Chapter 3: Whispers of Power
The aftermath of the Mana Awakening Ceremony lingered in the air like an electrifying storm. Aric stood amidst the noble crowd, his mind calculating as murmurs swirled around him.
"Two SS Levels in one generation," one noble whispered to another. "The Valcrest family's legacy continues to shine."
Aric's expression remained calm, his dark eyes scanning the hall. He had achieved what he intended — drawing attention to himself as a potential ally to Leon while maintaining a facade of humility. Beside him, Leon was surrounded by nobles eager to praise his extraordinary talent.
"Congratulations, Leon!" one nobleman said, clapping Leon on the back. "Your future as the Empire's strongest is certain."
Leon's smile was genuine and warm, his emerald eyes shining. "Thank you. But Aric's awakening was equally astounding. We're both blessed to protect the Empire together."
Aric feigned a modest nod, his heart beating steadily. Leon's naive trust would serve as the perfect veil for his true intentions. While Leon believed they would protect the Empire side by side, Aric was already planning his next move — to contact the Demon Queen.
The hall doors opened, and a steward stepped forward, his voice booming over the crowd. "By the decree of Emperor Alaric Astravell, all SS Level talents are to report to the Imperial Palace for a special audience."
The crowd's murmurs intensified, eyes darting to Aric and Leon. The Emperor was a man known for his power and cunning, a ruler who held the Astravell Empire in an iron grip. To be summoned by him meant two things — recognition and scrutiny.
Aric's gaze remained calm. In the novel, both he and Leon were summoned by the Emperor after their SS Level awakenings. Now, he would have to navigate the Emperor's attention carefully.
Leon turned to Aric, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Looks like we're being recognized sooner than expected. Let's do our best, Aric."
Aric smiled, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. "Of course. Let's show them what we're capable of."
The grand hall began to empty as nobles made their way toward the palace. The massive golden doors loomed tall, intricately carved with the crest of the Astravell Empire — a phoenix rising against a backdrop of swirling stars. The crystal chandeliers cast a brilliant glow, their light refracting across the polished marble floors like scattered starlight.
On the walls hung tapestries woven with gold and silver thread, each depicting scenes of valor and conquest. One showed the founding of Astravell, the first emperor standing atop a mountain of defeated foes, his sword raised to the heavens. Another captured the rise of the Valcrest family, with knights clad in gleaming armor defending the empire from marauding beasts.
Aric's eyes lingered on a particular tapestry — a depiction of the last Demon War. The fabric seemed to shimmer as though alive, portraying the battlefield engulfed in flames and shadow. At its center stood the Demon Queen herself, her crimson eyes blazing with both fury and sorrow, her dark hair whipping around her as if caught in a storm. Surrounding her were fallen knights — some bearing the crest of Astravell, others from neighboring kingdoms. The Queen's hand was outstretched, fingers splayed as dark tendrils of mana spiraled from her fingertips. Despite the chaos, her expression was hauntingly forlorn, as if the battlefield was not only a place of bloodshed but also of heartbreak.
"Aric!"
Aric blinked, his focus snapping away from the tapestry. Leon stood before him, an eager grin on his face.
"Are you ready?" Leon asked, adjusting the collar of his ornate tunic. "We'll be meeting the Emperor himself."
Aric nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Ready as ever."
The two made their way through the palace corridors, escorted by imperial guards clad in gleaming silver armor adorned with the Astravell crest — a phoenix surrounded by celestial stars. Their heavy boots echoed against the polished marble floors, each step resonating through the grand halls. The air grew cooler, laced with the scent of rare incense burning in golden braziers. As they advanced, the walls rose higher, draped with deep blue banners embroidered with gold, each one depicting a pivotal moment in Astravell's history.
Intricate murals stretched across the ceilings, illustrating the empire's conquests and triumphs, from the first emperor uniting the warring kingdoms to the most recent Demon War. The opulence became more pronounced as they neared the audience chamber. Statues of former emperors and empresses lined the corridor, their stone eyes watching over all who dared to approach.
At the entrance, a pair of grand, ornately carved doors loomed ahead. Each door bore a depiction of the celestial phoenix, its wings outstretched as though guarding the throne room itself. Two imposing knights stood vigilant on either side, their stoic faces hidden beneath polished silver helmets. The air was tense, as if the very walls held their breath in anticipation.
A deep, commanding voice echoed from within, resonating through the corridor like the low rumble of a thunderstorm. "Enter."
The massive doors swung open, creaking slightly as they revealed the vast expanse of the throne room. The chamber was immense, its ceilings stretching high enough to hold a cathedral. Golden chandeliers hung overhead, each one adorned with countless crystals that refracted light in dazzling patterns across the marble floors. Pillars lined the room, etched with celestial motifs and interwoven with gold filigree that glimmered under the warm glow.
At the far end, upon a raised dais, sat Emperor Alaric Astravell. He was a man in his fifties, his hawk-like features sharp and severe. His dark hair was streaked with silver, and a golden crown studded with sapphires rested upon his brow. The mantle of royal blue draped over his shoulders cascaded down the steps, the fabric embroidered with silver constellations that shimmered as he shifted.
Beside him stood two imperial advisors — one an elderly man with a long, silver beard and piercing gray eyes, the other a stern-faced woman with raven-black hair and a calculating gaze. Both watched Aric and Leon intently, their expressions unreadable as the two boys stepped forward into the Emperor's presence.
Leon stepped forward, his posture confident but respectful. "Your Majesty. It is an honor."
Aric mirrored the gesture, his expression composed but eyes keen, taking in every detail of the room, every subtle shift in the Emperor's gaze. The Emperor's stare was unyielding, his expression unreadable.
"So," the Emperor's voice reverberated through the chamber. "Two SS Level talents in one generation. Quite the surprise."
Aric kept his expression neutral, his mind already calculating his next move. The Emperor might see them as valuable assets — or as potential threats. Either way, Aric had to tread carefully. The game was just beginning.