The air inside the training chamber was still, heavy with the scent of incense and the soft glow of candles that lined the stone walls. For weeks, Cormac, the quiet monk of the Core Seven, had pushed himself to the limits of mental and physical endurance. His training had been unlike that of the others—his focus was not on raw power or strength but on perfecting the delicate balance between mind, body, and spirit.
In the center of the chamber, Cormac stood motionless, his eyes closed in deep meditation. His bare feet pressed against the cool stone floor, and his hands rested lightly by his sides. For him, the culmination of his training was not marked by grand displays of power or physical feats. Instead, it was about the mastery of control. Control over his own body, over the forces around him, and over the subtle energy that flowed through all things.
He inhaled deeply, the sound barely audible in the quiet chamber, and as he exhaled, the energy around him shifted. The candles flickered, and the air seemed to hum with a faint, steady rhythm—the result of his honed focus. His training had been successful. He had reached the peak of his abilities.
Slowly, Cormac opened his eyes, his gaze calm and clear. His connection to the world around him had deepened beyond what he had imagined possible. Every movement, every thought was now in perfect harmony with the energy that flowed through him. But it was time to leave the solitude of his training chamber. The real test was soon to come, and he needed to ensure that the fourth ring was prepared for the trials ahead.
He moved with fluid grace, his steps silent as he crossed the chamber. As he approached the heavy wooden door, the candles behind him flickered out, their light extinguished with the closing of his training. With a gentle push, Cormac opened the door and stepped outside, the cool air of the fourth ring meeting him as he left the facility.
The sounds of the world beyond his secluded chamber greeted him—the distant hum of activity in the streets, the quiet murmur of voices, and the soft breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees nearby. For weeks, he had been disconnected from the daily operations of the fourth ring, but he could sense that things had progressed in his absence. His aides had been overseeing the district, ensuring that everything was in place for the battles to come.
Cormac paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the familiar landscape of the fourth ring. The district was quieter than others, more reserved, but it was essential. It housed the majority of Corintopia's citizens, providing them with food, shelter, and a semblance of peace. But Cormac knew that peace would soon be shattered. Tel-Nu was coming, and even the quietest corners of Corintopia would not be spared.
He moved forward with purpose, making his way toward his lodge where his aides would be waiting. His mind, now sharper than ever, began to shift from the meditative clarity of his training to the practical realities of what lay ahead. The people of the fourth ring needed to be ready, and Cormac would ensure that they were.
The journey to his lodge was peaceful, yet Cormac's mind was already focused on the tasks ahead. The streets of the fourth ring were quieter than those of the inner districts, but there was an underlying tension in the air, one that Cormac could sense with his newly heightened awareness. The people of the fourth ring were going about their daily lives, unaware of just how close they were to the impending conflict. It was Cormac's responsibility to protect them, to ensure they were prepared for the chaos that Tel-Nu would undoubtedly bring.
As he approached his lodge, a simple stone structure tucked into the heart of the district, Cormac could see his aides waiting for him. They had been overseeing the operations in his absence, managing the day-to-day affairs of the district while he completed his training. Now it was time to bring everything together.
The moment Cormac entered the lodge, his lead aide, Tobin, stepped forward, bowing respectfully. Tobin was a man of precision, well-organized and diligent, and he had been a steady hand in maintaining the district's order. Behind him, the other aides sat at a large table, surrounded by stacks of reports and documents.
"Master Cormac," Tobin greeted, his tone formal. "We've been awaiting your return. There is much to discuss regarding the current state of the district."
Cormac gave a slight nod, his calm presence filling the room. "Let's begin," he said, moving toward the table. He took his seat at the head, and the other aides quickly followed.
Tobin handed him a set of reports. "The fourth ring has remained stable during your training. The citizens are in good spirits, though there have been whispers about the events happening in the inner districts. We've ensured that supplies are well-stocked, and the bunkers are fully prepared. However, given the growing tension and the rumors about Tel-Nu, I would recommend implementing additional safety measures."
Cormac scanned the reports, his mind processing the information quickly. "What is the current state of our defensive preparations? Are the bunkers ready to accommodate all the citizens?"
