Rain, Fears, and Determination
Nam Cal Liang emerged from the steaming bath, his fingers lightly tracing the neat row of stitches along his healing abdomen. The wound had closed, leaving only occasional itching and a slight pulling sensation from the sutures. It seemed to be healing well, thanks to his personal physician, a renowned doctor whose wisdom spanned generations. This brilliant healer had dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the art of healing. Yet, the concept of using sutures to mend wounds had been a revelation to him, as he had never encountered such a technique in all his years of practice.
The description of the procedure and the prince's remarkable recovery had ignited a spark of curiosity within the doctor, causing him to pester Nam Cal Liang incessantly. In his excitement, the doctor had forgotten his own station, acting more like a starstruck student than an esteemed physician. He bombarded the prince with questions, eagerly absorbing every detail about the stitching process and marveling at its efficacy. The older man's eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and childlike wonder as he envisioned the incredible possibilities that this newfound knowledge held. He was eager to remove the sutures and witness firsthand the progress and effectiveness of the procedure.
Now, seated on the plush white sofa, Nam Cal Liang found himself engulfed in a sense of calm. His loyal manservant approached with graceful steps, ready to assist him in his dressing and hair-drying routine. The servant's skilled hands moved with gentle precision, tending to the prince's needs while respecting his privacy.
The doctor's earlier enthusiasm still lingered in the air, permeating the space with an aura of intellectual fervor. The manservant, aware of the prince's recent encounter with medical marvels, couldn't help but sense the undercurrent of anticipation and satisfaction emanating from his master. It was as if the very fabric of their surroundings was woven with threads of excitement, interlaced with the whispers of healing and the promise of recovery.
As the servant meticulously arranged the prince's attire, his eyes occasionally flickered toward Nam Cal Liang, curiosity shining in their depths. He marveled at the prince's healing abdomen, where the neat row of stitches now adorned his skin, sealing the wound that had once threatened his well-being. The servant couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, witnessing the remarkable transformation that had taken place within the prince's body. Nam Cal Liang pretended that the odd interest of the doctor or his close servants was not frustrating him, yet it did bother him to no end.
Amidst the luxurious comfort of the sofa and the ethereal beauty of the starry night waters, the prince exhaled a deep breath, attempting to focus his thoughts on the crucial information he had just received.
Spies had reported that word had reached the Capital about his presence aboard 'The Flying Serpent,' and an ambush was being arranged. A pang of guilt surged through him as he recalled his decision to manipulate the rumor, shifting the target from himself, the seventh prince, to his sixth prince persona and his Taiharn sister, but he might be detained or outright arrested where it was unlikely the siblings would be directly detained or killed.
His hand strayed to the small yellow flower pendant at the base of his throat, its strange, comforting warmth seeping into his fingers as the guilt hit him again. Perhaps he should have consulted with his siblings about the plan, but the crowded vessel provided no opportunity for unobserved communication. No, it was best that they appear as strangers; however, the idea was not helping his restlessness this night. Resolutely, he stood, forbidding anyone from following him as he made his way angrily to the sleeping chambers.
The guards and a few servants cast puzzled glances his way but respectfully saluted and stepped back, allowing the brooding prince the space he desired. With a fierce sweep of his hand, he flung aside the heavy dividing curtains, stepping into the softly lit gray room. Collapsing onto the plush bed, he expelled a frustrated breath, his anger simmering within him. Then, as he rolled over, a scroll that had been lying on the warm jade pillow caught his eye, causing him to fly from the bed with alarm.
"Guards!" he exclaimed, his voice sharp and urgent. Suddenly, three burly men filled the room, leaving no room for air to circulate.
"My Lord?" they asked in unison, their gaze sweeping the room for any signs of danger, their hands tightly clutching the hilts of their weapons in anticipation. Observing how confined the space had become, the prince realized that no one else could have concealed themselves in such a location, and a slight chuckle of absurdity escaped him. The threat had dissipated, but the fact that someone had infiltrated his sleeping chambers while he and his men were mere feet away could not be ignored.
