Chapter 613: New Year’s Event
In an expansive room whose walls were a deep charcoal black, while the ceiling gave the impression of clear obsidian, though within it swirled a continuously shifting darkness.
The dim light that filled the chamber came from four dark globes, each held in the twisted embrace of tree-like branches that grew out from the corners of the chamber.
At the far right, before a tall mirror, a man of tall stature stood. His raven-black hair reached his broad shoulders, and his pitch-black eyes, which appeared emotionless, silently examined his attire.
He wore a four-piece suit. A pitch-black shirt, a simple tie lined with silver threads running straight as starlight, matching black trousers, a black vest, and finally, a long overcoat that reached his knees.
Its lapels shimmered faintly, cloaked in spiraling tendrils of silver woven into the fabric, shaping constellations that seemed to shift if one looked too long.
The inner layer of the coat bore a denser pattern of constellations, woven with pure silver. Each glance revealed new details, as if the cloth itself held no end of hidden stars.
Completing the attire was a pendant, an abyssal draconic skull, crowned with three pairs of horns that rose in ascending sequence. The small skull hung from a silver chain across his chest, like a grim yet unique locket.
Alex stared at himself with an incredulous look. ’I still can’t believe this is mythic-grade armor. It’s not meant to be an armor, but it would do a better job than many legendary-quality armors. His surprise only deepened when he recalled the incredible skills it had to offer.
Though not crafted for battle, its features had been pushed to the extreme for official gatherings.
It carried nearly a dozen abilities, first being its ability to change according to the user’s desire, then came the skills tailored for any situation, namely Aegis of Mind, Clarity Veil, Ward of Silence, Melodic Tongue, Truthsense, Spatial Awareness, Monarch’s Poise, Great Presence, and all those were only the strongest among the dozen skills.
His expression shifted, turning wary. ’But why do I feel like this is a trap?’ He gave a dry chuckle. ’Who am I kidding... It’s definitely a trap.’
The extraordinary suit had been given to him by Lady Erda to wear during the New Year celebration. And since Alex didn’t even own a simple suit, let alone one of mythic quality, he had accepted without hesitation.
It also looked great on him.
The New Year event was set to begin in less than half an hour. It would open with a grand ceremony to welcome the coming year, followed by the start of the grand ball, where all guests were to gather alongside the individuals who had earned one of the thousand spots in the Sky Pride Tournament.
The Drakaryx clan had held open trials for anyone above Fifth Rank, whether realm inhabitant or adventurer, as long as they qualified as young adults of their race, that is, under thirty-five in human age.
The requirement leaned in favor of adventurers, but no one would dare complain, since the event had always been meant to highlight the best talents of a generation, and this year it was just made harder with grander prices.
Once the ball concluded, the Sky Pride Tournament would begin, run in pure gladiator style. In the end, not one, but three winners would be chosen.
It was clear this format had been designed to give both realm-born and adventurers alike a fair chance at glory.
Alex was not participating in the tournament. He felt no stress about winners or losers, but rather, he was looking forward to the spectacle itself. He expected to catch sight of familiar faces from the ancient world, perhaps even a member of his own Organization.
The finale, set for the second day, would be the auction. Yet, from Lady Erda’s hints, it would not be a normal auction; that was all he knew, since she had given no further details, only saying she did not wish to spoil their fun.
With these thoughts lingering, Alex left his room and made his way toward the Hall of the Great Tree. For a brief moment, he stopped in his tracks, as his eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Near the entrance of the pagoda, bathed in the glow of luminous flowers, stood two breathtaking figures, beauties so striking that they seemed to have been pulled from a dream or a legend.
One radiated the calm grace of maturity, her presence carrying the weight of ageless wisdom. The other was refined and untouchable, distant as the moon hanging above.
Lady Erda greeted the scene with a gentle smile, her demeanor warm and welcoming. She wore an emerald-green gown, its light mesh sleeves embroidered with delicate floral patterns, a harmony of elegance and approachability.
