stomach lurched, bile rising in her throat.

The voice continued, its tone laced with amusement. "Both Houses hold secrets, burdens they carry from a bygone era. Will you choose to perpetuate the cycle of violence, or will you seek a path to reconciliation?"

The images dissolved, the clearing returning to normal. Ayo and Folarin stood frozen, the weight of the revelation heavy on their shoulders. The Alpha let out another bellow, breaking the spell and the herd of Storm Deer scattered, vanishing back into the forest depths.

Ayo turned to Folarin, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and confusion. "What was it talking about? And those impundulus… you tortured them! And for what?"

Folarin met Ayo's gaze unflinchingly, her crimson uniform stark against the verdant backdrop. "For survival, Whiterose," she replied, her voice devoid of emotion. "For information. There is a lot you can learn when you’re willing to do certain things to a fresh corpse. The war changed everything. It forced us to become something… different."

Ayo scoffed, her voice trembling with anger. "Different? You mean monsters? I’ve seen the things your Elders create. Is that how you guys figured it out? Torturing innocent creatures doesn't win wars, Folarin. It just breeds more hate!"

Folarin's face remained impassive, but a flicker of something akin to shame danced in her eyes for a fleeting moment. "Perhaps," she conceded, her voice barely a whisper. "But tell me, Whiterose, are your hands truly clean? Did your precious House ever tell you the true reasons for the war?"

Ayo's anger faltered, replaced by a wave of confusion. The 'true reasons' for the war? What was she talking about? It was obviously a clear-cut case of self-defence, House Redwood's unprovoked aggression forcing House Whiterose to retaliate. But Folarin's words, coupled with the Alpha's cryptic message, sowed a seed of doubt in her mind.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Folarin remained silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on the spot where the Storm Deer herd had vanished. The weight of the unspoken truth seemed to hang heavy in the air.

"The Trial has revealed only a glimpse," Folarin finally said, her voice low and grave. "The truth behind the war lies buried deep, its secrets jealously guarded by both Houses. If you truly wish to understand, Whiterose, you'll have to find them yourself."

Ayo stared at Folarin, her mind reeling from the unexpected revelation. The ground beneath them trembled, cutting off all conversation and a low rumbling sound echoed through the forest. The clearing shimmered, and a swirling portal materialised before them, pulsating with an ethereal energy.

"The next stage of the Trial awaits," Folarin said, her voice devoid of its usual stoicism. "Will you choose to continue, Whiterose, or will you let the truth remain buried? Either way, we still have that Alpha to track down."

Ayo looked from the portal, a gateway to the unknown, back to Folarin, whose eyes held a challenge and a hint of something… hope? The weight of the decision pressed down on her, forcing her to confront the fact that some truths had been hidden from her.

Before Ayo could answer, a deafening roar erupted from the depths of the forest. A monstrous creature, its body a grotesque amalgamation of obsidian scales and razor-sharp claws, emerged from the undergrowth, its eyes glowing with predatory hunger.

It was an Onyx Millipede and as its obsidian scales gleamed in the dappled sunlight, it let out another ear-splitting roar, shattering the contemplative silence. Its presence, a stark reminder of the immediate threat, jolted Ayo back to the present.

"We can debate the war and its justifications later," she said, her voice firm despite the tremor in her heart. "Right now, we need to deal with this… thing."

Folarin nodded curtly. "Agreed," she said, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her crimson whip. "But remember, Whiterose, the truth you seek may lie beyond this portal. The choice is yours."

Ayo knew Folarin was right. The revelation about the war hung heavy in the air, demanding answers. But the monstrous creature before them offered a more immediate and undeniable danger. With a deep breath, she steeled her resolve.

"Let's go," she said, her voice ringing with newfound determination. "We fight this thing together, then we find the Alpha and the truth."

Folarin offered a curt nod, a silent acknowledgement of their temporary truce. And then they moved.

Ayo's hand instinctively flew to the intricate embroidery that adorned her Nightshroud. With a flex of her will, the shimmering fabric surged, transforming into a whirlwind of dark, ethereal threads. They erupted from her form, writhing and twisting like hungry serpents, aiming for the Onyx Millipede.

On the other side, Folarin's crimson Painseeker, far more than just a whip, blurred into a frenzy of movement. Its razor-sharp edges sang a deadly song as they met the Millipede's obsidian scales with resounding thwacks and sparks.

