The capital's streets were overwhelming.

Thornwick's crowds had seemed dense. This was suffocating. Bodies pressed from every direction. Merchants hawking wares at volumes that made ears ring. Cart wheels grinding over cobblestones. The constant din of a million people existing in compressed space.

Raze's Combat Reflex fired constantly. Tracking threats. Pickpockets. Aggressive vendors. Guards who looked more like thugs. His enhanced perception painted dangers everywhere.

"Stay close," he called back to his team.

They navigated toward the inn district. Buildings here were functional rather than beautiful. Three stories maximum. Cramped between neighbors. Signs advertised rates that made Thornwick's prices look generous.

The Copper Rest caught Raze's attention. Not because it looked good. Because it looked survivable. Clean windows. Decent maintenance. No obvious criminal activity outside.

Creak.

The door opened to a small lobby. Worn furniture. A desk where a middle aged woman sat reading. She looked up with practiced disinterest.

"Rooms?"

"Two. Connected if possible."

"Fifty silver per room. Per week. Meals extra."

Raze counted out coins. One gold. The woman's expression didn't change as she pocketed it.

"Rooms seven and eight. Third floor. No refunds. No fights. No prostitution." She handed over two keys. "Break anything, you pay triple."

They climbed narrow stairs. The hallway smelled like old wood and cheap soap. Room seven's door stuck slightly before opening.

Inside was minimal. Two beds. A washbasin. A window overlooking an alley. Not luxury. But clean enough.

Room eight was identical.

"We should split logically," Kael suggested. "Aslan and I in one room. You two in the other."

Raze's stomach twisted. "Mariabel and I should have separate rooms."

"We only have two rooms. And Aslan needs monitoring. His condition requires someone with medical knowledge nearby." Kael's logic was sound. Practical. "You two are adults. You can share space without issue."

Mariabel laughed. Sharp. Amused. "Worried about your virtue, darling? I promise not to ravish you in your sleep."

Heat rose to Raze's face. His A rank Charm meant he drew attention. Knew he was attractive. But sharing a room with Mariabel was different.

She was beautiful. Objectively. Her curves were... prominent. The kind that drew eyes everywhere. And now they'd be sleeping feet apart.

"It's fine," he forced out. "Professional. No problem."

"That's the spirit." Mariabel dropped her bag on the bed nearest the window. "I call this one. You get the one by the door. More tactical anyway. First line of defense if someone breaks in."

They settled in. Unpacked essentials. The silence was awkward until Kael knocked.

"Meals. Then we split up for our tasks."

The inn's dining area was crowded. They found a corner table. Ordered stew and bread. The food was bland but filling.

"Priorities," Raze said between bites. "Mariabel and I hit the Temple. Scout it. Understand the layout and costs. You two handle the Alchemist Quarter. Find contacts for Phoenix Marrow."

"Meeting point?" Aslan asked.

"Back here. Before sunset. Too dangerous to navigate after dark without knowing the city."

They finished eating. Split into pairs.

The Temple of Light dominated the skyline. Its dome glowed even in daylight. Divine radiance made physical. The structure was massive. Easily the size of Magnus's entire manor.

The streets leading to it were cleaner. Better maintained. Religious authority keeping the worst elements at bay.

Mariabel walked with noble confidence. Her posture changed in these surroundings. Less vigilante. More aristocrat. Years of training showing through.

"You seem comfortable here," Raze observed.

"Used to attend services with family. Before everything." Her flames flickered briefly. "The Temple was where nobles went to be seen. To network. To pretend piety while plotting."

They turned down a side street. Shortcut toward the Temple district. The crowd thinned. Buildings older here. Less maintained.

Then Raze heard it.

Giggling. Masculine. Predatory.

"Please. Let me go. I need to return to the Temple."

A woman's voice. Frightened. Trying to stay calm.

His Combat Reflex screamed warning. Danger ahead. Not to him. To someone else.

They rounded the corner.

Two men. Rough clothing. Scarred faces. They had a woman pressed against the wall. One held her waist. The other grabbed her breast through her habit. Squeezing. Laughing.

She was young. Maybe twenty. Blonde hair escaping from her nun's veil. Golden eyes wide with fear. Her robes were already torn at the shoulder.

"Come on, sister. Just a little fun. Nobody has to know."

"The Temple won't miss you for an hour."

Raze froze. His mind calculating rapidly. Intervene or avoid? They weren't in Thornwick anymore. Different city. Different rules. Different consequences.

