Codex Primordia: A Foundational Study of Domains
Written by Salazar Whitmore
The classification of artes into sixteen distinct domains remains one of the most enduring frameworks in the study of spira manipulation. These domains are divided into two primary categories—eight martial and eight caster domains—each representing a specialized discipline of the arcane and the physical.
The Sixteen Domains
The martial domains, defined by their emphasis on physicality and instinctive attunement, are as follows: Forcer, Blitzer, Morpher, Specialist, Dominator, Anima, Augmentor, and Fluxer.
The caster domains, which rely upon knowledge, incantation, and precise willworking, are: Evocation, Abjuration, Conjuration, Transmutation, Necromancy, Illusion, Enchanting, and Divination.
This passage serves as an introduction for early tutelage and will not delve into the intricate nuances of each domain, their advanced applications, or the complex interactions between them. For a more comprehensive analysis—including case studies and historical perspectives on domain mastery—refer to The Codex Arcanum: A Comprehensive Study of the Sixteen Domains by Aniel Bluebridge.
The Rule of Three
Every arte user is attuned to at least one domain, though the most adept may expand their mastery to a total of three. The reason for this limit remains an enigma, but the prevailing theory—widely attributed to the Shinhanan monk Nao Dila—suggests a fundamental division of the mortal form into three planes: body, mind, and spirit. Each domain is believed to anchor itself to one of these planes, and no individual can support more than three without violating the natural order of existence. Whether this restriction is biological, spiritual, or simply a yet-unexplained law of the cosmos remains a matter of scholarly debate.
The Paths of Learning
A domain may be acquired through one of three distinct paths, each shaping the wielder's affinity and approach to artes:
Field Learning (Experience Visualization) – This is the most organic form of domain attunement, where mastery is developed through direct action. A warrior who trains in the sword will likely become a Forcer; a hunter who refines their archery may awaken as a Fluxer. Field learning favors the martial domains, as it is rooted in instinct, repetition, and personal experience rather than theoretical study. Academic Learning (Scholastic Pursuit) – Unlike the physical demands of field learning, academic learning relies on the accumulation of knowledge. Those who seek to wield artes through study—whether within esteemed academies or under private tutelage—can access the intricacies of caster domains without requiring firsthand experience. Even those lacking natural talent can manifest potent casting artes through rigorous study, though their techniques are often less adaptable and more rigid. The Natural Born – The rarest and most mysterious of all arte users, natural-born practitioners manifest their abilities without training or conscious effort. Once dismissed as myth, their existence was verified following the Great War, where such individuals displayed unparalleled proficiency with artes well before their peers. The youngest recorded case was a noble infant who conjured flames before he could walk. The exact cause of this anomaly is unclear.
Despite centuries of study, the true nature of artes and their connection to the soul remains elusive. What is known, however, is that the sixteen domains define the means by which spira is harnessed—whether through strength of will, the pursuit of knowledge, or the whims of fate itself.
The road stretched endlessly before Kai, a well-worn path of packed dirt and trampled grass leading toward the towering walls of Aldinia. He had seen fortifications before—stone barricades surrounding villages, wooden palisades guarding townships—but nothing like this. The capital's walls loomed impossibly high, so tall in fact, Kai had spotted them hours ago during his approach. Atop the battlements, armored guards patrolled with spears in hand, their polished breastplates glinting in the afternoon sun.
The agricultural gate, as he had overheard from fellow travelers, was the main entry for farmers, merchants, and laborers bringing goods into the city. It showed in the sheer number of people. Wagons creaked under the weight of grain sacks and barrels of fruit, their drivers calling out in frustration as the languid queue inched forward. The air was thick with the scent of soil, manure, and fresh produce.
Patty had told him about Aldinia. The Institute of Thaumaturgical Engineering, that's where he needed to go if he wanted to learn more about thaumaturgy. He wasn't sure yet, but he felt that these magical devices were directly tied to the dwindling mana in the world. He needed to learn more about them.
