"All Oak Owls consider reaching the tower's peak a lifelong honor. Whenever an Oak Owl succeeds, [Fate Out of Sync] rings out, and at least one Owl Sovereign will personally appear to congratulate the climber. Most Oak Owls in Eternal Night Fortress, unless preoccupied with pressing matters, will ascend into the sky to celebrate this triumph over destiny.
"But if someone fails, they'll be expelled from the island via a chute beneath the tower. Oak Owls can fly back up, but other saint races will need to find their own way.
"Huh? Why call it triumphing over destiny? Well, the tower is open to all saint races, but regardless of what race someone is before entering, upon leaving the tower, a pair of Light Wings will manifest on their back within ten breaths.
"At first, people didn't think much of it since Light Wings differ greatly from Oak Owl wings. But then the three great Owl Sovereigns came forward and recognized these climbers, publicly declaring the Light Wings as a reward of the tower and bestowing upon them the title of Light Owls.
"Afterward, things got complicated. Their original kin stopped trusting them, and they couldn't return to their old lives. Over time, it became accepted that these climbers were effectively transformed into Oak Owls.
"But honestly, if someone doesn't care about racial pride, it's not a big deal. The Oak Owls treat these converted Light Owls quite well, granting them the same status and benefits as native Oak Owls."
Rita's heart sank deeper with every word. Involuntary talent acquisition plus forced migration!
To make matters worse, the Owl Sovereign would personally show up, and at least half the city's Oak Owls would ascend into the sky to celebrate.
If talent shows aren't hosted by the Oak Owls, I'm not watching anymore.
If she succeeded in reaching the top, not only would she sprout Light Wings and lose her human identity, but she'd also have to steal from under the watchful eyes of all the Oak Owls present and at least one Owl Sovereign.
300 gold coins didn't buy her intel—it bought her despair.
Rita couldn't help but start doubting Lucia. If Gota knew all of this, could a world-renowned figure like Lucia, who'd taught countless students, really be unaware?
Especially given how grandly the Oak Owls celebrated tower climbers...
How could Lucia claim she had little useful information to share? Did she believe this was common knowledge and that the real challenge lay in acquiring Moon Sand?
Gota continued, "The leaders of the other eleven saint races don't want their people knowing about the tower. They've banned the spread of information regarding Eternal Night Fortress Tower.
"Any of their citizens caught entering it face strict penalties. Over time, many saints came to believe the tower was simply a place for transforming into Oak Owls. But that's not entirely true—rumor has it that treasures are hidden within the destiny nodes inside the tower."
What, worried about a brain drain?
But seriously, how could they hope to keep such a thing under wraps?
Rita tried for more clarity. "What about Peachlock? Isn't he supposed to guard the tower and [Fate Out of Sync]? If the tower's so difficult to access, why does he need to be there?"
Gota shrugged. "He claims his destiny lies above the tower, so he rarely leaves. But everyone knows he's just avoiding his duties. Staying near the tower lets him focus on alchemy experiments."
That was the extent of Gota's knowledge about the tower.
Rita spent an additional 50 gold coins verifying the intel Special Affairs Bureau had provided against Gota's information.
Before leaving, she shelled out a hefty 500 gold coins for a heavily worn Bear Cookie, a rare item almost impossible to find on the market.
Bear Cookies and a Goodbye Gift
For the Oak Owls, Bear Cookies were sacred childhood mementos. Adult Oak Owls, having grown up under their protection, cherished them deeply. Even in poor condition, Bear Cookies remained incredibly rare and valuable.
As they parted ways, Gota gave Rita a token—a broken bone shard—as a sign of goodwill.
"If you ever want more intel, show this to me. Only my best customers get one."
Though the transaction went smoothly, Rita still poured a bottle of memory-erasing potion down Gota's throat before leaving invisibly.
Sharing Intel with the Bureau
Though her relationship with the Eclipse Vanguard was partially competitive due to the Moon Sand's value, Rita knew this mission was too critical to keep secrets. Besides, she wanted her expenses reimbursed.
Rita: "Hey sis, I've got important intel to report to the motherland!"
Shadow.Q: "Reporting or reimbursing?"
Rita: "Wow, way to hurt the feelings of the people! It's about the tower—300 gold."
Shadow.Q: "Money's in your mailbox. Next time, just act."
After receiving the funds, Rita compiled her findings into a detailed report and sent it over. Then she visited a clothing store to buy some Oak Owl attire before sneaking into a sewer to disguise herself.
She drank a dose of [Melting Time] and transformed into a small Oak Owl with tiny wings on her back, adopting the name "Cookie."
Dressed in new clothes and adorned with the Bear Cookie she'd purchased from Gota, she went barefoot like the other Oak Owls.
Following Gota's guidance, she soon located the largest library in Eternal Night Fortress.
The Oak Owls cherished their young deeply, as evidenced by their treatment of Bear Cookies. The libraries of Eternal Night Fortress, Polar Day City, and Four Seasons City were all free for Oak Owls under the age of 15.
The first three floors were open at all times, offering food and learning resources at no cost.
Other saint races under 15 could also enter, but had to purchase a 1-gold ticket. However, their access was limited to designated areas containing Oak Owl history, literature, and critical exposés of the other saint races.
Following Gota's directions, Rita found herself before an imposing wall of books and quickly spotted the one he'd mentioned: "The Twelfth Saint Race: Oak Owls."
The book's opening line sent her reeling:
"In the year 7197 of the Ruincor Calendar, three heroes—Peach Crown, Pine Bloom, and Maple Syrup—swore an oath beneath the tower:
'One day, Oak Owl wings will cleave through Lania Kaia's skies. Acorn crests will be etched upon its land. All living things in Lania Kaia shall be engulfed in flames. The order and laws of Lania Kaia shall be rewritten by the Oak Owls!'"
Rita reread the passage and the title multiple times before coming to a grim realization. Between the lines, the book seemed to whisper one phrase:
"If you can't beat them, join them."
So much for their promises to bring carnage to Lania Kaia.
Instead of becoming its scourge, the Oak Owls had risen as its Twelfth Saint Race.
Even worse, the three original rebels—Peach Crown, Pine Bloom, and Maple Syrup—were now revered as Owl Sovereigns.
Was this a preface or an incriminating backstory?