The carriage rolled into the expansive, circular plaza that surrounded Freybrook’s Kilnstone. Scarlett and her companions peered out the windows at the bustling lanes, watching as the coachman navigated past the queues leading towards the marble structure at the plaza’s heart, drawing curious looks from many in line.

“So, what do you think it’ll be like?” Allyssa asked across from Scarlett in the cabin.

“Watery,” Rosa responded crisply.

“It’s an island. That’s a given. I mean the parts beyond the obvious.”

“Quintessentially island-y, I’d wager.”

Allyssa sighed in mock frustration. “Ugh. You’re impossible sometimes, Rosa.”

The bard chuckled. “Occasionally, perhaps. I need to balance all of this excessive charm somehow, don’t I? Otherwise, who knows how much of a threat I’ll become to society? It beggars the imagination.”

Scarlett turned to observe Rosa, impressed by the confidence with which she spoke such nonsense.

“Why would you be a threat?” Fynn asked, puzzled. “I thought the demon wasn’t a problem anymore?”

The cabin fell silent briefly, punctuated by Allyssa’s awkward cough.

Rosa simply smiled widely. “I’m glad that some things about you never change, dearest Fynn, even with this despotic taskmaster of ours trying to corrupt that pure little spirit of yours.”

Scarlett frowned.

“That’s not an answer,” Fynn said.

“Well, you can think of it this way,” Rosa explained, gently patting him on the head, ruffling his white hair in the process. “Too much of anything becomes a poison, right? With my charm already being as infectious and overwhelming as it is, picture the chaos if I cranked it up a few notches or three. We’d have people fainting left and right by my mere presence.”

Fynn gave her a long, questioning look. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

Rosa’s smile didn’t budge. “It certainly doesn’t.”

“My Lady, we have arrived,” the coachman announced from the front, interrupting the conversation as he brought the carriage to a stop.

Outside, they had reached the half-open structure housing the Kilnstone, with the ancient Zuverian artifact visible through an array of marble columns.

“Let us not dally,” Scarlett declared, rising from her seat and exiting the vehicle onto the snow-blanketed cobblestone street. Almost by habit, she used her pyrokinesis to fend off the biting cold, having not bothered putting on attire suited for the frigid air considering their destination.

Ignoring the lines on either side of the Kilnstone—one for noble households and the like, and the other for commoners—she moved forward.

An official, dressed in a crisp black uniform and wearing spectacles, approached them, clipboard in hand. “Are you Baroness Scarlett Hartford?” he asked with a professional demeanor.

She nodded. “I am.”

“Then please wait here for a moment.” He retrieved a watch from his breast pocket to check the time before walking towards where some of his colleagues were gathered by the Kilnstone.

“Looks like we’re getting the special treatment,” Rosa remarked, stepping up beside Scarlett.

“Imperial nobles seldom visit the Rising Isle,” Scarlett replied. “The Imperial Chancellery wants to ensure there are no mishaps.”

“That’s what I said. Special treatment.”

“…I suppose you are not wrong.”

As officials paused the queues while guiding a newly arrived cluster of carriages and wagons off to the side, the official from before returned to Scarlett. “It’s time. If you and your entourage could approach the Kilnstone, we’ll commence the transport process soon.”

Following his directions, they walked between the marble pillars and stopped in front of the Kilnstone. Suspended in midair, the artifact’s smooth, grey surface gleamed under the sunlight filtering through the columns.

“This’ll be my first time traveling by Kilnstone without taking a carriage,” Allyssa said, pulling her cape tighter around her. “I wonder if it’ll feel any different.”

“It won’t,” Shin replied casually, dressed much lighter than his fellow Shielder.

“And how can you be so sure?” Allyssa asked.

“That’s not how Kilnstones work.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do.”

“Then how does—”

“I suggest you leave this debate for later,” Scarlett interrupted the two, casting them a brief glance.

Allyssa offered an apologetic look, while Shin seemed unfazed.

“Prepare yourselves,” the official instructed, walking past Scarlett’s group to ensure everyone was positioned within the designated area.

Then a few moments passed before the Kilnstone surface darkened, engulfing all nearby light and plunging their world into blackness. A split-second later, all the light burst forth again, releasing a spectrum of colors that repainted their surroundings with new scenery.

Scarlett found herself overlooking a vast expanse of water — a boundless ocean extending endlessly into the horizon, seemingly embracing the edge of the world.

It was the Innisling Sea, lying south of the empire. A pretty dramatic shift from the urban landscape they’d just left.

Looking around, Scarlett found that they stood at the end of a stone platform, facing a steep drop to the sea below, where the water churned and frothed violently. Farther out, the ocean was calmer, its surface reflecting the sky above. A clear demarcation existed where the turbulent waters met the more serene sea, blending seamlessly at some unseen boundary.

Behind her, voices filled with awe rose up. Turning, she took in the sight that had captured the others’ attention.

It was indeed a spectacle.

