She had argued with him. Not only did she express her preference for bald, crazy Otto, who seemed to create more issues than solutions, but she also pleaded with him to refrain from posing questions to Silas, despite Silas having every right to be asked those questions. He detested the way Terrans conducted themselves in such a manner—constantly making demands and asking questions as if their perspectives were superior to those of the Novas, whose entire existence revolved around the realm of dark magic.

And why would she choose a mentally unstable Nova who couldn't even recall his own name when Hashim was a far more viable option from a practical standpoint? Wouldn't her safety be significantly improved with a Nova who possessed a much greater degree of mental clarity? And what was her reason for being so protective of that man Silas? Were they romantically involved? Could Silas have been the individual she had watched encounter a negative confrontation with a Nova? It would certainly explain why she had vehemently opposed his magic.

He wished more than ever to confront the man, but it was growing late and he needed to trek into downtown Quimath by nightfall. Hashim discarded his ostentatious attire and donned more humble clothing, ensuring it concealed the burns on his body. He opted for a loose, light brown cloak that draped casually around him, providing both comfort and coverage. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and focused on shedding the painful remnants of his previous transformation. This time, the sensation was less intense, and Hashim gradually felt the familiar sense of self returning. As he opened his eyes, a wave of relief washed over him, allowing him to relax. As much as he had been taken aback by the dark, orb-like eyes he had seen in the mirror that morning, they were now replaced with his familiar, comforting grey ones. The transformation was striking, and he couldn't help but wonder how Sadie would react to this change. He appeared much more approachable and friendly in this form, far from the formidable image he had intentionally created with Angus.

With a pained expression, Hashim winced at such troubling thoughts and turned away from the dimly lit room. As he made his way out, his gaze briefly caught the shimmering Portal hanging against the far wall. Though Novas were the only ones with the ability to create Portals and teleport, Hashim could achieve the same if he were Angus, albeit with difficulty. The process was excruciating as the magic resisted him, and each time he teleported, he would be unconscious for days. His body would be shredded–skin peeling off in clumps as Ajax put him back together.

Hashim was keenly aware that despite the amount of time he spent with Novas, he could never forge the profound bond that they shared. He would forever be known as a Vuel.

He stepped closer to the Portal, arm outstretched, and slowly pressed his hand against it. Nothing. It felt as if he were pressing his hand against an unyielding, cold wall. Desperation mounted as he pushed harder, hoping for a response. Instead, a sharp, searing spark of pain shot up his arm, causing him to hiss in agony. He yanked his hand back, the ache lingering as he clenched his fist. Defeated, he turned away, leaving without a backward glance.

                                                                                        —

The sun was setting by the time Hashim exited the tunnels, casting a soft, ethereal glow over Quimath. The sky was a breathtaking canvas of light pink and golden hues, with streaks of vibrant orange blending into the horizon. These colors bathed the city in a warm, delicate light, illuminating the pristine white stone buildings and the shimmering golden streets. Each structure seemed to glow with a serene radiance, and the cobblestones underfoot sparkled as if they were dusted with tiny flecks of gold. 

Flashes of vibrant color from canopies criss-crossed above the bustling streets, creating a patchwork of shade for the crowd below. The air was alive with the hum of voices, the scent of street food, and the occasional burst of laughter. Mist cascaded gently from the tops of bridges that spanned the streets, adding a cool, refreshing touch to the warm air. Above, higher-level buildings and streets buzzed with their own activity, creating a layered cityscape that seemed to pulse with life. It was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, each more vivid than the last. Hashim paused, taking in the scene, feeling a sharp pang of jealousy twist in his chest. Everywhere he looked, there was an explosion of life—joyful, carefree, oblivious. Children darted through the crowds, their laughter ringing out like music, while vendors enthusiastically called out their wares. People moved with purpose yet with a lightness that spoke of contentment. In this bustling paradise, they were happy—thriving, even—while others suffered. The stark contrast gnawed at him, and he desperately wished to travel deeper into the dark underbelly of this place—away from color and light.

Ducking his head, he merged into the crowd—ignoring the cries from merchants and began his descent downward.

