The silver doors closed with a soft thud, leaving Shennong, Mandira, Veyra, and Lyssara in the crystal-lined hallway. The air was still charged with residual mana, but the oppressive weight from the chamber had lifted. Shennong leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, his usual grin tinged with frustration.

"Is that it?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of disbelief. "We came all this way to hear the Overseer say she can't see my future? That's the big reveal?"

Manola, standing gracefully nearby, turned to him with a patient smile. Her ivory robes shimmered faintly as she adjusted a golden hairpin in her chestnut curls. "Patience, Shennong. The Mage Sanctuary doesn't function on whims or hasty conclusions. The Overseer's foresight is a guide, not a crutch. We seek her counsel, but we don't rely solely on her visions."

Mandira nodded, her staff tapping lightly against the floor. "Exactly. The Overseer sees threads of possibility, not certainties. Her words give us direction, but it's up to us to act."

Manola's amber eyes softened, though her tone grew firm. "As Sisters of the Sanctuary, it's our duty to act on this. But we must tread carefully. The Overseer spoke of fire, betrayal, and chaos. The last thing we want is to bring that chaos to the land."

Lyssara, who had been unusually quiet, piped up, her mischievous grin returning. "Chaos isn't that bad. Keeps things interesting."

Mandira shot her a sharp look. "Not when it risks the balance of the realm, Lyssara."

Shennong raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. "Speaking of the realm, what's the deal here? Mandira, you're from Sturgon, right? And Manola, you're from Leige?"

Manola inclined her head. "Correct. And Lyssara hails from the Empire. The Sanctuary draws mages from every corner of the land. In a way, this place exists to maintain peace, to ensure mana doesn't become a tool for destruction. We don't associate ourselves with our nations once we come here, except certain someone who wanted to go back to her nation."

Everyone looked at Mandira, who avoided the eye contact. "I told you...I didn't go there to show off my power or serve my nation. I just wanted to take over the academy. Education is the best way to build a solid future,"

Lyssara smirked, twirling a lock of her hair. "Yeah, we're basically the world's babysitters. Keeping the mana in check so nobody blows up a kingdom or two."

Shennong's grin widened, but his eyes were sharp. "So, if push comes to shove, are you all ready to fight? I mean, if this genie and Succubus Queen business gets out of hand?"

Mandira and Manola exchanged a glance, their lips curving into matching smiles. Mandira spoke first, her voice calm but resolute. "It won't come to that."

Manola nodded. "The Sanctuary has weathered threats before. We don't seek conflict, but we're prepared to protect the balance."

Shennong tilted his head, unconvinced but letting it slide. "Fair enough. But let's circle back to this Succubus Queen. What's her deal? How can we get her here without bringing another calamity like that genie."

"There are few ways to do that, but..it looks like we are not the only party trying to do that," Manola's expression grew serious, her fingers brushing the golden embroidery on her robes. "There's been an… interesting rise in succubus activity across the land. Reports have come in from the border war camps—both Sturgon and Leige have noticed it. They're pressing the Sanctuary to intervene."

Mandira's eyes flicked to Shennong, a knowing look passing between them. It as if she wanted him to tell the truth about his contact with Yenissa, Rilith and Velara, but he knew avoiding those information would be best for now.

He caught it and frowned. "What's that look for? What's she mean?"

Manola stepped closer, her voice lowering as if sharing a secret. "The war camps at the borders are restless. Sturgon and Leige are at odds, as always, but they both know the Sanctuary stays neutral in mortal conflicts. However, when it comes to monstrous threats—like succubi or this genie—mages will step in. It's our duty."

Shennong crossed his arms, his dagger glinting at his belt. "Okay, but what's actually happening out there? What's got everyone so spooked?"

Manola's lips pursed, her gaze distant. "We don't have all the details yet. One of our Sisters is at the scene, investigating. She'll contact us soon through the megaphone—a communication artifact. Until then, we wait." Her eyes sparkled with sudden curiosity as she turned to Shennong. "But while we wait, why don't you show me what you can do? Mandira's told me you're… unique."

