The next day, at twilight, the quake struck again. This time, the panic was subdued. People stayed inside their homes, bracing for the tremor that shook the entire state awake. Engineers, their bodies enhanced with magical techniques, worked tirelessly to stabilize the cities, their foresight ensuring minimal disruption.
As the sun rose over Tlangthar, life resumed with a sense of determination. It was the month of First Green, a time of renewal after the restful, celebratory months of Frost. The city bustled with activity as its people returned to their daily routines, invigorated by the season's energy.
Down by the rivers at the base of the hills, women fetched water in massive, reinforced bamboo sections, each as large as a tree trunk. Meanwhile, the men prepared breakfast, infusing their meals with care and reverence. The air filled with the rich aroma of Xiaxoan rice, boiled and fried lentils, smoked sambhar broth, green and red chili paste, and steamed lettuces. Every dish was prepared using intricate spells and rituals that not only enhanced the flavors but also honored the spirits of the land. These practices were ingrained in every Xiaxo child from the time they could walk, fostering a deep respect for nature and their community.
In the Zakop household, the chief sat with his wife, Moimui, and their son, Larin, at the breakfast table.
Larin: "Father, Mother, why do we need to perform all these spells for our food? Isn't it enough to just cook it?"
Moimui: (smiling) "Larin, our food is a gift from the land. The spells aren't just about cooking—they honor that gift. Every ingredient has a spirit, a story, and preparing it with care shows our gratitude."
Zakop: (nodding) "It's about balance, my son. The land gives to us, and we must give back. These rituals ensure we take no more than we need. It's a lesson you'll understand better as you grow."
Larin: (thoughtful) "But doesn't the land just grow things on its own? Why do we need to do anything at all? Isn't it just nature's way?"
Moimui: "Nature's way, Sinlung and Khiuniu includes us, Larin. We're part of the cycle. By participating, we ensure it continues smoothly. It's not just survival—it's harmony."
Zakop: (with a gentle smile) "And when you master these rituals, you'll find they're more than just work. They're a connection to something larger than ourselves."
Larin nodded, savoring the Mana-tufted serow broth as he considered their words, tasting the care and reverence infused into the meal.
Throughout Xiaxo, every city featured large barracks, strategically located and larger than most buildings. These communal hubs were where young adults and elders gathered to organize activities like fishing, hunting, construction projects, and even raids. Elders and experts delivered lectures and debated political, philosophical, and magical theories, fostering learning and collaboration. The barracks were also central to the Magic Academies' credit system, where participants earned points for completing missions. These points could be traded for books, artifacts, charms, and other valuable items, blending tradition with tangible rewards.
Later that day, Larin wandered to the barracks, intrigued by the bustle of activity. There, he found Pupi, the wise elder and master of magical arts.
Larin: "Pupi, may I ask you something?"
Pupi: (chuckling) "You may, though I can't promise I'll answer everything, young one."
Larin: "Why do we need these credit points? Shouldn't people help the community because it's the right thing to do?"
Pupi: (raising an eyebrow) "Ah, an idealist! The points are not just rewards, Larin. They motivate and organize efforts. Humans are complex. Even the noblest causes sometimes need a little encouragement."
Larin: "But doesn't that make it less pure? Like people are only helping for what they can get?"
Pupi: (smiling) "Purity of intention is important, yes. But practicality matters too. The points system ensures every task, no matter how small, gets the attention it deserves. It's not about greed; it's about recognizing effort and fostering collaboration."
Larin: "But didn't we live without this system before? Wasn't it simpler then?"
Pupi: (with a wistful look) "Before the Great War, things were different. Your father was only 200 years old then, and your grandfather gave his life in that war. Back then, we didn't have these systems—but the war changed everything. We had to adapt."
Larin: (hesitant) "Still, isn't there a danger in valuing effort with points? What if people start doing things just for the points and not because they care?"
Pupi: (leaning forward) "A wise question. That's why we teach balance. The points are tools, not the purpose. It's up to each person to remember that the true reward lies in strengthening the community. Tools can be misused, yes, but they can also build wonders."
Larin's eyes brightened. "So, the points are just a way to ensure things get done, but it's still up to us to do them for the right reasons?"
Pupi: (nodding) "Exactly. You're beginning to see the bigger picture, Larin. That's the first step to wisdom."
As they spoke, a commotion erupted nearby. A young man, Thanpau, was sprawled on the floor, shoved there by Shylo, a burly man with a defiant expression.
Shylo: "Thanpau, you don't belong here! A motherless child like you should know your place. You're not even pure!"
Thanpau, though physically unshaken, looked deflated under the weight of the insults. He remained silent, meeting Shylo's gaze with quiet resolve.
Pupi: (in a commanding tone) "Shylo, this is the barracks. Conduct yourself with dignity."
Shylo grumbled but stormed out with his entourage, leaving a tense silence in his wake.
Thanpau bowed toward Pupi. "Thank you, elder. I'll do better next time."
Pupi: (nodding) "No thanks needed. Stand tall, Thanpau. Your worth is not defined by others' words."
Larin rushed to Thanpau, helping him up.
Thanpau: (softly) "You shouldn't associate with me, young lord. You'll only bring trouble upon yourself."
Larin: (firmly) "We're all equal under the gaze of Sinlung and Khiuniu."
As Larin turned to follow Pupi, he asked, "Pupi, why do things like this happen? Why didn't you punish Shylo for what he did?"
Pupi clenched his teeth. "This has always been our struggle, Larin. Some cling to old prejudices, valuing bloodlines over character. It's not the way of Sinlung or Khiuniu, but such beliefs linger. Change takes time—and strength."