Kazaf: The upside down

The sun had set over the Elara Sect, casting long shadows across the towering structures of the ancient city. Kazaf sat in silence within his assigned quarters, gazing out at the darkening sky. His mind was restless. The Down world was foreign, unwelcoming, and filled with people who saw him as an outsider. Yet, he had no choice but to survive here.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Kazaf?" Asma's voice came from outside.

He stood and opened it, finding her standing there with a small bundle in her hands. "I brought you something," she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

She placed the bundle on the table and unwrapped it to reveal a set of traditional Down world robes, deep black with silver embroidery. "You should wear these. Walking around in Upside clothing only makes you stand out more."

Kazaf glanced at the robes but said nothing.

Asma sighed. "You're really not the talkative type, huh?"

"I appreciate it," he finally said.

A small smile tugged at her lips. "Good. Because if you walk around looking like an Outsider, people will keep picking fights with you."

Kazaf took the robes and examined them. They were finely made, better than the simple clothing he had worn in the Upside world. He nodded. "I'll wear them."

Asma beamed. "Good. Now, there's something else. You should learn how to navigate the sect properly. The Elara Sect is massive, and there are places you should avoid—especially at night."

Kazaf raised an eyebrow. "Like where?"

Before Asma could answer, another knock came at the door. This time, the presence outside wasn't as familiar.

"Kazaf?" a deep voice called.

Kazaf opened the door to find an older man standing there. His sharp eyes carried the weight of experience, and his posture radiated authority. Behind him stood two younger cultivators, both dressed in the formal robes of the Elara Sect.

"I am Master Hisham," the man introduced himself. "I oversee the training of new disciples. You will begin your lessons tomorrow at sunrise."

Kazaf met the man's gaze and nodded. "Understood."

Hisham studied him for a moment before speaking again. "You may have talent, but talent alone means nothing here. You will have to earn your place among us. I will not tolerate laziness."

Kazaf remained silent, unshaken by the warning.

"Good," Hisham said, turning to leave. "Report to the training grounds before dawn."

Once the group left, Asma exhaled. "Master Hisham is tough, but he's one of the best. If you impress him, people will start respecting you."

Kazaf smirked slightly. "Then I'll make sure to impress him."

Asma chuckled. "I look forward to seeing that."

---

Elsewhere in the Down World

Far from the Elara Sect, in a darkened hall where torches flickered against stone walls, Jalwa sat on his throne. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, and shadows danced across the chamber as figures stood before him.

Azar knelt before his master. "We've confirmed it—Kazaf is in Elara Sect. The half-breed is under their protection."

Jalwa's fingers tapped against the armrest of his throne. "Protection?" His voice was amused. "Jamal Kassim truly underestimates me."

Azar hesitated. "What are your orders, Master?"

Jalwa's gaze darkened. "We will let the Elara Sect think they are safe. For now. But soon, we will remind them that no one can protect what belongs to me."

A sinister smile played on his lips as he leaned forward. "Kazaf will come to me, one way or another."

---

Kazaf's journey in the Down world was only beginning. Forces were moving in the shadows, and soon, he would find himself caught in a struggle far greater than he could have ever imagined.