But Mariabel didn't hesitate.

"Hey! Get your filthy hands off her!"

Her voice cracked like a whip. Both men turned. Saw a noble woman in expensive clothing. Their expressions shifted from lust to calculation.

"Mind your business, lady. This doesn't concern you."

"It concerns me when I see trash assaulting a holy sister." Mariabel's flames ignited. Dancing across her knuckles. "Last chance. Walk away or burn."

The man holding the nun released her. Reached for a knife. "Big mistake, noble bitch."

Raze's Inspect activated automatically.

Ding. Ding.

[Street Thug]

Rank: Mortal

Strength: D

Agility: E

Status: Aggressive

Mortals. Both of them. No cultivation. Just muscle and cruelty.

Mariabel moved first. Her flames surged forward in a concentrated stream. Not enough to kill. Just enough to hurt.

Fwoosh.

The flame caught the first thug's arm. He screamed. Stumbled back. The smell of burned flesh filled the air.

The second charged Raze. Knife raised. Sloppy. Telegraphed.

Raze sidestepped. His Combat Reflex making the movement trivial. Grabbed the man's wrist. Twisted.

Crack.

The knife clattered to cobblestones. Raze's follow up strike caught the thug's solar plexus.

Thud.

The man collapsed. Gasping. Unable to breathe.

Ten seconds. Both thugs down. Whimpering.

The nun stood against the wall. Her torn robes exposing her shoulder. Her golden eyes were wide. Shocked.

Mariabel moved to her immediately. Removed her outer coat. Draped it over the nun's shoulders.

"Are you hurt? Did they...?"

"No. You arrived in time." The nun's voice shook. "Thank you. Thank the Goddess. Thank you."

"Can you walk?"

"Yes. I think so."

Raze helped her stand. She was shorter than expected. Maybe five foot four. But her figure was noticeable even through robes. Curves that the modest clothing couldn't entirely hide.

The thugs were crawling away. Raze let them. Message delivered. Pursuit unnecessary.

"I'm Elizabeth," the nun said once she'd steadied. "Sister Elizabeth of the Temple of Light. I was returning from charity work when they..." She trailed off.

"You're safe now," Mariabel assured her. "Where were you headed?"

"The Temple. It's not far. Just another few streets." Elizabeth looked at them properly for the first time. Really seeing them. "You're not from the capital. I can tell."

"Thornwick," Raze confirmed. "Just arrived today."

"Ah. That explains the intervention." Her smile was sad. "Capital natives would have walked past. Too common a sight to risk involvement."

"That happens often?" Mariabel's voice was sharp.

"Every day. Multiple times." Elizabeth adjusted the borrowed coat. "The capital is beautiful from a distance. Up close it's diseased. Corruption. Violence. The guards are in league with criminal elements. Lord Regent Venn controls everything. He takes bribes to allow certain... activities."

They started walking. Elizabeth between them. Protected.

"The Temple tries to help. Provides charity. Sanctuary. Medical care." Her golden eyes were distant. Seeing things beyond present moment. "But we're limited. Can't fight the entire system. Can't protect everyone."

"What about cultivators? Surely some enforce justice?"

"The strong prey on the weak here. That's how it works. Cultivators use their power for personal gain. The truly righteous either die young or leave." Elizabeth's voice was bitter. "The capital is where idealism goes to rot."

They walked in silence for a block. Then Elizabeth continued.

"Be careful. Both of you. Especially you." She looked at Mariabel. "Women with means are targets. For exploitation. For marriage schemes. For worse." Her gaze shifted to Raze. "And you. That face will draw attention. Not all of it welcome."

"We can handle ourselves," Raze said.

"I'm sure you can. You proved that. But handling individual thugs is different from navigating capital politics." Elizabeth's tone was serious. "The Temple itself is complicated. Necessary but dangerous."

"Dangerous how?"

"The faith is pure. The institution is corrupt. Pope Reginald is..." She hesitated. Chose words carefully. "Worldly. His interests extend beyond spiritual matters. He collects tithes aggressively. Makes alliances with nobles. Uses Temple resources for personal projects."

"Should we avoid the Temple then?"

"No. You need it. The cultivation acceleration is real. The resources are genuine." Elizabeth's expression was conflicted. "Just be cautious. Don't trust easily. Don't reveal more than necessary. The Temple keeps records on powerful cultivators. Information gets sold to interested parties."