He glanced back at the path he had traveled. As expected, the crow had stopped following him. It flew away once he neared civilization. A small pang of disappointment settled in his chest. It was a shame, really—he had grown accustomed to the mute companionship the bird offered during his travels.
Kai kept to the side, moving with the flow of foot traffic, uncertain of what else to do. He wasn't the only traveler—men and women on horseback, hooded figures leading carts, children weaving between their parents' legs—Yet, despite the crowd, he felt utterly out of place. His hand-me-down clothes, bulky and well-worn, made him standout. Though he had washed in a river the night before, he could still feel the dirt clinging to his skin. Compared to the merchants in dyed linens and the workers in sturdy leathers, he might as well have been a stray dog wandering into a feast.
He kept his head down, watching how those ahead of him approached the gates. A handful of guards stood at the entrance, their gazes sweeping the crowd with practiced scrutiny. Occasionally, they stopped someone—exchanged a few words—then either waved them through or pulled them aside for further questioning.
Kai's pulse quickened. What if they stopped him? What if there were rules he didn't know, expectations he hadn't met? He had coin—Patty had given him enough for the journey—but was that enough? Did he need a reason for entering? He hadn't thought to ask, and Patty hadn't said.
A shout pulled him from his thoughts. A farmer was arguing with a guard over a cart of wheat, insisting he had already paid his dues last week. The dispute caused a slight bottleneck and the press of bodies swept him forward. He passed beneath the massive stone archway, the cool shade of the gatehouse washing over him for a fleeting moment before the crowd pushed him into the streets beyond.
He had entered Aldinia.
The merchant quarter was a storm of noise and motion. Kai moved through the shifting crowds, struggling to keep pace as merchants shouted over one another, haggling with customers, and boasting about their wares. Stalls overflowed with goods—bolts of cloth in deep reds and blues, crates of ripe fruit, leather boots and belts hanging from wooden racks. The smells clashed together, sweet and pungent, fresh and metallic.
As Kai passed the stalls, the air shifted, humming with energy. The streets came alive with music, laughter, and the rhythmic clatter of drums. A clash of colorful banners hung from every building, fluttering in the wind, stalls were adorned with flowers and garlands. Everywhere he looked, people wore bright, festive clothes, their faces flushed with excitement and drink. The sounds of merriment echoed from all directions as revelers danced and sang, their energy contagious. It appeared to be some sort of festival. Kai found himself carried along by the jubilant crowd, but beneath the celebration, a lingering unease settled in his chest. The sights, the sounds, the people—the unfamiliarity of it was all so overwhelming. He had never been in a place like this before, and the chaos made it harder to focus on his thoughts.
Kai tried to mentally map out the terrain, but the streets twisted at odd angles, branching into alleyways and side roads that all seemed to lead somewhere different. Signs hung above storefronts, painted with symbols he barely understood. The letters were familiar, but the words were foreign.
Then, amid the chaos, he caught sight of something that made him stop: a forge.
The shop was carved into the stone, its entrance wide to vent the heat spilling from within. Sparks flew as a blacksmith hammered at a length of glowing metal, the rhythmic clang ringing out over the din of the street. Weapons lined the walls—blades of varying lengths, axes, spears, even a few battered shields.
Kai pushed through the crowd, drawn to the swords. Without Branlen's sword at his side, he had been feeling less than confident. The world outside of Vander had thus far proven to be far more dangerous than he had expected. The thought of arming himself with a different sword hadn't occurred to him before, but now, standing before the rack of gleaming steel, it seemed obvious.
He hesitated before approaching the forge. The blacksmith barely spared him a glance at first, focused on his work.
Kai cleared his throat. "Uh… I need a sword."
The man exhaled, setting his hammer aside. He wiped sweat from his brow with a thick forearm before nodding toward the racks. "Plenty to choose from. What's your price range?"
Kai blinked. "Price range?"
The blacksmith gave him a long look, then pointed at the sign beside the weapons. Numbers were scratched into the wood, but they meant nothing to Kai.
