The weight of the Soul Warden insignia, a shimmering emblem of intertwined light and shadow, felt both significant and strangely natural against Einar's spiritual form.
He stood alongside Zephyr in the main hall of the Warden Citadel, the bustling hub a stark contrast to the desolate silence of the Silent Sands Expanse.
They were no longer recruits; they were Watchers now, fully inducted members of the legion.
Zephyr, his orange light practically buzzing with pride, kept glancing at his own insignia, a slightly more radiant version of Einar's. "正式的! Official, Einar! Soul Wardens, reporting for awesome duty!"
A wry smile touched Einar's features. The ceremony had been formal, the pronouncements weighty, but Zephyr's enthusiasm managed to cut through the solemnity.
Their induction had come with new quarters, larger and more private than the recruit alcoves, and a sense of belonging that Einar hadn't realized he'd been missing.
The other Wardens, who had observed their training and their mission to the Expanse, now greeted them with nods of respect.
Their newfound status also came with immediate responsibilities. They were assigned to Warden Commander Valerius, a seasoned veteran known for his strategic mind and unwavering resolve.
Commander Valerius's light form radiated a steady, grounded bronze hue, and his gaze held an intensity that spoke of countless battles fought and won.
Their first briefing as official Wardens took place in a tactical chamber, holographic projections of the Soul Society and the Mortal Veil shimmering in the air.
Commander Valerius stood before them, along with Lyra, who maintained her usual watchful presence.
"Wardens Einar and Zephyr," Commander Valerius projected, his voice firm and direct.
"Your successful efforts in the Silent Sands Expanse have demonstrated your capabilities. However, the tides of the Void are rising. Gorok's activity is escalating, and we are detecting increased incursions across multiple sectors."
He gestured to a section of the holographic projection near the boundary with the Mortal Veil.
"This region, known as the Obsidian Scar, has become a focal point. We are receiving reports of unusual Void signatures and disturbances in the flow of souls transitioning through that area. There are also whispers of… corrupted echoes manifesting with greater potency."
Lyra stepped forward, her light form radiating a focused intensity.
"The Obsidian Scar is a region scarred by a past Void incursion, its spiritual energies still volatile. Gorok is likely attempting to exploit this instability."
Commander Valerius turned his gaze to Einar and Zephyr.
"Your first assignment as a team will be to investigate the Obsidian Scar. Identify the source of the Void surge and assess the level of threat. Warden Lyra will accompany you as your initial field commander."
Einar felt a familiar mix of apprehension and anticipation.
This was it – their first official mission as Soul Wardens. The challenges of the Warden Trails were behind them; now, the true test of their abilities had begun.
Zephyr, however, seemed undaunted.
"Obsidian Scar? Sounds edgy! Ready to rock and… protect the cycle, Commander!"
Commander Valerius offered a rare, slight smile.
"Then, without delay, Wardens. The Obsidian Scar awaits."