"Forget it, all of you, out!" he commanded, his voice filled with frustration. The bewildered men maintained stoic expressions and swiftly exited the room once more. Clutching the scroll tightly, its center slightly crinkled from his fervor, he moved to sit on the gray sofa in front of the curtained bed. The familiar handwriting and the soft scent of thistle tea wafting from the parchment tightened his chest as he began to read.
Greetings to the great and glorious seventh prince of QinMay, may you live a thousand years,
This lowly one had initially wished us to be winking associates, if not friends, yet your actions in the Capital have clearly outlined your preferences. So as it seems to be your wish, we will stand on different sides of the Maker's river. Your fate is your own, as is ours.
We siblings only wish to live peaceful lives and have no desire to wade into the muddy palace corridor fighting for the throne. As long as no one has the audacity to target us, we shall blissfully remain oblivious to such petty disputes, allowing Fate to weave its whimsical tapestry. However, let it be known that those foolish enough to set their sights upon us should seek solace in rooms devoid of cracks and windows, for my mercy shall be absent. I trust I have proven my resourcefulness beyond any doubt.
This is not yet a warning to your royal person; we siblings remain grateful for the aid you provided during our hardships. Although this gratitude has its limits. Henceforth, let it be known that we, the we three, shall be strangers untethered by any further bonds.
Undeniably, your situation teeters on the precipice of despair. However, I must admit, I never anticipated such feebleness from you and your supporters as to resort to using two innocent children as shields. Perhaps you foolishly believed it to be a minor inconvenience, easily remedied once our true identities were revealed.
Yet, in your boundless wisdom, you failed to consider that we, the illustrious duo, have not graced the Capital with our presence in a lunar cycle of five long years. Without accurate portraits, doubt naturally creeps into the minds of those questioning our lineage. How effortlessly could guards eradicate a foreign girl and a half-breed boy pretending to be part of the royal family? Many guards would eagerly undertake such an act, convinced they are safeguarding the throne from disgrace. Alas, children's countenances change with astonishing rapidity, and if reason finds no audience, blinded by prejudice against our skin color or the state of our emaciated bodies, what chance does reason truly possess?
Of course, we mustn't overlook the delightful fact that my dear brother still carries the delightful moniker of the 'cursed prince.' It would be a true spectacle to witness the agitated masses perceiving it as the Maker's will to purge the empire of such an unfortunate child.
Oh, do spare yourself the anguish of your blatant miscalculations, for men so merrily concoct plans while the Maker revels in their foolishness. As you languidly peruse these words, we siblings shall have already embarked upon our grand departure from this vessel. Ensure our absence when the zealous search for royal imposters commences, effectively diverting attention from your almost fully grown self to two pallid-faced youths. This diversion, my dear prince, shall work marvelously in your favor, this is the last favor we siblings will do for your benevolent self without the situation being of equal benefit.
May the maker bless your path,
-Yun Val Daiyu
His heart lodged in his throat, and a frigid chill gripped his entire being as he reached the end of the letter. He had been shallow in his thinking, indeed. If it were as simple as he had presumed, those children would not have ventured alone into the treacherous depths of the Toli Forest. He had disregarded glaring facts in his eagerness to heed his advisor's ill-conceived suggestion when formulating his plan.
Ordering for wine to be brought, he stared out of the large windows in the sleeping chambers and contemplated her delicate features and sharp cold blue eyes. He would never make the mistake of seeing either of them as children again; the question now lingered whether they could be swayed back to his cause or if he had irreparably diminished their worth, relegating them to nothing more than expendable pawns in his grand design.
"Whisp," he uttered the name, and a figure clad in a dark cloak knelt before him, head respectfully lowered.
"Yes, my lord."