His stomach twisted. Patty had said the coins could be traded for goods, but she hadn't explained how much anything was worth. He reached for his pouch, pulling it open. Inside, dull copper coins clinked against slightly larger silver ones. He frowned, picking out a few of each and holding them up.
Kai gestured toward the rack of swords. "What's the cheapest one?"
The blacksmith scratched his beard and eyed him. "Cheapest that won't break the first time you swing it? That'd be the short sword there—forty Bels."
Kai had no idea if that was expensive or not, but judging by the man's tone, he suspected it wasn't. He reached into his pouch and pulled out a few silver coins. "Uh… what can I get for this?"
The blacksmith glanced at the coins in his palm and let out a long sigh. "Not a sword."
Kai frowned. "Not even a little one?"
"Not even a knife."
Kai glanced back at the blades, then at the coins. "What about that dagger?"
"That one's twenty-five Bels."
Kai hesitated. "...And if I had twenty-five Bels?"
"Then I'd charge you thirty."
Kai scowled. "That doesn't seem fair."
The blacksmith shrugged. "That's how haggling works, lad. If you're trying to talk me down, I'll start high. If you're trying to talk me up, I'll start low. But unless you've got more than a handful of chips and Bels, you're wasting your time."
Kai tightened his grip on the coins. He could at least try. "What if—what if I gave you all of this for it?"
The blacksmith peered down at the meager sum and let out a dry chuckle. "Tell you what. You throw in a favor, and I'll get you something real nice."
Kai's eyes lit up. "Really?"
The blacksmith smirked. "Sure. I got an old kitchen knife in the back—handle's a bit loose, blade's got a crack in it, but it'll still cut bread if you push hard enough."
Kai gave him a flat look as placed the pouch back on his belt.. "…I'll think about it."
He was about to step away from the blacksmith's stall when a man brushed past him, bumping him hard enough to jostle his pack.
"Oh, sorry!" Kai called out, instinctively adjusting his bag.
The man didn't stop, barely even acknowledging him as he disappeared into the crowd.
The blacksmith didn't look up from his work, but he let out a low chuckle. "You didn't notice, did you? That was a pickpocket, lad. Took your pouch right off your belt."
Kai blinked, patting his now-empty belt. "What?"
The blacksmith shook his head with a slight smirk. "You've got your pouch hanging out for the world to see. It's no wonder he nabbed it. You'll want to keep it closer next time. A bit of advice for a greenhorn like yourself."
Kai's face turned red as the realization sank in. He hadn't thought anything of it—he had just felt the weight of the pouch at his side, secure. But now that the blacksmith pointed it out, he could see how careless he'd been.
"Right," Kai muttered, trying to hide his embarrassment. "I'll just have to get it back."
With that, he quickly turned and pushed into the crowd, his eyes scanning for the thief, already knowing he was probably too late.
"Good luck," the smith called after him dryly, wiping his hands on his apron. "A sword would've made it easier."
Kai pushed through the sea of bodies, his eyes darting wildly while scanning the crowded streets. The festival-goers were in full swing, many of them laughing, drinking, and stumbling around, unaware of the theft that had just taken place.
The thief was quick, vanishing into the crowd as Kai stumbled after him. The festival was a buzz with life, the sounds of drums and jingling trinkets blending into a chaotic symphony. Faces flashed by, too numerous to count, each one a fleeting blur—too many distractions pulling him in every direction. Every second wasted in the crowd furthered the distance between the two.
His pulse quickened and his breath shallow as anxiety creeped in. He needed to think faster. The streets were narrow, a twisted maze that weaved through the merchant quarter, buildings towering on every side. Kai's mind raced, but he couldn't make sense of the labyrinth in front of him. He didn't know this city, nor how to navigate the winding alleys and dead ends.
A flash of movement caught his eye—there! The man with the pouch, weaving through the crowd.. "Stop!" he shouted, but his voice was swallowed by the noise, lost among the festival's clamor. Squeezing his way through the crowd, he pressed forward in pursuit.
