Episode 9: The Tower of The Republic

The massive gates finally open, and Enishi, Ven, Nyx, and Kia walk through them.

The moment Ven steps inside, he is surprised by what he sees.

Life.

He had expected the Tower to be some dark, intimidating fortress filled with powerful warriors and stern-looking mages. Instead, there is an entire city surrounding it. Ordinary people move through the streets as merchants call out to passing customers, selling delicious baked treats, handmade crafts, and various trinkets.

Nearby, a training arena draws Ven's attention. Water Madokais spar against one another while Fire Madokais sit in meditation. Others practice hand-to-hand combat, their movements precise and disciplined.

Children run through the streets, laughing and playing without a care in the world, completely unaware of the dangers that exist beyond their peaceful lives.

For a moment, Ven almost forgets that he is in another world.

Then he notices the people looking at them.

As the group walks through the city, citizens begin acknowledging Enishi, Nyx, and Kia. Some nod respectfully in their direction, while others stop and bow. It quickly becomes obvious that the three are respected here.

But then the citizens notice Ven.

The atmosphere changes.

Their expressions shift from curiosity to fear. One person stops walking. Then another. Soon, more and more people are staring at him. Whispers spread throughout the crowd as people point in his direction.

Ven looks around nervously.

“Are they staring at me?”

“Tenari,” Nyx says simply.

“No other Tenaris are here?”

“They’re not around anymore,” Nyx replies. “Remember?”

Ven says nothing. He tries to ignore the stares and keeps following Enishi, Nyx, and Kia, though every whisper makes him increasingly uncomfortable.

Eventually, they reach a path leading toward the Tower's entrance.

“I need to tell you something before we go inside,” Enishi says. He stops walking and turns toward Ven. “Do not say anything to the people you are about to meet.”

Ven raises an eyebrow.

“Nothing.” Enishi's expression becomes serious. “Let us handle everything.”

Ven nods.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Enishi opens the massive doors leading into the Tower.

Ven gulps.

The moment he steps inside, he is greeted by a large hall illuminated by candles that look like they belong in a museum. To the left, a massive winding staircase disappears upward into the darkness. Straight ahead stands an enormous door that reminds Ven of the entrance to Notre Dame Cathedral.

This place needs a serious makeover. Damn.

The group approaches the enormous door and stops. Enishi looks at Nyx and Kia, and the two exchange a quick glance before nodding.

“Do not say a word, Ven.” Enishi says sternly.

Enishi knocks.

The door slowly opens with a loud groan.

“Here we go,” Nyx mutters.

They enter.

Inside is another large meeting hall, also illuminated by candles. Three people sit in chairs at the front of the room. Two wear elegant white robes, while the third wears an all-black robe.

Their faces carry the weight of many years.

Whether from experience... Or age... Ven cannot tell.

“Enishi.” The man in black speaks. He is bald, with a scar running down his cheek.

“Ezreal,” Enishi says dryly..

“Is this him?” Ezreal nods toward Ven.

“It is.”

“Hello, Master Ezreal,” Nyx and Kia say in unison as they bow.

Enishi however, does not. He simply folds his arms and glares at Ezreal.

Master Ezreal nods toward them before his eyes move to Ven. The man's stare is cold and calculating.

Ven meets his gaze and takes Enishi's advice, and says nothing.

“Enishi,” Ezreal says without breaking eye contact with Ven. “May we speak privately?”

Raising an eyebrow, Enishi replies, “Sure?”

“Leave us.” Ezreal waves his hand.

The two people seated beside him stand and leave without a word. They walk past Ven without making eye contact. Nyx, Kia, and Ven follow behind.

Ezreal's eyes remain fixed on Ven until the door closes.

“So...” Ezreal clears his throat. “That is him? The Tenari?”

“Indeed,” Enishi replies.

Ezreal rises from his chair and walks beside Enishi, placing his hands inside his robe pockets. He is much shorter than Enishi and slightly pudgy, yet something about him gives Ven an unsettling feeling.

“I expect you to do what is necessary,” Ezreal says.

He turns toward Enishi.

“He is a valuable asset to us.”

Enishi meets his gaze. “I won’t let you down.”

“Good.”

Ezreal narrows his eyes. “Let’s not have a repeat of the past.”

Enishi scoffs then he storms out of the room, baring his teeth.

Tower Hall

Nyx, Kia, and Ven wait outside. They don't have to wait long before Enishi emerges.

“That was fast,” Kia comments as soon as Enishi exits. “How did it go?”

“As expected,” Enishi replies. He looks toward Ven. “Let me show you to your room.”

“We’ll wait here,” Nyx says.

Enishi leads Ven up the winding staircase.

Three floors.

Neither of them speaks.

The stairs seem endless, and with every step Ven wonders what exactly his new life inside the Tower is going to look like.

Eventually, they reach a long hallway filled with doors.

Rooms, Ven assumes.

Enishi walks to the third door on the left and opens it.

Ven steps inside.

To his surprise...

The room is actually nice.

Lavender curtains hang from the windows. They aren't exactly Ven's style, but they're still a welcome change from the gothic design of the Tower. A queen-sized bed with silk sheets sits against the wall, while a solid wooden dresser with a mirror stands nearby.

A window overlooks the surrounding forest, and a closet provides enough space for his clothes. There is even a door that appears to lead to a private bathroom.

Then Ven notices something sitting on a small table.

A red rose.

It is a tiny touch of personality in an otherwise unfamiliar place.

“Kia insisted you have this room,” Enishi says. “She decorated it herself.”

Ven looks around the room again. There is something strangely comforting about knowing that someone actually put thought into making the room feel welcoming.

“There should be fresh clothes in the dresser.” Enishi points toward it. “Put them on and come outside.”

He turns toward the door.

“Your training begins now.”