"Has anyone disembarked from the ship?" The guards' shoulders tensed, their faces reflecting confusion. The peculiar currents made it impossible for their vessel to approach the shore, let alone a smaller craft. The tides of this season would drag any such ship further into the perilous depths, ensuring its loss. To navigate a smaller boat against these treacherous currents would require an inhuman feat. The nearest harbor lay four arduous days of rowing away under current conditions, and a storm would surely claim them before they could reach it.
"No reports of such an occurrence, Your Majesty," the figure replied honestly.
"Double-check the occupants. I want your team to monitor the lower decks closely." Within moments, a report reached him, revealing that those residing in cabin numbers two and three, along with their maids, were nowhere to be found, while the guards remained slumbering alongside the sailors.
*The girl harbored deep secrets. I should have kept her under closer watch*, he mused, frustration seeping into his sigh. Alas, there was no antidote for regret. He poured another cup of wine, which might be close enough.
***
"This goes against the very fabric of the Maker!" Captain Akina exclaimed, her eyes widening like tea plates, as the dingy carrying the peculiar group of five people glided onto a small patch of sand southwest of the bustling harbor. In her hand, she clutched a small crystal intricately carved into a delicate star formation, no larger than the center of her palm.
"Be at ease, my friend," Daiyu assured the captain, her voice laced with confidence and a hint of mystery. "For it is a tool granted by the Maker, bestowed upon me by my great master. Guard it with utmost care and wield its power wisely. There exists but one other of its kind under the vast expanse of the Maker's sky." Ai Akina's breath caught in her throat as she shifted her gaze from the enchanting gem to the young girl standing before her. The significance of the artifact and its rarity weighed heavily on her mind. She could sense the immense responsibility that came with its possession.
"I am unworthy of such a miraculous object that bends nature and commands the tides. It is a treasure of extraordinary value!" the captain exclaimed, her voice filled with awe and reverence. "I..." Daiyu raised her hand, interrupting the captain's words, as the two maids diligently assisted in getting their small bags and carefully maneuvering the sickly injured boy out of the boat and onto the dry shore. She understood the urgency of their situation and the need to attend to Balam's well-being.
"There will be many profitable transactions between us, Captain," Daiyu spoke with a touch of authority. "Such formalities and politeness are not necessary now or in the future. The scroll I have provided you contains detailed instructions on the usage and limitations of the artifact. Memorize it, and then burn it, transforming the tool into a symbol of good fortune to be carried with you always. Furthermore, be cautious of a man named Val Gong, for, in due course, he shall be the sole other individual aware of the gem's true nature." The captain nodded, her expression a mix of gratitude and determination. She recognized the significance of the moment and the weight of the responsibility bestowed upon her. Daiyu's cautionary words about Val Gong resonated in her mind, and she made a silent promise to remain vigilant.
"Daiyu, it has been an honor and a privilege to meet you and be entrusted with such a remarkable artifact," the captain spoke, her voice infused with a sense of determination and pride. "I swear on my name, my honor as captain, and on the unwavering spirit of the sea, that I will guard this treasure with my life and ensure it serves its purpose as intended." Daiyu nodded, acknowledging the captain's words with a faint smile.
"I have faith in your abilities, Captain Akina. May the tides guide you on your path and may our paths cross again soon." Captain Akina offered a respectful fist-palm salute before activating the jewel, allowing the newly conjured tide to carry the boat back to her awaiting vessel.
"Miss, such magic is not against the Maker's will, is it?" Na Binh's voice trembled with a hint of fear as she watched the small boat drift unnaturally against the currents.
"Na Binh, such extraordinary things cannot be forged by mere mortals. They are gifts directly bestowed by the Maker, proof of my master's enlightenment and blessings. If you dare utter such defaming words again, I will not hesitate to dismiss you. Is that clear?" Daiyu's eyes narrowed icily as she fixed her gaze upon Na Binh. She couldn't afford to have weak-hearted individuals by her side for long. Tears welled up in Na Binh's eyes as she immediately knelt down in the sand, repenting her mistake.
