Chapter 29: Alexander

“We’ve finally arrived!”

Azrael, Zer, and Han Byul were inside a carriage, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the afternoon sun. After three weeks of travel, they had finally reached their destination. Despite the pleasant journey, the long trip had been exhausting, with moments of tension and argument. A large city came into view as the convoy of carriages carrying the ten participants from Sinara Academy crested the final hill. At the sight, Han Byul eagerly rushed to the window, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Azrael, too, couldn’t hide his awe as he gazed at the city.

“Ho, it’s your first time seeing Alexander, isn’t it, Az? Does it live up to your expectations?”

“It really is worthy of being called the most beautiful city in Xiosu, Zer. I wonder how they managed to get so much Beryllonite to build such a massive wall.”

On such a bright day, the white walls gleamed brilliantly. Beryllonite, one of the most expensive stones, not only provided great durability but also amplified light magic. From the sight of the wall, Azrael could tell it would be nearly impossible for an enemy force to scale the walls, which towered over a hundred feet high. With Beryllonite’s help, the defensive light spells would likely withstand all but Demi-God and God-level attacks. Zer continued as Azrael marveled at the wall.

“There’s a large Beryllonite mine just ten miles away. The Kingdom has a law that only ten percent of the Beryllonite can be sold. The rest is used for defense and equipment. The Paladins’ and Priests’ gear is made from it.”

“It’s truly a beautiful city. Even though it’s so large, the buildings have a warm, homely feel. The rivers flowing on both sides of the city are so clear you can see down for hundreds of feet.”

“Alexander is also known as the city of lovers. It has several attractions for couples, and many of the stores and restaurants cater to them since couples make up a significant portion of the city's tourists.”

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“There’s also a legend that Felsia named the city after her deceased soulmate. It’s said their union was so perfect that many believed the Gods themselves had decreed it. This is where he proposed to her.”

“Even though he passed away long ago, the royal family still carries their bloodline. The Arman family is the only original royal family still in power because Felsia has protected them from all assassination attempts.”

As Zer spoke, the carriages reached the entrance to Alexander. Azrael looked down at the water, which was indeed so clear that he could see down for hundreds of feet, watching marine animals swim lazily.

After passing through the gate, the convoy entered the city. The buildings within the walls were constructed of wood, giving them a homely appearance despite their size and good condition. Azrael smiled, feeling a pang of nostalgia for his previous home.

On the cobblestone streets, bustling with people, Azrael observed a variety of activities. Some people leisurely strolled, others caught up with friends, and many bargained with merchants at the stalls. Among the unusual sights, a group of penguins waddled through the crowd, their shiny silver armor and miniature polearms adding to their distinctive appearance. A gama, a litter carried by four attendants, followed behind.

“Move aside! Move aside! Empress Wing is coming through!”

As the people saw the gama, they slowly moved aside and bowed. Empress Wing, larger than the others, sat on her throne of ice, her right leg crossed over her left and her right wing resting on the armrest. She wore a bored expression as she gazed indifferently at the crowd.

“It’s your first time seeing a magical beast, isn’t it, Az?”

Han Byul’s voice startled Azrael. He turned to find her looking at him with a bemused expression. Nodding, he listened as she continued.

“Sights like this have become quite common in the last fifty years. You know about the last Great War that lasted a century between magical beasts and humans, right? Both sides were evenly matched, leading to the deaths of millions. The leaders eventually came to a truce to prevent total annihilation.”

“The truce conditions were straightforward: neither side would attack the other, and commercial trade was established to solidify the treaty. Magical beasts would provide rare metals and plants, while humans would supply weapons and everyday goods.”

“Those penguins we saw are part of the North Frost Penguins, a particularly strong magical beast specializing in ice magic. Empress Wing is one of the three Demi-God magical beasts. Rumor has it she can turn all the water in a one-mile radius into ice. Her power is said to rival that of the legendary Chunyong, who could summon typhoons and blizzards at will. Unfortunately, no one has yet seen Chunyong’s awe-inspiring figure.”

’Oi master! Who does your girlfriend think is a mythical figure? And that shrimp has power rivaling mine?! That brat is way too young to be my match! Hurry up and get stronger, master, so I can materialize!’

‘Hahaha, calm down, Chunyong. I didn’t know you were considered that strong.’

‘Hmph, you think my title of Chunyong was just in name only, master? I’m the mighty Azure Dragon!’

‘Since when did you become mighty, Chunyong?’

‘…I got carried away. I apologize, Samjoko…’

Azrael chuckled at Chunyong’s outburst. It reminded him of when Aurora and Azer would argue about who was better. He was once again struck by the strength of his elementals.

