The temple grounds stretched before them. A masterpiece of harmony and intention, every stone, tree, and structure placed with quiet purpose. As they followed a monk along the winding pathways, an air of serene order settled over them, the chaos of their recent journey fading with each step.
The stone paths were laid in delicate patterns, some forming swirling motifs like ripples on a pond, others creating angular, geometric designs that whispered of some secret wisdom. These paths meandered through lush gardens filled with carefully pruned bonsai trees, their twisted trunks gnarled with age, and vibrant peonies, their petals unfurling in gentle bursts of colour. Tall bamboo groves lined some of the walkways, their emerald stalks swaying with a whispering rustle, filtering the golden light into soft, shifting patterns on the ground. Occasionally, a soft chime rang through the air - a wind bell swaying gently from the eaves of a pagoda. The temple structures themselves rose among the gardens. The wooden beams, darkened with time, bore sweeping, upturned eaves adorned with intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and lotus blossoms.
As they neared the guest quarters, the pathway opened into a tranquil courtyard, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. A canopy of cherry blossom trees arched overhead, their branches heavy with delicate pink petals that fluttered gently in the breeze, leaving a soft, fragrant snowfall. A row of elegant pavilions stretched along a meandering koi pond. Each pavilion was built in traditional style, with sliding paper doors that glowed warmly from within.
A monk paused, gesturing toward the pavilions.
"Rest," he said simply. "We are awaiting you tomorrow in the Outer Sanctum."
As they looked around the courtyard, servants appeared apparently informed about their masters' arrival.
Mokai's attendant was a stern, disciplined man - matching Mokai's own demeanour. Seline was greeted by a gentle maid, while Kaelyn's helper seemed brisk and efficient.
"Do not hesitate to ask if you need something. As far as it is available in the Temple, we will provide," the monk offered a small bow and left.
Fengyu flashed a grin before striding off toward a pavilion he had, without hesitation, appointed to himself.
He had not brought a servant with him. Well, he had not even brought himself here.
Inside the pavilion, simple yet refined room awaited. Soft mats covered the floors. Delicate paper screens, painted with serene mountain landscapes, divided the space.
A low wooden table, accompanied by silk cushions, stood in the centre of the room. A simple yet nourishing meal had been laid out - bowl of soup, vegetables, and a selection of dumplings. The scent of warm, lightly spiced broth and freshly steamed rice filled the room.
After stuffing his belly, Fengyu collapsed onto the bed and within minutes only his steady breathing could be heard in the quiet room.
Mokai lay rigid on his back in his own pavilion, arms crossed over his chest, staring at the ceiling for a time before sleep took him. Kaelyn, stretched her sore muscles for a moment before settling in. Seline had chatted gently with her maid while she lied down. One by one, they surrendered to sleep.
In the morning, a knock on the door announced the arrival of breakfast.
Fengyu stretched lazily and answered the door, finding a tray laden with warm, fragrant dishes. Also a neatly folded set of robes was placed next to the breakfast tray.
He recognised the light embroidery pattern common in Solirae. His brother had made sure he had the basics. He smirked, shaking his head.
He backed to the room and sat down at the table. He ate his fill, savouring every bite. He deserved it. Once satisfied, he slipped into the new robes, adjusting the fabric with a critical but satisfied glance. His brother had kept the clothes to his taste.
Stepping out into the morning light, he looked every bit the noble drifter he was. The flowing Soliraen robes draped elegantly over his slender frame, their embroidered patterns catching the soft glow of the sun. The loose fabric swayed with his movements, giving him an effortless quality.
His silver hair, framed sharp, fox-like features, accentuated by the ever-present glint of mischief in his eyes. Though he lacked the imposing build of a fighter, there was a quiet confidence in the way he carried himself - relaxed, yet entirely aware of his surroundings.
To any observer, he appeared utterly at ease, as if he had never spent a moment confined in darkness of the dungeons.
Mokai emerged with the grace of a man born for battle, though today, he was not clad in gear. Still his attire bore the unmistakable mark of a warrior - fitted yet unrestrictive, designed for movement as much as presence. The fabric, dark and subtly adorned, traced the contours of his broad shoulders and strong frame.
