The journey to the heart of the world feels less like a voyage and more like an exile.
The journey lasts two days. Two days locked inside an official boat convoy—escorted, silent. No songs. No excitement. Even Brask barely speaks. Oryn stays apart, leaning against the wall, his gaze lost to the horizon.
The landscape changes slowly. The red lands of the Fire Kingdom fade away, replaced by duller, more neutral plains, as if even the earth itself refuses to choose a side.
When the city finally appears, no one speaks.
Neutralis.
It rises in the middle of a wide valley, surrounded by pale, almost white walls carved with intertwined elemental symbols. Not one stands above the others. Fire, water, air, earth, lightning… all are present. Balanced. Forced to coexist. The city carries its name well.
"Impressive…" Brask breathes.
I don't answer. What I feel has nothing to do with admiration.
The convoy stops at one of the main gates. Delegations are already there. Banners float, aligned, yet too close to each other to feel comfortable. I feel the stares before I even see them.
The Earth Kingdom's are the worst. Heavy. Fixed. Filled with barely restrained hostility. Some soldiers watch us as if we are already enemies. No surprise. No curiosity. Only cold recognition. I clench my jaw.
On the other hand, the Air Kingdom representatives greet us with a discreet nod. No big gestures; just silent acknowledgment. Unofficial allies. For now.
The Water Kingdom is more distant. Their clothes are light and elegant, their expressions perfectly controlled. They observe everything, noting every detail as if weighing every breath.
And then… Lightning.
I notice them immediately. They possess a crushing presence—straight posture, sharp eyes. Their energy is different. Alive. Unstable. Even standing still, they seem ready to strike. I understand without being told: this tournament is also a display of power.
A man steps forward. He wears neutral clothing with no royal symbol and no visible personal guard.
"Welcome to Neutralis," he says clearly. "I am Kaelen Viremont, official guide of the city and representative of the Neutral Council."
His gaze slides over each delegation without lingering.
"Neutralis is an independent city. It belongs to no kingdom, supports no war, and interferes in no conflict." I note the precision of his words. "Here," he continues, "any aggression, any attempt at sabotage or provocation will be severely punished. Neutralis' rules come before those of your kingdoms."
A faint smile touches his lips. "In other words… leave your wars outside."
No one answers.
"This year, the Elemental Academies Tournament welcomes three academies per kingdom," he says, gesturing toward the delegations. "Fire, Water, Air, and Lightning are represented according to the usual agreements."
Then, he pauses.
"The Earth Kingdom, however, has sent four academies."
A murmur runs through the crowd. Even Brask turns his head, surprised.
"An exception approved by the Council," Kaelen adds. "The reasons fall under internal diplomacy."
I briefly meet the eyes of an Earth representative. He smiles—a smile that never reaches his eyes.
"Neutralis also welcomes visitors," the guide continues. "Tourists, scholars, merchants, observers. The tournament always attracts attention… and interest."
Around us, the city is already alive. Crowded streets. Colorful markets. Accents from every horizon. Children running, mages speaking, travelers watching the delegations with curiosity. It is elemental coexistence—on the surface.
"Follow me," Kaelen concludes. "I will lead you to your quarters."
The lodgings are located in a large central complex, divided into separate wings. Each kingdom has its sector, separated by shared inner gardens. A forced balance. Our rooms are simple but clean. Functional. Nothing luxurious, but nothing openly hostile, either.
"Feels like a polished prison," Brask mutters, dropping his bag.
"A showcase," Oryn corrects.
I look through the window. From here, I can see part of the city and, farther away, another wing. Earth Kingdom students are already training in an adjacent courtyard. Their movements are precise. Calculated. One of them stops and looks at me. For a long time. Then, he resumes his training.
A chill runs through me.
Later, we are gathered for a final briefing.
"Enjoy your free time," one of the organizers says. "The fights will not begin for a few days. Neutralis is an open city. As long as you respect the rules, you are free to move around."
Free. The word almost makes me smile.
Evening falls slowly over the city. Lanterns light up. The streets fill even more. The air is thick with excitement, curiosity… and invisible tension. I walk a little apart, watching the other delegations. Every group stays tight. No one truly mixes. It is too early. Too dangerous.
"You feel it too?" Brask asks quietly.
"Yes."
"It feels like a war pretending to be a festival."
I nod. Oryn says nothing, but his eyes follow every movement around us. Cold. Calculating.
In the distance, a flash of lightning briefly lights up the sky. And I understand one thing: Neutralis is neutral, but it is not blind.
And this tournament, behind its friendly mask… is a battlefield waiting to happen.