The battle was a whirlwind of thrashing limbs, snapping cloth, and deafening roars. Ayo's Nightshroud threads lashed, wrapping around the creature's legs, hindering its movements and Folarin's whip whistled through the air, slicing through the chitinous plates with brutal efficiency.

It was a short but brutal fight, a symphony of violence played out beneath the dappled sunlight. The monstrous creature, overwhelmed by the relentless assault, could only flail ineffectively before collapsing with a final, earth-shaking thud.

The System notification for their victory, a mere formality at this point, flashed before Ayo's eyes, quickly dismissed with a wave of her hand. The choice was made. With a resolute leap, she dove into the swirling portal, disappearing after Folarin's crimson form, leaving behind the echoes of their battle and the weight of the buried truth in the verdant clearing.

***

The relentless desert wind whipped across Mairo's face, carrying with it the taste of sand and the distant scent of something foreign – a hint of brine laced with the metallic tang of blood. Wole, Iman, and Diallo trudged beside him, their figures stretched long and distorted on the baking sand. They had been traversing the seemingly endless dunes for what felt like days, their supplies dwindling and their tempers flaring with each passing hour.

"There's nothing here," Wole grumbled, kicking at a pebble in frustration. "Just sand and more sand. How are we supposed to find a portal in this wasteland?"

Mairo forced a smile. "We'll find it, Wole. We just need to keep looking."

His words rang hollow, even to his own ears. He couldn't help but agree with Wole. Their journey had become a desperate scramble for survival, their initial enthusiasm replaced by a gnawing sense of despair.

Suddenly, Iman, stopped and raised a hand. "Wait," he said, his usually stoic voice laced with excitement. "Look over there."

He pointed towards a distant hillock, its peak crowned by a lone, skeletal tree – a stark beacon against the monotonous ochre landscape. As they drew closer, a faint shimmer emanated from the base of the tree, pulsing with an otherworldly light.

"The portal," Diallo breathed, his voice tinged with awe.

Relief washed over them like a cool wave. They had finally found it, the gateway that could lead them back to their companions and, hopefully, a solution to this seemingly endless Trial.

But their relief was short-lived. As they approached the pulsating energy, a monstrous form erupted from the sand, its segmented carapace the colour of roasted earth glistening under the merciless sun. A Dust Scorpion, its pincers clicking with a menacing rhythm, reared up before them, its grotesque silhouette casting a long, ominous shadow.

Iman and Diallo moved with practised precision, their weapons drawn as they faced the monstrous Dust Scorpion. The creature's predatory eyes glinted with hunger, its stinger poised to strike with deadly accuracy. Without a word, the two inner disciples of House Redwood sprang into action, their movements fluid and coordinated as they engaged the beast in a deadly dance.

Iman sidestepped a swift strike of the scorpion's pincer, his blade flashing in the sunlight as he carved a deep gash along its exoskeleton. Diallo followed suit, his expression impassive as he dodged a venomous spray from the creature's tail before driving his weapon into a vulnerable joint.

Mairo and Wole stood frozen in shock, their horror mounting with each precise blow delivered by Iman and Diallo. They dismantled the Scorpion in less than ten heartbeats, the efficiency and ruthlessness of their attacks were chilling, a stark reminder of the darkness that lurked within House Redwood.

"What in the world is wrong with you two?"Wole finally found his voice, his anger and disgust boiling over. "Is this all you know how to do? Is this what you were raised to be – mere instruments of death with no concern for life or the value of honourable combat?"

Iman and Diallo exchanged a glance, their faces unflinching. "Yes," Iman admitted, his voice as dry as the desert winds that whipped against them. "We were trained to be efficient, to eliminate threats swiftly and without hesitation. It is the way of House Redwood."

Diallo added, his tone growing colder, "You would not understand. We were bred for one purpose: to serve House Redwood and carry out its will, no matter the cost."

Mairo's fists clenched at his sides, his frustration boiling over. "That's no excuse," he spat, his voice tinged with anger. "There's always a choice, always a chance to do what's right."

Diallo scoffed, his lips curling into a derisive sneer. "Right and wrong are luxuries awarded to those who can afford them," he retorted. "In the real world, survival is all that matters."