But he wasn't just strong; he was striking, the embodiment of youth. His presence commanded attention, through sheer, undeniable force of being. There was a beauty to him, the kind that lingered in the mind long after he was gone.
They greeted each other with a small nod, and faced the indistinct women's chatter.
Kaelyn carried herself with the poise of someone who had long mastered the art of control. Her garments, spoke of both elegance and practicality - layers of deep, rich fabric, a statement of quiet authority rather than ostentation. Her presence was like tempered steel, refined but unyielding. She was not merely noble by birth but by bearing.
Seline, by contrast, was a vision of grace untouched by harshness. Where Kaelyn's nobility was tempered by strength, Seline's was woven from gentleness. Her robes, soft and flowing, whispered as she moved, their delicate embroidery catching the light. Yet, for all her softness, she was not fragile - there was quiet resilience in her posture, in the way she carried herself. She did not command attention like Mokai or Kaelyn; she drew it in, effortlessly, like the steady pull of the moon over the tides.
They gathered in the centre of the courtyard, greetings passed between them. They seized each other up, hiding behind the smiles.
They were ready to get some answers.
As a monk stepped forward, their gaze turned toward the gate. With a slight bow, he motioned for them to follow.
They walked and the temple grounds transitioned. The pavilions became fewer, replaced by open courtyards. They left the living quarters and approached the training grounds. Here, the courtyards were open, the polished stone floors marked with faint scuffs from years of drills and practice. The training grounds of the guardians.
At last, they reached the Outer Sanctum.
It consisted of a grand courtyard, encased within high walls of dark stone, their surfaces inscribed with ancient texts that glowed faintly. The structure itself was both imposing and elegant, its sweeping rooflines adorned with carved eaves and gilded finials shaped like guardian spirits.
Wide steps led up to towering doors of lacquered wood, their surfaces inlaid with subtle gold patterns.
Beyond that entrance stood the Inner Sanctum.
When the set of wooden doors opened, they could catch a glimpse of the great hall, vast and solemn. Tall columns lined the chamber, supporting a ceiling high above, where lanterns hung in measured rows, casting steady, even light. The floor was bare except for a single, raised platform at the centre, the purpose of which was yet to be explained. Despite its simplicity, the Inner Sanctum carried weight.
They halted in the courtyard of the Outer Sanctum, their gazes sweeping across the expanse before them. What they saw made them pause.
The sheer number of people gathered was staggering.
Fengyu had expected the trials to be exclusive, reserved for a chosen few - handpicked individuals invited through merit or bloodline. Yet, the crowd before him told a different story.
The courtyard teemed with candidates of all kinds - young warriors in polished armour, scholars in flowing robes, travellers with the look of seasoned survivors. Some stood in quiet contemplation, others whispered among themselves, their excitement and nerves barely contained.
Seline glanced at Mokai, her brow furrowed. "I thought this was supposed to be selective."
Mokai crossed his arms, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd. "So did I."
There were more than just the elite here - there were hopefuls, opportunists, and perhaps even the unprepared.
Fengyu, watching with mild amusement, chuckled under his breath. "Looks like we're not as special as we thought."
Kaelyn scanned the crowd and simply stated: "The Temple is not so close-minded and opened the opportunity to everyone willing."
"And unwilling," Fengyu murmured to himself.
He held his gaze on Kaelyn for a moment longer. She didn't seem unsettled by the sheer number of others here. If anything, she appeared almost indifferent, as if this was expected.
He exhaled slowly.
So that was why she had investigated only the "interesting" candidates. To be considered "interesting" by her in a crowd like this was, perhaps, an achievement. And yet, somehow, he couldn't shake the feeling that his particular brand of "interesting" wasn't a good thing.
From the Inner Sanctum clung a deep, resonant sound. A hush fell over the gathered candidates as the elder monks of the Temple emerged. Some bore the marks of age - weathered faces, silver-threaded hair, the weight of decades settled in their eyes. Others carried the air of seasoned warriors, their disciplined postures and sharp gazes revealing a lifetime of mastery. At their head stood the high monk, his presence undeniable despite his simple garb.
The murmurs in the courtyard died down completely.