Zahra, by contrast, stood like a statue carved from frost and starlight. Her expression was an emotionless mask, her silver-and-black eyes revealing nothing.
Yet for all the coldness she exuded, her presence was irresistible, so refined that even those who expected only dismissal would still long to approach her.
She wore a close-fitting silk dress of platinum white, its fabric alive with spiraling tendrils of silver, woven like the trails of stars. Constellations shimmered across its surface, subtle yet dazzling, making her appear less a woman than a mystery cloaked in the night sky, refined, enigmatic, and utterly captivating.
She wore pure white gloves, a simple necklace set with one large silver gem flanked by two smaller ones, long silver earrings crafted in the same style, and a neat, gleaming bracelet.
"Mother, really?" Zahra’s icy voice dropped, her silver-and-black eyes narrowing as she caught the near identical similarities between her outfit and Alex’s.
The constellations formed into their garments, although not the same, mirrored each other’s style too perfectly to be chance, clearly another one of Lady Erda’s little schemes.
Lady Erda raised a hand to her lips, doing a terrible job of concealing the bright, amused smile tugging at them. "Would you believe me if I said it was just a coincidence?"
Zahra gave her a flat look, but her mother swept past it gracefully, her voice taking on a mock-serious tone. "Jests aside, I merely arranged for you both to wear complementary attire, matching, if you will, because the constellations represent our heritage, and as the two brightest stars of our clan, who better to wear them on this great occasion than the two of you?"
Before Zahra could retort, Lady Erda leaned closer, her words dropping to a conspiratorial whisper near her daughter’s ear. "Besides, this gives the impression that you are already taken by Aeon, or the other way around, if you will."
"It will save you the annoyance of endless suitors, and also spare him the trouble of being chased by eager young ladies. Forget young, even the older ones with far too much... appetite would gladly steal him for a night."
Zahra stiffened, her eyes threatening to betray her composure, while Alex’s lip twitched. He muttered under his breath, "I can hear you loud and clear..."
Lady Erda turned toward him in an instant, her smile soft and sweet, yet carrying that knowing glimmer in her eyes. "Versital suits you well, Aeon," she said, savoring the way his name rolled off her tongue. "You may consider it a New Year’s gift from me."
Alex was a little taken aback and almost declined, but before he could utter a word, Lady Erda smiled sweetly and added, "If you wish to return it, just throw it off the island. I won’t be taking it back."
He could only offer a wary smile at her forceful generosity. Still, he understood, she wasn’t the type to give with expectation.
After nearly ten days on Paradise Island, Alex had learned that much well enough that generosity was simply her nature, and so was teasing.
"Now, off you go," Lady Erda said, clasping her hands together. "There are only minutes left before the Sky Performance begins."
Her words carried a spark of excitement. The Sky Performance, an ancient display of fireworks and arraycraft painting their clan’s history across the heavens, was the crown jewel of the New Year’s celebration.
But, as always, Lady Erda wasn’t quite finished, as her lips curved mischievously.
"Before you leave," she said, eyes glinting, "Please, stand side by side for me."
Zahra sighed softly but complied, stepping forward and standing beside Alex.
"I would have taught you our classical dance," Lady Erda went on, circling them with exaggerated thoughtfulness, "but I doubt either of you would have performed it anyway."
Before Zahra could protest, Lady Erda slipped behind her daughter and, with a gentle but decisive motion, guided her arm to link with Alex’s in a graceful, courtly hold.
"There," she declared with a triumphant smile. "Now that’s a proper entrance. Make sure everyone sees you like this, as it sends a very clear statement."
Zahra’s expression didn’t change, though a faint sigh escaped her. "Mother," she said evenly, withdrawing her arm, "We’re leaving." Without waiting for another word, she turned toward the teleportation chamber.
Alex lingered a moment longer, smiling despite himself. "Thanks for everything," he said, giving a small bow before following Zahra into the chamber.