"This one has offended the young Miss. I beg for punishment; please do as you see fit, but please do not dismiss this one; she will be more mindful of her words in the future." Before any further pleas could be made, a tall figure materialized, kneeling before Daiyu. His presence exuded an air of authority and discipline, contrasting with Na Binh's trembling form.
"Na Binh, you have been warned; rise and help collect our things. Report." With gratitude and relief, Na Binh rose to her feet, her shoulders slumping slightly as she gathered a few bags from the sandbar where they had disembarked. She directed the last part to the man before.
"Miss, the inn is a two-hour walk east; the streets outside the city gates are lightly patrolled, so we should be able to manage it undetected if we move cautiously. However, with the size of our group…." Ai Zain's voice resonated with a mix of concern and caution as he embarked on detailing their next move. Interrupting his explanation, Daiyu swiftly devised a plan, her voice laced with determination.
"Ai Zain, you must assume the role of Balam's uncle until tomorrow morning. Let it be known that the young boy strayed from your side and encountered a vicious assault at the docks. By your intervention, you managed to intimidate the hoodlums, but unfortunately, Balam sustained an injury. It is imperative for you to rest and recover for several days, altering your travel arrangements accordingly. If necessary, embellish the circumstances as you see fit, ensuring the believability of the scenario." With a salute, Ai Zain promptly vanished, prepared to execute his new role.
"Elder sister, I implore you, I do not wish to be separated from you. There are far too many prying eyes, concealed among the shadows..." The boy, who sat on a slight grassy slope leading up to the street level, began to protest. Daiyu knelt beside him; she pulled out a gray handkerchief and bound it like a bandage, hiding his soft blue-silver hair underneath. Many outside the Capitol would not understand the implications of the unique color. Yet, in the Capitol, no one would accidentally mistake him for a commoner with such coloring.
"Silly turnip," Daiyu's voice carried affectionate warmth, her gaze fixed upon his concerned countenance. "You must understand, I take these measures to safeguard your well-being. Only by assuming such precautions can I find solace in my heart. Do you truly desire to burden your sister with further worry? Imagine the distress it would cause her delicate features if she were to acquire wrinkles at such a tender age." Her words sought to alleviate his apprehensions, interlaced with a touch of playful banter. Balam's face scrunched up, his mouth tilting downwards, his fears still tugging at his heart.
"Sister I…." Balam's eyes rimmed slightly red as tears threatened to fall; the sight tugged at her heart as she smiled gently.
"Our primary objective, dear little brother, is to reach our mother safely. Our adversaries are relentless in their pursuit, aware that we shall approach from the direction of the harbor. Yet, by a stroke of fortune, our early arrival grants us a semblance of advantage. Nevertheless, we must stay three steps ahead, ever vigilant. Once we reunite with our mother, a period of respite shall befall us. You need only trust in your sister, my dearest Balam." Reluctantly, Balam nodded his agreement a testament to the unshakable bond between them. Yielding to an overwhelming surge of affection, Daiyu leaned forward, her lips gently pressing against his cloth-covered forehead, an embrace of reassurance. As a rosy blush tinged his thin face, her smile widened, radiating profound affection from her twinkling sapphire eyes.
Ai Zian returned, clad in unassuming attire of soft brown and black, resembling that of a humble merchant. The group assembled, carefully positioning the injured Balam onto the man's back, their movements accompanied by the faint rustle of clothing. Together, they ascended the hill, disappearing from view as they rounded the corner of a somber two-story structure.
After patiently waiting for a quarter stick of incense to pass, the three women embarked on their journey. The path they tread upon was carpeted with squishy, grassy soil, remnants of the recent storm that had swept through the land. The threatening clouds still loomed overhead, casting a veil of darkness and promising the imminent arrival of more rain.
As they traversed the treacherous terrain, the two less nimble maids frequently lost their footing, their steps faltering amidst the slippery ground. Daiyu, ever watchful, slowed her pace and extended a guiding hand to prevent them from tumbling back onto the strip of sand. Secretly vexed by their lack of agility, she silently vowed to whip these two soft persimmons into shape if they chose to accompany her permanently.
