Chapter 8 – Pilgrimage to Argon
The path to the Argon Sovereignty was long and treacherous, winding through forgotten valleys and sanctified ruins.
Argon was unlike any other world power—a city of spires, temples, and divine silence. No banners of war. No towers of steel. Only the white marble steps of a holy civilization ruled not by kings, but by Divine Ordainers who claimed the voice of the gods.
Jean had never set foot in Argon.
And now, an Emissary of Celeste approached its gates.
As they crossed the threshold of the outer sanctum, cloaked priests watched from alabaster archways. Their eyes glowed faintly—imbued with holy magic. Pilgrims parted for Jean instinctively, sensing the weight of the divine in her steps.
At the great inner sanctum, a voice called out:
"Child of Light. You walk a path littered with fire and prophecy."
Jean stopped before a figure descending the stairway.
She was tall, ageless, robed in silver and gold, eyes blindfolded. Her name was Virelle, the Sage-Seer of Argon, one of the highest-ranked Sages alive.
Cael clutched Jean's cloak, his flame flickering.
"You brought a boy of cursed flame to our sanctuary?" Virelle asked.
Jean met her gaze. "He needs guidance, not exile."
The Sage considered her.
"The Magus Family will hunt him. You know this. But…" She turned toward Cael. "I see the threads. His fire has not consumed his soul. Yet."
She touched the boy's brow. Light poured into him—and he gasped.
"He may stay. We will train him in the ways of controlled magic… but know this, Emissary of Celeste: if he loses himself, I will end him."
Jean nodded. "If that day comes, I'll draw my sword myself."
Cael looked up at her, trembling.
"Thank you, Jean."
She knelt before him, eye level.
"Become strong. But not for vengeance. For choice."
Then she turned away.
Whitney followed. "You're lighter," he said.
Jean exhaled. "Because I did something right."
But the bells of Argon tolled behind them.
A warning.
A new vision.
Virelle stood at the spires, whispering into the wind:
"The Emissaries begin to awaken. The Dragon Lord stirs. And the White Wolf walks toward war."
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