The jungle's shadows shifted under the pale blue glow of the moon as Leora dashed through the underbrush, her steps nimble and sure-footed despite the burden she carried.
Lucian's head lolled slightly against her shoulder, his breathing shallow but steady. His once-messy hair, now streaked with sweat and dirt, brushed her cheek as she ran. She didn't stop—not until the first faint traces of dawn began to color the horizon and she was sure they were safe.
When she finally slowed, her chest heaving with effort, she heard him stir.
"Ugh… Leora?" His voice was barely a rasp, weak but unmistakably alive. She felt a swell of relief. Only a few days ago, she'd been convinced she'd lost him for good.
"Yes, it's me." she said softly, glancing down as his eyelids fluttered open.
He squinted up at her, a hint of confusion in his gaze, and then his voice came, weak but filled with urgency. "Did you… did you get the leader's storage ring?"
Leora blinked, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. "The ring?" she repeated.
Leora halted, a faint blush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. She glanced back at him, looking sheepish. "I was so worried about you—and afraid more pursuers might show up—that I forgot to collect the loot," she admitted.
Lucian stared at her, expression unreadable, before finally raising an eyebrow, his silence speaking volumes.
She let him linger in mock disappointment for a few beats before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small, silver ring. "Of course I grabbed it," she said, her tone playful. "What do you take me for?"
Leora chuckled, unable to resist teasing him. "Come on, Lucian. I may not be as cunning as you, but I have some common sense."
He let out a long, relieved breath, his eyes twinkling with newfound warmth. "Good. I wouldn't have expected anything less." Then, as he was distracted, she slipped something spicy onto his tongue. He choked and coughed, eyes wide with surprise, as his mouth burned.
"Leora!" he gasped, reaching for his water gourd.
She burst into laughter, watching with satisfaction as he gulped down water to douse the flames. When he finally recovered, he managed to glare at her, wiping his mouth. 'I… I, Kai—no, Lucian, was outsmarted by my own sister. How humiliating.' he thought inwardly.
Leora tilted her head, her expression softening. "I've known you since before you were born, Lucian. Don't think you can fool me so easily. You are trying to create funny atmosphere right but don't worry I am okay."
Lucian said inwardly 'No, I really thought you will be dump enough to forget the ring.'
He looked at her, a strange emotion flickering across his face.
The weight of their recent losses still clung to them, but for now, it felt a little lighter, wrapped in the warmth of their shared laughter.
---
Three days later, the siblings arrived at Cloud City.
The massive stone walls loomed ahead, over a hundred feet high, etched with ancient glyphs that shimmered under the morning sun. A barrier array surrounded the city, casting a faint, iridescent glow across the perimeter.
Eight gates provided entry to cloud city, each with two pathways—one for those with authority, the other for common folk.
It was a fortress and a beacon of power, a place that promised opportunity to those bold enough to claim it.
As they joined the line of travelers at the eastern gate, Leora looked around, trying not to feel out of place. Dust and grime clung to her travel-worn clothes, and Lucian didn't look much better, but nobody paid them any mind.
In the hustle and bustle of Cloud City, they were just another pair of wanderers.
When they reached the front of the line, a guard with a bored expression held out his hand.
"One low-grade spiritual stone per person to enter. No disturbing the peace, and no fighting within the city limits. If you need to settle something, take it to the arena." He eyed them with mild interest.
"And don't even think about flying without a permit. Only those with a license can fly here, and even they can't fly above the Founding Emperor's statue."
Leora handed over the stones, feeling the guard's eyes flicker over her and Lucian with mild curiosity. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then seemed to think better of it and simply waved them through.
As they stepped past the gates, Lucian leaned in close. "Flying license?" he murmured, his tone a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
A passing guard overheard and shot them a sidelong glance. "Only for the high-status families," he muttered. "If you're not from one of the big clans or approved by the empire, you stay on the ground."
Lucian nodded, mulling over this information. It was obvious he was taking in every detail, as if committing the city's layout to memory.
Cloud City was enormous compared to their hometown. Wide, stone-paved roads stretched out in every direction, bustling with people and lined with colorful market stalls.
Merchants called out to passersby, the air thick with the mingled scents of spices, roasted meats, and incense.
