As they walked quietly through the long corridor lit by floating lamps, Henrry leaned toward Mia and asked in a low voice, "Why did Conrad go to the Miscreant Belt?"
Conrad, walking ahead, slowed just slightly. He had clearly heard Henrry's words, but he said nothing. Mia answered instead, her voice equally soft.
"Master Ujaraq sent him… to uncover what those people were plotting."
Conrad suddenly stopped and turned slightly. His gaze met Henrry's. "I also found out the name of the one who attacked you."
Henrry's eyes sharpened. "Who was it?"
"Ozarak," Conrad replied. "He's not working alone. He's already formed a search team to track you down."
Henrry clenched his fists. "When was this?"
"Three days ago," Conrad said, calmly. "The day I left the Miscreant Belt."
Anger flickered in Henrry's eyes, and Conrad noticed it. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Henrry's shoulder.
"Your time will come," he said steadily. "Train well. I'll help you prepare."
Henrry didn't say a word. He gave a stiff nod and walked off silently toward his room. His thoughts were loud, and his heart was louder.
The Next Morning
In Master Ujaraq's chamber, the four stood before him. George was already present, arms folded, his aura calm but commanding.
"You'll need to leave this place for training," Ujaraq began, "and from this point on, you must conceal your true identities. We don't know who among the clans supports the Infinity clan."
George added, "And you already know, in eight months, the Regal Dignity Test will take place. To enter, each of you must rank among the top ten candidates of your clan."
The group exchanged confused glances.
Ronnie frowned. "How can we participate under the Infinity clan? It's disbanded."
"You won't," Ujaraq said. "You'll be listed under the Mirage clan."
Mia blinked. "But… how?"
"That's why George is here," Ujaraq replied, nodding to him.
Conrad immediately understood. "Blood Rain Technique," he said with clarity.
Ronnie snapped his fingers. "Right! Why didn't I think of that?"
Henrry and Mia looked at him, puzzled.
"It's a forbidden ritual," Ronnie explained, "that bonds outsiders by blood—so it appears as though they belong to a specific clan bloodline."
"In this case," George said, "Mirage clan"
Henrry asked, "But… what is the Regal Dignity Test?"
Conrad answered this time. "Every twenty years, each clan sends their top ten candidates. A brutal competition decides the top five. Those five gain positions in the Imperial Court."
"And once you're selected," George added, "you no longer belong to any clan. You become part of a special semi-clan under the Imperial Head. But remember… before joining, each of the top five undergoes the Memory Accumulation Rite. That's why the Infinity clan never participates."
Ronnie raised an eyebrow. "Then why should we enter it at all? Even if we win, we don't enter to Imperial Court"
"To test yourselves and because the journey will shape you ," Ujaraq said firmly. " I want all off you to gather a team that support you at you hardest time"
George stepped forward, his expression turning serious.
"Come closer," he said, his voice low. "Show me your palms."
The four of them hesitated for a second, then moved toward him. One by one, they extended their hands.
They each extended their palm. With a thin silver blade, George made a small cut on each of their palm, and one on his own. He pressed his blood onto theirs.
A swirling tornado-shaped sigil glowed on each of their wrist.
"You now carry the Mirage clan's mark," George said. "But this only alters perception. You won't gain any Mirage clan abilities—you're Mirage by name, not power."
Ujaraq added, "From today forward, you will no longer contact the Infinity clan's hideout. Only I and George will reach out to you from our messenger. We can trust no one else."
George nodded. "On the journey, I'll explain Mirage clan customs and provide all of you, your new identity."
He turned toward the stone archway at the edge of the chamber.
"It's time to move."