The grand throne room of the Royal Palace was vast and magnificent.
White marble pillars lined the polished floor, rising high to support the arched ceiling above. Light from tall windows poured into the chamber, reflecting off the marble and giving the hall a solemn brilliance.
Many of Acryon's most influential nobles and powerful Magi had gathered inside. Along the sides of the chamber stood the high nobility of the city, while several mbers of the royal family observed from their places near the throne.
At the far end of the hall, on a raised platform, Lucian Acadia sat upon the imperial throne. He wore regal clothes, and his aura was dignified and commanding.
He leaned slightly forward, a faint smile on his face as he regarded the
newcors.
Below the platform stood Adam at the forefront. Behind him were Anna, holding Valerian in her arms, and Edward, standing calmly beside her.
Further back stood the representatives of the various factions, leaders and champions from the arcane institutions who had sent their bravest warriors to march under the Dark King's banner.
The high nobility and Magi of the Acryon spoke among themselves in hushed, excited voices.
So stared at Adam with bright, curious eyes, openly praising how young and striking he looked. Others whispered in awe as they glanced at Valerian in Anna's arms, still struggling to believe that the small gray cat was in fact a mythical dragon.
Noticing the raven-haired youth watching the lavish decorations in the throne room, Lucian couldn't help but chuckle lightly.
"Like it?" He asked casually.
Adam turned his attention to the Emperor and laughed.
"Very fancy, Your Grace."
The nobility gathered in the chamber were slightly taken aback by how casual the conversation between the two seed. To them, it hardly looked like a discussion between a ruler and his subject. Instead, it felt like two old friends speaking to one another.
It did not take long for many of them to draw the connection.
Adam Constantine was closely associated with the Emperor's father. That realization quickly spread through the minds of the nobles present.
In their eyes, it explained why the two n appeared so comfortable with one another, why they spoke almost as equals rather than as monarch and subordinate.
And because of that, the image of Adam in their minds rose severalfold.
Fearing that the two would begin talking about random things, Old Ani, who was standing right beside the Emperor, cleared her throat lightly.
The corner of Lucian's lips twitched subtly.
"You and your n have marched a long way to reach the capital," he said calmly. "Accommodations have already been prepared for all of you."
He gestured lightly toward the attendants standing along the sides of the chamber.
"Take so ti to rest and recover from the journey. Acryon will see that the Dark King's army is properly received."
His golden eyes flickered with approval, and he concluded with a nod, "Any other requests you or your n might have will also be t."
"I thank you for your generosity, Your Grace." Adam placed a hand on his chest and offered a light bow.
"But I must leave now. As discussed earlier, I still have to retrieve that"
Lucian deeply looked at Adam and then nodded. "Very well. Your n will be well fed and rested by the ti you return."
"Thank you," Adam said with a faint smile. "I won't be long."
Under the puzzled looks and surprised murmurs of the small crowd gathered in the throne room, the Dark King turned back around and prepared to leave.
These people were really looking forward to eting him at the grand banquet that was supposed to take place later in the evening. But it would appear that it won't be possible.
Adam briefly spoke to Anna, leaving Valerian in her care.
He then turned to Edward and said in a low voice, "I'll be back within a few
days. Tell the n not to get too comfortable. Once I return, we leave for the
other side."
Edward solemnly nodded. "Got it."
And then, under the gaze of everyone present in the throne room, the Dark King exited the chamber.
***
Adam soared through the skies at his fastest speed, expanding mana without the slightest reservation.
The air behind him cracked with repeated sonic booms as he cut through the clouds like a black streak of energy. A faint trail of shimring mana lingered in his wake, marking the path of his flight across the sky.
As he passed above the Murky Mountains, violent gusts of wind swept across the peaks and valleys below. The force of his passage parted the clouds above in great swaths, leaving a clear corridor in the heavens behind him.
Mountains, forests, and rivers blurred beneath him as he continued forward without slowing. This was the fastest he had ever flown. And truth be told... he
quite liked the feeling.
And before the day had co to an end, he finally arrived at Glassford.
Recognizing its owner, the Soaring River Secret Plane opened a passageway for Adam to enter.
He did not even need to slow down his flight.
The mont he appeared above the city of Glassford, space before him twisted
and folded open like a silent gate. Adam flew straight into it, his figure
vanishing from the night sky.
When he erged again, he was already inside the secret plane.
Adam felt a brief mont of disorientation. His eyes narrowed, and he smoothly adjusted to the subtle gravity and the change in mana density inside this dinsion. Then he flew straight to the heart of the secret plane.
He landed heavily at the entrance of the colossal House of Cards. The long journey had taken its toll. His chest rose and fell with deep breaths as
he steadied himself for a mont before teleporting inside.
Without hesitation, he made his way deeper into the building until finally he reached the chamber he sought.
The Great Vault.
Adam stepped inside, his breath catching in his throat the mont he laid eyes
on the vast trove of treasure within the vast vault.
"Dragonshit!"
He cursed under his breath and made his way toward a particular section of
the vault.
The matter of retrieving this item had already been discussed with the Joker beforehand, so there was no risk of betraying any oath.
Passing rows of glittering artifacts and mountains of gold, his steps gradually
hastened.
At last, he stopped.
There, before him, stood the very thing he had co for.
His gaze swept over it slowly, admiration rising in his eyes.
He couldn't help but sincerely praise.
"Marvelous!"
User Comments
0 comments from readers