The Rising Isle stretched out before them like a grand tapestry, a breathtaking mixture of architectural ingenuity and natural splendor, where the built environment and the natural landscape seemed to intertwine flawlessly.

The city itself—if it could be called that—was more a symphony of design than a mere collection of buildings, suspended beside and above azure waters. Crystal-clear waterways at different heights, alive with colorful marine life, wove through the terrain, acting as picturesque channels for smaller seafaring vehicles. Islands topped with high cliffs and lush vegetation were separated by terraces of cascading waterfalls, hosting structures that overlooked the canals like sentinels from a bygone era, their reflections dancing in the waters below.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Among the buildings, Scarlett recognized several of the more traditional Zuverian elements mixed in throughout a blend of more contemporary architecture, creating a unique style, even for this world.

From the platform they were on, a lone elevated bridge filled with clear, tranquil water stretched towards the city, arching over the Isle’s lowest tier where all of its waterfalls and waterways eventually converged. The bridge offered a direct route to the heart of the Isle, threading through several of its more prominent buildings.

Remarkably, there were no signs of winter here. Instead, the climate was mild, and a gentle breeze stirred the air, as if the entire Isle was nestled within a vast greenhouse, insulated from the harsher elements of the world outside.

A slight furrow creased Scarlett’s brow as she surveyed their surroundings.

Actually, why had they arrived on this particular platform? If she remembered correctly, the Rising Isle’s Kilnstones should be located near the center of the Isle.

Looking down, she noticed that there was some sort of runic array etched into the stone of the platform. Had the wizards here perhaps redirected their group’s landing spot merely for dramatic effect?

Her gaze drifted back to the panoramic view before them.

…She supposed that she couldn’t really fault them. The scene was undeniably captivating, even more so than depicted in the game.

“Baroness Hartford, welcome. We are pleased to host you here with us.” A man clad in dignified grey robes, highlighted by several ornate gold lines at the collar, greeted her as he approached with two similarly attired mages trailing behind him.

Scarlett shifted her focus from the scenery to the man. “Thank you. We are fortunate to be here. The descriptions hardly do the Rising Isle’s splendor justice.”

“You honor us with your words, Baroness. It seems your entourage shares your sentiment.” He offered an approving smile as he regarded Scarlett’s group, then turned back to her. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Principal Wizard Bunce, and with me are Associate Wizards Atterton and Rudges. We are here to assist you with any needs you may have today.”

Scarlett studied the other two mages—a young man and woman—noting that they wore robes with fewer golden lines on the collar. While she couldn’t quite remember the Rising Isle’s ranking system, it would probably be enough to look at people’s clothes to get a general idea.

After the brief introductions, Bunce led them to the edge of the platform, where a spacious gondola awaited, ready to ferry them across the bridge towards the city.

“If you would.” He motioned towards the vessel.

They boarded, with Bunce positioning himself near Scarlett at the front, while the two Associate Wizards stepped in last. The gondola then smoothly began to move on its own.

“As some of you may know,” the Principal Wizard began, “The Rising Isle was once a pivotal seat of power for the ancient Zuver, and it remains the most intact and profound relic of their civilisations to this day. It was wholly inaccessible to us until Arch Wizard Aubrianne the Enlightened deciphered the enigma behind its seclusion four centuries ago, transforming it into the beacon of magical knowledge it is now.”

“Only four centuries? I thought the Rising Isle had been around for longer than that,” Allyssa said. “I mean, the current Rising Isle, with the mages and all.”

Bunce nodded. “While the Isle itself is ancient, our occupation isn’t, but I understand that this is a common misconception among those in the empire. It’s easy to overlook periods that predate the founding of one’s own nation, after all.”

Allyssa frowned slightly at the man’s casual remark, but Bunce continued.

“Nevertheless, that is not to say that we do not have plenty of history as is. These past four centuries have been marked by significant changes and advancements, particularly in the first century following Arch Wizard Aubrianne’s discovery. That era revolutionized all magical disciplines, as our predecessors unlocked the secrets of numerous Zuverian artifacts and texts. In fact, much of what we know now in regards to our discipline can be traced back to that period. Arguably, it is one of the most pivotal eras in the last millennia.”

Rosa let out a low whistle, leaning against the side of the gondola and trailing her hand over the ledge through the cool water beneath. “I remember the old priests in my old village saying the same about the Renascence in the empire. Guess they were a bit full of themselves. Seems like you folk had quite the impressive lineup running around back then.”

“Oh, without a doubt.” Bunce nodded seriously. “Figures like Arch Wizard Blythe the discerning, who was among the first to establish the current schools as they are, and Arch Wizard Neuveville the Judicious, who presided over a myriad of factional disputes, were plentiful. Arch Wizard Aubrianne, naturally, stood at the forefront of much of this progress, unveiling more of the Zuvers’ secrets than any other.”

Shin, who seemed to have been admiring the architecture ahead of them, turned to the wizard. “I read that Aubrianne may have been of Zuver descent. Is it true that this could have been a factor in her success?”

