Lucien’s study had become the center of control and order in recent days, more crowded than ever. Pelta, Ultimare, Ava, Finn, and Alaric were seated on the sofas and chairs.

  While Lucien sat quietly at his desk, finally having his lunch. He had not eaten anything in the last four days since their last meeting.

  None of them spoke. Some were reviewing papers. Alaric, as usual, was doodling on one.

  As Lucien finished his pancake with his hand, he made a simple gesture. It was time to begin.

  Finn broke the silence in a formal tone, holding a report in his hand. “I will take the lead, starting with Ryan's search, which remains one of the major objectives.”

  Ultimare: “Just go on. We don't have the whole day. This isn’t a full meeting. Just a briefing.”

  Finn replied, “But this is how we are supposed to do it.”

  Ava:“Firstly, you’re not addressing strangers. You’re addressing your family, who are just as involved. I can’t stress it enough, in the last one week, the number of reports, meetings, updates, briefing procedures, protocols, this and that, is not doing any good for most of us.”

  Ultimare: “I second that. Can’t we do things more cleanly?”

  Finn: “Pelta doesn’t seem to have any problem. It’s just you guys who have failed in your bureaucratic duties.”

  Ava: “Look at her face. Day and night it’s always shoved in those documents. I feel so sorry for her. More likely, why does she have so much work? Is someone slacking?”

  Pelta: “It is no issue. I was specially made for things like this. If needed, I can do this work consistently for weeks without issue.”

  Finn: “See? That’s what we call spirit.”

  Lucien looked at him. He flinched a little.

  “Anyway, continuing. We have properly utilized the tribal network and their influence, especially combined with our monetary support.

  As ordered by Brother Lucien, I’ve asked them to trace the ray of light along which Ryan flew. Given its trajectory and the time it happened, there should be a lot of people who saw it. We’ve successfully gained much information regarding that.

  I’ve made a map locating how far that ray had gone, where it crossed, and where it may have burst—or, where Ryan might have fallen.”

  Ava: “Still no actual information regarding where he could be. Can’t we hire private investigators or information guilds? That would increase our results quite a bit.”

  Finn: “We would be risking our confidentiality if we did that. Even if we use the tribal network to hire on our behalf, it's still dangerous. While it’s effective for now because of the money we’re putting in to buy people and smooth things out, it’s still a small network. It could easily be traced. Also, we might end up revealing some major information.”

  Ava: “How about we use the tribal network to get one guy, who hires someone, who then hires someone else to hire a private or smaller investigation or information firm to do research for us? We can create a chain. Also, it doesn't need to be for specific information. We just need general data about the ray of light. We can stretch it a little without revealing much.”

  Lucien: “It’s not a bad idea. Though there is another thing we’re missing here. That ray of light might have been seen by many. And suddenly, multiple people asking or searching for it will gain attention. We also should not forget we have competition here. Skull Knight, whose mercenaries were hired, would have way better networks and influence. Now that their whole army was wiped out, they will take interest in the matter. If not for revenge, at least for the information, and if they noticed which they would one way or another without any doubt it that would be problematic. We need to do something to divert their attention, while we do what Ava is suggesting.”

  Ultimare: “How about we spread a rumor and some fake story along with it? The network we currently have might not compete in terms of reach, but spreading a fake narrative, story or misinformation without getting detected is much easier with what we have.”

  Finn: “What kind of rumor?”

  Ultimare: “Brother had done a massacre in the mining camp, a prominent location and underworld hub, and all captives from both were taken away. Now, if somehow we can connect this to the mercenaries which Skull Knight sent, we can grab their attention and divert them toward something else.”

  Ava: “They are connected. All of them were killed by our brother.”

  Alaric, as he doodled: “How about Shalkas, the guy? He was some dark magician, right? Let’s say he summoned some monster or demon, or tried doing some ritual which required sacrifice. Or better, he was possessed by a devil and killed everyone. We can link the mining camp by saying they hit an artifact he wanted, and for the underground hub, that it had a research facility tied to it. We don’t need to be specific. The public will fill in the gaps for us. All we need to do is spread the rumors quickly and on a large scale. Then add some fake requests anonymously using Ava’s chain method to get more information on Shalkas that would further confuse them. Better yet, we could add that the light was used by him or what he summoned. We can even fire some similar light displays to fool more people. We just have to give them every reason to chase something else, and we can handle tracing Ryan's location quietly.”

  Lucien: “Do it. This does seem to be a good method to distract them with something big while we trace the location of the fall or burst. Once that’s found, in that area we can run specific anonymous investigations using the same model Ava suggested. Alaric’s suggestion of placing all the blame on someone else is also a good idea. This story would give us more freedom to act if Skull Knight does send more mercenaries or spies. What is the status of the security system?”

  Ultimare: “Now we cover the whole Stellar Mountain. There’s not a place left we don’t monitor. We’ll immediately know who is coming in or going out. Notification of detection of mercenaries or spies is in place. We’ve also situated defense golems, monsters, and battle dolls. The clay spread extends pretty far. Soon, we’ll introduce gates 6, 7, and 8, thanks to Brother Alaric.”

