The Visit of Kasa and Kalonji

The grand hall of Nouvo Lakay's central temple was quiet, lit only by the filtered light streaming through the open roof. It was there, surrounded by books, scrolls, and carved tablets etched with Earth-born knowledge, that Zion met with Kasa of the Southern Flame Tribe and Kalonji of the Drowned Ones.

They had come not in armor or challenge, but in curiosity—and Zion was ready.

Laid across the wide stone table were hand-drawn maps, early blueprints of irrigation systems, road networks, the structure of Zantrayel's government, and sketches of Earth's early civilizations. Zion stood before it all, robes simple, posture open, but his eyes sharp with purpose.

"Zantrayel is not just a tribe with high walls," Zion began. "It is a country—a vision of stability and unity, not ruled by strength alone, but by shared law, protection, and voice."

Kasa's eyes flicked over the documents. "And this… country, this vision—how do you keep a people from falling to chaos when no single chief holds the blade?"

Zion nodded. "Through balance. A council, elected. Judges trained not just in fairness but in wisdom. Soldiers who serve the people, not personal ambition. A written law all must follow—even me."

Kalonji sat in silence, gaze fixed on the symbol of Zantrayel carved into the wall—a sigil woven with all 234 Lwa. Finally, he spoke. "And your people accept this? Even those who once ruled?"

"Some struggle. But most understand," Zion said. "We have endured too much to fall into old patterns."

He placed a hand on a thick parchment. "This is what I offer. Not dominance. But knowledge. If you wish, I will teach your people too. Not to follow me—but to forge their own way."

Kasa stepped forward, eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "If I can build my tribe into a country… will you recognize us?"

Zion smiled. "Gladly. And I will offer alliance—not just words, but trade, military support, and shared knowledge."

Kalonji stood. "Then I will return to the depths. I will teach my people everything you've shown me. And when they're ready, I will rise again—not as a chief, but as a representative of a nation."

Kasa crossed his arms, voice heavy with fire. "And I will not march my warriors north. Not while this dream stands. If my people accept this path, we too shall become more than wandering flames."

Zion extended his hand to each of them in turn.

"You may send your best to study here. With my seven most trusted brothers, they will learn everything they need—engineering, governance, defense, and diplomacy."

The air shifted as a new understanding settled between them. Not just peace—but purpose.

The three of them stood silently for a time, surrounded by scrolls and ink and gods watching from above.

Outside, the city of Nouvo Lakay pulsed with the energy of becoming—not just a capital, but a beacon