Raze's mind raced. Information sold. That meant their presence would be noted. Reported. Tracked.

"Any specific advice?"

"Pay for services. Nothing more. Don't donate beyond requirements. Don't discuss your backgrounds. Don't mention any enemies or problems from your home city." Elizabeth looked at them seriously. "And especially don't mention if you have Authorities. That information is particularly valuable."

Mariabel's flames flickered. She suppressed them quickly but Elizabeth noticed.

"You have one." Not a question. "Be very careful, then. Authority users are rare. Valuable. Various factions would pay enormous sums to recruit you. Or eliminate you if you refused recruitment."

They turned onto a wide boulevard. The Temple loomed ahead. Its dome radiated divine light. The architecture was stunning. White marble. Gold trim. Stained glass depicting religious scenes.

The entrance was busy. Dozens of people coming and going. Nuns. Priests. Supplicants. Guards in ceremonial armor.

Elizabeth stopped at the base of the steps. Removed Mariabel's coat. Handed it back.

"Thank you again. Both of you. You saved me from..." She didn't finish. Didn't need to. "The Goddess brought you to that street at the right moment."

"Just luck," Raze said.

"Perhaps. Or perhaps divine providence." Elizabeth smiled. Small but genuine. "I work in the cultivation wing. If you come for Temple sessions, ask for me. I'll make sure you're treated fairly."

She ascended the steps. Paused at the entrance. Turned back.

"One more thing. Be wary of other cultivators in the capital. Especially those who offer friendship too quickly. Trust is rare here. Genuine trust even rarer." Her golden eyes were intense. Serious. "Survive first. Advance second. The capital doesn't forgive weakness."

She entered the Temple. The massive doors closed behind her with finality.

Boom.

Raze and Mariabel stood at the base of the steps. The Temple towered above them. Beautiful. Imposing. Potentially dangerous.

"She was helpful," Mariabel said quietly.

"She was terrified. Even after we saved her. This city scares a Temple nun." Raze's jaw tightened. "What does that say about what we're walking into?"

"That we need to be smarter. Stronger. More careful." Mariabel's flames danced briefly. "But we knew that already."

They ascended the steps together. Through the massive doors into the Temple's interior.

The space was breathtaking. Vaulted ceilings. Stained glass casting colored light across marble floors. The air hummed with concentrated mana. Pure. Clean. Overwhelming.

A reception desk sat near the entrance. A middle aged priest manned it. His expression was professional. Neutral.

"Welcome to the Temple of Light. How may we serve?"

"We're interested in cultivation acceleration sessions," Raze said.

"Certainly. Two gold per two hour session. Initiates and Adepts only. Experts require special arrangements." The priest pulled out a ledger. "First time visitors must register. Names and current cultivation ranks."

Raze hesitated. Information that would be recorded. Sold. Tracked.

But necessary. The Temple was the fastest way to advance. Risk versus reward.

"Raze Dragonheart. Initiate Peak."

"Mariabel Valtee. Expert Low."

The priest's pen paused at Mariabel's name. Recognition flickering. "Valtee. The noble house. I see." He finished writing. "You'll need to speak with a senior priest for Expert level arrangements. But the Initiate can begin immediately if desired."

"When are sessions available?"

"Hourly from dawn to dusk. Currently we have an opening in thirty minutes." The priest checked his ledger. "Room Seven. Ground level. Sister Elizabeth will prepare you."

Elizabeth. Convenient.

"We'll take it."

"Four gold. Two for the session, two for registration fees."

Raze counted out coins. The priest accepted them without comment. Gestured toward a hallway.

"Follow the corridor. Sister Elizabeth will meet you at the cultivation wing entrance."

They walked through halls lined with religious artwork. The mana concentration increased with each step. This place was saturated. Decades of divine blessing compressing power into the very stones.

Elizabeth waited at a doorway. She'd changed robes. The torn habit replaced with fresh vestments. Her golden eyes brightened seeing them.

"You came. Good." She glanced at Mariabel. "You'll need senior priest approval for Expert sessions. I can direct you to the administrative wing. Your companion can proceed now if desired."

"Go ahead," Mariabel said to Raze. "I'll handle the bureaucracy. Meet you back here in two hours."

She left. Following Elizabeth's directions.

Elizabeth led Raze into the cultivation wing. The rooms here were small. Meditation cells. Each one sealed for privacy.