"We are Mytharok," the high monk began. "Keepers of ancient wisdom and watchers of the unseen. For generations, we have guarded against forces that exist beyond that of ordinary perception. Our seers scan the cosmic patterns for disturbances - ripples in the currents of fate that could herald chaos or calamity. They listen to the whispers of the stars, the sighs of the earth, and the murmurs of the void. We have sensed a shifting in the currents of fate. A tremor in the balance that has held the world together for millennia. That is why we are all here today."
He paused, let his words sink. And did they sink! The gathered candidates exchanged glances, some wary, some eager. Even Fengyu, who had thus far treated the entire ordeal with a casual amusement and perhaps a dose of irritation, found himself feeling uneasy.
At first, as Mytharok had emerged from the mists of obscurity not so long ago, these claims were bound to be dismissed as outrageous. Who did they think they were? Ancient wisdom? Guardians of cosmic patterns? Long forgotten stories, unbelievable myths.
In a universe where everything had already been charted - where the scattered worlds had been mapped and catalogued to the best of anyone's ability - Mytharok remained a mystery. And its sudden reemergence should have been met with scrutiny.
Yet, somehow, Mytharok had not only reappeared but stepped back into the centre of universe as if they had always been there. Their Temple, their teachings, their seers - none of it could be explained properly, except some small excerpts in ancient books. And yet, their authority was not questioned.
And that was the strangest part. Ages have passed, the history books gathered a good layer of dust. And people still believed them. Not just the desperate or the superstitious, but rulers, scholars, and those who prided themselves on their scepticism.
Mytharok spoke of cosmic shifts, of unseen currents of fate, and rather than being laughed out of courtrooms and councils, they were listened to. The whispers of their seers carried weight. Their warnings reshaped decisions. Armies stood down. Alliances were reforged. Trade routes altered course.
It was as if the universe itself had bent around them, quietly acknowledging a presence that should have faded away, yet somehow returned.
"You stand here because you have been chosen," the high monk continued his speech. "Not for your strength or skill, not because of privilege or lineage, but for your potential to see what others cannot."
"You have endured the dungeons of the Temple. You have faced the trials not of body but of spirit. The Temple recognizes your strength, your resilience, and your willingness to confront the truths within yourselves. The trials were not merely a test. They were a mirror, reflecting your deepest fears, your greatest flaws, and your truest selves. What you have seen cannot be unseen. What you have learned cannot be unlearned. The trials were meant to prepare you."
"Each of you stands at the precipice of something greater than yourselves. You have been chosen, because you have the potential to shape what is to come. You were invited here, but your actions determine whether you belong. If you seek power, you will find disappointment. If you seek glory, you will find emptiness. But if you seek to face the fate of chaotic times prepared and ready, then let the path reveal itself to you."
He turned, leading the elders toward the Inner Sanctum. Before them, the great doors yawned open.
With considerable difficulty, Fengyu shook off the weight of uneasiness. Mytharok spoke of fate, of cosmic tremors, of unseen threats lurking beyond perception. But they never said what they were truly preparing for.
He glanced at the others, gauging their reactions. Kaelyn's expression was unreadable, though the tension in her shoulders spoke volumes. Mokai stood still, his posture unwavering, as if he had already accepted whatever was to come. Seline lowered her gaze with quiet thoughtfulness.
Their guide monk, that had never left their side, moved now, gesturing toward a side hall further back in the courtyard.
"This way," he said and they followed.
The side hall was smaller, its entrance flanked by wooden pillars carved with intricate patterns of interwoven symbols. The air inside carried the scent of aged parchment and faint incense. Inside, a few monks stood waiting, their hands folded in front of them, their expressions neutral.
The annoying thing about Mytharok was the fact that it was impossible to gauge their rank from their garb. They could be simple monks, elite guardians or even the legendary seers.
One of them, a sharp-eyed man with an air of quiet authority, stepped forward to address them.
"You have endured the trial together. By surviving it, your fates have become intertwined."
Kaelyn stiffened at the declaration, while Fengyu smirked, amused by the thought. Mokai simply nodded, and Seline cast a glance at their group.
"The bonds forged in the trials are not incidental," the monk continued. "We have long understood that adversity binds people together in ways that simple instruction cannot. The challenges you faced were not random - they were designed to test you as individuals, but also to push you toward one another. To see who would lead, who would falter, who would lift others up."
