Horizon before dawn

Thank you for the power stones. Extra chapter today.

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When I got home, I immediately readied myself to continue watching Albedo's livestream. It seemed I hadn't missed much. She and the other Nora were heading to Mother's Watch, preparing to spend the night and rest before the morning trial. The trial itself was always the same, a grueling test of endurance and skill. First, they'd run, then climb, and finally, hunt a machine for a trophy. Afterward, they'd race to the finish line, planting the trophy in the ground to mark their victory. The winner would receive a boon from the Matriarchs.

With the new weapons we had crafted, we were more than prepared. I could already feel the weight of the power we wielded. The other contestants didn't stand a chance.

I didn't activate my Focus to wish her a good night. I wanted her fully focused on the Proving ahead. So, I went to bed, my mind already on the next day's events.

POV: Albedo

Waking up in a lodge full of strangers was strange. I missed Noir's warmth, the comfort of his presence. After washing my face and gearing up, I joined the others outside, ready to face the trial.

The first leg was just a walk, a few miles to tire us out. It seemed like the first test was always about stamina. Then, upon reaching a bridge, the real challenge began. We had to run to a mountain and climb it. Again, all part of the plan to exhaust us. Some of the participants were already falling behind, their breath heavy, their bodies struggling. I had no idea why they even bothered. Weak. All of them.

When we reached the summit, no one had died yet, but that would maybe change soon. The next phase of the trial involved hunting a herd of machines. They were always designed to flee, making the hunt all the more challenging. But to me, it was pathetic. This was child's play after the grueling training Noir had put me through. Military drills, he'd called them.

I didn't wait for anyone. I reached for the blaze grenades Noir had made for me, throwing three in quick succession. The explosions rocked the air, taking out most of the machines in one fell swoop. I claimed my trophy with ease, then deployed a smoke grenade to obscure the machine parts. I wasn't about to let the others see anything. They couldn't have a chance to catch up.

The panic that followed was delicious. The other participants froze at the unfamiliar sound of the explosions. They stared at me as though I were some kind of devil.

Hehehe, thank you, love. This should do it. Let them fear me, it will be useful for our plans.

When I finally reached the finish line after more climbing and running, I planted my trophy in the ground with a smirk. I was so far ahead that the Matriarch at the finish line looked like she might faint. She was trembling, her expression a mix of fear and confusion.

"Did... did you kill them?" she asked in a shaky voice. No one had ever been this fast in the history of the trials.

"Of course not. They're just weak. Not worth my effort," I replied coolly, enjoying the way her bones seemed to rattle under my gaze.

Minutes later, the others trickled in, none of them daring to meet my eyes. They kept their distance, avoiding me like the plague.

"Congratulations, Nora. You are Braves now!" the Matriarch announced, her voice steadying as she tried to regain some semblance of control.

"And for the winner, a boon. Tell me, Brave, what do you want?" she asked quickly, eager to be rid of me.

"I want to be a Seeker," I demanded, my voice cold.

Her eyes widened in shock, as did those of the other participants. Seekers were a rare title among the Nora, and leaving the Sacred Lands was almost unheard of. But the law was the law, and only the High Matriarchs could grant such a request.

So, we made our way to Mother's Heart for the blessing ritual.

I could feel the eyes of the Nora on me as I stepped forward. The weight of their gaze was almost unbearable, but I pushed it aside, my focus locked on the task at hand. This was no ordinary trial. Becoming a Seeker was an act of defiance against the Nora's sacred laws. It meant leaving the Sacred Lands, something no Nora had done in generations. To most, it was a sacrilege. To me, it was a necessary step on my path to vengeance.

Teasra, one of the High Matriarchs, stepped forward to address me. Her voice was low, measured, as though she were trying to find the right words to make sense of the situation.

"Albedo, daughter of the Nora, you ask for the title of Seeker. To walk beyond the Sacred Lands, to forsake the protection of the Matriarchs... Do you understand the consequences of this request?"

I nodded, my voice unwavering. "I understand. I do not seek this title for personal gain. I seek it for justice, for vengeance. The Carja have taken everything from me, and I will not rest until they are brought to account."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, but Teasra held up her hand, silencing them. Her gaze softened, though only slightly.

"The path you ask to walk is one of great hardship. Once you take this step, there is no turning back. The world beyond the Sacred Lands is a dangerous place. You will be alone, and no one will come to your aid." 

"I am not afraid of being alone," I replied, my voice steady, though a part of me knew I was lying. "I've already been alone for too long."

One of the Matriarchs stepped forward with a bowl of sacred blue paint, the color of the Nora's blessings. She dipped her fingers into the paint, then approached me. Her touch was cool against my skin as she began to mark the symbols of the Seeker, It was as though the very essence of the Nora was flowing through me, and for a brief moment, I could almost feel the weight of all the generations who had come before me, their hopes and fears, their triumphs and failures. 

As I turned to leave, tearsra voice stopped me. "Remember, Seeker, the trials of the world beyond will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine. Do not forget who you were before you walked this path."

"I will never forget who I was. But I will not be bound by it any longer."

With that, I stepped out of the circle, leaving the Nora behind. The ritual had marked me, but it had also set me free. I was no longer a part of their world, no longer bound by their rules. The path ahead was mine to walk.

As I left Mother's Heart, I activated my Focus.

"Did you enjoy the show?" I asked, my voice low and teasing.

"Very much, yes. It was quite entertaining. Good job, love. I knew you could do it," he replied, his voice filled with approval.

"I'm heading home now. Finally, I can go north. So, get ready to climb that mountain and meet me there," I ordered.

"Don't worry, I'll be there. Just take care for now. I'll see you soon," he replied with a smile before disconnecting.

'Just you wait, Zaid. You're already dead.' The thought burned in my mind, fueling the fire of my rage as I remembered the man who had taken everything from me.

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For 25 Power Stones an extra chapter