The City of Sanctum stands as the most glorious city in all of Elysea. Being the Capital City, this is where most of the Daevas of the Elyos took residence and spent most of their lives living in great splendor and grandeur. Luxury is everywhere in the city. What's more, the city had since been floating above the clouds and what could be a more beautiful place to live in than one above the sky? But this only comes with an exception. Humans, however, are not able to enter here. Nevertheless, millions of Daevas populate the Capital City tending to all sorts of living, from education, industry and commerce, even politics. Most of the noble ranks and their families took up their residence here. There are also the Shugos, who are not Daevas. These are creatures that have the shape of weasels that are able to communicate with humans and Daevas, alike. These were also created by Aion and had lived with the people since Ancient Atreia. They are here as traders and merchants and ran almost all the economy of both Elysea and Asmodae, even in the Abyss.

Being the center for trade and industry, Sanctum has large buildings that stood high reaching further up. The most prominent of these is called the Nobelium where, like a looming tower, is a skyscraper. Here was housed the ruling class of the Elyos. Here the Seraphim Lords and the high ranking nobles took their leisure and residence. The Nobelium is also where prominent Daevas used to work to attend to political affairs governing all of Elysea.

"My liege, I received news that our men had gathered the necessary supplies for the expedition," a woman said as she knelt in front. She was wearing clothes in contrast to others wearing armor.

"Good news then," said a middle-aged man as he planted his heavy polearm on the marbled floor. "I will have them made ready when we get the next orders for the plan to be successful. We will not let them retake that conquered territory."

The woman stood up and on her slender arms is an armlet shining with turquoise blue light. On her forehead is a circlet of the same color, emitting the same glow. It matched her eyes as she looked sternly at her commander.

"Oh, I am sure that territory will be held." Her words sound reassuring.

"I would like it to be the case," answered Argos.

He placed his arms to his sides and eased a bit. He had been feeling tensed of late after he got the news about an infiltration on Verteron; the region where his legion is also a part of the defense. Standing inside the Protector's Hall, he found himself in front of many daevas who are of lesser rank than his. These daevas were members of his legion, the Silver Light Legion.

His legion was tasked with supporting the Fortress of Verteron and act as support to the legions primarily assigned there. Argos knew that the Asmodians can always try to invade Elysea from the Abyss Gate located there, so he chose to defend that area rather than venturing the far reaches of the Abyss. Selfless and calculating, he knows that his legion would not want to easily venture the Abyss either. Every time his legionnaires would dream or think about earning the vast rewards or glory in the Abyss where eternal conflicts raged, he would say to them, "Defending the homeland is much the same with that of attacking the enemy territory. This is not a sign of cowardice. Instead, know this that once the enemy is able to push past our defenses at the Abyss, those brutes or bunch of dauntless warriors will have to face us first before they could lay a hand, a foot, or a feather in Elysea."

Argos looked on the daevas who were in the Hall. These daevas were being were doing about their daily routines of maintaining peace and order among the populace. Some were assembled by their respective legions before they will be transported to their specific region assignments.

The woman in front of him stood up and handed out a parcel. She eyed him with assurance to further point out her claim. Argos realized that a few moments later. He opened the parcel and noticed that his centurion or next in command was correct. The parcel contained a scroll with notes and another which he cannot yet determine. When he opened the scroll, it told about the report that the area is once more secure.

The other object inside the scroll is a small glass bottle with liquid inside that seemed foreign to Argos. He looked at it closely but he cannot see through the contents or the nature of the liquid.

The centurion said, "It was extracted by my team when we tried to pursue the fleeing Asmodian who managed to infiltrate Verteron. My Rangers got hold of one Asmodian Sorcerer and got this bottle. We thought it was a Mana potion or something, but the liquid is different from a Mana potion."

Argos shook his head in agreement. Being a legion commander for a long time now, he knows how or what a mana potion looks like. "This is no mana potion indeed. Our daevas in the Library of the Sages should be able to discern this for us."

He put the bottle back to the parcel and handed it to the centurion who readily accepted it with both hands. She slung back her bow on her shoulders, the cord stretched as it held tight on the Ranger's body.

"Take it to the Great Library and have it studied there. We might be able to get some clue, no matter how small it is, that may prove useful for us," he said.

The Centurion placed the parcel in her side pocket. Argos noticed the Ranger's eager eyes. Her brown eyes show the same interest as his as to what this liquid was for. She then walked away and signaled her group to follow her. The other warriors - two Rangers and two Templars - who were standing behind her for a while now followed her lead. They walked past their fellow legionaries and waded past the crowd of people in the Hall. The other members of the legion also went about their own ways and left their commander alone sitting on one of the benches.

Argos took a deep breath, inhaling in the freshening atmosphere of the hall. He looked on the center of the great hall where there were a few daevas standing at the edge of the circular opening on the flooring. These daevas were waiting for the transport to arrive. And when it arrived, it came from below and aligned on the floor. The daevas then stepped in and stood at the platform, and in a fleeting moment, it descended down below the same speed it ascended from there.