The journey through the city was peaceful, with the road winding inward in a circular fashion. As they approached the center, they encountered more couples enjoying the various attractions. One notable sight was a thirty-foot-tall crystal fountain, its light refracting through the clear water, dazzling onlookers. Traveling troupes performed, and the sounds of bards filled the air. The sight of couples walking hand in hand and smiling was heartwarming.

“Haa… Han Byul, you don’t have to hold back just because I’m here. Stop looking at me with such hesitant eyes…”

Azrael turned from the window to see Zer sighing and slumping his shoulders, as if resigned to the situation. Han Byul then threw herself at Azrael, hugging him tightly and sticking out her tongue at Zer with a playful smile.

“Hehe, sorry Zer! Seeing all these couples made me want to do this~ Next time, I’ll introduce you to a very pretty friend of mine. She has a sexy S-line figure, you know?”

“Really? When we get back… wait a moment… you’re pulling my leg, aren’t you?!”

Han Byul burst into laughter as Zer’s excited expression turned to flustered realization. Azrael shook his head in amazement, finding Zer’s reaction amusing. Zer, who was usually indifferent to relationships, was clearly affected by seeing Azrael and Han Byul together.

The remainder of the journey was uneventful, except for a bizarre scene where two yellow mouse-like creatures attacked an elderly sage. The mice, with black markings and lightning-shaped tails, wore distinctive attire: one a brown leather jacket with a feather shield crest, the other a strange black mask. The sage, with long grey hair and a wrinkled face, was being stomped on but still reached out with a disturbing request.

“I must…see the panties… of my ladies…”

“Nez, this perverted old sage is still trying to look at girls’ panties… He needs to be taught a lesson.”

“You’re right, Bolta. Let’s beat him up so badly that he never threatens innocent girls again!”

Static electricity crackled around the two mice and discharged into the sage, causing him to convulse. The passengers in the carriage decided to forget the unpleasant scene and moved on.

By the time the convoy reached the inner district, the sun had set. The wooden buildings had been replaced by stone structures made of Beryllonite, and the streets were less crowded. The few pedestrians wore long, hooded robes with a yellow sun symbol, indicating they were priests and nuns from the Solios Religion, the major religion in the Felsia Kingdom.

“They believe the Sun is the Lord’s symbol and gift to us. Most priests and nuns travel throughout Xiosu to spread their teachings, leaving only the most senior members in the inner district.”

As Han Byul explained, the convoy came to a stop. She eagerly threw open the door and stepped out. Azrael and Zer, taken aback by her sudden movement, followed her out.

Azrael took in the sight of their lodging for the Rising Star Tournament. The building was impressive—over a hundred feet in length and five stories high. Large statues of tigers flanked the entrance, and staff members stood ready to greet them.

“Waaah, this hotel is really nice, darling desu~.”

“It really is, honey. Let’s make sure to enjoy it to the fullest, okay?”

“Of course desu~.”

Azrael turned to see the other passengers exiting their carriages. Wright and Cynthia were already engrossed in each other’s embrace, while Beth looked on with a disgusted expression. Azrael and Zer felt pity for her, recalling the last time they had seen the couple together. The prospect of spending more time with them in close quarters was daunting.

Aren, Leslie, Mitchell, and Ryan emerged from the last carriage, seemingly uninterested in their surroundings. Azrael sighed at

their lack of enthusiasm, noting that their attitude could be problematic in matches.

The staff guided everyone to their rooms. Azrael and Zer were assigned to share a room, while Han Byul and Beth had a room of their own. Wright and Cynthia were dismayed to find they couldn’t share a room, but after some persuasion, they agreed to their separate accommodations.

The reserved rooms were elegant, featuring large beds with intricate designs, drawers for clothing, a large table, a crystal chandelier, and a separate room with a tub for bathing.

Once they entered their room, Zer dropped his bags and plopped onto a bed.

“Haa...it sure feels nice. What are you planning to do tonight and tomorrow?”

“Hm... I’ll rest tonight and then explore some attractions around the city with Han Byul tomorrow. What about you?”

“I’m planning to check out some weapons and gear tomorrow. Don’t want to overdo it the day before the tournament.”

“Haha, that makes sense. How about we have dinner tomorrow? Winston said he’d arrive with the rest of the students coming to cheer us on. We should all go out and eat.”

“Sounds good to me. Well, I’m going to sleep now. You should too.”

“Alright, night Zer.”

“Night, Az.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In a dark alleyway, illuminated only by starlight, a solitary figure stood silently. From the shadows of a nearby building, a voice spoke.

“Tomorrow is the day we act. If we fail, there won’t be another chance while the Rising Star Tournament is ongoing. Remember, all you need to do is bring Princess Han Byul to the designated location tomorrow night.

As for killing her... leave that to us.”