"You can get the crystals from the Cave of Systems, but only a few people can actually bestow those systems," Thomas explained, his voice calm but grave.
"So, how do I reach these special people who can bestow systems to my council?" I asked. My understanding of systems was limited, only expanding after Diviner Elowen granted me one.
Thomas sighed, folding his hands as if in prayer. "There's a man who fled when Lucius attacked the Clan of Magicians. Lucius wanted all who could bestow systems dead. He knew the Diviner wouldn't remain silent if he harmed her successor, so he did everything he could to eliminate them."
"So this man is in hiding?" I asked, trying to maintain a steady tone despite the unease creeping in.
"Yes, he's undercover as a teacher in the Clan of Elementals," Thomas said.
My heart sank. "So you want me to visit him and ask him to create systems for my council?" The tension in my body grew. I would be leaving my clan my home for the first time.
"Yes," Thomas replied, his voice steady. "But meeting him won't be easy. He suspects everyone of being a spy sent by Lucius."
"Does he know you?" I asked, hopeful.
Thomas nodded. "He does."
"Then why don't you contact him and let him know you're sending someone?" I suggested.
Thomas shook his head. "It's not that simple. His trust issues run deep because of Lucius's schemes."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "What you have to do is infiltrate the Clan of Elementals as an undercover student. Gain his trust, reveal your true identity, and convince him to create the systems."
I stood there, frozen. The enormity of the task weighed heavily on me. "I can't just leave home like that. People will start asking questions."
"That's why I had your teacher divide your group into study teams," Thomas explained, a sly smile forming on his lips. "That way, no one will suspect you're falling behind."
I stared at him, shocked. So, that's how he knew about the council I had formed through those study groups.
"Fine," I said, exhaling. "When do I leave for the Clan of Elementals?"
"Two days from now," Thomas replied before vanishing into the shadows.
****
Later that evening, I gathered my council at my house to break the news.
"So, we're all going to have systems?" Aaron asked, a mix of fear and excitement in his voice.
Alex grinned, the joy in his expression unsettling. "Does this mean I'm part of a secret mission now?" he asked, almost giddy.
"Why are you so happy about this?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
Alex's grin faded, replaced by an unexpected vulnerability. "I want to avenge my mom," he admitted, his voice quiet. "She was killed by someone I don't know."
The room fell silent. Alex rarely showed this side of himself.
"So, is that why you started bullying people?" I asked, earning a nudge from Aaron, who clearly thought my question was too blunt.
Alex shook his head. "Not exactly. I tried forming a gang with my money to find out who killed her. But they only cared about the money, not helping me."
"You want revenge when you don't even know who's responsible?" Luna asked, her tone skeptical.
"I have an idea," Alex countered. "It's someone from Hiajima Industries. My mom uncovered their secret of human trafficking. Her final article was about them, and rumors say they've been selling body parts for profit."
I frowned. Hiajima Industries a name whispered in connection to unspeakable crimes. It was my duty as Diviner to maintain peace and justice.
"Rowan, we have to do something," Luna said, her eyes burning with determination.
"I agree," I said, nodding.
Aaron, however, looked pale. "Are you both insane? We'll just end up getting ourselves killed."
"Aaron, it's our responsibility to protect people," Luna argued. "If Hiajima is behind the recent kidnappings in the major city, we can't just sit by and do nothing."
Alex leaned forward, his voice earnest. "I can fund the operation. I'll bring money for ammunition or anything we need."
I shook my head. "We won't need ammunition. First, we need to get our systems."
The room fell silent as my council processed the gravity of our mission. Aaron seemed less panicked now, likely reassured by the promise of a system. Luna and Alex remained resolute, their determination a sharp contrast to Aaron's fear.
For now, the plan was clear. We would get our systems, and then we would face the darkness threatening our world together.