Kaelyn's fingers curled, as she was resisting the implication of what she had just heard. Fengyu's smirk only deepened and he had to make a conscious effort to hide it.
"You may not yet understand it, but the trial has already chosen your allies for you. Whether you embrace it or resist it, your fates have intertwined."
The monk's gaze swept over them, measuring their reactions before he continued.
"You are now accepted as outer guardians. You are bound to the temple, however you may return to your homes and train under your own masters. But understand this: your progress will be monitored, and your place among the Mytharok is still to be determined."
"These pendants mark your association with the Mytharok. They will grant you access to our halls, our training grounds, and the knowledge we safeguard."
Fengyu's amusement only grew as he turned the jade pendant over in his fingers, his lips quirking in a half-smile.
"Is that all?" he murmured under his breath, not loud enough for the others to hear. "A simple trinket and permission to go home?" It fit his wishes so perfectly and also was so laughable.
"These pendants bind you to a greater responsibility. They identify you as guardians, and in turn, you are obliged to aid and support one another, as well as any other guardians who may seek help."
Fengyu's eyebrow raised at the implication. What the temple was actually after? Recruiting them in service under the disguise of a greater responsibility? Really?
Then, the thought struck him. Judging by the diversity of the crowd, he had seen in the courtyard of the Outer Sanctum, not everybody had the place to return to.
"Are all candidates supposed to return home?" He ventured to ask.
The monk paused, weighting Fengyu's question.
"No," he replied. "Not all have a home to return to. For those without a place to go, provisions will be made. They will stay within the temple's walls, finding their place among us as they see fit. Most will be trained as inner guardians."
"You may stay as well, if you wish." He measured Fengyu, while his words hung in the air.
The offer was direct, too direct. And the silence prolonged…
Then, he smiled.
"We decided the path of outer guardians is the best suited to you," the monk's gaze swept over the four of them. "We will make other provisions to assure your progress and the outer guardians are always welcome within the temple, should they need some guidance or simply a place for seclusion."
He softened his stance visibly, as his gaze landed on Fengyu.
They knew.
Fengyu was used to being studied and sized up. He was not a particularly difficult case to read. It did not matter. He'd play along, for now. The Temple, with its vast network of power and secrets, was just another game to be won. And Fengyu was never one to back down from a good game.
He glanced over at the others - Kaelyn, Mokai, and Seline - each absorbed in their own thoughts, processing the information in their own ways.
"One more thing. Your pedants are Resonance Stones. They resonate with the life force of their bearers, and can be attuned to one another. The stronger the connection you build with one another, the more sensitive this bond becomes. Should any of you face genuine peril, the others will know."
Fengyu looked at the pedant in his hand. Artifacts were not actually that common to spare one for every and each of the Temple members, or were they?
"Convenient. But why connect the four of us specifically? Don't all candidates receive one?"
"Not just the four of you," the monk clarified, clearly understanding the real question.
"Every associate of the Temple carries one." He gestured to the jade pendant fastened to his own belt, a black tassel swaying gently beneath it. "These stones attune to those you form strong enough bonds with. In time, they may resonate beyond your group - but for now, I can safely assume the connection lies between the four of you. And I would recommend fostering it."
Fengyu paused. Either the Temple had far more resources than they let on, or they had access to something - or someone - capable of crafting artifacts in large quantities. Neither option sat well with him.
"So if one of us gets into trouble, the others will feel it?"
"To a degree," the monk said. "The stronger your bond, the clearer the resonance."
Fengyu tilted his head. "And if we'd rather not be tied to strangers?"
"The choice is yours," the monk said simply. "These are extensions of yourselves. If you cultivate the bond, they will serve you well. If you neglect it, they will remain as they are - simple jade." He paused.
"But some ties are not so easily severed," he added.
"Provisions will be made to facilitate your return home. A schedule for the gate settings will be issued shortly. Until your departure, you are free to explore the temple - no grounds are forbidden to you now, but we ask that you remain respectful. If you require assistance, ask at your guest quarters, and we will accommodate your needs."
"Remember, you are now part of the Mytharok. In time, someone will visit you at your homes to ensure you are making the expected progress. Stay strong, and stay vigilant."
He offered a slight bow before turning to leave. They returned the gesture.