Beyond the formidable gates of VI City, Aedan found himself entering a realm of paradoxes. The city, known as the Hunter's City, bordered the Ironwood Forest, a haven for mystical creatures and races. Yet, instead of embracing the wonder within the forest, the inhabitants of VI City saw it as an abundant source of profit. The hunters, often ruthless and opportunistic, would delve into the woods, capturing humanoid races to be sold as slaves or for the extraction of precious body parts.
The guards stationed at the gates, well-versed in the art of discernment, scrutinized Aedan. The city was on high alert due to the prevalent threat of terrorist attacks by undercover elves, dwarves, and others from the Zeaphin lineage. However, what piqued their interest was not his racial origin but the anomalies in his physical makeup. His bone structure was denser and broader than the norm, his internal organs surpassed average measurements, and yet, his energy pathways were shredded - the telltale signs of a former cultivator.
"My condolences," muttered one guard, his tone carrying the weight of a shared understanding. In a world where strength often dictated survival, to be a crippled cultivator was to be robbed of one's place in the ruthless hierarchy.
The gates slowly swung open, granting Aedan passage into VI City. The streets, a labyrinth of memories both real and borrowed, unfolded before him. Familiar landmarks triggered recollections of a past that wasn't entirely his own. A heavenly bakery on the north street, an armor store in the markets, and a weaponsmith where, for fifteen years, he seemingly toiled.
Puzzled, Aedan attempted to reconcile these memories with his actual experiences. His thoughts, however, were interrupted by the clarity of one fact - the Castellan Family ruled over this city. Descendants of the first humans, the Castellans held a potent Astra: the Will of Fire. Their exclusive manipulation of Fire-type Astral Energy marked them as Cleansing Stage Astra Cultivators, specializing as Sages.
The Castellans' dominance, however, wasn't without controversy. Their arrogance and oppressive rule were widely detested, reflected in exorbitant tax rates that surpassed even the Imperial Capital. VI City's wealth, derived from a mature Slave Industry, the endeavors of hunters, and the production of rare materials, seemed incongruent with the hardship imposed on its denizens.
Every year, the city lord, Andrich Castellan, selected ten individuals between the ages of ten and eighteen as provisional disciples for the Sacred Soul Sect. This practice, ostensibly to nurture talent, concealed a darker truth - the selected were sacrificial lambs intended to sate the unholy demon lurking beneath the sect.
Aedan, navigating the crowded streets of VI City, found himself observing the people around him with newfound insight. His ability to sense emotions was enhanced, and something else caught his attention, crystals hovering above the heads of those experiencing intense and deeper emotions. Each crystal bore a distinct color: Green, Red, Red, Black. It was a rare sight, and Aedan pondered whether this was a feature of his belt or a unique perception granted to him.
As he focused on these crystals, an intriguing revelation unfolded. Threads of emotion, akin to wisps, extended from the crystals above individuals, intertwining with his three Anger Heartsparks. The red hue of his heartsparks deepened, absorbing the emotional energy. Simultaneously, the crystal's color diminished, transforming from a deep red to a lighter shade.
With a sigh of relief, Aedan realized that this exchange was unnoticed by others. It seemed he had stumbled upon another facet of his burgeoning abilities. A plan took shape in his mind, and he set his sights on the southern district.
Renting a room for seven nights at a local inn, Aedan fortified his temporary abode with sound-blocking devices and energy-nullifying fibers to safeguard against prying eyes. After a hearty dinner, he dedicated the next two days to gathering information about the city's underbelly, learning that beneath the façade of prosperity, VI City harbored deep-seated issues.
The city, touted as wealthy and prosperous, was marred by a stark contrast. Aedan discovered the harsh realities, rampant poverty, corruption, and a stark divide between the affluent elite and the struggling masses. The supposed wealth of the city was a veneer that hid the suffering of those ensnared in its clutches.
Venturing out, Aedan's path collided with a small figure. A faint cry reached his ears, and he found a little girl, perhaps eight years old, holding her injured leg. Tearful eyes met his, revealing an unusual intensity of emotion. Unperturbed by the bustling crowd, Aedan approached her, offering apologies.
"It's not your fault," she replied with a maturity beyond her years, though pain lingered in her eyes. Intrigued by the dense ball of red and black emotions radiating from her, Aedan, unable to ignore her distress, invited her to join him.
Navigating through the streets, he led the girl to a nearby cafe. Purchasing a soft sponge cake, he encouraged her to share her story. Initially hesitant, the girl found herself inexplicably drawn to confide in Aedan.
Aedan listened intently as the young girl poured out her heart. Her name, she said, was Lyla. Three days ago, during the city's brutal selection, her brother Castro was cruelly chosen. Suspicion clouded the process as Castro resisted, pleading to stay behind and care for their ailing father and his little sister. The City Lord's enforcers callously dismissed his pleas, and tragedy unfolded as they returned to Lyla's home, mercilessly murdering her defenseless father.
Tears streamed down Lyla's face as she spoke, recounting the harrowing events. After her father's brutal end, Castro was torn from them, taken away in the dead of night. Since then, she wandered the unforgiving streets, lost in a desperate search for her brother.
Aedan, moved by her pain, gently wiped away her tears. He felt the intensity of her grief and anger, emotions swirling in a turbulent mix. His understanding of heartsparks deepened as he absorbed some of her overwhelming feelings. To his surprise, they transformed into three crystals, one red and two black. It was already quite surprising her emotions were deep enough to form a heartspark but three was totally above his expectations.
Contemplating the gravity of the situation, Aedan realized the urgency of finding Castro and ensuring Lyla's safety. Concern etched on his face, he spoke softly, "Lyla, I promise you, I'll find your brother. You shouldn't be alone in this city. How about we get you somewhere safe while I search for Castro?"
Lyla, her eyes wide with a mix of hope and uncertainty, nodded in agreement. Aedan gently lifted her and, with a reassuring smile, whispered, "Hold on tight."
In an instant, they vanished, and Lyla found herself in a comforting sanctuary, a room adorned with pink decor, stuffed animals, and toys. It was a stark contrast to the harsh reality outside, a space prepared by Seph to shield her from the city's cruelty.
As Lyla looked around, her tear-streaked face showed a hint of relief. Aedan, standing beside her, spoke softly, "You'll be safe here, Lyla. Take your time, and I'll do everything I can to find Castro." With a final glance, he left the room, determined to bring an end to the injustice that had befallen her family.