Finally, their perseverance brought them to the foot of the foreboding dark building that crowned the crest of the slope. A wave of relief washed over Daiyu as she ascertained that the two-story structure stood vacant and abandoned. Easing her concerns about the noise generated by their struggle up the hill being overheard, the group maneuvered around to the left side of the building, releasing a collective sigh of relief. There, before them, a small walkway materialized, leading onto a secluded stone bridge. The soft symphony of a trickling stream reached their ears, its gentle cadence intertwining with the heady scent of blooming flowers and the earthy perfume of damp grass, filling the air around them with a fragrant embrace.
Crossing the bridge, their path was marked by uneven steps formed from ragged cobblestones and moss-covered stone bricks. The landscape around them transformed into a labyrinth of tiny buildings, hills adorned with flowing streams, and rice fields rising gracefully. It was a suggested pathway rather than a defined route, illuminated intermittently by phosphorescent lamps that cast a dim glow, guiding their footsteps and warding off the potential hazards of hidden streams, ponds, and vast rice fields that embraced the undulating terrain.
Past the well-maintained farming huts, constructed from red and white stone materials, topped with ornate wooden roofs painted in a soothing blue-green hue, the group arrived at a solitary footbridge. Crossing it, they were greeted by powerful gusts carrying the delicate aroma of cherry blossoms, whispering through the air and stirring their senses.
Daiyu signaled for the group to halt, seeking refuge beneath the sheltering branches of a blossoming fruit tree. Ahead, three guards engaged in casual conversation, their voices blending with the glow of a dimly lit lamp. With just a little over a stick of incense remaining before reaching the inn, the spring rains returned, pouring down upon them, drenching their weary forms instantly like stray cats searching for scraps.
Na Binh, her delicate frame quivering, was unable to contain the waves of unease that coursed through her. Soft whimpers escaped her quivering lips, a poignant manifestation of her inner turmoil and the overwhelming fear that gripped her. Ba Indu, with her tender nature, instinctively reached out, placing a gentle hand on Na Binh's shoulder. It was a fleeting gesture, offering a brief respite from the palpable distress that had enveloped the young maid. In that moment, time stood still as they paused, their collective journey temporarily suspended, their focus solely on soothing the frayed nerves of their vulnerable companion.
Daiyu's fists clenched tightly, her frustration and exasperation threatening to erupt. The urge to openly curse the Maker, the capricious weather, and Na Binh's seemingly fragile constitution surged within her. Yet, she recognized the futility of such outbursts and the detrimental effect they would have on the already fragile state of her companion. In a valiant effort to quell her rising emotions, she turned inward, her mind enveloped in a mantra of peace. The soothing words reverberated through her consciousness, serving as a salve for her own restless spirit and a shield against the intensifying storm of her frustrations.
The rain, relentless in its assault, continued to fall unabated, its incessant patter echoing the discordant rhythm of their own anxious hearts. Each droplet that cascaded from the heavens seemed to mirror the turmoil within Na Binh, amplifying the weight of their shared predicament. The world around them became a blurred tableau, the threatening clouds above mirroring the shroud of uncertainty that hung heavy over their nocturnal odyssey.
The uncaring weather intensified, pouring down upon them like an unyielding torrent, drenching their weary forms. It acted as both a blessing and a curse, providing them with a cloak of concealment, obscuring their movements from prying eyes. The rhythmic patter of raindrops mingled with the anxious beats of their hearts, camouflaging their presence and diverting the attention of the patrol towards the harbor, where their footsteps dared not tread.
She pushed the shivering group of girls forward; they moved through the seemingly random dilapidated streets. They reached a broad, well-kept stone passage between the wall of a large estate and a tall hill; an inlet river ran to their left as the hill stretched above their head, and the estate wall to their right echoed their uneven footfalls back to them.