Then, through the crowd, he saw it—a gap. A narrow alleyway between two stalls. The thief had disappeared into it. He couldn't let him slip away.
Instinct took over as his mind snapped into action. Kai's eyes caught sight of a tall building to his left. Its wooden awning jutted out, the beams strong enough to serve as a foothold. There was no time to hesitate.
Kai leapt, his fingers reaching for the nearest beam, using it to propel himself upward. A shout rang out below, but he didn't hesitate, pushing forward with all his strength. His fingers scraped against the walls while he scrambled up the side of the building, his palms burning from the stone's rough texture.
His limbs moved with the fluidity of years spent running and climbing through the forest, but the city was unforgiving.. The rooftops were slick with age, their stone weathered and treacherous. The wind howled through the gaps of buildings, threatening to send him plummeting to the ground.
The city stretched out beneath him—a patchwork of rooftops and winding streets. He paused, scanning the crowd below, looking for any sign of the thief.
His eyes fixed on the thief, still darting through the crowd below, weaving between people. The new height gave him the advantage, but every second counted.
With a grunt, Kai leapt from one rooftop to the next, his feet landing lightly on the edge before he bounded forward. He was close now, so close. The thief turned the corner ahead, running toward an incline in the road, the path narrowing toward a ledge.
Kai's pulse raced. This was it.
He launched himself forward, his body arcing through the air. Clearing the gap between buildings, he landed with a soft thud on the next rooftop. A few more steps, and he was closing in. The thief was almost within reach.
As Kai landed on the last rooftop the thief disappeared from view, hopping over a railing into a darkened area beneath the road. Kai's heart skipped. He was losing him again.
With a running startKai dove toward the railing, leaping just as the thief had. The descent was steep, and the air around him thickened as he tumbled into a roll, his body absorbing the impact. He came to his feet in a crouch, his surroundings suddenly silent, the noise of the festival vanishing, replaced by the damp scent of dirt and refuse.
The underbelly of the city was a far cry from the bustling streets above. The buildings here leaned in toward each other, their walls crumbling and stained with years of neglect. The ground was uneven, the stones slick with muck. Kai's breath came in short bursts, focusing on tapping into his spira. He couldn't afford to lose sight of the thief here.
Spira pulsed within him, sharpening his senses. Every step, every breath, became clearer. He could hear the thief ahead, his footsteps echoing off the tight walls of the alley. Kai pushed forward, his pulse quickening, each stride closing the gap between them.
The deeper he went, the more the world around him seemed to degrade. The cheerful noises of the festival a distant memory, replaced by the groans of decaying buildings and the low murmur of voices. As Kai moved through the alleys, shadows of people flickered past—figures draped in tattered clothes, their faces hollow with exhaustion. None of them paid the chase any mind. The narrow streets barely allowed for a single person, forcing Kai to weave between the ragged figures. His muscles burned from overuse, his pace faltering even with Spira fueling him. Gritting his teeth, he pushed forward, forcing his legs to move faster, ignoring the outcry of his body.
His gaze snapped to the side. There—a low window ledge. He lunged for it, fingers catching the edge as momentum carried him upward. The motion was seamless, muscle memory guiding him as he vaulted onto the rooftop. From above, the whole mess of streets sprawled out below, a tangled maze of alleys and passageways. The buildings stacked haphazardly, a mismatched pile of timber and stone, as if the city had been thrown together in a hurry and left to fend for itself.
And there, just ahead, he saw the thief again, darting toward a set of stairs in a secluded alley. Kai's heart raced. He was almost there.
He leapt from the rooftop, tucking into a roll before his feet met the ground. He exploded forward, pushing to his limits. The thief was just ahead, but the alley was tight, its walls pressed close. From around the corner, a burly figure stepped from the shadows, cutting off the alley. Kai skidded to a halt. Another thug appeared from the opposite side, and just like that, Kai's quarry was gone—his path blocked by the two brutes.