Towering buildings and lavish residences loomed over the streets, their facades adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant banners.
But the true centerpiece was the golden statue of the Founding Emperor, which stood at the heart of the city, gleaming in the midday sun. Surrounded by beds of fragrant flowers, the fifty-meter-tall statue commanded respect from all who passed, a silent reminder of the city's history.
"So, what's the plan?" he asked, casting a sidelong glance at Leora.
She gave him a mysterious smile. "You'll see soon enough. First, let's find a place to rest."
The streets of Cloud City were a sensory overload. Vendors hawked their wares, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony of shouting and laughter.
The scents of incense, roasted meat, and fresh bread mingled in the air, tempting the siblings as they passed by.
Towering buildings cast long shadows over the cobbled streets, and colorful banners fluttered in the breeze.
Leora led him down a narrow side street until they reached a secluded manor surrounded by a small garden. Stone pillars flanked the wrought-iron gate, and a guard stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he took in their appearance.
"Are you from the Silverthorne family, by any chance?" he asked, his gaze flicking between their white hair and their similar features.
Leora raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You recognize us?"
The guard nodded. "You both look like the clan leader—same white hair, same eyes. But I need to see some identification."
Lucian watched silently as Leora pulled out a small badge. The guard inspected it, then nodded respectfully. "Please, go right in, young masters."
Leora chuckled as they passed through the gate. "We're not exactly young masters anymore—" She stopped when Lucian subtly elbowed her, and a quick look passed between them. She understood his meaning immediately and fell silent.
'We can't trust this guard yet,' Lucian thought. 'If he realizes we're the last of the Silverthorne line, who knows what schemes he might try?'
Inside, four people stood waiting for them: three women and one masked figure. Two of the women would handle the daily chores, one was the cook, and the masked figure was a war puppet, though its power level was only Novice Zenith stage—on par with Lucian.
The guard who'd accompanied them, Cedric, was also of Novice Zenith rank and the head of the household staff.
Two of the servants led Lucian and Leora to their rooms. It was already evening, and the sky had begun to darken.
Leora watched Lucian out of the corner of her eye, noting how he inspected every corridor, every exit.
He moved with the quiet caution of someone who had spent his life watching his back.
When they reached their rooms, Leora slipped into hers and breathed a sigh of relief. For the first time in days, she allowed herself to fully relax. The bed was soft, the air fragrant with lavender, and she indulged in a long, luxurious bath before changing into fresh clothes.
In Lucian's Room.
After a much-needed bath, Lucian changed into fresh clothes—a deep red robe—and settled down to collect his thoughts. 'What now? I'm not a scientist like Jugo. I need to get used to the fighting styles here, gather more information about this world.
My memories feel scrambled, like I watched a hundred hours of some blurry film.'
His musings were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. "Young master, dinner is ready. Would you like to eat now, or shall I bring it to you later?"
Another voice piped up before he could answer. "Brother, let's eat together."
Lucian opened the door to find Leora and a servant waiting outside. He nodded and followed them to the dining room.
They ate heartily, the journey's weariness finally fading away.
After dinner, Lucian returned to his room, setting up small traps around the door—a precaution from his former life as an assassin. Satisfied with his makeshift security, he lay down and quickly drifted into a deep sleep.
---
At dawn, Lucian awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. He stretched, feeling the unfamiliar weight of his new life settle over him.
Rising quietly, he went through a series of exercises—a remnant of his previous life, back when he was Kai, the assassin. The muscle memory was still there, though his new body felt different, less agile, a bit more awkward.
As he finished, there was a knock on the door. He opened it to find Leora waiting, her arms crossed and an amused smile on her face.
"Where are you off to?" she teased. "Planning to sneak out already?"
He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Just getting a feel for the place. It's… bigger than I expected."
She raised an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face. "Well, I was about to go shopping. Why don't you come along? You can explore while I gather supplies."
Lucian considered her offer, weighing the possibility of gathering more information on the city and its inhabitants. He caught his reflection in a nearby mirror and couldn't help smirking. "Do I look like a servant to you?"
She rolled her eyes, linking her arm with his and tugging him toward the door. "Come on, brother. I promise not to make you carry too many bags."