Iman remained silent, his gaze fixed on the horizon as if searching for answers in the shifting sands. But his silence was itself a statement. He agreed.

As the tension between them simmered, a low rumble echoed through the desert, signalling the approach of another phase of the Trial. With a reluctant nod from Iman and Diallo, the four of them turned their attention to the pulsating portal before them, their thoughts consumed by the challenges that lay ahead.

As they stood before the shimmering portal, Diallo's voice cut through the tense silence, his words dripping with a bitter irony.

"Do you know where the inspiration for our training regimen came from?" he asked, his tone laced with venom. "It was from the reign of terror wrought by the Brothers Divine."

Mairo's blood ran cold, his mind flashing back to the atrocities they had committed in the name of House Whiterose. He could feel the weight of guilt settling heavily on his shoulders, a burden he could no longer ignore.

Iman's lips curled into a nasty smile, a glint of madness shining in his eyes. "You were our heroes, you know," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "The ones we looked up to, the ones we aspired to be. And look how that turned out."

Mairo's stomach churned at the thought of being idolised for their brutal actions, his mind reeling with a sickening mixture of disgust and guilt and it was with a heavy heart, that he turned towards the pulsating portal. He knew there was no turning back now, no escaping the trials that lay ahead.

As they stepped through the shimmering threshold, his mind clouded with doubt and regret, Mairo couldn't help but wonder if they would ever find redemption for the sins of their past.

***

The world shimmered and solidified around Ayo, the familiar verdant hues of the Trial Forest replacing the swirling energy of the portal. Folarin landed beside her with a graceful swish of her crimson cloak.

"Another clearing," Folarin said. "The Alpha must be near."

Ayo nodded, her gaze scanning the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. The weight of the revelation about the war still hung heavy in the air. Folarin's words, the implication that House Whiterose wasn't entirely innocent, had thrown her entire belief system into disarray.

"I'm ready to hear the truth," Ayo said, her voice firm despite the turmoil within.

Folarin met her gaze, a flicker of something akin to pity dancing in her eyes. "Are you sure, Whiterose? The truth may not be what you expect."

"I can handle it," Ayo insisted, her jaw set.

Folarin nodded solemnly, her eyes betraying a flicker of hesitation before she began to recount the events that had shaped their world.

“There's always more to the stories, Whiterose. The war... it didn't begin with a discovery of power but with an act of arrogance."

Ayo's heart hammered against her ribs. Arrogance? That wasn't the narrative she'd been told. House Whiterose, the Dragonlords, they were the defenders, the victims.

"A scion of House Redwood, a minor House then, challenged a Whiterose duelist," Folarin continued, her voice laced with something that could have been respect. "It was a simple duel, ending in a minor injury. But House Whiterose, they couldn't tolerate such an 'insult.'"

A cold dread settled in Ayo's stomach. "They executed her?"

Folarin nodded curtly. "She was the daughter of the woman who would become the Red Queen, a rising star in House Redwood. Her rage ignited a firestorm. A firestorm that became a war."

Ayo found herself shaking her head, denial a bitter taste on her tongue. The Red Queen as a figure shrouded in legend? A symbol of rebellion against Whiterose tyranny? Could it be true?

A low bugle echoed through the clearing, shattering the tense silence and Ayo and Folarin whipped around, weapons drawn as a magnificent creature emerged from the trees. It was the Alpha – a majestic Storm Deer with antlers that crackled with static electricity. But it wasn't the soul beast that froze the blood in Ayo's veins.

It was what lay beyond the Alpha, nestled in a bed of moss and ferns, that stole Ayo's breath away. A clutch of eggs, each one pulsating with life and potential, lay nestled in the undergrowth. Crested dragon eggs, their delicate shells adorned with swirling patterns of iridescent scales.

Folarin's eyes gleamed with avarice as she took in the sight, her fingers twitching with the urge to claim the treasure for herself. But Ayo's gaze remained fixed on the eggs, a swell of conflicting emotions churning within her.

These eggs were more than just a prize to be won. They were a symbol of new beginnings, a chance for life to flourish in a world torn apart by conflict and betrayal. And yet, they were also a temptation, a test of Ayo's resolve in the face of temptation and greed.

"We have to be careful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Alpha won't give up that nest without a fight."

Folarin nodded, her expression unreadable as she tightened her grip on her whip. "Agreed. But we must act quickly. The longer we wait, the greater the risk of losing everything."