He waited for the crowding daevas and shugos to clear, then he waited in turn. He carried his polearm and went to the area close to the platform. In a few minutes, it ascended and some few daevas stepped out. When it was clear, he joined in the crowd that entered and they descended towards the ground where the Artisan Hall is.

In here were more people and shugos located. They were busy about running the market trade and training of some professions for the daevas who would like to learn more about crafting. Argos stepped out of the platform and walked towards the arched opening to the west side of the building. He overheard many of the other daevas talk about a lot of things. Some of these are news that does not concern much; some are dull that he would wonder why it would be such a big deal for these Elyos daevas. One did catch his attention. He paused and planted his feet on the floor and listened intently. Argos then turned to his side to look upon the speaker who stood by the arch door.

A Templar wearing silver and pearl plate armor with a towering shield of green and white was standing by as one of the entrance guardians of the building. He was talking to three daevas wearing clothes of purple and white silk.

The Templar said, "Yet the son did not hear the news that his father died a hero in Verteron. No one was able to tell the news to him as well, fearing that the kid would succumb to rage and anger and would thrash towards Asmodae. Such move is a foolish thing to do."

A male daeva off to the side approached. He was carrying a book wrapped in a red ribbon. He overheard the conversion and asked with intrigue, "Shouldn't someone tell him at least?"

Another seconded, "Yeah. It may be painful, but it is the right thing to do. The son deserves to know what happened." This daeva is also a Sorcerer of some sort. There was sympathy on his brown bearded face. The look of pity on the other two daevas might have made the feeling more pitiful that the Templar could only lower his head in lament.

"I'm afraid the kid is poor, I would say," answered the Templar. "No one here would get all the way to Poeta to bear such news to him. Knowing that Poeta is a far-off region, it is highly unlikely that we get daevas who would be willing to travel there."

The listeners stepped back once, signifying that they are all unwilling to go there. They might be newcomers, Argos thought. It is indeed rare for daevas to travel back to the far reach of Elysea and get to Poeta just to bear the news. Even he would not want to waste his time and supplies to such a task.

But inside Argos' head, he came to a realization as to what he must do. He owed so much to the savior who saved their Brigadier General from harm. He must tell the son of the dire news of his father's death. Yes, this was what he must do. This was what he can do to help.

He walked closer to the Templar who said the news as the three daevas all slowly walked away. They may be feeling sorry, but they can do nothing, Argos believed so. He stood right next to the Templar and said, "Arieluma, my friend."

The Templar looked at him and regarded him closely. He then lowered his head as if bowing, but his large shield in one hand and the spear on the other made it hard for him to bow low. He asked, "Legion Commander Argos, what brings you here to me, and what can I help you with?" His voice switched back to a cheerful tone after seeing a friend.

Argos smiled. He said, "It has been quite a while that we have not met, my friend, Denethor." He also bowed his head in reverence to a seasoned Templar guarding one of the entrances to the Great Hall in Sanctum. He then continued, "I just have a quick question as I need some information that may concern me more than anyone else."

Denethor asked with eagerness, "Ask, my friend Argos. I may have some information with me that you can make use of."

Argos came in closer just a whisper away. He intended to keep the information private. There were a lot of shugos and daevas alike that he did not wish this information to be made known to many. He said, "You have heard of the news that Verteron was attacked yesterday by an infiltration of those Asmodians. The Brigadier General of Verteron was saved by a human who saw the attack coming. Unfortunately, this human died in the defense, a hero. None of the Elyos should have died that day, but he did to protect the general. And this human has a son who is of the right age to understand what his father did."

Denethor moved aside his tower shield. He took a deep breath and said in sympathy, "I felt sorry for the human who died. I felt sorry for his family, too. And yes, I do know of this son you speak of. I happened to hear among the traveling shugos that this fisherman in Verteron has a son serving among the Kalian Mercenaries."

"The Kalian Mercenaries?" Argos curiously asked. "You mean to say that this boy is already a mercenary in Poeta?"

Denethor paused for a while to think if his information is correct. "Yes, he is of the Kalian Mercenaries. Kalios had found him suitable to serve and protect Poeta from any enemy, Asmodian or monster alike."

"Do you happen to know where he lives in Poeta?"

"I'm sorry, Commander Argos. I don't. The shugos only spoke of him being in Poeta and of being a member of the mercenary there. They never talked anything besides that," the Templar regretfully answered.

Information is primarily shared and passed along by shugos, especially in Sanctum, Argos recalled. He will only have to go there himself if he is to know the answer. He thanked the Templar and went outside the great hall. He walked to his right where a curved path lay towards the docks. He walked a bit hastily and walked into a bit crowded path where markets and stalls were installed. This path connected both the Nobelium which is the highest peak of the city to the Sky Canal.

When Argos reached the docks called the Tempest Shipyard, he made a reservation that he would like to have a ride to Poeta. The traveling shugos and quartermasters assured him that the next scheduled airship for Poeta is tomorrow at evening. Argos agreed and paid the daeva and shugo stevedores in charge of the airship travel some kinah. After doing so did he go back to the Sky Canal to cross it and go back home.