Na Binh trembled uncontrollably, her body quivering from a combination of nerves and the biting cold that pierced the night air. Ba Indu, recognizing the severity of the young girl's distress, held her firmly to prevent her from collapsing while gently guiding her forward. The weight of Na Binh's unease was palpable, a testament to her fragile state.
Daiyu, though empathetic to Na Binh's plight, understood the gravity of their situation. Indulging the fourteen-year-old maid's fears would not only jeopardize their safety but also expose them to the risk of being caught on the desolate streets. Their bedraggled and drenched appearance would do nothing to enhance their credibility if they were to be stopped and interrogated by the authorities.
With their plans hanging in the balance and the future of her mother and brother at stake, Daiyu knew she could not afford to pause or falter. The success of the next few hours was crucial, and she couldn't allow the timidity of one maid to endanger everything they had worked for.
They dodged slimy, dripping fines moving steadily downwards until they reached a beach. Moving a bit further, they stood between two multi-storied buildings with purple shingled roofs; both had white quartz walls and stone accents. The sounds of horses and the thick smell of food and liquor filtered from their right, and occasionally a loud cheer emitted from the establishment. The taller building to their left was well-lit and stood elegantly facing the river outlet that separated the Imperial complex from the capital city itself.
Daiyu stood under the eves of the inn for a moment staring at the imposing walls and vaguely visible glistening jade stone-topped watch towers that stood atop the wall like sentries. The white walls reflected a dim yellow glow from the multiple lamps that struggled to push back the dreary night's darkness. The only building that could clearly be seen in the weather and late hours was the annex. The building appeared on the surface to stand apart from the others. Yet, in reality, it acted as the primary connection between the castle entrance and the sublevels that led to the rest of the imperial complex.
"Miss?" Na Binh's voice, weak and trembling from the bone-chilling cold, brought Daiyu out of her reverie. She nodded in response and opened the door to the inn, ushering the group inside.
"Welcome! My, my, the three of you look practically waterlogged. Come, come, warm yourselves. Do you have a room reservation? Or perhaps you're looking for the best Anpier stew this side of Valmer?" The jovial innkeeper, with his ruddy face and rotund figure, approached them with enthusiasm. As they entered, they were greeted by a wave of warmth and the tantalizing aroma of stewed vegetables.
The man squeezed himself into a small kitchen area to the left of the door, smiling expectantly as the group took in the unusually large room filled with tables and chairs. The interior structure of the inn displayed various types of wood arranged in peculiar patterns. Directly in front of the doors, a two-way staircase split left and right, leading to the rooms on the upper floor. Only one table was occupied, with men dressed in rough, gray combat robes of different shades.
"We apologize; our young miss was delayed with costumes. She has a reservation. My miss's surname is Hui," Ba Indu spoke valiantly, her voice betraying a hint of shivering as water dripped from her damp clothes.
"Awe, yes, yes! You are in room five at the top of the stairs, yes? Would you like hot water? It's only two copper gints tonight! I hope your troubles were nothing too serious. Those customs agents can be quite brutal with travelers." The jolly innkeeper clapped his hands and advertised various areas of his body, his movements resembling rolling ocean tides. Daiyu was impressed by his ability to carry on a conversation without taking an additional breath.
"They were terribly rude, holding onto my miss's cargo and most of her luggage! Refusing to release her property unless..." Ba Indu's angry tirade was interrupted by a soft, feminine voice, and the maid looked appropriately abashed.
"Ba Indu, we shouldn't trouble the proprietor with such matters. We will need hot water and perhaps a meal sent to the room. However, I thought two rooms were reserved? Was the messenger unclear?" Daiyu interjected softly, her tone devoid of any indication of the cold weather. It was reserved and gentle. Despite being damp and dripping, she stood with elegance, her thin and malnourished frame appearing delicate and refined in the dim light of the inn's oil lamps.
"No, no, my apologies. All the rooms were booked; I only have one..." The noble young miss gracefully waved her hand, dismissing the man's following words.