With a silent nod of understanding, Ayo and Folarin launched into action, their movements fluid and coordinated as they circled the Alpha. The creature snorted and stamped its hooves, its eyes blazing with primal fury as it prepared to defend its nest.

But Ayo and Folarin were undeterred, their resolve unwavering as they closed in on their quarry. With each strike and parry, they danced with death, their blades flashing in the dappled sunlight as they fought with all their strength and skill.

And then, with a final, decisive blow, they brought the Alpha to its knees, its mighty form crashing to the forest floor in a thunderous roar of defeat. As the echoes of battle faded into the silence of the clearing, Ayo found herself faced with a choice.

She could claim the eggs for herself, and perhaps that was what Folarin was even expecting her to do. She wasn’t entirely sure who would win between the two of them if it came down to a fight. But she had seen the other woman fight and knew she wouldn’t be taken by surprise. Zuberi stirred within, sending forth feelings of anxiety and caution. He was worried for her. And the eggs. Who knew if they’d be able to contain their battle and keep their attacks from striking them? So, yes, she could choose to fight Folarin for the eggs.

Or she could choose a different path.

Ayo's grip tightened, her knuckles turning grey with the strain of her inner turmoil. She glanced at Folarin, whose eyes gleamed with a hunger that mirrored her own. The temptation to claim the eggs for herself, to ensure that that power and prestige remained within House Whiterose, pulsed like a siren's call in her mind.

But as she looked back at the eggs, her resolve solidified like steel. They represented more than just a prize—they were innocent lives, a beacon of hope in a world overshadowed by darkness. To harm them for personal gain would be a betrayal of everything she stood for.

"No," she said, her voice firm and unwavering. "We can't risk harming the eggs. They're not part of our Trial and a fight between us could spill over. We need to protect them."

Folarin's eyes narrowed, her lips twisting into a snarl of frustration. "What are you blathering on about, Whiterose?" she spat, her voice laced with venom. "Those eggs could ensure your dominance for generations to come. And you won't even fight for them?”

Ayo shook her head, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. "It's too risky. I won't sacrifice innocent lives for power," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Not now, not ever. So… I'll allow you to claim a few. Just three and then the rest will go to us.”

Folarin stared at her in sheer disbelief, her fist tightening around Painseeker and one of the wing-fabrics of Nightshroud shivered as Ayo prepared to act but hoped that she wouldn't.

Come on, she begged. Work with me here.

And then, finally, a resigned sigh escaped from Folarin and she lowered her weapon, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "You're a fool, Whiterose," she muttered, her gaze dark and unreadable. "But you're also a better person than I'll ever be."

Ayo met her gaze, a flicker of empathy softening her features. "We may be enemies, Folarin," she said, her voice gentle yet resolute. "But we're also human. And in the end, that's what matters most."

Folarin scoffed, showing what she thought of that sentiment and as Ayo watched her carefully pull three of the eggs into her soulspace she knew that she had made the right choice. The path of compassion and integrity might be fraught with challenges, but it was also the only path worth taking.

With a final, solemn nod to Folarin, Ayo collected the rest of the eggs, her heart heavy yet unburdened by regret. They each entered the portal, the shimmering energy enveloping them in its embrace and moments later, they found themselves reunited with their teammates, the familiar faces of Mairo, Wole, Iman, and Diallo greeting them.

Mairo and Wole descended upon her before she could blink, pulling her into their warm embrace and though Iman and Diallo would never do something so crass as hug, they did clap Folarin’s shoulders in solidarity. The trio nodded once, to Ayo and the boys, before turning away and merging with the other Redwoods hurrying forward to meet them.

The System prompt that materialised before them, announcing their Trial Points, seemed to lend a concluding air to everything and Ayo's heart lifted a bit as she read the staggering number—10,000 Trial Points awarded to each of them.

Yet, despite the reward, a heavy silence descended upon the group, each member grappling with the revelations and choices they had faced in the Trial. Ayo, Wole, and Mairo shared a strained glance.

"I take it your experiences with Folarin were enlightening,” Mairo began.

“Yeah. We need to talk," Ayo said, her voice soft yet resolute. "Both with each other and with the rest of House Whiterose. I need to know the true extent of what you’ve all been hiding from me."