Descendants

The Capital (4)

After the speech, everyone returned quietly to their respective rooms.

The atmosphere felt heavy, as if Captain Aurelis’ words lingered in the air long after he left the podium.

They gathered around their bunks, their earlier excitement subdued.

“That speech…” Niel muttered. “It really hit hard.”

Kael, who had been silent the entire walk back, finally spoke.

“I’m scared,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper and his eyes lowered. “To be honest… I’m really scared.”

Everyone turned to him—some surprised, some relieved that someone finally said what they were all thinking.

“We all are,” Ray replied gently. “No one here walked into this without fear.”

“We just have to keep trying,” another added. “If we don’t, the Kingdom falls. I know it sounds like a suicide mission… but what else can we do?”

“The only way…” Kael echoed softly. “If there was another option, I’m sure the people before us would’ve found it. They must have reached this exact point—searching for another answer, hoping for another way out.”

Niel nodded. “Exactly. And since no other method exists, it means the Heart of the Sky really is the key. Our ancestors didn’t leave us much, but they left us this.”

Ray crossed his arms, his tone serious. “Then the only thing we can do now is get stronger. The stronger we are, the higher our chances of surviving the descent.”

Everyone silently agreed. Even Kael found a bit of resolve in Ray’s words.

“Right,” Kael said, taking a slow breath. “For now… we should enjoy what time we have left. Because once we reach the Capital, our training will be absolute hell.”

A small ripple of nervous laughter spread through the room.

They knew he was right.

---

The journey to the Capital became their final breath of freedom.

They spent their days exploring the airship—eating together in the mess hall, playing simple games in the recreation area, and watching the world drift by from the wide panoramic windows.

For a moment, they were just teenagers again.

Time passed faster than they expected.

While Kael and Niel were chatting near the viewing deck, Niel suddenly froze and pointed forward.

“Hey—look!”

Kael’s eyes followed his gesture.

There, looming in the distance, was a colossal Aetherstone—far larger than anything they had ever seen.

Attached to it was a vast expanse of land, overflowing with lush forests, towering spires, and gleaming structures made of polished stone and shimmering metal.

The Capital.

Compared to the smaller islands they grew up on, it was overwhelming—grand, alive, and undeniably powerful.

Niel let out a breathless laugh. “No wonder it’s the heart of Elyndra…”

Kael could only stare, awe tightening his chest.

The Capital of Elyndra awaited them—along with the brutal training that would shape them into Descendants.

And beyond that… the Stormveil.