Chapter Forty

Aeri falls through a hollowed tree into a bright, grass-carpeted cavern piled with scrolls, soon followed by Sora, Mikail, and Royo. Three gray-robed Yoksa witness their chaotic arrival. Mikail addresses the priests, presenting the group as pilgrims seeking knowledge and safe quarter and noting Royo as a keeper’s son, while Royo produces the green key.

Braya, the temple’s keeper, arrives and addresses them in Yusanian. She recognizes Mikail as Adoros Miat and offers condolences for his parents, then affirms Royo’s resemblance to Snaw, the keeper father Royo cannot remember. Braya also identifies Aeri as Naerium, the twice-blessed Yusan princess, and reveals Sora’s name as Athora Inigo.

Braya grants them welcome with strict conditions: no destroying, taking, or altering information; a vow of silence within the walls; weapons left outside; and assistance upon request. Mikail vows they will do no violence in the temple.

As they follow Braya across the uncanny green floor, Royo, shaken by Aeri’s fall, takes her hand and asks her not to scare him again. Aeri admits she wants always to be by Royo’s side. United by renewed trust and newfound confirmation of their identities, the four prepare to search the temple for the answers they need.