The colossal wall stretched endlessly in both directions, as far as Arav could see. He blinked, trying to take it all in.
. "It's really huge… This is Triamath," he whispered to himself, his blue eyes widening in awe. Even though he had imagined it would be big, this… this was beyond anything his mind could picture. It was larger than his entire village, maybe even ten times over.
"Troops, formation four!" Varek's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. Immediately, the soldiers behind him began aligning themselves into three long rows. Arav turned his head, looking at the troops. Every one of them held one hand on their horse's saddle and the other on their sword. Their faces were calm, steady—dead calm, like Varek. Arav couldn't help but stare, feeling a mix of awe and nervousness.
Varek raised his hand slightly, and the soldiers roared in response. "Troop four is back!" Their voices carried over the massive courtyard, echoing against the walls. Arav's jaw fell slightly. He had never seen such authority in anyone's movements before.
As they passed under the Triamath archway, Arav's gaze was immediately drawn to the huge logo engraved above the gates. It was beautiful, yet strange—intricate symbols seemed etched faintly along the edges. He squinted, feeling a tingle run down his spine. He couldn't explain why, but something about the logo felt… alive, as if it was watching him.
"Follow me, little boy," Varek said, letting go of his hand. Arav's heart thumped painfully in his chest, his palms sweaty. Excitement, curiosity, and fear collided inside him. He followed Varek closely, careful not to stumble.
Varek led him to a woman standing near the corridor entrance. "Rias, it's your responsibility to guide him for the next two days. Keep him safe. That's my command," Varek said, handing Arav's hand gently to her.
Rias' eyes brightened, and she saluted with a respectful nod. "Yes, sir. I'll make sure he's safe."
Arav glanced back at Varek once more, watching his navy-blue cloak sway with every step. Then, hesitantly, he looked at Rias. She smiled warmly, and patted his head. "And what's your name, little girl?" she teased playfully.
Arav's cheeks turned pink. "I-I'm a boy… My name is Arav Veylorn," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself.
Rias chuckled softly. "Pardon me, I mistook you for a girl. You're… very striking."
Arav's innocent tone peeked through as he replied, "What's your name, ma'am?"
"I'm Rias Greyhock, deputy captain of Troop Three," she said firmly, though her eyes softened slightly as she led him toward the stairs.
As they walked, Arav couldn't stop looking around. Young children like him—boys and girls—moved through the corridors. Many smiled at him as he passed, and he returned their smiles, feeling a strange warmth despite the fear he still carried from the events of the past night.
Meanwhile, Varek entered a room ahead. "Captain Varek Gravemont reporting, sir," he said respectfully.
An older man seated at the front motioned his hand lazily holding a hookah in other hand that's producing some smoke around him. His sharp eyes can pierce through anyone's soul without hesitation. "Your mission reports," he said calmly. His calmness was intimidating, even for Varek, who rarely showed fear.
"Our mission was successful. We saved a nearby village from a beast raid," Varek reported, standing straight.
But then a deep, familiar voice rang out. "You're late, dumbass."
Varek's jaw tightened. "Just shut up, jerk," he replied.
The man standing there smiled smugly. "I finished my mission first so I won."
Varek's fist clenched tightly. He wanted to explode but held himself back.
"General, why is he even here?" Varek asked, gesturing toward the man."I must ask you this" that person said.
"Silence! Both of you!" the general roared, his voice shaking the room. "You're both elite captains now… and yet you argue like the first day you met!" He slammed a pile of documents onto the table in front of them. "Take these and leave, now!"
Varek and the other man—Mayank—glared at each other, but neither spoke. They left the office, their cloaks swinging behind them, drawing whispers and admiration from those in the corridor.
"Look! They're elite captains!" a young girl exclaimed.
"Captain Varek is amazing!" another said.
"Captain Mayank… he's even cooler!" someone else replied.
Mayank grinned. "Can you hear them talking?" he teased Varek, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Varek clenched his teeth. "Disgusting creep."
As they walked, their cloaks—one navy, one olive—swirled behind them like banners, signaling the presence of power and authority in every step.
Here in that room, "You two are among the five gems, I have" General said smoking hookah with a smile. He closes his eyes with a smile resting his head on the headstand of chair.
Arav's gaze lingered on them both, his mind racing. Rias held Arav's hand tight and casually said opening a door,"So, Arav this your room".The room was huge with two beds and a huge central table, the blue curtains hung closing the huge window of room. His eyes widened with shock and whispered, "This is incredibly huge for a person".
. Who was Mayank? Could he be a friend… or a threat? And what about Kabeer, who had been silent since the incident?
Arav shivered at the thought of the power they all wielded—and at the mysteries that Triamath seemed to hold within its walls.