Room Seven's door opened to reveal a simple space. Cushions on the floor. Mana crystals embedded in walls. The concentration was intense even before activation.

"Sit center. Close your eyes. I'll activate the formation." Elizabeth moved to a control panel. "This will hurt. The mana influx is aggressive. Your body will resist. Push through it. Don't fight the flow. Absorb. Circulate. Expand your container."

"I understand."

"Two hours. I'll monitor from outside. If your core shows signs of cracking, I'll shut it down immediately." She met his eyes. "Don't try to rush advancement during one session. Fill your container. Don't force expansion yet. Understood?"

"Yes."

Elizabeth activated the formation.

Bzzzzt.

The mana crystals flared. Energy flooded the room. Pure divine essence saturating the air.

It hit Raze like a physical force. His core reacted immediately. Pulling. Absorbing. The influx was overwhelming.

Pain. Sharp. Immediate. His pathways screamed at the volume. Too much too fast.

But his reconstructed core handled it. The pristine channels distributed the flow. Minimized damage.

He circulated. Drew the mana inward. Compressed it. His container filling rapidly.

Initiate Peak meant his cup was nearly full already. This session would complete it. Prepare him for the violent expansion to Adept.

The two hours passed in agonizing focus. Every second was pain. Every breath was effort. But his container filled. Degree by degree. His core stabilizing.

Finally, the formation powered down. The mana influx stopped. Raze opened his eyes. Gasping. Drenched in sweat.

Elizabeth entered. Checked him with practiced efficiency. Her golden eyes widened.

"Your core. It's remarkable. Reconstructed?" At his nod. "That explains the efficiency. You absorbed ninety percent of the influx. Most Initiates manage sixty." She helped him stand. "One more session like this and you'll be ready for advancement."

"How long should I wait between sessions?"

"Three days minimum. Your body needs to integrate what you absorbed. Rush it and you risk damage." Elizabeth supported him as they walked. "You did well. Very well. Most first timers pass out or vomit. You just look exhausted."

Mariabel waited in the main hall. She looked frustrated.

"Bureaucracy. So much bureaucracy. I need three references from established cultivators. Proof of Expert rank. A medical examination to verify my core status." She waved papers irritably. "It'll take a week to process."

"We have time," Raze assured her.

They left the Temple as evening approached. The city streets were more dangerous now. Shadows lengthening. Criminal elements emerging.

They navigated carefully back to the Copper Rest. Kael and Aslan waited in the dining area.

"Success?" Kael asked.

"Partial. Found contacts. Got estimates. Phoenix Marrow will cost us one hundred twenty gold. Down from one hundred fifty." He showed receipts. "But they need three days to acquire it. Rare material."

"And you?" Mariabel looked at Aslan.

"Found training space. Abandoned warehouse district. Perfect for... practice." His silver eyes were troubled. "But the city is worse than expected. Saw three muggings on one street. Guards did nothing."

They gathered in Raze and Mariabel's room. Sitting on beds. Discussing.

"The capital is everything Elizabeth warned about," Raze said. "Corrupt. Dangerous. Competitive. We need to be smarter here. Careful."

"But the resources are real," Kael added. "Three days and Aslan's cure can begin. That's worth the risk."

"Agreed. We stay focused. Get what we came for. Train. Grow stronger." Raze looked at each of them. "Three weeks. That's our timeline. Then we return to Thornwick before someone notices we're gone too long."

They talked until late. Planning. Preparing. Eventually Kael and Aslan returned to their room.

Leaving Raze alone with Mariabel.

She changed behind a privacy screen. Emerged in sleep clothes. The fabric was modest but couldn't hide her figure. Raze's eyes tracked movement involuntarily. His body reacting despite his best efforts.

She noticed. Smirked. "See something you like, darling?"

Heat flooded his face. "Sorry. I'll face the wall."

"I'm teasing. Relax." She climbed into her bed. "We're adults sharing space. No need for awkwardness."

But it was awkward. Raze lay in his bed facing away. Hyper aware of her presence. The sound of her breathing. The rustle of sheets when she moved.

This was going to be a long three weeks.

Outside, the capital continued its nightly rhythm. Crime. Corruption. Power struggles in every shadow.

Inside, four cultivators from Thornwick prepared to navigate it all.

To grow stronger. To survive. To become capable of facing whatever destiny awaited.

The capital would either forge them into something greater.

Or grind them into dust.

Tomorrow would tell which.

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