1597 SS: The Masquerade
Avalon, capital city of the Drexia Empire. Few days before Alex's group departure on a world tour .
The night was filled with a sense of mystery and excitement as Alex, Gracier, Luna, Maria, Artemia, and Kuina made their way to the grand masquerade ball. Each of them adorned with elegant masks, their identities hidden from the curious gazes of others.
Alex, draped in a tailored suit, moved with the confidence of a man who knew his worth. The fabric, a rich midnight blue, hugged his frame like a second skin, each pleat and seam whispering of meticulous craftsmanship. The moonlight caught the subtle sheen, transforming it into a constellation of stardust woven into the material. His crisp white shirt, peeking out from beneath the perfectly-cut lapels, hinted at an underlying elegance, while the silk tie, the color of a twilight sky, added a touch of playful intrigue. But it was the way he wore the suit, not the other way around, that truly captured the eye. Each step exuded an effortless grace, a quiet power that emanated from within. The suit wasn't just clothing; it was an extension of him, a story woven into threads, ready to be unraveled with each confident stride he took. He was a gentleman cloaked in midnight blue, poised to write his own adventure under the masquerade's shimmering lights.
His whole body exuded confidence as he navigated the opulent ballroom. His mask, adorned with intricate feathers, added an air of intrigue to his presence. Gracier, by his side, wore a flowing gown that shimmered with every step. Her mask, embellished with delicate lace, added an aura of mystique to her enchanting beauty.
Luna, with her mesmerizing eyes and flowing dark hair, glided across the dance floor in a gown that seemed to mirror the night sky. Her mask, adorned with celestial patterns, added an ethereal touch to her already captivating presence. Maria, radiant in her vibrant red dress, moved with grace and poise, her mask adorned with intricate floral designs that matched her vivacious personality.
Artemia, with an air of elegance and grace, donned a sleek black suit that accentuated her statuesque figure. Her mask, embellished with silver accents, added a touch of allure to her mysterious aura. Kuina, with her free-spirited nature, embraced the whimsical spirit of the masquerade ball. Her mask, adorned with feathers and vibrant colors, reflected her vibrant personality.
As the night unfolded, the group reveled in the enchanting atmosphere, dancing to the rhythm of the music, and engaging in lively conversations with other masked attendees. Laughter echoed through the ballroom as they shared stories and created memories that would be cherished for years to come.
The masquerade ball created a sense of unity among the group, as they embraced the opportunity to step outside of their everyday lives and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and intrigue. With each twirl on the dance floor and each whispered conversation, their bond grew stronger, forged by the shared experience of this enchanting evening.
14:46
As the night came to a close, the masks were removed, revealing the faces behind the disguises. Alex, Gracier, Luna, Maria, Artemia, and Kuina looked at each other, their eyes filled with a sense of connection and gratitude. The masquerade ball had brought them closer, not only as friends but as individuals who had embraced the magic of the night and discovered a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. Their bonds have gotten stronger.
But the true magic of the night was yet to unfold. As the last waltz ended and the guests began to remove their masks, an air of anticipation filled the room. A masked figure, cloaked in shadow, stepped onto the stage and declared, "Tonight, under the veil of mystery, a game begins! Each of you possesses a unique token hidden within your masks. Find your partners, decipher the clues, and unlock the secrets they hold. By dawn, those who solve the enigma shall be rewarded beyond their wildest dreams!"
Excitement erupted amongst the remaining guests. Alex, his eye catching Gracier's, winked beneath his mask. Maria, ever the strategist, surveyed the room, her gaze meeting Luna's, a knowing glint in their eyes. Artemia, ever the pragmatist, approached Kuina, their masks held aloft in silent understanding. With newfound purpose, the group embarked on a thrilling quest, their individual strengths playing on each other's as they untangled the masked figure's cryptic clues.
Their journey led them through hidden passageways, past masked fortune tellers with enigmatic riddles, and into secret chambers filled with forgotten relics. Each challenge tested their wit, courage, and friendship, forging their bond even deeper. Along the way, they encountered masked strangers, some helpful, others deceptive, adding to the intrigue and danger of their pursuit.
As the night wore on, exhaustion threatened to win, but the promise of the unknown spurred them forward. Finally, amidst a flurry of hidden symbols and forgotten poems, they cracked the final code. The tokens, when combined, revealed a map leading to a hidden vault within the very foundation of the ballroom.
With hearts pounding and masks clutched tight, they ventured into the darkness, the map's glow their only guide. The vault door creaked open, revealing a sight that took their breath away. It wasn't gold or jewels that awaited them, but a shimmering portal swirling with energy, whispering of faraway lands and unimaginable adventures.
The masked figure reappeared, their voice echoing through the chamber, "The choice is yours. Step through the portal and embark on a journey unlike any other, or return to your lives, forever changed by your experience."
As dawn approached, casting its first rays of light on their masked faces, the group exchanged glances, unspoken emotions swirling in their eyes. They're adventurers before being students at the Freya's Academy. Naturally, there was no way they'd be afraid on embarking on an adventurous journey.
Taking the lead like the natural leader, Alex led the rest of the group through the portal.
You go forward through the weak portal revealed only during a event like these. You're immediately met by a pleasant world. Light as a feather you gently float above the surface, hanging gently in the thick smog that fills the air. A sense of calm takes over as you take in the gorgeous sights before your very eyes.
There's so much to learn in this world, but safety still comes first, it is a strange new world after all.
Alex's group hadn't had the time to enjoy the scenery before a thunderous voice echoed, announcing the beginning of the riddles, the last part of the game.
[Lives without a body, hears without ears, speaks without a mouth, to which the air alone gives birth.]
The answer:?
Alex's group exchanged a look between them before Luna answered.
''Echo!"
[Congratulations. Now the second riddle.]
[I am the beginning of sorrow and the end of sickness. There's no happiness without me nor is there sadness. I am always in risk, yet never in danger. You will find me in the sun, but I am never out of darkness.]
This time it was Maria who answered.
''The answer is the Letter S.''
[Correct! Last riddle: Light brings me to life, but darkness kills me. What am I?]
''I'm darkness.'' Alex answered.
[Congratulations, you group passed the final test and win 100 Platinum coins and a land in the north.]
I have always wanted to write this, well here I am.So I hope you did enjoy the chapter as I have enjoyed ponding it.
Nickaido
New novel 𝓬hapters are published on fre ew𝒆bnovel.com