"Bit too eager, aren't ya?" the first thug sneered, cracking his knuckles.
Kai's pulse hammered in his chest, his mind spinning. He didn't know what they wanted, but one thing was clear—they weren't going to let him pass.
The first thug lunged, a meaty fist flying toward Kai's face. Kai reacted quickly and ducked beneath the punch, twisting his body to avoid the blow. In one fluid motion, he pushed off the ground, driving an elbow into the thug's ribs. The man staggered back, gasping for air. Without looking back, Kai pivoted, focusing on the second thug.
The second thug was larger, his movements heavy and deliberate. He didn't strike right away but shifted his weight, closing the distance at his own pace. Kai's body ached from the chase, fatigue weighing down his limbs. He knew he had to be quick, but exhaustion was settling in. As the thug threw a wide hook, Kai barely managed to slip to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike. The thug's fist slammed into the stone wall instead, and the sound of cracking bones echoed through the alley.
As Kai prepared to strike, a third figure materialized from the shadows, their face hidden beneath a shadowed cloak. A hand shot out toward him.
The enchantment hit him like a wave, its magic settling over him with a suffocating weight. His body felt sluggish and weighed down. His limbs refused to obey, his Spira failing to break through the oppressive magic. He tried to move, tried to escape, but his body betrayed him. The second thug seized him, wrenching his arms behind his back with brutal force, sending a wave of pain through his shoulders.
"Quick little bastard," the first thug growled, moving in close. "But we'll take care of you."
Kai's struggles were in vain. The enchantment clung to him, unyielding, as they bound his hands. A cloth was forced over his eyes, plunging him into darkness. He was powerless, like a ragdoll in their grasp.
They carried him through the streets, passing crumbling buildings and empty alleys. "Another body for the underbridge," a voice nearby said flatly.
"I don't care what they do with him," another voice muttered, indifferent. "But they better not attract too much attention. If they bring the Wardens down here..."
Kai's heart hammered in his chest, his mind frantic as the rough steps of his captors dragged him deeper into their world. With a sudden jolt, he was slammed to the ground, the impact rattling through his bones. The heavy door of the room groaned as it slammed shut, its echo ringing in the subsequent silence.
The enchantment had begun to wear off, but he was still bound, unable to move. His head throbbed, as the voices of his captors faded away, leaving him in the suffocating murk.
A voice cut through the stillness.
"Ah, it seems we have a new arrival among us. Might I inquire, dear friend, are you a tad disoriented, perchance?" the voice asked. "The Fool's Banquet lies just above, I believe you've taken an unintended detour."
Kai turned his head toward the voice, using the nearby wall to steady himself as he pushed himself into a sitting position.
"I am Oro Arenberg. And, might I offer a word of caution—if I were in your shoes, I'd tread carefully. They're not always inclined to extend the warmest of welcomes to visitors such as yourself in these depths," the voice had an amused tone to it.
Kai cleared his throat, his voice strained but steady, "I didn't mean to end up here."
Oro's laughter echoed through the dim space. "None of us ever do, yet here we stand, regardless. I trust you've gleaned a lesson or two about this city in your time here? I dare say, perhaps a touch too trusting, wouldn't you agree?"
"I was just trying to get my coin pouch back," Kai grumbled.
Oro's voice cut through the silence again. "Is that so? You ventured all the way down here? I daresay, you must have quite the abundance of coin in that pouch of yours. But no matter. What truly matters now is ensuring your swift departure, lest your stay here become rather... permanent."
Kai tried to stand, but he slipped on something slimy, forcing him back to the ground. His frustration mounted. "I don't even know where here is. What about you? You're down here too, you know."
"This, my dear friend, would be the Underbridge," Oro replied, his tone nonchalant, though tinged with a subtle bitterness. "The wretched slums beneath Aldinia. A haven for those who vanish from sight... or for individuals such as myself, who find themselves reduced to misfortune. They seek nothing more than a ransom for my safe return. As for you, however, you scarcely strike me as a noble. I doubt they will have much need of you. Do not trouble yourself, my friend. I shall see to it that you make your escape from this place. It is, after all, a nobleman's solemn duty—nay, privilege—to care for the common folk of this illustrious city."