"Very well, this trip has been plagued by the ill humor of fate. But we will make do. Those who persevere shall find fortune with the Maker," she calmly assured the proprietor, her tone conveying an understanding that it wasn't his fault.
"Room five, you said? At the top of the stairs?" Ba Indu asked sheepishly, her voice regaining strength.
"Yes, yes, dear guest. Just sign the entry book, and you can go right up!" The man exclaimed, seemingly oblivious to the awkward moments the maid had experienced. Taking the weary faces of the young miss in his stride, he walked towards the stairs and the room without further engagement.
Daiyu observed the table of men from her peripheral vision, noticing their subtle interest before they dismissed the women and returned to their card game. Although there were no drinks or food on the table, the crumbs and dried sand on the floor suggested that the men had been there for quite some time, and the owner showed no urgency in disturbing them.
The staircase led to a wrap-around balcony that circled back to the other set of stairs and extended to the standard room. Inside, the room was spacious, adorned with a blue comforter on a double bed and a long magenta-colored sofa. A small potted cherry blossom filled the air with a delicate and soothing fragrance, while two large windows offered views of the beach and the imperial complex shrouded in rain, respectively.
Daiyu positioned herself before the windows, facing the imperial complex, and watched the torrential rain pour down. Her mind wandered to the location where their true battles would soon commence. The structure stood on a solitary island, housing the 'ten palaces' behind walls thicker than the average man's body length. At its shortest height, it stood taller than six men, with a multilayered stone foundation exceeding the height of seven men, upon which the main complex rested.
Legend had it that during the reign of Esteem An, the ruler's paranoia of invasion and the complete annihilation of his people led him to order the construction of a sustainable town beneath the imperial complex. Loyal servants, guards, and craftsmen were assigned to build this underground city, ensuring that in the event of a catastrophe, the empire could be rebuilt from this hidden sanctuary. Noble families would petition for their lower branches to serve in this "Undercity" once every ten lunar years.
But it was not merely the history that fascinated Daiyu; it was the intricate maze of the complex itself that captivated her imagination. A bewildering tapestry of interconnected and disconnected sections sprawled throughout the grand structure. Corridors snaked and gardens flourished, courtyards beckoned, and passageways wound in seemingly nonsensical patterns. Each turn, each doorway held a secret, a potential confrontation, as if the very design aimed to ensnare intruders within its treacherous grasp.
Iron gates, formidable and unyielding, stood guard over individual sections, capable of being secured with the pull of a lever. It was an intricate web of defenses that rendered the imperial complex virtually impenetrable. Every step, every decision within its labyrinthine expanse, became a perilous dance with the imperial black guard, transforming each corner into a potential kill zone.
A flicker of amusement danced in Daiyu's eyes as memories of her academy days resurfaced. The simulated storming of the imperial complex had been a beloved exercise among the young cadets. They would immerse themselves in different eras, adopting various infiltration teams, and engage in thrilling scenarios. Yet, the challenge of eliminating the entire royal bloodline during a single incursion remained an elusive feat achieved by only a handful of cadets in the academy's storied history. Ground forces had never succeeded in breaching the complex's impregnable walls, and ultimately, it was aerial bombardment that spelled its downfall, long after the final planetary-based Esteem had faded into history's annals.
But the tales did not end there. Delving deeper into the annals of history, whispers emerged of a parallel structure existing on Nuria, the enigmatic planet infamous for harboring the clandestine Wtan Sect. It was rumored that their secret base mirrored the imperial complex, shrouded in darkness and harboring the universe's most sinister and secretive criminal organization. Historians believed that the base's blueprint must have been stored and transmitted through the planet's "Maker Seed."
Her complex thoughts were interrupted by a polite knock on the door, signaling the arrival of a few diligent young girls carrying a wooden basin and buckets of steaming hot water. She needed to bathe, and then she needed to review her new plan. Tomorrow would be a busy day.