Morning in Manila came with the faint smell of salt in the air, the sound of gulls weaving between the hum of early traffic. From the summit's guest quarters, Kael stepped onto the balcony, watching the city stir beneath a sky painted gold and pale blue. It was almost peaceful — almost.
A knock came at the door. Sena was already awake, tightening the straps that secured her chakrams.
"It's open," she called.
The door swung inward to reveal Cess, casual in a sleeveless tunic and loose trousers, her hair pulled back. The Spear of Tala rested diagonally across her back, the polished haft catching the morning light.
"My father's about to start the demonstrations," she said. "Figured you two might want someone to make sure you don't get lost in the crowd."
Sena's lips twitched. "We're capable of finding our way."
Cess shrugged. "Sure. But this summit's like a labyrinth — and half the people here would love to see you take a wrong turn."
Kael caught Sena's eye and gave the faintest nod. "Lead the way."
————
The Demonstration Grounds
The complex's inner courtyard had been transformed overnight. A raised stone platform dominated the center, surrounded by tiered seating shaded with banners from each nation. The air buzzed with anticipation, warriors and dignitaries alike leaning forward to catch every move.
Cess guided them to a vantage point near the Filipino delegation, nodding briefly to guards who stepped aside.
Juan Dela Cruz stood on the platform, the Kris of Apolaki unsheathed. Even from this distance, Kael could feel the hum of its energy — like a drumbeat deep in the chest.
One by one, the sovereign leaders and their chosen warriors stepped forward to demonstrate their relics. Suzume unsheathed the Kusanagi, and a wave of shimmering heat washed over the platform, the air warping with Amaterasu's power. Her guardian, Shinichi, followed with the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, lightning snapping along the blade's edge as storm clouds briefly gathered overhead.
Jeong-hwi from Korea raised his hand, and the Ashes of King Yeomra swirled upward, forming a colossal hand of gray dust that gripped the air like solid stone. Beside him, Lee Jin-ah played a brief, high trill on her flute — and a pair of hawks swooped into the courtyard, circling before landing on her outstretched arm.
From Thailand, Chalermchai's Golden Plumes of Garuda flared with a burst of wind, each feather glinting like molten gold as he leapt into the air, twisting effortlessly before landing in a kneel.
The Indonesian leader, Sri Mahadewi, let her Trident of Baruna touch the platform. Water gushed upward in a twisting column, suspended in midair, then evaporated into a fine mist with a flick of her wrist.
Each display was precise — enough to impress, but never crossing into threat.
—————
Whispers in the Crowd
Kael leaned slightly toward Cess. "This is… showmanship."
"Of course," she replied without looking at him. "Power is as much about how you present it as how you use it. Most of these leaders are trying to remind everyone here that they're not to be underestimated."
Sena crossed her arms. "Feels like half of them are also watching the other half to see who looks tired or distracted."
Cess smirked. "Exactly. Welcome to the summit."
Kael's attention drifted to a figure several rows away — hooded, head bowed, unmoving despite the applause. Something about their stillness gnawed at him. But before he could focus, Juan Dela Cruz's voice pulled him back.
—————
An Invitation
When the demonstrations ended, the crowd spilled into the shaded walkways for refreshments and quieter conversations. Cess steered Kael and Sena away from the thickest clusters.
"You two should meet some of the leaders more directly," she said. "First impressions at these things… stick."
She led them first to Nguyen Bao of Vietnam, whose manner was formal but not unfriendly. His relic's phantom dragons coiled lazily around his shoulders as he offered a measured nod.
Then to Raja Muda Ibrahim of Malaysia, who was warmer, greeting them with a firm handshake and a curious glance at Kael's staff.
The exchanges were brief, but Kael noticed the way Cess handled each — smoothing over awkward pauses, shifting the subject before tensions could rise. She wasn't just guiding them physically. She was shaping how they were perceived.
—————
A Ripple in the Water
As they passed near the central fountain, Sena slowed, her gaze fixed on a shallow bronze bowl resting on the stone rim. Inside, clear water rippled — but there was no wind.
Cess noticed. "What's wrong?"
Sena shook her head slowly. "That bowl… it's resonating with something." She glanced at Kael. "You feel it?"
Kael frowned. He did. A faint pulse, almost like the thrum of a relic, but wrong — thinner, like an echo.
Before they could examine it further, a group of attendants approached, their robes marked with symbols from multiple nations. They were polite, smiling even, but their eyes darted quickly between Kael's staff and Sena's chakrams before they moved on.
Cess waited until they were gone. "You'll see more of that. Curiosity mixed with calculation. Some of them are wondering if you're assets… or threats."
—————
Evening Conversations
As the day wound down, the delegations gathered for a formal dinner. The long tables were lit by warm lanterns, the air filled with the smell of grilled fish and garlic rice. Musicians played softly from a raised dais.
Cess sat between Kael and Sena, deftly keeping them engaged in conversation while quietly feeding them context about who was speaking, which alliances were fragile, and which ones were already fractured.
When Jeong-hwi passed by, he paused to study Kael briefly before saying, "Your weapon… it's older than you, but it carries you well." He didn't wait for a response, moving on with Lee Jin-ah at his side.
Later, Suzume approached, her voice quiet enough for only their table to hear. "You walk with a shadow, Kael. I hope you know who casts it."
Then she was gone.
—————
The Decision
By the time the hall began to empty, Kael was certain of two things:
One, the summit was as much a battlefield as any he'd fought on.
Two, without someone like Cess, he and Sena would already have stepped into a dozen traps they couldn't see.
As they walked back to their quarters under the soft glow of courtyard lanterns, Kael spoke without looking at her. "You're good at this."
Cess raised an eyebrow. "At walking you through a maze?"
"At making sure we don't drown in it," Kael said.
Sena smirked faintly. "Guess that makes you our guide now."
Cess shrugged, but her smile carried the quiet satisfaction of someone who'd already decided where she belonged.