The rumble of skateboard wheels on cobblestones mingled with the clash of armor, going from the port all the way to the bustling marketplace.
Minova nimbly hopped over a set of stairs, weaving through a labyrinth of alleys, leaving the Imperial Guard knights far behind.
She knew this place like the back of her hand.
Every shortcut, every hidden nook—she had them all memorized. There was no way she could be caught, unless the Imperial Guard flooded the area with overwhelming numbers.
And if they did...she had a backup plan...
Ten minutes later.
A girl in Platinum Academy uniform and glasses walked right past the Imperial Guard's blockade.
The knights on duty let her through without even setting eyes on her.
After all, how could a quiet, studious girl who was reading as she walked down the street possibly be one of those vile gang members?
Once past the blockade, the girl tucked away her manga and pulled out her phone.
"Vollara, did you make it home?"
"Safe and sound, Cap. How is everything there?"
"Shook them off. Meet you at the usual spot."
Ending the brief call, Minova flashed a smile—one that didn't belong to a student in uniform—and headed toward the deeper, darker center of Ash District.
She rounded corner after corner, took off her shoes, and waded through a stream formed by water dripping under the Waterway.
Finally, Minova returned to her "base."
In the heart of Ash District, beneath the towering Waterway, lies the quietest spot in Emor
—A colorful little house stood in stark contrast among the unoccupied, dilapidated buildings.
The wind vane on the roof creaked in the veering wind.
In the soft afternoon sunlight, birds startled awake, flapping their wings toward the sky.
Months ago, Minova and the Ashwind kids discovered this place.
The house was in complete disrepair; the roof and floors were riddled with holes, letting in enough sunlight into the basement for one to read without a lamp during the day.
Despite its shabby condition, they unanimously decided to turn it into their "base."
The open space in front of the house was perfect for practicing skateboarding, and the nearby bridge piers served as shortcuts to the Waterway above.
The neighboring abandoned buildings offered free bricks and planks for their refurbishment. As for other thing that don't come free, like books, the members found ways to buy them with their part-time salary.
Today, the clan went to the harbor to pick up the books, only to be mistaken by the Imperial Guard as smugglers. The knights chased them for several streets. After Minova volunteered to play a decoy, the gang successfully shook the knights off their tails.
Outside the house, Vollara, Neuvira, and the other Ashwind kids lined up, waiting for Minova's return.
Minova wasn't a fan of formalities, but certain things demanded a sense of ceremony.
She stood under the banner the kids had strung up, took the scissors from Vollara, and cut the red ribbon in half.
With a soft "snip," Ashwind Clan was officially established—It was a crude imitation of the openings of stores and larger corporations in Silver District.
Despite what its name suggested, Ashwind Clan was more like a school and library for the kids.
Holding a "grand" ribbon-cutting ceremony was Minova's idea—to build confidence for Ashwind members, especially those who had been left homeless due to various misfortunes and were often bullied by other gangs.
She wanted them to understand that they don't have to feel inferior to the kids living in Silver District and even Gold District. One day, they too could have everything that the rich kids took for granted.
The ceremony ended in a burst of cheers, but the kids didn't leave. Instead, they busied themselves decorating their new home with wildflowers and homemade natural paints.
Minova's gaze swept over the joyful faces, then turned toward the towering Monolith in the distance.
At this time of day, the Monolith in the city casted a huge shadow over their base.
That's alright, she thought to herself.
One day, she'd take that step and do what most wouldn't even dare imagine.
So for now, she needed to gather more strength.