The night deepened, and the grand city's sky was shrouded in a thin mist that veiled the moonlight. Altair and Feran continued to run through the narrow alleys in the city's heart, their shadows merging with the damp stone walls. Their breaths came in ragged gasps, clearly audible amidst the pounding footsteps of the pursuing soldiers.
"Left!" Feran hissed, pulling Altair behind a stack of wooden crates in a barely visible dead-end alley.
They vaulted over a low fence, landing in the back area of a deserted shop. In the distance, the sound of patrol bells echoed, followed by the shouts of guards who were clearly searching for them.
"We can't keep this up," Altair murmured, holding his breath. "They're combing the entire district."
They continued to move, descending a small set of stairs leading underground. The old iron door at the end of the alley creaked as Feran pushed it open, revealing a dark passage with a pungent, damp odor. An old sewer, seemingly unused for a long time.
Without much discussion, they entered and quickly closed the door behind them. Darkness immediately enveloped them, illuminated only by the pale blue glow of a small magical light in Altair's hand.
The air inside felt heavy. The smell of rusted metal, wet earth, and stagnant water filled their senses. Each of their steps created a long echo, as if the place itself rejected their presence.
"Here…" Altair pointed to a corner where old stones were piled up. "We rest for a bit."
Feran slumped against the wall, sitting down to catch his breath. "They'll probably think we've left this district. We have some time."
They sat in silence, their bodies weary, but their minds remained alert. Only the constant dripping of water from the distance accompanied the long night.
"Tomorrow morning, we have to move quickly," Altair said, lying down, his eyes still open, watching the sewer door that led outside. "We're going to the Garnethal Alchemist Academy to find out more about Lazric."
Feran nodded in agreement. "Right. One night is enough hiding. If we stay here any longer, we'll become even more trapped."
They sat in silence, the only sound the dripping water from the far end of the sewer. Soon, sleep overtook them, though a sense of tension still lingered.
Morning Arrives and the Search Begins
In the morning, they emerged from the sewer, feeling the fresh air despite remaining vigilant. The city was already bustling with morning activity, but Altair and Feran knew they had to be cautious. They headed towards the Garnethal Alchemist Academy, hoping to find clues about Lazric.
Once near the academy, they asked several people if they recognized Lazric. However, their answers were always the same: "I know him, but I don't know where he lives."
After wandering around for quite some time and feeling frustrated, they encountered a young man who looked different. His eyes were sharp, and he wore the distinctive robes of a Garnethal Alchemist Academy graduate.
"Ah, are you looking for Lazric?" the young man asked after hearing their inquiries.
Feran nodded. "That's right. We need to know where he lives."
The young man looked at them for a moment, as if assessing them. "I know where he lives. It's not an easy place to reach. But there's one clue… the symbol of his home—a circle with lightning."
Altair was taken aback. "A circle with lightning? Where is that?"
The young man took a deep breath. "It's the symbol of a shop in the artisan district. A district known for rare goods and magic. From there, perhaps you can find him."
Feran and Altair exchanged glances, then nodded. This was the lead they needed.
"Thank you," Altair said briefly.
Heading to the Artisan District
Having obtained the clue about the circle and lightning symbol, Altair and Feran wasted no time. They left the area around the academy with quick steps, navigating the small alleys and main streets filled with morning vendors, shopkeepers opening their stalls, and city residents starting their day.
However, neither of them looked relaxed. Altair's eyes constantly scanned their surroundings, observing every corner, every suspicious glance, and every armed guard who might recognize them.
"The artisan district is on the west side of the city," Feran murmured, half-whispering. "If that's really where it is, we need to be extra careful. The area is more heavily guarded because of the many important shops and magical ingredient storage."
Altair nodded, pulling his hood down further to conceal his face. "We can't afford any mistakes there. One wrong step, and we'll be surrounded."
They crossed a small bridge that spanned the city's main canal. The water was murky and filled with small boats carrying merchandise. The sound of cartwheels, the shouts of vendors, and the clanging of metal being forged in the distance slowly began to replace the silence of the previous night.
Upon entering the artisan district, the sharp scent of hot metal, the fumes from alchemical devices, and the fragrance of herbs filled the air. The buildings here were more solid, with stone walls and signboards carved with intricate symbols. Artisans, alchemists, and technicians hurried about, carrying materials and their finished work.
"Look," Feran pointed to a small alley beside a large shop. "That's the symbol… a circle and lightning."
"This is the place," Feran murmured, his gaze sharp as he looked at the building.
"Yes… if the information we got is correct, Lazric lives here," Altair replied.
Altair stared intently. "Finally."
Despite finding an important clue, the tension hadn't dissipated. They walked slowly towards the shop, as if holding their breath… preparing to face whatever lay beyond that door.
Without hesitation, they stepped inside. The scent of herbs and metal mingled in the air. Inside, shelves were filled with glass bottles containing colorful liquids, rolls of old parchment, and various experimental tools. An old man in a worn laboratory coat was writing something at a table. Upon noticing their arrival, he looked up.
"Who are you?"
Altair stepped forward. "We're looking for someone. We heard there's an Elementan here."
The old man narrowed his eyes, assessing them carefully. "An Elementan, you say…?" He took a deep breath. "I know who you mean. But before I tell you, who are you really?"
Feran exchanged a look with Altair before answering, "We are also from the Elemental Race. We are looking for our family."
The professor's eyes widened for a moment, then he let out a long sigh. "Come with me."
They followed Professor Aldemar to a room at the back. Inside, a young man with white hair and white eyes sat at a table, skillfully assembling something with his hands.
"Quartzis," the Professor called out.
The young man turned. Their eyes met. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.
"...Who are they, Professor?" Quartzis asked hesitantly.
Altair stared at the young man, an inexplicable feeling rising in his heart. There was something familiar in Quartzis's gaze.
"You… what is your name?" Altair finally asked.
"...Quartzis."
A silence hung in the air. Then Feran took a step forward, looking at him more deeply. "You… you might not know us. But we are your older brothers."
Quartzis froze in place. "What…?"
Professor Aldemar sighed heavily. "I've been waiting for this day to come…" He then began to explain. About how their father had entrusted Quartzis and his twin brother, Lazric, to him when they were infants. About how their mother had died while they were fleeing right after giving birth to them.
Altair and Feran still looked shocked, but there was a glimmer of hope in their eyes. "Then… where is Lazric now?"
Professor Aldemar looked at them with a serious expression. "That's what I wanted to tell you. He is about to be sent to the center of the Niaris Empire… as the best enchanter and potion maker in this region."
Altair clenched his fists. "That means we don't have much time."
Feran looked at his newfound brother. "Quartzis, come with us. We will save Lazric."
Quartzis was silent for a few seconds before finally nodding. "Okay… I'll go."
Altair sighed, feeling closer to their goal. But beneath this joy, a threat still lurked in the shadows.
They didn't yet know that Duke Alvred was still watching their every move.