Shennong's grin returned, a glint of mischief in his eyes. He took a step back, eyeing Manola's elegant robes and the way she carried herself. Despite her title as the eldest Sister, her flawless skin and vibrant energy suggested her mana was keeping age at bay. Fashionable for an archmage, he thought, noting the intricate golden threads in her attire. "Alright, give me a few minutes."

Before anyone could respond, Shennong raised a hand, and a mud wall appeared in front of them, solidifying into a barrier that pulsed with faint energy. Lyssara yelped, jumping back, while Veyra raised an eyebrow, impressed.

Mandira sighed, rubbing her temple. "That's his unique skill. He can… create things. And he has something called an 'inventory' where he stores them."

Manola's brow arched, her interest piqued. "An inventory? That's not so unique. Any mage versed in spatial theory can manage a storage spell."

Mandira shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "No, this is different. His inventory is… impressive. He doesn't need chants, equipment, or even a focus. That backpack he carries? It's just for show. Style, he says."

Manola chuckled, eyeing the worn leather backpack slung over Shennong's shoulder. "Style? That's a peculiar choice. Though I suppose I'm not one to talk." She tapped her staff lightly, its polished wood gleaming despite her ability to cast without it. "This staff is more habit than necessity. A crutch for precision, perhaps. But as a Grandmage, I've learned to weave incantations faster than most can blink."

Lyssara gave a proud smile.

Manola's smile was serene, but her eyes sparkled with pride. "Flattery won't get you out of rune-scrubbing duty, Lyssara."

Before Lyssara could retort, Shennong emerged from behind the shimmering wall, which dissolved into motes of light. "Alright, Manola, close your eyes."

Manola blinked, surprised but intrigued. "What's this about?"

"Just trust me," Shennong said, his grin wide and infectious.

With a curious hum, Manola closed her eyes. Shennong stepped behind her, moving with surprising grace for someone so casual.

From his inventory, he took out a delicate necklace he crafted, its chain a fine weave of silver and gold, adorned with a single, radiant sapphire that pulsed with faint mana. He gently clasped it around her neck, stepping back as her eyes fluttered open.

Manola's fingers brushed the necklace, her breath catching as she took in its beauty. The sapphire gleamed like a captured star, its craftsmanship flawless. "Shennong… this is exquisite," she murmured, genuine awe in her voice.

Mandira's eyes widened, but her expression faltered, a flicker of sadness crossing her face. Shennong noticed and turned to her, his grin softening. Without a word, he reached into his inventory again, took out a ring he crafted—a delicate band of silver etched with intricate runes, a tiny emerald glowing at its center. He took Mandira's hand and slipped the ring onto her finger.

Mandira's cheeks flushed, her lips parting in surprise before curving into a warm smile. "You… you didn't have to."

Shennong shrugged, his grin returning. "Figured you deserved something nice too."

Manola's sharp eyes darted between them, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Well, well. It seems there's more to this group than meets the eye."

Before anyone could respond, a soft chime echoed through the hallway, emanating from a small, ornate device at Manola's side—a megaphone, its surface etched with glowing runes. She raised a hand, silencing the group. "It's our Sister from the border. We'll have answers soon."

She activated the megaphone, and a faint voice crackled through, laced with urgency. "Sister Manola, the situation at the border is worse than we thought. The succubi are growing bolder, and the gates to the otherworld are getting rather weak, we might have to re-strenghten them. Sturgon and Leige are on the verge of open conflict, and the mana disruptions are… unnatural. Someone is purposefully trying to break the barriers."

Manola's expression hardened. "Understood. We'll prepare to move. Stay safe, Sister."

As the connection faded, Manola turned to the group, her voice steady but grave. "We have work to do. Shennong, your skills may be more vital than we realized. And Mandira, we'll need your expertise to stabilize the mana flows."

Lyssara cracked her knuckles, grinning. "Finally, some action!"

Veyra sighed, muttering, "I prefer staying here."

Shennong cracked his head knowing he was making some progress.

Mandira's hand brushed the ring on her finger, her eyes meeting Shennong's. "Whatever comes, we face it together."

Manola nodded, her necklace glinting as she led the way. "To the war camps, then. Let's ensure the Sanctuary's peace holds strong."

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