The morning sun rose over Eastwall as Evan walked toward the central plaza where the city’s largest development bidding ceremony would take place. The entire event was set up by the noble houses to determine which architect would lead the next stages of expansion. Even though the Crestfall council had granted Evan temporary authority over the east district, the nobles wanted a show. They wanted influence. They wanted to prove which family had the strongest grasp on the city’s future. And many wanted to challenge Evan’s position.

The plaza held rows of carved benches where nobles sat in layers according to rank. Cloth banners hung from tall poles shaped like spears. Guild officials stood beside mana crystal projectors prepared to show architectural proposals. Evan walked toward the staging area and saw at least seven rival architectural teams preparing their designs. Some whispered to one another when he arrived. Others looked him over with curiosity. One group stared with open hostility.

He ignored their eyes and reviewed his notes. His plan was simple. He would present a rebuild proposal based on accurate structural data from the ruins. Every rival team would likely produce flashy but shallow concepts. They always did. No one here but him and the ancient architects understood the city’s true foundation.

Lady Arwyn arrived a moment later wearing a long coat with her family crest. Her expression was tight. “You should know something before this begins. House Verdan sent a representative. And he is not here to negotiate.”

Evan raised an eyebrow. “The family linked to the missing core.”

“Yes,” she said. “Their influence never disappeared. They simply became quiet. Too quiet.”

Before Evan could answer a deep voice cut through the air.

“Well now. I hear the young architect uncovered old secrets. We simply must see what he produces.”

The crowd parted. A man approached wearing a forest green coat lined with silver thread. His hair was dark and tied back neatly. His eyes were calm but hungry like a predator observing prey.

This was Lord Cedric Verdan, head of House Verdan.

Everyone lowered their voices as he walked by. Cedric represented money. History. Influence. Too much of all three. He smiled politely at Evan.

“Architect Crest,” Cedric said. “Your discoveries in the ruins spread quickly. You found something valuable. Something… missing.”

Evan kept his tone calm. “I found a structural problem. Nothing more.”

Cedric’s smile grew sharper. “Of course. Structures can be complicated. They crack. They collapse. And sometimes… they hide things better left forgotten.”

Before Evan replied the guild official stepped forward and called everyone’s attention.

“All architects prepare for proposal presentations. Each team will project their design model and explain structural, economic, and mana flow factors.”

The bidding had begun.

The first team presented a tall wall reinforcement design filled with unnecessary runes. Evan could tell at a glance that the mana channels failed to match Eastwall’s natural flow. It would collapse within ten years. Nobles clapped politely.

The second team proposed a set of floating watchtowers. They looked beautiful but had no protection against mana storms. Another polite applause.

Damon Hale stepped up for the third presentation. He wore a confident grin and activated his model. A glowing image of a redesigned east district floated above the plaza. Damon’s style was visually impressive. He used tall curved walls, bright reflective runes, and smooth arches. The nobles seemed pleased. Damon spoke like a showman.

“This design reduces mana drift, increases trade flow, and enhances the city’s visual identity. Eastwall will become a symbol of innovation.”

Some nobles murmured with interest. Damon shot Evan a pleased smile.

Then it was Evan’s turn.

Guild officials dimmed the plaza lights. Evan connected his mana crystal to the projector. A detailed model formed above the crowd. Unlike the others his model was not flashy. It was clean. Sharp. Every layer of stone was visible. Every mana channel marked. Every weak point highlighted. The audience leaned forward.

He began.

“Eastwall’s foundation is unstable because its original stabilizer core was removed decades ago. The east district suffers mana drift that will worsen until the city faces catastrophic collapse. Most proposals shown today address the surface. None address the cause.”

Murmurs spread.

Evan continued with a steady voice.

“My design reinforces the wall only after rebuilding the mana channels under the district. This includes restoring the old flow lock system, stabilizing core tunnels, and redirecting the underground pressure to safe zones. I have included a temporary flow redirection structure that prevents further damage while we search for the missing stabilizer core.”

He highlighted each part of the design with soft blue light. The model shifted to show underground diagrams. Nobles gasped softly. Many did not know such depths even existed. Lady Arwyn stood straighter, proud.

Evan finished with a simple statement.

“This is not the most beautiful design. But it is the only correct one. If you want the city to survive the next century, this is the plan.”

Silence held the plaza. For a moment no one spoke.

Then Lord Cedric Verdan clapped once. Slowly. Loudly.

“Remarkable work,” Cedric said. “Truly remarkable. Yet strange. Your model leaves room for one more component. Something circular. Something missing.”

Damon’s smile faded. Nobles whispered again.

Cedric continued. “You speak of a missing core. But you present no evidence of its existence.”

Evan answered without fear. “Because the evidence was stolen.”

Cedric’s eyes narrowed with interest. “And what if I told you the core was never stolen. Only moved.”

This statement rippled through the crowd like thunder.

Evan took a slow breath. “Moved to where?”

Cedric’s lips curved. “I would be happy to explain. But not here. Not now. Come to House Verdan’s estate tonight. We have things to discuss. Secrets that concern you. And Eastwall.”

Lady Arwyn stepped between them. “He is not going anywhere near your estate.”

Cedric shrugged. “A shame. Knowledge has a way of hiding from the unwilling.”

He walked away as the guild announced the bid results.

Evan’s design won.
Not because of politics.
Not because of style.
But because the city recognized the truth in his model.

Even so Evan felt no victory.
Only pressure.
Only questions.

And only the certainty that House Verdan held answers tied directly to the missing core.

Tonight he would have to decide whether to confront Cedric Verdan or not.

And whether the risk was worth the truth.