Starflame Community

Shun found himself standing before the White Crane Manor, the grandeur of its structure seizing his attention before he even realized he had arrived. He had followed Leon absentmindedly, his thoughts lost in the tantalizing mystery of his identity. Now, the sight of the manor—practically a palace in its own right—pulled him back to reality.

The White Crane Manor was a masterpiece of elegance and serenity, its pristine purity and architectural delicacy rivalling even the royal palace. The manor seemed to breathe tranquillity, its beauty commanding admiration.

As if sensing Leon's presence, the gates swung open with a fluid motion, a silent yet profound welcome extended to Shun, the outsider. From a distance, Vesanze Fortune observed their arrival. Her all-seeing gaze, sharpened by her ethereal connection to the birds, briefly flicked over Shun before returning to the letter she was meticulously composing.

The parchment on the back of the letter was identical to the one Shun had found on Hugo Goldsmith.

Others in the manor cast curious glances at the unfamiliar face. The inhabitants of the manor, some adorned with bird-shaped masks, moved with an air of quiet authority. Those wearing such masks commanded a subtle respect among the rest.

Glancing at Leon, Shun noticed a bird mask materializing on his face—an owl, majestic and distinct from the others. As they continued through the manor, a figure with a scorching ponytail and dignified bearing crossed their path. His mask, more intricate than the others, stirred something in Shun's memory, but the man hurried past without acknowledgment, leaving Shun with only a vague sense of recognition.

Leon smiled faintly, but Shun remained too preoccupied to notice.

The interior of the manor was as vast as it was luxurious, and Shun marvelled at how effortlessly Leon navigated the labyrinthine halls despite having been with the White Crane for only a short time. After what felt like an eternity, they finally arrived at Vesanze's chamber, the journey seeming longer than their trek from the royal palace to the manor itself.

A masked man stood at the door, his long-beaked mask concealing his expression, but the tone of his voice betrayed his displeasure.

"Owl, who's this?" he asked flatly.

Before Leon could answer, Shun held out the letter. The masked man scrutinized it before nodding in acknowledgment, signalling toward the door.

The door to Vesanze's chamber was a masterpiece of understated elegance, crafted in varying shades of white. It exuded a tranquil aura, different from the rest of the manor—a subtle reminder of its importance.

Leon nodded to the masked man. "Thank you, Pelican." He pushed the door open gently. Vesanze had a peculiar rule: no one was ever to knock. Pelican served as the gatekeeper, admitting members of the manor or those deemed worthy. Once acknowledged, they were free to enter without permission.

As they stepped in, Vesanze lifted her pen from the letter she had been writing. A small bird fluttered down, gently carrying the pen away as if on cue. Her desk faced a massive windowpane, a seamless wall of glass offering a panoramic view of the serene grounds outside.

Hearing their entrance, Vesanze turned, her face lighting with a knowing smile as her eyes settled on Leon and Shun. "Miss Crane, I think you should take a look at this," Leon said, his voice unusually solemn.

At his words, Vesanze's eyebrows lifted ever so slightly, a rare flicker of surprise crossing her composed face.

"A wordless letter?" she mused, her voice betraying a slight tremor.

Leon and Shun exchanged a glance—her recognition of the letter confirmed their suspicions. Vesanze, however, seemed momentarily lost in thought, murmuring to herself, "So it was real."

Shun stepped forward, offering the letter. "Leon—Owl—couldn't see the words. But I could read every one of them."

Vesanze's expression remained calm, though her eyes carried a distant look. "You can call him Leon, if you wish..." she said softly. Then, after a pause, "Of course… You are the only one meant to see it."

Her voice lowered, tinged with an unspoken weight. "But I never expected that person to be you."

Shun's patience was wearing thin. Her cryptic words stirred more confusion than clarity, but he kept his composure, trusting that Vesanze would eventually unravel the mystery. "What does it mean that I am the 'Inheritor'? Who is Yun? And what is Starflame?"

Vesanze's gaze grew distant, her eyes clouded with memories. "Mister Yun… He was once an instructor... and an old friend of mine," she began, her voice heavy with the weight of the past. "He belonged to an organization called the Starflame Community."

"The Starflame Community was once the most powerful and feared organization in the world. Its roots stretched back before the Great War, when the Tyrant ruled. Back then, Starflame was ruthless, a dominant force that brought terror to the realm. Six leaders governed it—the Head, the Eye, the Bone, the Soul, the Shadow, and the Sword."

"No one knew their true identities. It wasn't until after his death that I learned Mister Yun was the Soul of Starflame."

Her words quickened, as though she had rehearsed this speech countless times.

"After the Great War ended, and the three factions rose to power, Starflame changed. It became a force for peace, a new member had joined their leadership team—young and full of compassion, she transformed the entire organization. They called her 'the Heart.'"

"But 15 years ago, the Starflame Community disbanded. No one knows why, or where the members went. The letter you hold was entrusted to Mister Yun, who passed it to me before his death. He told me not to interfere in the life of the 'Inheritor,' but to deliver a message—a responsibility."

Shun's brow furrowed as he interrupted, "Was Sirius Xshasi part of Starflame?"

Vesanze shook her head gently. "Not exactly."

"Your parents, Wei and Yi, were the Sword and Shadow of Starflame."

The revelation hit Shun like a shockwave. In his memory, his parents were named David and Eva Xshasi, mere instrument ethereal warriors who held no unique power.

Vesanze continued, her voice soft but firm.

"I always thought the Inheritor would come from the Eternal Dynasty… never did I imagine it would be someone from Lordrixis."

She paused, her gaze piercing. "But 15 years ago, the Head of Starflame made a choice. That you, Shun, son of the Sword and Shadow, would inherit his mantle."

"You are destined to become the next Head of Starflame."