The Sky Canal divides the city. The northern half located is where the Nobelium is situated along with the other prominent buildings that govern Sanctum, and all of Elysea. Here the Seraphim Lords stayed and made their residence. This is where the noble families also have their homes and major political offices. At the southern half is the downtown districts, the schools, hospitals, and other economical buildings of the city. Whilst the northern half is elevated to a further height high above the sky, the southern half is more situated in the mountain peaks. Between these two districts is the narrow open space the people call the Sky Canal.

The canal cannot be crossed by flight as Aether is not stable here. And Aether is the only component needed for them to be able to fly. Daevas and shugos should they wish to cross had to go through either of the two available ways, one is the Sky bridge located at the far eastern corner of the canal, and the other one is the moving structure magically installed by the Sorcerers of Sanctum. Argos did not bother walking the aisle to the western corner of the canal to take the Sky Bridge. He chose to go where this magical structure was carrying passengers between the districts.

He waited for the clearing of the awaiting passengers. This structure has a round dome and a column which was made of marble. Its circular floor can accommodate around fifty passengers when clumped together. But when it was time for Argos to step in, there were only few daevas who took the ride with him.

The transport descended diagonally towards the wharf of the southern district. Argos saw that the people on the other bank are awaiting their turn. He then disembarked when the transport arrived and moved to the Elyos Square, the largest plaza in the city, waiting for him.

It is here that most of the Elyos buy their needed materials or items for their quests, and everyday needs. It is here also where they sell the materials they had obtained or gathered outside of the city. Though there are trading centers i all regions of Elysea, the Elyos Square is the trading center, and the daevas living here would prefer to buy these materials or goods at a higher price than in other regions.

Argos walked towards one of the legion halls just across the Elyos Square. His legion members were waiting for him there as they prepared for one of their tasks to cover Verteron. He found them already standing in rank and file. His Deputy Commander who is a Ranger stood facing the Elyos ranks and only took notice of him when some of the daevas stood at attention in reverence to him.

Illyna faced him and greeted, "Arieluma, Commander. Twenty of the daevas you asked have assembled. Deputy Commander Rozan already moved to Verteron with his deputies. He said they will wait for us there."

Illyna is a long-time friend and companion of Argos. She ascended to a daeva status a week after him and they were of the same legion before Argos got promoted to Legion Commander as blessed by the Seraphim Lords. She is a patient, amiable and smart deputy commander who is loved by all her deputies. Being the youngest daughter of five, all of whom were already daevas and on their respective legions, she was trained to become a just daeva who knows how to uphold equality among her legion mates. Such qualities earned her the recognition from Argos that she was promoted immediately when Argos founded the Silver Light Legion.

"Thank you for the information, Illyna. But we will have a different thing to do. Our task is not to go to Verteron. Our task is to go to Poeta as we will need to search for one human and tell him the news of his father's whereabouts," Argos explained.

The sudden change of plan surprised the legion members. They stared at their legion commander with nary a hint of what is going on. Illyna slung her longbow on her shoulders, fixing it so that the string will not put her in discomfort and making sure it will not get stuck in her leather shoulder strap.

"Why the sudden change of plans, Commander?" she asked.

"I felt that we need to let the son know that his father died a hero of Verteron protecting the Brigadier General," Argos answered right away without pausing a moment to think. He deemed that such direct answer would be sufficient enough to clarify the question of Illyna. "That is the least we can do. We ought to have protected Verteron and that would not have happened."

"Commander, you are blaming yourself of what happened," Illyna consoled him. "Those traitorous Asmodians are to blame. They should not have lived this long enough and we would not have had all these nightmares."

Argos looked at her with wonder and curiosity. He was perplexed at the deputy commander. He smiled to ease her and said in a calm voice, "Illyna, you have been my most reliable deputy commander.. I never thought you would blame the Asmodians, though evil they may be. The one to blame is the presence of those Abyss Gates over Verteron, one of our most vulnerable regions. If not for that gate, we would have been at the Abyss right now and fight off those Asmodians in open combat. Instead, we have to make sure they will not infiltrate our rear."

Illyna bowed her head down in confirmation. She would often get blinded by rage whenever she thinks about the very presence of the Asmodians. She wished they had never been born in the first place.

"So we will first need to go to Poeta and tell whoever he may be that his father died a hero," she clarified, making sure that she and the rest of the legion got what their commander intended to do. "Commander, are you going to employ him by chance?"

The legionnaires all looked at him. They never doubt anyone can join the legion, but they doubt if this boy is strong enough to become part of the legion.

Argos just looked at them and remained silent. He took the parchment that was handed to him by one of the legionaries and put it inside his pocket. He concluded, "We will just need to let him know. Once that is done, it is up to the kid if he would join us or not. Though I doubt if he would join us. I'm sure this kid is currently preoccupied with the problems in Poeta."

That said, Argos commanded that they all go back to their respective legion quarters and leave unnecessary items. They will only pack light, though they prepared some necessities and some kinah for a place to stay and to buy food and drinks.