The Horizon Centre

Renjiro and the others followed their escorts toward the towering structure ahead. The aircraft that had brought them here ascended back into the sky, leaving them to navigate the bustling heart of the Solaris Empire on foot.

As they walked, Renjiro’s eyes swept across the city. The unique designs and seamless machinery, powered by streams of yellow Lumina, were mesmerizing. “With all this technology, the Yellow Clan might even rival the Blue Clan—or the Red Clan.”

Emi nodded thoughtfully, gesturing toward a nearby hovercraft trailing faint Lumina streams. “Their inventions are something, but there’s a catch. Unlike other clans, they can’t manipulate Lumina directly. All of this depends on powering their machines. Without Yellow Lumina, none of it works.”

Kairro snorted, his arms crossed. “So, all their strength hinges on one thing. Makes you wonder if they’re as untouchable as they seem.”

Renjiro frowned, his awe tempered by the realization. “They’re vulnerable too—just in a different way.”

Ahead, the Horizon Centre loomed a massive, structure gleaming with gold metallic walls. Articulated gears rotated along its edges, venting bursts of steam into the open air. At its apex, the Yellow Clan insignia—a blazing sun—stood proudly against the sky.

“It’s… incredible,” Renjiro murmured.

“Looks like something out of a fever dream,” Kairro muttered dryly.

Yumeru studied the structure, her expression unreadable. “Every detail is deliberate. They do know how to show off.”

“Let’s hope their genius makes them good listeners,” Taro grumbled, rubbing his shoulder. “Still don’t get why they shot at us before asking questions.”

Emi sighed, but her eyes sparkled as she took in the platforms and vehicles buzzing with activity. “It’s like the entire city is alive.”

The guards said nothing, their footsteps clinking against the metal walkways as they led the group forward.

Massive doors slid open with a hydraulic hiss, revealing the Horizon Centre’s interior. The bustling chaos of the city gave way to organized activity.

The interior was a blend of industrial grit and sophisticated works. Yellow Lumina energy coursed through pipes and conduits that lined the walls and ceilings. Glass walkways spanned the higher levels, offering glimpses of inventors hard at work.

Renjiro noticed one group crowded around a glowing contraption, their hands moving deftly as sparks flew. In another area, drones hovered midair, assembling the components of a massive machine with remarkable precision.

“They’ve mastered this,” Emi whispered. “It’s like their world thrives on pure ingenuity.”

Taro scoffed. “Fancy gadgets won’t matter much if they can’t stop the Red Clan.”

Renjiro tuned out the banter as they approached the central lobby, where a cylindrical glass elevator dominated the space. Its visible gears and glowing Lumina channels propelled it upward in a smooth motion.

“This way,” the lead guard instructed, motioning for them to step inside.

The elevator ascended with a hum, granting an unobstructed view of the sprawling Solaris Empire. Platforms connected by bridges stretched across the horizon, while streams of yellow Lumina flowed like rivers between them. Hovercraft zipped through the air, and towering spires reached toward the clouds.

“Almost,” Kairro muttered. “You’d think they’d make their welcome mat a little warmer.”

Emi nudged him lightly. “Let’s not start trouble before we’ve even met the council.”

As the elevator slowed, the guards led them down a long corridor lined with golden engravings of gears. Steam hissed softly from vents, and the air carried a faint scent of oil and metal.

The corridor ended at two large doors that slid open with a quiet hiss, revealing a spacious, well-lit chamber. At its center stood a massive desk, behind which was a tall man in a sleek yellow uniform. His sharp features and blonde gave him an air of authority, and his piercing amber eyes swept over the group.

“Welcome to the Solaris Empire,” he said, his voice steady and formal. “I am Commander Ryvok. I understand you’ve come seeking assistance.”

Renjiro stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Commander Ryvok, thank you for seeing us. We’re here on behalf of the Blue Clan. The Red Clan is growing stronger, and we need allies to stand against them.”

Ryvok folded his arms, his expression unreadable. “The Red Clan is… complicated. But why should the Solaris Empire involve itself in a conflict that does not directly concern us?”

Before Renjiro could respond, a loud crash echoed behind them. The group turned to see a young woman with short bright yellow hair stumble into the room, a pile of gadgets spilling from her arms.

“Sorry! Sorry! I didn’t mean to—!” she stammered, dropping to her knees to gather the scattered items. One device sparked wildly, another emitted a high-pitched whine before going silent.

Commander Ryvok pinched the bridge of his nose. “Kana,” he muttered with exasperation. “Must you disrupt every important meeting?”

Kana looked up sheepishly, her yellow eyes wide as she noticed the group. “Blue Clan?” she blurted, her surprise evident.

The commander waved a hand dismissively. “My apologies for the interruption. Engineers here tend to be… unconventional.” He shot Kana a sharp look. “Pick up your things and leave.”

Kana scrambled to gather the gadgets, hesitating briefly before hurrying out, muttering under her breath.

Ryvok turned back to the group, clearing his throat. “As I was saying, you’ll be escorted to the Council of Engineers shortly. They will decide whether your request merits our resources. I suggest you prepare yourselves—they are not easily persuaded.”

Renjiro nodded, though unease gnawed at him. The weight of the commander’s words hinted at the challenges ahead. As the group was led from the room, he couldn’t shake the feeling that their journey in the Solaris Empire was just beginning.