Chapter 66

(Cyrus POV)

Dusk was just settling over the astral realm as we finally approached the entrance of the Celestial Grove, the heart of Slytharion territory. From the outside looking in, it was unlike anything I had ever seen or even imagined. A massive fortified wall, woven from vibrant green bark, branches, and vines, shimmered with cosmic energy and stardust.

Before we reached the entrance, my father handed me a cloak from his bag and instructed me to put it on. "Even though we're entering a neutrality zone, we must be careful. We don't know who might be in league with the Lux Tenebris or who could potentially be watching us. Let's try our best to be discreet and get in and out ," he said, raising his hood to cover his head.

I followed his lead, pulling my hood over my head. As we arrived at the entrance, my father seemed momentarily thrown off, almost as if he had been expecting something to be there that wasn't. Then, his eyes lit up, shifting from dark brown to a brilliant yellow as he swept his gaze from right to left, scanning the area before returning to his normal state.

"Everything alright, Dad?" I whispered, trying to maintain the discretion he had advised.

"Yeah, so far so good. I just assumed there'd be guards at the entrance. That's how it was the last time I was here, years ago. Oh well, looks like luck is on our side today—we just caught a little break. Come on, let's head in and see if we can sell off some of these cores and lighten our load," my father said as he pulled open one of the vine-woven gates, gesturing for me to enter first.

Inside the Celestial Grove, I finally understood how it earned its name. The entire territory resembled a massive terrarium, teeming with flora and fauna that ran through the ground and buildings alike. The structures themselves seemed to be formed entirely from the earth, unlike anything I had encountered before.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" my father said as he gestured for me to follow. "There are plants and astral species that exist only here. It's a shame our two clans were at odds for so long. Our constellations are truly complementary."

"Why were we at odds for so long?"

"What do you think the reason is?" he replied, avoiding a direct answer as we wove through a crowd emerging from one of the channels leading toward the Grove's center.

"Power and greed, I guess," I muttered as someone brushed past me.

"Correct. At least, that was the case when I was growing up. The Slytharion clan sought to expand their borders into Zarathia and halt the Age of Technology from overtaking the nature they swore to protect. In doing so, they attacked and destroyed smaller, lesser-known towns and cities, eventually encroaching upon regions allied with Arthernos."

"So that's why the Valador region isn't as developed as the others I've been to."

"Yes. Now, follow me—I think I've spotted a guild hall that buys cores," my father said, locking eyes with me to ensure I stayed close before pushing forward through the crowd.

After weaving through the hordes in the Grove's merchant center, we finally arrived at the guild hall. The experience was overwhelming. Spending years on the run had kept me isolated from society. I wasn't used to being around this many people, let alone so many Starbound radiating their cosmic energy signatures. I had no idea how my father handled it, especially at his stage, where he was even more sensitive to cosmic energy.

Inside the guild hall, adventurers of all shapes and sizes gathered, some conversing with friends and relaxing, others forming parties and searching for jobs in the astral realm. The sheer volume of cosmic energy condensed in this space made the astral hairs on my body stand on end. I was on high alert, still wary from recent events.

"I can sense your unease, Cyrus. It's okay—I'm here. Just take a deep breath," my father reassured me, glancing back over his shoulder before stepping into the line to exchange celestial cores for credits.

He was right. I needed to calm down. Inside the Grove's gates, violence was strictly prohibited. Steadying my mind, I regulated my cosmic energy and stood beside my father.

We waited patiently, watching as the Starbound ahead of us exchanged cores from astral behemoths for payment. I was surprised that no one paid us any mind—everyone seemed focused on their own business. I supposed it made sense; the life of an adventuring Starbound forced one to be independent. At least, that's what Uncle always told me about his quests.

As we reached the front counter and handed over half of our celestial cores, a nearby conversation caught my attention. A party of adventurers was discussing some disturbances happening in Slytharion territory.

"Do you think it has something to do with the Hollow Branch Cult?" one of them asked.

"It very well could be. I've heard rumors of strange sightings—twisted, disfigured creatures appearing near the outskirts of the Grove," another responded.

"That might explain why the Grove's guards have been absent lately. I heard Lady Myra commanded them to handle the situation," a woman at their table interjected.

I found myself drawn into their conversation until a gentle hand on my shoulder snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Come on, Cy. Let's find lodging for the night," my father said, gesturing for me to follow him out of the guild hall.

"Dad, did you hear what those people were talking about?" I whispered as we exited the building.

"Yes, I did—but it looks like you really don't know how to be discreet, huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, next time, let's try not to blatantly stare at the people we're eavesdropping on," he said as I replayed the moment in my head.

"I guess you're right."

"You're lucky they were drunk and didn't notice. But yes, that conversation was interesting. It explains why things aren't as well-guarded as I expected. This might just be the cover we need to get in and out of this territory with minimal conflict."

Just as he finished speaking, massive flowers sprouted from the walls of the surrounding buildings, each shaped like a megaphone. A soft, melodic voice rang through the plant-made speaker system.

"Residents and visitors of the Grove, we are placing the plaza on lockdown. We are experiencing disturbances on the outskirts, and to prevent the situation from spreading into the neutral zone, we are restricting access until further notice.

"We require reinforcements to assist the Guards of the Grove. If you are willing to lend your services, there will be a reward."

My father sighed.

"Looks like you spoke too soon, Dad."