Quimath thrived along the riverbed and across its waters, bustling with merchants, seamen, and travelers. This vibrant hub of commerce and culture thrived thanks to its strategic location. Yet, further from the river, the city extended towards the rugged terrains of caves and canyons. Here, a different kind of community lived: the miners. These intrepid individuals ventured into the depths to extract crystals and capture magical creatures, essential ingredients for the potions sold in Quimath's bustling marketplaces.

Mining in Quimath was perilous, but those skilled in their craft could amass significant wealth. Exceptional miners who demonstrated remarkable strength and courage had the opportunity to become Warriors, earning prestige and respect. The caves of Quimath were vast and mysterious, with many parts remaining unexplored. This unexplored wilderness attracted adventurers, thrill-seekers, and Terrans hoping to make their fortune. The inherent dangers of the sea and the caves were the bedrock of Quimath's prosperity and wealth, drawing people from all walks of life to its shores and depths. Yet, because of its challenges, the outer cities where the miners returned from long treks were filled with danger and Beings from all across the galaxy. Quimath's downtown was notorious for its gossip and rumors and was vital for Hashim if he wished to find where the Oshu was.

As he walked, the once-imposing buildings surrounding him seemed to wither and crumble, their grandeur giving way to a worn and weathered appearance. A pungent scent of eldrake permeated the air, filling Hashim's senses with a bittersweet taste that lingered in his mouth and nostrils. Eldrake was a drug that was widely sought after for its ability to boost energy levels and increase tolerance to magic. However, it had a downside - it was highly addictive. Furthermore, once the initial high wore off, the resulting crash would leave individuals incapacitated for an extended time. It was a reckless substance, falsely marketed as being able to make a Terran as powerful as a Nova. Whenever Hashim encountered signs promoting the drug, he couldn't help but scoff.

As he gripped the cold, reassuring hilt of the dagger concealed in his pocket, Hashim ventured deeper into the labyrinth of dilapidated buildings. The decaying structures loomed above him, their crumbling facades whispering tales of neglect and abandonment. Gradually, the oppressive architecture gave way to a sprawling sea of tents, some large enough to shelter several families. The lamplights, struggling against the encroaching darkness, sputtered in the sandy wind, casting flickering, eerie shadows that danced on the creaking and groaning overhanging posts. A heavy, almost tangible silence blanketed the area, broken only by the occasional rustle of fabric or the distant howl of the wind. People huddled around the dimly lit tents, their silhouettes barely discernible in the gloom. As Hashim peered into one of the tents, he observed families gathered around long, rough-hewn tables, sharing the meager spoils of the day's desert hunts. This place felt worlds apart from the bustling heart of downtown he had pictured; it seemed more like the city's forgotten fringes, where the forsaken sought solace and refuge. Perhaps this was where the drug users found their sanctuary, hidden from the prying eyes of the authorities.

Hashim's pace slowed as he cautiously navigated the narrow passageways, acutely aware that word of his visit would have likely spread through these shadowy corners. He remained on high alert, knowing that such places often harbored Novas on missions, and it was almost certain that Raoul had reached out to them. Suddenly, a glint of gold seized his attention, causing him to come to an abrupt halt. He found himself locked in the gaze of a Nova, whose golden eyes seemed to pierce through him. Beside the Nova stood a younger figure, perhaps an apprentice, who appeared to be around eight or nine. The girl, frail and wide-eyed, seemed to shrink back at the sight of Hashim. Her reaction clearly showed that she recognized him as a Curse, and her fear and revulsion were barely concealed. Disregarding her, Hashim pressed into the alleyway, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the Nova until they had distanced themselves from the main area.

As Hashim stepped into the dimly lit chamber, a chilling voice pierced the silence. "Ah, you must be Hashim Walker, the Nova that reeks of curses," jeered the figure concealed in the shadows. The Nova's form was barely visible, but his piercing golden eyes glowed with an otherworldly light. Amidst the darkness, hints of glistening, scaly skin and the glint of black claws tightly gripping a sickle beneath his worn, gray cloak were discernible. Hashim ignored his taunt and said, "Yes, Sabre sent me. Your name?"