  Alaric: “If we’re talking tech, I also want to tell you guys what I want to work on and what I will be working on. First, because of Lucien’s request, I’m already working on something that will let us communicate no matter how far apart we are. You guys are lucky. Father already had a blueprint for something like this, so I’ll only need to make minor modifications. Now for the fun part, Lucien wants me to build lots of weapons. Especially remote-controlled, self-autonomous ones that go out with a bang. I love it. But what I personally want to build is a way to install a gate-like teleportation system directly into the Empire. That’s my dream project for now.”

  All of them looked visibly shocked, except Lucien.

  Pelta:“A way to directly connect this place to somewhere in the Empire?”

  Ultimare: “That would be amazing. Not to mention it would give us a drastic edge in case of war.”

  Finn: “Yeah, but what if it could be used for infiltration?”

  Alaric: “Oh, come on. You think I’ll do bad work on security? Trust your elder a bit.”

  Ava: “Is anyone actually trying to find Ryan, seriously? It feels like we are valuing some unforeseen war more than him. Not that I can’t understand.”

  Finn: “It is important. Especially when we’re targeted on multiple fronts. Besides, I don’t think Ryan will have any problem.”

  Ultimare: “Yeah. As long as he doesn’t try to bite off more than he can chew.”

  Ava: “Which he will. But if he gets caught…”

  Finn: “If someone caught him and is able to keep him under control, then they are clearly powerful. And powerful people have powerful and influential friends. In that case, tracing him alone won’t work. That’s even more reason we need to get ready faster.”

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Ava: “What about that girl named Arika? She said she has the ability to find him, right?”

  Lucien: “She won’t be free for at least 1 month and 15 days. She will be training under me. She is one of the best weapons we can use against Skull Knight and in finding deeper links to who actually sent him. Furthermore, she has too many use cases. But to throw her in now would be equal to throwing her to her death.”

  Ava: “She could at least find Ryan first.”

  Lucien: “She could, maybe. But if Ryan is caught, as you say, and taking Finn’s point into consideration, do you think she would be able to do anything against someone Ryan couldn’t handle? And in the other case, if Ryan isn’t caught—he won’t stay in one place for long. He would move toward the unknown. But he should still be fine. Not in top condition, or perhaps in a little pain, but we can find him even after her training is over. That would have a much higher success rate. Also, we don’t particularly need her. Suppose she wasn’t with us, would it be a struggle? The answer is no. We will find him one way or another. It is our business. For the first month, we will play the information warfare and search for him through the methods discussed.”

  Ava, Ultimare, and Finn all nodded. Alaric kept doodling something. Pelta, with a little confusion, asked:

  Pelta: “If I may ask a question?”

  Lucien: “Sure. Go for it.”

  Pelta: “I don’t mean any harm from it... but how can we even be sure Ryan is alive? Or that he will be alive by the time we find him?”

  As those words left her mouth, the pressure in the room increased tremendously. It wasn’t mana or aura. It was pure hostility. A conviction strong enough to kill even the strongest without lifting a hand.

  Everyone, in a cold, straight voice, replied at once:

  “If something happens to him, we burn the entire Empire to the ground and bestow a fate worse than death.”

  Pelta flinched. They all stopped immediately.

  Ava: “Sorry, Pelta. We really didn’t mean to scare you. It was definitely not targeted at you. I swear.” as she hugged her.

  Alaric: “Same here.”

  Ultimare bowed: “I am sorry as well.”

  Finn: “Apologies for my rash behavior.”

  Pelta: “No. It was partially my fault for not phrasing my words correctly.”

  Lucien: “Ava, you’ll be handling the house affairs and the relation with the tribe and anything with Stellar Mountain.”

  Ava: “What? Why me… I don’t want to do that. Especially talking with tribes. I’ve never left this estate like the rest of us, and I don’t want my first visit to be to some tribal village for a meeting.”

  Ultimare: “We literally built that village.”

  Ava: “That was different. Then it was just a forest. Uninhabited.”

  Alaric:“Oh don’t worry. You can simply install a voice channel like we have in the meeting room. That way, you won’t have to visit every time. In fact, it’s faster this way. Send a golem with recording capability for inspection if needed.”

  Ava didn’t like it one bit, but because of the logical argument, she couldn’t fight it.

  “Can’t Ultimare or Finn do it?”

  Finn: “Both of us have to go to the Empire. You forgot. We’ll be busy with different stuff. Sister Selena can do the work and help, but she dislikes direct responsibility. Brother Alaric is also busy. Sister Nova isn’t here, and even when she is, she won’t do anything. She doesn’t like such stuff. Daisy is too young. Max is an idiot, and most probably, after sometime, he won’t be here either. And Pelta already have lots of work”

  Ava: “Is it because I said I don’t like paperwork?”

  Ultimare: “Brother, Sanctuary 2 has been modified as per your need. I’ve made sure the work is up to the mark.”

  Lucien: “Good. Finn, next time you meet Arika, give her access to it.”

