Altine left Akeh and Juwon alone to train at the dumpyard, her footsteps light as she moved through the courtyard. She glanced at her students, still seated in meditation, their brows furrowed in concentration. Satisfied, she stepped onto the wooden platform at the edge of the training grounds, gazing out at the vast expanse of water before her. Without hesitation, she took a step forward, her feet pressed firmly against the water, holding her weight. The ripples barely disturbed as she walked, her destination clear... the floating school.
The floating school was an architectural marvel, suspended upon the water like a phantom temple. Wooden walkways connected platforms that held training halls and meditation chambers.
The structure swayed in harmony with the shifting tides. Here, Trinity honed the talents of the elite soul expert and the first-rate souls.
At the center of the main platform, Trinity stood, her spirit energy radiating outward like an oppressive force. Before her, four students stood firm, their bodies trembling as they resisted the sheer weight of her energy.
Their task was simple in theory yet grueling in practice... fortify their souls against external spiritual attacks. Their internal spirit energy had to weave an invisible shield around their very soul, a defense against those who sought to consume or manipulate them.
Trinity's voice rang out, rough and commanding.
"Hold your guard! Surround your soul with spirit energy! Feel the resistance and push against it!"
The first-rate souls gritted their teeth, struggling to maintain their stance. Sweat dripped from their brows, their spiritual fortitude wavering under the pressure. Yet among them, one figure stood still, unfazed. The soul expert, Segun, remained rooted like an immovable pillar, his aura unwavering. He had already mastered Soul Guard, his attention instead set on progressing further... to the lessons of Soul Harmony.
A quiet disturbance in the air signaled Altine's arrival. She stepped onto the floating platform with a composed grace, bowing slightly.
"Sorry for interrupting." She said, her voice calm but firm.
"There's something urgent we need to discuss."
Trinity regarded her for a moment before nodding. She turned back to her students.
"Segun, continue the training."
She ordered before following Altine to a quieter section of the water, not far from the floating school.
Standing over the rippling surface, the two women spoke in hushed tones.
Trinity folded her arms and tilted her head.
"So, what's this about?"
Altine's gaze was steady, her tone measured.
"It's about Akeh's mother."
Trinity's expression tightened.
"Go on."
"Our father always told us to watch out for cases like this."
Altine continued.
"Don't you think this is something he needs to know about?"
Trinity exhaled slowly, her fingers tapping against her arm. Chief Lamthe had always been clear... any sighting of humans without souls had to be reported. If the Soulbane was stirring, ignoring it wasn't an option.
"Alright." She said at last.
"I think so too. That means we'll have to find him, wherever he's hiding for his isolated training."
Altine nodded. "Yeah, but the thing is, only one of us can go."
Trinity frowned. "Why can't we go together?"
"One of us has to stay behind and look after the students."
Altine pointed out.
Trinity sighed, rolling her shoulders.
"Fine. I'll go look for Chief Lamthe. "
Altine arched a brow surprised.
"You took that responsibility pretty quickly. Why?"
Trinity smirked slightly.
"I haven't seen my father in a while. "
Altine scoffed, placing her hands on her hips.
"Tah! You just don't want to carry my students on your head, that's why."
"Where is your evidence?"
Trinity responded, throwing her palms up in playful innocence.
Altine chuckled but then hesitated before adding.
"One more thing. Can you take Juwon with you on this journey? I think a little fieldwork might help him."
Trinity groaned. "But I was planning to take Segun, the soul expert. He's actually useful to me than Juwon."
"I know..." Altine admitted.
"But take Juwon instead. He'll slow you down,but... please, consider it. "
Trinity narrowed her eyes, weighing the decision. Taking Segun would make things easier, but Juwon needed the experience.
After a pause, she exhaled sharply.
"Chief lamthe must be training in a harsh environment, so it will be a challenge for Juwon. But, if you say I should take him then fine. I'll take him."
Altine smiled. "Thank you."
"I'll leave this evening, once training is over." Trinity added.
Altine gave her a firm nod.
The water between them stilled, the weight of the decision settling into place. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the preparations for what was to come began.