"Cyrus Briggs, and my apprentice is Isla." Hashim's suspicion was confirmed; Isla was still too young to have earned a last name.

"So then Raoul spoke to you?" Hashim asked, his voice steady. Cyrus chortled.. He pointed a thin black claw at Hashim, the movement slow and deliberate. "Your CIS is an idiot. Unlike your kind, I must be very careful in my assistance with you. One wrong move and I will be marked by the Rivas." The golden light in his eyes flickered from the torches. Hashim frowned and pushed the Nova's hand away, feeling the rough, scaly texture under his fingers. "What did he ask?"

"He wished for me to guide you to the Oshu—as if he forgot you are a Curse yourself," Cyrus replied, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Just tell me where it is. There is no need for you to guide me there," Hashim insisted, his patience wearing thin. Cyrus sneered, baring a long line of sharp teeth that seemed to glow with an unnatural light under his piercing golden eyes. "It moves. Every day it is at a different location. For me to find out would mean I would have to help you."

Hashim sighed. "What can you tell me?" Cyrus shifted slightly, his cloak rustling with the movement, and pulled a small, weathered notebook from his pocket. He handed it to Hashim, his claws grazing the cover. "I am sure you are aware of how desolate this place is. It does not fit Quimath, even for a poorer community, since it is only miles away from the Caves. The wealth of that place does not get back here," Cyrus said, a knowing smile crossing his face, "This is where the cowards and saints reside."

Hashim took the notebook, feeling its worn edges and the faint imprint of countless hands that had held it before. The chamber's dim light barely illuminated the pages, filled with notes and sketches, and a map of sorts.

"What is this?"

Cyrus laughed as he exclaimed, "Everything that's gone wrong with this place. And you know what's the best part? We don't have to lift a finger to help. We could if we wanted to, but we don't have to because this is all about Quimath, not magic. It's ironic how the strict rules of the Creed actually work in our favor for once."

"Do they know you have this?" Hashim asked, his voice tinged with alarm as his eyes darted around the dimly lit alley.

"Of course fucking not," Cyrus snapped, his voice a mix of contempt and exasperation. He stepped closer, the glint of his black claws catching the faint light. "They'd say we were breaking the Creed and every Nova down here would be killed, no matter if they were just passing by or not. You should know by now that this Dimension hates us."

Hashim's fingers tightened around the notebook, its worn cover rough against his skin and quickly tucked it into his bag. "This will help me?" he demanded.

Cyrus's grin spread wide, revealing rows of sharp, glistening teeth. "Your CIS officer told me to help get you acquainted with Quimath, and I am," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Curses like you thrive in areas of greed, murder, and hate, and I just gave you a book that's full of that crap. You want to know where the Novanoid Curse might be? Start looking where this stuff is," he jabbed a clawed finger at Hashim's bag for emphasis. "People around here go fucking crazy when they see magic, and then they wonder why our race was given magic and not them. They can't stand that we were given something they can never have. Fucking lunatics."

The chamber seemed to grow colder, the flickering light casting ominous shadows on the rough stone walls. Cyrus's golden eyes glowed eerily, reflecting a sinister amusement, while his scaly skin shimmered faintly in the dim light.

"This place is a breeding ground for all the worst humanity has to offer. The greed that festers here, the murders that go unpunished, the hate that bubbles beneath the surface – it all creates the perfect environment for the Novanoid Curse. He feeds off this shit."

Hashim narrowed his eyes and demanded, "What kind of things? Stop playing games and tell me." Before Cyrus could respond, Isla, who had been keeping watch, emitted a small sound, causing both Cyrus and Hashim to swiftly reach for their weapons. With caution, Cyrus peered around the wall, lowered his sickle, and then turned to Hashim with a bright smile on his pale face.

"Here you go, Hashim Walker. How about I show you instead?" Hashim brushed past him and stood frozen in utter shock as he witnessed Sadie Hartley leading two men down the cracked stone floors towards the trains that led to the Caves.