Bunce shook his head with a polite smile. “That theory does circulate at times, but it’s speculative at best. There is no concrete evidence of any surviving Zuver linage, nor can we assert that such heritage would have aided in deciphering their mysteries. Most likely, Aubrianne’s achievements simply stemmed from her exceptional intellect and wizardly dedication.”

Shin nodded thoughtfully. “I see.”

As Bunce went on to delve deeper into the Isle’s history, Scarlett found herself tuning the conversation out, taking in more of their surroundings as the gondola floated forward. Eventually, the vessel glided under a pair of towering statues flanking a grand building ahead. The bridge’s waterway went through the structure’s central area, which expanded outward in a wide semicircle, its facade boasting a mix of intricate designs and towering spires with thick buttresses and pointed arches.

“What’s this place?” Allyssa asked, gazing up as they passed beneath the imposing structure, momentarily engulfed in its shadow. The girl had long since stowed her cape away in the [Bag of Juham] that Fynn was carrying.

“This is the Arcanum Spire,” Bunce explained. “It houses an extensive collection of magical research and literature. Arguably, it is the grandest library of arcane texts in the world. Though outsiders may not enter, its exterior alone is quite the sight, wouldn’t you agree?”

“It looks pretty impressive, at least. But are you sure about that whole ‘grandest’ business?”

“Quite. It might seem merely large from the outside, but I assure you, it’s even more expansive on the inside.”

“Oh.”

As they moved beyond the Arcanum Spire, more of the Isle opened up, revealing larger islands and buildings. The bridge transitioned into the city’s network of wide, natural waterways, allowing them to navigate through the islands, passing other gondolas along the way.

“How come there are so many boats moving about here?” Rosa asked. “I’d think wizards would have more…practical methods of travel. The last one I met just teleported wherever he wanted.”

Bunce eyed her curiously. “Spells vary greatly among different schools of magic, as well as between practitioners. Not all are versed in or capable of techniques such as teleportation or flight. In fact, there are very few who are able to cast such involved spells. For most, more mundane and traditional means of transport are simply more practical.” He waved to a small group of robed mages in a nearby gondola. “We do utilize certain artifacts for faster travel over the Isle, similar to the Kilnstones, but I believe there is a general preference for these gondolas when the circumstances allow. They are rather calming, you see. Additionally, we must accommodate the non-mage residents of the Isle who lack some of those magical conveniences.”

Allyssa looked to him. “Are there a lot of non-mages here? I heard that there used to be fewer.”

The wizard nodded. “That is true, in part. There was a time when the Rising Isle forbade any who were not a mage from setting foot here, but that policy has changed. Now, about a quarter of those who call this place home are non-mages.”

“And how many people live here?”

“Around six thousand.”

“What?!” Allyssa stared at him. “But this place looks to be at least as big as Freybrook or other cities in the empire. How can there only be six thousand people?”

Both of Bunce’s eyebrows rose as he studied her. “Most first express their surprise at our sizable mage population, not the total number. To answer your question, however, appearances can be deceiving. While the Isle’s size might rival that of many imperial cities, a significantly larger portion of it than you realise consists of water and uninhabitable terrain. Our actual living space is rather limited.”

“A fact I suspect the empire has found much comfort in,” Scarlett remarked. “The notion of an island steeped in Zuverian secrets and inhabited by a veritable army of skilled mages presents both a formidable and threatening presence. If the Rising Isle were more populous, it is uncertain whether peace would have lasted during periods of time in the past where the relationship between the Isle and the empire was more fraught.”

The wizard looked at her with mild surprise, making her reconsider whether it might have been a somewhat inappropriate comment considering her role here, but after a moment, he nodded. “You may be right, Baroness. The size of our Isle has often shown to be a strategic advantage, neither too large nor too small. It is one of the many reasons we can govern ourselves as we are, unburdened by the many bureaucratic and hierarchic machinations so prevalent on the mainland.”

Scarlett masked a slight scowl. She wasn’t sure if that was supposed to be a dig at the aristocracy or not, but it was probably best not to dwell on it.

Changing the topic, she continued. “I was informed that upon our arrival, I would meet with a member of your council in the Chamber of Conjunction. They are supposed to serve as my intermediary during my stay here, if I understand it correctly. I have not been told who this is, and I presume it is not you, so may I ask who it might be?”

Adalicia had recommended her to find a ‘Magister Penney’, who was both one of the Isle’s more influential wizards and apparently relatively agreeable. Scarlett doubted he would be her official liaison, though, so she was curious who it would be instead. Hopefully, it was someone she could work with easily.

Principal Wizard Bunce let out an awkward chuckle, his smile straining in a way that Scarlett decidedly did not like. “Well, Baroness, this is actually a rather intriguing coincidence. Since your presence here is related to your Zuverian studies, the council selected someone based on his expertise in that area. It just so happens that he also shares a name with you. It is Grand Wizard Hartford.”