Kai had heard Patty mention nobles when she was talking about Grant. Does that mean the person he was speaking to was important in some way? "Okay… how do we plan to escape then?" He asked.
"Ah, well, that is rather simple, isn't it?" Oro said matter-of-factly, a burst of light flaring just beyond the veil that covered Kai's eyes. He could feel a wave of heat emanating from where Oro's voice came from. Was that fire?
A moment later, the blindfold was pulled away. Kai blinked, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting, but he could see well enough to make out the details of his rescuer.
Oro Arenberg stood before him, his presence immediately striking. His neatly styled curls of red hair caught the faintest hint of light, giving them a fiery glow. They framed his pale face, which, though youthful, carried an aristocratic air. His piercing blue eyes—almost unnaturally bright in the dim surroundings—glinted with something almost playful, like someone accustomed to getting exactly what they wanted.
Oro wore a refined outfit, though it was marred by wear and the grime of his surroundings. His embroidered vest of deep green was paired with a ruffled shirt that peeked out from beneath. The ruffles were exaggerated, a clear sign of someone who took pride in their appearance, even in a place like this. The fabric was obviously finer than most, though it had been torn in several places. His boots, polished yet slightly scuffed, gave him a curious blend of nobility and someone who had spent too long in places they didn't quite belong.
Despite the worn look of his clothes, there was a certain poise to his posture—a confidence that came from knowing exactly where you stood—or, perhaps more accurately, who you were. Kai could tell he was someone accustomed to being at the center of attention.
Kai blinked a few times, trying to get his bearings, then finally spoke. "So... you're a noble, then?"
Oro chuckled softly, giving Kai a curious look. "You are, quite evidently, far from home, aren't you? One could certainly say that," Oro replied with a shrug, his tone light yet laced with a knowing edge. "But whether noble or not, we all find ourselves here in the end, do we not? I don't don this fine ensemble simply for the sake of appearance, my friend. It is, in truth, the family's preferred garb. As for me... well, let us just say I've dwelt within the very bowels of Aldinia far longer than most would deem fitting for someone of my... stature." He paused, before he flashed a sly smirk. "But I'm certain that tale can wait. For now, escape—that is what truly matters, yes?"
Kai wasn't sure whether he should be in awe or wary of this strange figure, but the urgency of their situation pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind. Oro motioned for Kai to turn around so that he could untie the rope bonds. Kai obliged, but noted the singed rope and fabric on the ground, still smoldering if it was only just recently alight. As the knot loosened he pulled his hands free and stood up to properly face Oro.
"Escape, right," Kai muttered, raising an eyebrow. "And what's the plan?"
He glanced around the room. It appeared they had been thrown into some sort of storage room. Old crates and barrels were stacked all around. The only light in the room was a thaumic lamp, that was far dimmer than the ones he had been around in Limdal.
Oro's lips curled into a smirk while he assessed Kai. "Ah, quite simple indeed. We shall blast our way out of here and make a swift escape, my friend!"
"My name is Kai Vander," Kai declared in annoyance. The 'my friend', was started to grate on his nerves.
Oro nodded curtly as he turned to the doorway, stepping forward with an almost theatrical flourish. "Keep your wits sharp, Kai. These individuals are not to be underestimated. Do try to keep pace... and, if you value your safety, I suggest you step back."
Kai shot him a quizzical look, but he did as instructed and stepped away from the door.
Oro held out his hand, palm facing up. His eyes gleamed with a mischievous intensity while he gathered his energy. A soft hum of heat began to radiate from his palm, growing steadily stronger. Kai could feel the enormity of the spira building, and he took another step back, pressing his back against the far wall.