Tobin nodded. "Yes, Master Cormac. Each sector has been assigned a designated bunker, and the bunkers have been fully stocked with food, water, and medical supplies. However, we haven't run any drills yet. I believe it would be wise to hold evacuation drills, so the citizens are familiar with the process and know exactly where to go in case of an attack."
Cormac's gaze sharpened as he considered the suggestion. It was practical and necessary. The fourth ring was home to the majority of Corintopia's citizens—if panic set in during an attack, it could lead to chaos. The people needed to be ready to act quickly and without hesitation.
"That's a good plan," Cormac agreed. "We'll begin running drills immediately. Each sector of the fourth ring will have a designated time for their evacuation drill. I want every citizen to know their assigned bunker and the quickest route to get there. We cannot afford confusion when the time comes."
Tobin made a note, and one of the other aides, Leif, spoke up. "Master Cormac, do you think it will be enough? The people are already anxious. Will running drills ease their fears or heighten them?"
Cormac's expression remained serene, though his voice was firm. "Fear is natural, but it is better to channel that fear into preparation than to let it fester into panic. If we prepare them well, they will act with confidence when the time comes. It's better that they experience some fear now, rather than complete terror when Tel-Nu arrives."
Leif nodded, accepting Cormac's reasoning. "Understood."
Tobin continued, "We've also begun fortifying the entrances to the bunkers and increasing patrols in key areas. The guards are on alert, and we've instructed them to remain visible to keep the citizens feeling secure. However, we're aware that we'll need to maintain a balance—too much of a military presence could cause unease."
"Keep the presence steady," Cormac said thoughtfully. "Visible but not oppressive. The citizens need to know that we're ready, but they shouldn't feel like they're living under siege. Focus on maintaining calm while reinforcing our defenses."
The meeting continued, with Cormac reviewing each area of the district's readiness. The fourth ring's importance as the primary residential area of Corintopia meant that its stability was crucial. If panic spread here, it would ripple outward, affecting the entire city. Cormac understood this well, and his calm, disciplined nature was what the people needed in a time like this.
As the discussion wound down, Cormac stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Begin the drills tomorrow," he instructed. "I'll oversee the first few myself to ensure they go smoothly. After that, each sector's leaders should be capable of running them without issue."
Tobin bowed. "We'll make the necessary arrangements, Master Cormac."
Satisfied, Cormac turned toward the door. "Good. We must be ready."
As the final details of the preparations were confirmed, Cormac straightened, feeling the weight of the past few weeks settling into his bones. Though his training had sharpened his mind and body to new heights, even the most disciplined monk needed rest. His physical endurance had been pushed to its limits, and the long meetings since his return had added another layer of exhaustion.
He looked to Tobin and the rest of his aides, his calm demeanor still intact. "After a month of grueling training, I find myself in desperate need of a hot shower and a proper meal," he said, a faint hint of weariness in his voice. "You've done well in my absence. Ensure the drills begin tomorrow as planned. I'll be overseeing them personally."
Tobin nodded, his expression filled with respect. "Of course, Master Cormac. Everything will be prepared."
With a slight nod of approval, Cormac turned to leave the chamber. The door closed quietly behind him, leaving the lodge in the capable hands of his aides. As he made his way back to his private quarters, the familiar surroundings of the fourth ring felt comforting. This was his home, and these were his people. They would be ready for whatever Tel-Nu brought their way.
Entering his quarters, Cormac immediately felt the relief of solitude. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the room, and the scent of a freshly prepared meal filled the air. He paused for a moment, appreciating the quiet, before heading to the washroom. The thought of the hot water easing the tension in his muscles was a welcome one.
The shower was exactly what he needed. The warm water cascaded over him, washing away the fatigue of his training and the burden of his responsibilities, if only for a little while. Cormac stood under the stream, letting the heat soothe his body, his mind momentarily free of the concerns of the world outside.
Once clean, he dressed in a simple robe and made his way to the table where the hot meal awaited him. The food—a mix of roasted vegetables, hearty grains, and warm bread—was simple but filling. Cormac ate slowly, savoring each bite, grateful for this brief moment of peace.
When he finished, he moved to his bed, a proper one compared to the cot he had slept on during training. The mattress felt soft beneath him, and for the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to relax completely. As he lay back, Cormac closed his eyes, his mind clear and his body at rest. Tomorrow, the preparations would continue, but for now, he would sleep deeply, knowing he had done all he could for his people.