In another part of this vast, higher world—a mansion of white jade and ancient wood—an elderly man stood over a young warrior. The youth's aura was sharp, like a blade that had just been sharpened, his eyes filled with a terrifying, quiet ambition.
"Do you understand your mission, my child?" the Elder asked, his voice like dry parchment.
"Yes, Grandfather," the youth replied, bowing deeply. "I will not fail. I will do whatever is necessary to achieve the objective. If it exists in that lower world, it will be mine."
"I have no doubt," the Elder whispered, handing him a dark, unadorned emblem. "I am sending you with the Nameless Guard. Take this emblem. They will obey your every command, even if it means marching into their own deaths. Do not disappoint me, child. The fate of our sect's standing depends on what is hidden behind that dome."
"I will do the impossible to ensure your pride remains intact, Grandfather."