  Pelta: “Sanctuary 2... Are these one of the multiple sanctuaries built by Father throughout the mountain? I am not aware that it served a different purpose as well, other than being a place to stay.”

  Ultimare: “It’s like a dummy house. When we have to make deals or cater to someone we don’t want to bring to the main estate, practically everyone, we meet them here. Though it’s only been used twice or so, from what I’ve heard.”

  Ava: “Basically, brother’s going to train Arika there because he doesn’t want to bring her here. She’s not that trustworthy yet. They’re not connected to the main estate link and can only be accessed through keys.”

  Finn: “It’s also a defense mechanism. It can blow up, leading to a massive blast if needed.”

  Ultimare: “Oh yeah. Almost forgot. Lucien, here. Take it. What you asked for.”

  He handed him something in a sealed package, which Lucien caught.

  [ somewhere in stellar mountain outer circle 5 ]

  Lucien sat on a cool stone, half-sunken into moss, surrounded by wildflowers that bloomed freely in the untouched cradle of the Stellar Mountain.

  Before him, a patch of vibrant wildflowers swayed gently with the mountain breeze.

  Gentians, deep violet and rich, were the boldest among them, stretching toward the light with unapologetic brilliance.

  Alpine Asters added strokes of soft blue and purple.

  Spring Crocuses, slender and playful, nestled at the edges.

  And scattered throughout, the delicate touch of Forget-me-nots.

  A rare calm settled over Lucien.

  He let his right cheek rest on his palm, elbow propped on his knee. His other leg folded beneath him, eyes half-lidded, not in sleep, but stillness.

  Inhaling the crisp, mountain air, he let his mind still.

  "Edelweiss...?"

  He noticed them at the far edge of the bloom—white, soft, and sacred-looking.

  Lucien: "Didn’t expect them this low. They usually cling to the cliffs. Tough flowers... like soldiers in white."

  A breeze passed. No sound. No thoughts.

  Just that single breath of time, captured like a painting in his mind.

  His peace and that silence was only broken by the faint sound of footsteps. Without looking back or asking, he had already known who it was.

  Lucien in his life had mostly been three things.

  A son of the Sinclair's, ridden by duty, responsibility, and expectations.

  A test subject, marked with special properties.

  And a student. Always learning something. Swordplay, combat, understanding of magic, aura, warfare and normal academia.

  From a young age, it was driven into him. If these were the only subjects, he would be considered an excellent student.

  However, he was also forced to learn things he never wanted to. Information about flowers, birds, animals, geology. Flower pressing. Tea making. Painting. Poetry. Knitting. And more things he considered nonsense. Things he would have never chosen.

  A good student needs the desire to learn. He, by nature, lacked it for any of this.

  Yet this unremarkable student was now supposed to mentor someone.

  His mind focused only on one thing.

  Should I train her only for battle? No. That would be a waste. One needs a fine mind to wield a weapon effortlessly and effectively.

  In order for her to fulfill her purpose as my pawn, she needs to meet all the benchmarks I have set.

  Arika finally spoke, looking at Lucien's back calmly and as modestly as possible.

  Arika: “Master Lucien, I hope I am not bothering you.”

  Lucien: “Has everything settled down in your new village?”

  Arika: “Yes. Everything has been taken care of. All tribesmen who were captured have arrived safely back home. We have counted the number and identified them all. Though many of them are still suffering from trauma and physical wounds, we are assisting them to recover quickly. I have also made all the council members agree to support the other captives and slaves in the old village they settled in. Thanks to the houses built by Lord Finn’s powers, they are using it as a temporary system for now. All of them are also severely wounded, harmed, abused... but I will make sure they at the very least have the opportunity to leave that past behind.”

  She said all this with bright eyes.

  Her righteousness was leaking from expression, It was far different from the day she was forced to kill. Her demeanor now was confident, composed, and steady.

  She continued: “I can’t thank you and the House of Sinclair enough for what you’ve done for us. And I won’t back down from my word. I want to immediately start my job to find Ryan’s whereabouts, without any delay.”

  Lucien: “What about your training?”

  Arika: “That can wait, Master. As much as I want to train under you, we can’t delay this mission any longer. We don’t know what he might be going through. Finding pieces and clues is important. At the very least, I want to find a few before we begin.”

  Lucien: “That wouldn’t be needed for now.”

  Arika: “What?”

  Lucien: “Your tribe’s network turned out to be more useful than we expected. It really made our job easier. For now, you don’t have to worry.”

  Arika: “But my ability can aid them very much.”

  Lucien looked at her. With calm and unreadable expression.

  Lucien: “That is for me to decide. How and when your ability is to be used.”

  Arika opened her mouth, hesitant: “But—”

  Lucien cut her off, still composed: “For now, your only goal is to train. As if your life depends on it. Nothing else.”

  Arika lowered her gaze, bit her lip, and said nothing more.

  Lucien stood. Without another word, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small black key. It didn’t shimmer or pulse with power. It looked plain. Worn, even. But as he turned it once in the air, reality itself seemed to bend.

  A thin slit opened, like a door cut into the world itself. Cold wind poured through it, mixed with the scent of high-altitude snow and pine.