With a flick of his wrist, a ball of fire ignited, swirling and crackling with wild intensity. Oro hurled it at the door, casually as if he were throwing a ball. The fireball struck with a deafening explosion, the door bursting off its hinges and crashing to the floor in a shower of splinters. The force sent a gust of sweltering air through the room, stirring up dust and scattering crates across the floor.
"After you, then!" Oro grinned with a wink, stepping aside as the way opened before them.
Kai nodded dumbly, stepping past Oro and into a large room. It appeared to be a tavern, reminding him of Patty's place. There was light in the room, but the smoke from the blast was still clearing. He could hear chatter, and as the haze lifted, he saw the dimly lit space was filled with rough-looking men and women, their eyes narrowed and fingers twitching toward hidden knives.
"Ah, well, that's more than I anticipated, I must admit," Oro said as he strode out of the room. As the scoundrels began to stand, he raised his hand again, and within seconds, a wave of heat rippled through the room. Flames burst from his palm, creating walls of fire that licked the floor and ceiling, cutting off several of the would-be attackers. The scoundrels recoiled, some jumping back in terror while others growled in defiance, pulling out weapons and rushing forward.
Kai wasn't sure what to do. His first instinct was to run, but then he realized—Oro wasn't about to back down. He had a purpose here, and he'd already seized control of the situation.
"Don't just stand there!" Oro shouted, his voice rising over the crackle of the flames. "Assist me in clearing the path!"
Kai took a deep breath and leaped into the fray. His hands, still a bit shaky from the earlier bindings, found a nearby chair. With a quick motion, he swung it at a burly man charging toward him. The chair cracked against the man's head, sending him stumbling backward into a pile of broken bottles.
A group of thugs charged toward Oro, but the noble was already a step ahead. He lobbed another fireball, sending it arcing toward the ceiling and igniting a nearby shelf of liquor. Bottles exploded with a fiery crash, spreading flame and setting the bar ablaze. Leaving the room in complete pandemonium.
"Step lightly, Kai!" Oro called, dodging a man who had charged at him with a cleaver in hand. He flicked his hand once more, and another ring of fire appeared, trapping two of the attackers in a circle of flame.
Kai was starting to get into the rhythm of the chaos. He darted through the melee, staying low to the ground, using his agility to outmaneuver anyone who tried to catch him. A thug swung a heavy mug at him, but Kai ducked, and with a swift punch, sent the mug flying. He followed up with a quick jab to the man's ribs, knocking him off balance and creating an opening for Kai to slip past.
"Keep moving. Swiftly now!" Oro shouted, a bit of amusement in his voice as he effortlessly dodged a swing from a nearby thug and flicked a third fireball flying through the air, setting a table ablaze and forcing the remaining patrons to scatter.
Kai glanced around the room, taking in how the fire and chaos had thrown the tavern into complete disarray. It seemed that everyone was either fleeing the flames or trying to douse them, leaving the path to the backstreets wide open.
They darted through the back door and into the narrow alleyway beyond, the crackling of burning wood and the occasional crash of falling debris still drifting from the tavern. The alleyway was dim and silent, cluttered with old crates and garbage—a deceptive calm after the chaos they'd fled. Yet, the shadows carried an unspoken menace, as if danger lingered just out of sight.
"Not much further now," Oro called over his shoulder, his pace unbothered as he navigated the alley as if he'd walked it a thousand times.
Kai followed closely, struggling to keep pace. As they turned a corner, Oro gestured toward a ladder leading up to the roof of a crumbling building. Kai hesitated for only a moment before climbing the ladder.
They weaved through the rooftops, leaping across tiny gaps and darting between buildings, occasionally ducking into abandoned houses or alleys when they heard voices approaching. The streets below were crowded, people milling about without noticing the two figures above them.
Oro called back, barely breaking stride. "The key lies in taking the most unexpected path."
Kai nodded, "You have to make escapes often?" he asked, staying close behind.
"Only when absolutely necessary," Oro replied.
