Sakamoto's Age: 4.5
Location: Harrow's Reach
Population: 47,000
Capital Proximity: 3-day ride
Threat Level: Elevated
---
The walls of Harrow's Reach were 30 feet high.
But the fear around them?
Even higher.
---
Arrival
We approached just past dawn.
Soldiers were posted at the gates.
Not for inspection…
For containment.
Smoke still lingered where the eye-symbol had been burned in.
People whispered as we passed. Some bowed. Some stepped back.
Ravian handled the talking.
> "Ravian Elholt. Clearance R-7. We're expected."
The guard stared at me.
> "And him?"
> "He's under my seal."
> "What's his name?"
> "...It changes."
---
Inside the Reach
Harrow's Reach was built like a blade.
Narrow alleys. Tall watchtowers. Everything pointed toward the Black Citadel at its center.
That's where the nobles watched the slums.
Where power dripped from chandeliers like venom.
Where secrets rot behind stained-glass smiles.
We were taken to a guest hall.
Warm fire. Cold eyes.
A man entered shortly after.
Tall. Half-mask of gold. Light armor. No sword.
> "So you're the reborn king," he said.
"I thought you'd be taller."
---
The Memory of Aevum
The man's name was Theren Vale.
Noble. Scholar. Strategist.
But also… witness.
> "I saw Aevum die," he said, staring at me.
"You screamed when Niris shattered the gate."
> "What gate?"
> "You'll remember soon."
He placed a scroll on the table. The seal glowed briefly, then faded.
> "This contains what remains of your old war."
> "And why would you give it to me?"
> "Because if you don't read it, you'll lose again. And this time… so will Lucala."
---
Aelira's Mutation
That night, Aelira's hands glowed.
But not with normal mana.
Black lines crawled up her wrists.
Symbols pulsed across her veins — ancient, unreadable.
She didn't cry out.
She gritted her teeth… and stared at her reflection.
> "I'm changing too," she whispered.
> "You're stabilizing," Ireina corrected.
"Your body is catching up with your soul."
> "Will I survive it?"
Ireina paused.
> "Most don't."
---
Final Scene – Beneath the City
In the sewers below Harrow's Reach, a figure knelt beside a corpse.
They wore a hood of moss.
Chains around their arms.
A symbol carved into their cheek: a spiral of ash.
> "He's in the city," they whispered.
> "Then what now?" another voice asked.
> "We test him."
The corpse twitched.
And began to rise.