The path back to Skyreach Spire was as daunting as it was breathtaking. The trail carved its way along the steep mountainside, bordered by sharp, jagged cliffs that plunged into dense forests below. Above, the Spire towered like a colossal monument, its structure defying logic and gravity.
Skyreach Spire wasn't a simple building—it was a marvel of ancient architecture and magic. Its base was anchored into the mountain itself, but the upper levels floated, connected to the ground by golden chains that pulsed faintly with energy. The Spire's exterior shimmered in the twilight, its walls a seamless blend of smooth stone and glowing runes. Massive platforms spiraled around its circumference, serving as training grounds, research chambers, and landing zones for winged beasts.
As Azhaan climbed the path, he couldn't help but marvel at its design. The Spire's height was impossible to measure from this angle, its upper reaches disappearing into the clouds. Lights flickered in the windows that lined its spiraling structure, each one hinting at the countless activities happening within.
Even from the distance, the hum of the Spire's magic reached him, faint but constant—a subtle vibration that resonated in his bones. It was like the heartbeat of the academy itself, a reminder of the sheer power that sustained this place.
Shade walked ahead, its sleek form blending into the shadows of the evening. Its red eyes glinted as it paused to wait for Azhaan, the bond between them pulsing faintly with encouragement.
Azhaan adjusted his pack, his steps heavy but determined. "You'd think they'd put an elevator in a place like this," he muttered.
Shade growled softly, its tail flicking as if to say, Keep moving.
As Azhaan neared the base of the Spire, the golden chains that tethered it to the mountain loomed closer. Up close, they were even more impressive—massive links, each etched with runes that pulsed faintly in the dim light. The chains anchored the Spire's floating levels, defying gravity as they stretched upward at sharp angles.
The main gates of Skyreach were just as imposing. Towering arches carved from dark stone stood at the entrance, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings of beasts and tamers locked in battle. The carvings seemed to move faintly when Azhaan stared at them too long, as if the figures were alive within the stone.
Above the gates, a massive crest glowed faintly—an emblem of a dragon intertwined with a hawk, symbolizing the balance of strength and agility that all tamers aspired to.
Two guardian statues flanked the entrance, each resembling a massive, winged beast carved from black marble. Their eyes glowed faintly, and Azhaan felt a prickle of unease as he passed between them, as though the statues were watching him.
The gates opened with a low, resonant hum, and Azhaan stepped into the courtyard.
The courtyard at the base of the Spire was alive with quiet activity. Cobblestone paths wound through manicured gardens filled with glowing plants, their soft light casting an ethereal glow over the area. Fountains carved from gleaming stone bubbled with water infused with mana, their surfaces shimmering like liquid light.
Students moved between the paths, their beasts walking or flying beside them. Some carried books or scrolls, their faces illuminated by the faint glow of the lanterns suspended on intricate chains overhead. Others were engaged in quiet conversations, their voices blending with the soothing hum of the fountains.
Azhaan glanced up, his gaze following the spiraling platforms that wrapped around the Spire's exterior. Each platform was lined with training arenas, observation decks, and smaller structures that housed classrooms or research labs. Winged beasts soared between the platforms, their cries echoing faintly in the still evening air.
Shade walked beside him, its red eyes scanning the courtyard. The bond between them pulsed faintly, a mix of vigilance and curiosity.
Azhaan adjusted his pack, his steps slowing as he took in the scene. For all its grandeur, the Spire still felt… strange to him. It was a place of endless possibility, but also endless pressure.
"We made it back," he muttered, glancing at Shade. "Let's just hope I don't screw this up."
Azhaan's dormitory was located in one of the lower levels of the Spire, a modest room tucked into a quiet corridor. The walls were smooth and dark, their surfaces inlaid with faintly glowing runes that provided both light and protection. A single window overlooked the sprawling forest below, the view breathtaking even in the dim light of the evening.
The room was simple—a bed, a desk, and a small storage chest. It wasn't much, but it was enough for someone like Azhaan, who had grown used to making do with little.
Shade settled near the window, its sleek body outlined against the faint glow of the forest. Its red eyes scanned the horizon, ever watchful, while the bond between them pulsed with a quiet sense of contentment.
Azhaan dropped his pack onto the desk and carefully unpacked the Lunar Bloom and Starfire Shard. The items glowed softly in the dim light, their energy filling the room with a faint hum.
He sat down, turning the shard over in his hand. Its crystalline surface shimmered like molten gold, and he could feel its magic radiating faintly through his fingers.
"We're close," he said softly, glancing at Shade. "I can feel it. But there's still something missing."
Shade growled faintly, its tail flicking against the floor.
Azhaan leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. His thoughts wandered to the shrine in the Verdantwilds, the fox-like creature, and the strange energy that had surrounded the panther they had fought.
"What do you think it all means?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Shade didn't respond, but the bond between them pulsed faintly, a quiet sense of curiosity echoing his own.
Azhaan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe Miren will have some answers. She's strict, but she knows more about this stuff than anyone else I've met so far."
A knock at the door pulled Azhaan from his thoughts. Shade growled softly, its red eyes narrowing as it stared at the door.
"Relax," Azhaan said, standing. "It's probably just Kaela."
He opened the door to find Kaela leaning against the frame, her silver hair catching the light from the hallway lanterns. Lirian perched on her shoulder, its crystalline wings folded neatly as it regarded Azhaan with sharp, curious eyes.
"You made it back," Kaela said, her tone light but edged with something serious.
"Barely," Azhaan replied, stepping aside to let her in.
Kaela entered, her gaze drifting to the glowing items on the desk. "You found a Starfire Shard too?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Azhaan nodded. "That fox-like beast led us to it. I don't know why, but it's like it wants us to succeed."
Kaela frowned, her fingers brushing the edge of the desk. "That's… strange. Fox-like beasts are usually tricksters, not guides. But I guess nothing about you or your bond has been normal."
Azhaan smirked faintly. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Kaela chuckled softly, but her expression turned serious again. "You're planning to evolve Shade soon, aren't you?"
Azhaan hesitated, then nodded. "I have to. We won't survive here if we don't keep moving forward."
Kaela's amber eyes softened slightly. "Just be careful, Azhaan. Evolution isn't just about power. It's about understanding your beast, their limits, and their connection to you. Rushing it could… cost you both."
Azhaan met her gaze, the weight of her words settling over him. "I know. That's why I want to talk to Miren first. She might be able to help."
Kaela nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Good idea. Just don't let her scare you off."
Azhaan grinned. "I think I can handle her."
Kaela smirked, but the worry in her eyes lingered as she turned to leave.