They finally slowed their pace as the rooftops fell away and the back alleys thinned out, eventually giving way to wider streets and more welcoming architecture. Kai could see the cityscape of the upper district in the distance—a stark contrast to the grimy slums they'd just escaped from. It wasn't long before the sounds of the bustling streets grew louder, and the tension that had been in the air seemed to dissipate, at least for now.
Oro seemed more at ease now that they were moving through the upper district, his steps light, almost unhurried. He turned to Kai with a grin.
"Ah, the air up here is decidedly fresher, wouldn't you agree? Now, let us endeavor to make our departure as seamless as possible."
"Departure?" Kai echoed. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," Oro said cryptically, not missing a beat, leading the way toward a large, peculiar building in the distance. It was unlike anything Kai had ever seen before. The structure was tall and narrow, with a series of metal lines stretching out in front of it, disappearing into the horizon. At the entrance, a large sign displayed an unfamiliar name. Thaumic contraptions adorned the building's sides, with occasional puffs of steam and the rhythmic whirs of gears emanating from it. The structure was exceptionally long, its length stretching all the way down to the city wall.
"What kind of building is this?" Kai asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. He had never seen anything like it.
Oro chuckled softly. "Not quite, my dear Kai. This is no building, if you must know, it is a train. A most efficient means of transport, far swifter than any horse-drawn carriage. Come now, we're on a rather tight schedule."
"A train…?" Kai muttered under his breath, still unsure of what he was looking at. The hulking contraption resembled the large carts he had seen near the gates, though it was far longer, with large windows lining its sides.
Oro waved away his confusion as if it were a trivial matter. "Let us board without further delay, before we are held up any longer."
They walked toward the entrance, where a uniformed guard stood, his stance stiff. The guard gave Oro a brief nod of acknowledgement, clearly recognizing him as a nobleman.
"Oro Arenberg," the guard said, his tone respectful. "You're expected."
Oro nodded curtly in return. "Indeed. And this," he gestured toward Kai, "...Ah, and this is my bodyguard. My most loyal and steadfast protector."
Kai looked at Oro in bewilderment. What was he talking about?
The guard's eyes flicked skeptically toward Kai, taking in his scrawny build, the grime caked on his skin, and his lack of a weapon.
"Him?" the guard muttered under his breath, his gaze lingering on Kai with doubt. He looked at Oro for confirmation. "You sure about that?"
"I am quite certain, indeed." Oro replied with a confident smile.
The guard grunted in response, obviously unconvinced but willing to let the matter slide. With a resigned wave, he stepped aside and allowed them both entry. "Go on in."
Kai followed Oro, still unsure what to make of the situation. As they stepped inside, he was struck by the interior of the train—surprisingly elegant, with soft, plush seating and large, wide windows offering a stunning view of the city. The space had an odd mix of old and new; the polished wood floors contrasting with the strange, mechanical devices that lined the walls.
Oro slid into one of the seats near the back, gesturing for Kai to follow. "Make yourself at ease, Kai. We're in for quite the journey."
Kai hesitated but eventually sat down across from Oro, still trying to absorb everything that had just happened. He had only known Oro for a short time, but it was clear the man had a certain confidence.
"I appreciate you helping me escape, but I have somewhere I need to be." Kai said, his original goal still weighing heavily on his mind.
"Apologies, but you'll have to endure my company a little longer," Oro declared with a wry smile. "Escaping doesn't mean they've stopped searching. It's far wiser to leave the city for now, and conveniently, I've already arranged a trip." He paused, his expression turning more playful. "Besides, we're of a similar age, wouldn't you agree? Surely, we could become steadfast companions on this little adventure of ours. And as for coin…" Oro's smile widened. "Rest assured, I'll compensate you generously for your services."
Kai eyed the boisterous nobleman warily. He seemed friendly enough, but there was something undeniably odd about him. Kai couldn't help but wonder if there was some hidden motive behind his actions, though for now, he seemed harmless enough.
"I guess so…" Kai murmured.
"Excellent! I'm certain your business can afford to wait a few weeks, after all." Oro declared with a wink.