The sun was setting on the horizon as Kael, Adalric, and Irelia made their way along the main path of Azalith, heading toward the Ainsworth Family Mansion. The city, a massive Victorian metropolis of imposing monuments and bustling streets, seemed to stretch on endlessly. The stone walls rose like guardians of a hidden secret, and the buildings gleamed with architecture that blended the elegance of tradition with magical innovation.
Kael walked between Adalric and Irelia, his eyes sharp as he took in the surroundings. The city was alive. The markets were bustling in the squares, with merchants from all over the world selling their exotic goods. Here, Kael could see the true diversity of the world – a spectacle of cultures, races, and items he had never imagined.
"I knew the city would be big, but I didn’t expect it to be so... different," Kael commented, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. He looked at Adalric, hoping for some explanation.
"Azalith is the center of the world for the strongest, Kael," Adalric replied, with his usual calm and experienced posture. "Everything here is big and grand. What you see are just crumbs compared to the true diversity of this place."
Kael couldn’t help but notice the abundance of different races passing by them in the streets. In addition to humans, Kael saw elves with silver hair and pointed ears, giants with stone-like skin who seemed like living sculptures, and even beings with colorful scales that resembled reptiles but with human features. There were dwarves with long, elastic beards arguing with each other in gruff voices, and even a pair of werewolves walking through the streets, blending in with the inhabitants of Azalith without causing any commotion.
"It’s... a lot to take in," Kael murmured to himself. He was no longer in his old world – this place seemed to be a meeting point for every kind of living being in the universe.
Adalric watched Kael’s reaction with a satisfied smile. "Here, Kael, you’ll see everything. Azalith is the birthplace of the most powerful cultures, and everyone comes here to challenge their limits. Diversity isn’t just a characteristic of the city; it’s a philosophy. The strongest are made from different roots, and everyone has something to learn from the others."
As the conversation unfolded, Irelia, who was walking beside Kael, pointed to a colorful stall set up on a busy corner. "Look at that!" she exclaimed. "It’s a stand with rare delicacies, come see!"
The trio approached the stall, and Kael was impressed by the variety of food on display. The smell was intoxicating, a mix of exotic spices and smoked meats. There was a range of gleaming fruits and meats Kael had never seen before. Some meat cuts glowed faintly, while the fruits were surrounded by magical mists that dissipated upon touch.
"These are the Fion fruits, a rare fruit that only grows on enchanted mountains," the vendor explained, pointing to one of the fruits. It had a shimmering golden color and a texture that seemed to glow in the light. "Eating one of these gives the body an energy burst for up to three days."
"I’ll take one, please," Irelia said, handing over a gold coin to the vendor with a mischievous smile. Kael watched curiously as she took a bite of the fruit. Her eyes instantly lit up, and she smiled, clearly enjoying the taste.
"Delicious!" Irelia exclaimed before looking at Kael. "You’re not just going to stand there, are you?"
Kael hesitated for a moment, then grabbed one of the fruits and took a bite. The explosion of flavor made him stop for a second. It was sweet, spicy, and with a refreshing sensation he had never experienced. He felt rejuvenated by the simple taste of the fruit.
"This is good..." Kael murmured, taking another bite and feeling the energy coursing through his body.
[You have received the "Energy Regeneration" status.]
"Oh... like a potion... how interesting..." Kael thought, reading the message.
"Now that you’ve tasted the best of the city," Adalric said with a smile, "let’s move on."
As they continued their journey, Kael looked around and saw other stalls selling everything from clothes to weapons. As they approached a weapon market, Kael stopped, impressed by the blades and equipment on display. There were swords that seemed to be made from materials he didn’t recognize, their blades glowing with a mystical energy. He even saw a sword that appeared to float in the air, as if it were an extension of the very air itself, with golden inscriptions etched along its blade.
"These are the Lumen Swords," Adalric explained, noticing Kael’s fascinated gaze. "Swords that absorb light, enhancing their blades with the power of solar energy. They’re rare, forged by master blacksmiths who spend years in a state of total meditation."
"Lumen Swords..." Kael repeated, in awe. He had always imagined the greatest blacksmiths to be humans or dwarves, but now he was faced with something far beyond his understanding. Continue your adventure with freewebnovel
They continued on their way, and Kael saw a group of elves practicing martial arts, their swords dancing through the air with smooth, swift movements. There was also an arena nearby where warriors of all races competed, showcasing their skills in hand-to-hand combat and with magical weapons.
"Everything here revolves around power, Kael," Adalric commented, as if reading the young man’s thoughts. "But power isn’t just physical strength. It’s magic, strategy, control, and skill. Azalith is the capital of the strongest, but that doesn’t mean they’re the most powerful – only that the city allows them to test their limits."
As they drew closer to the Scarlet family mansion, Kael noticed the style of the streets changing. The buildings became more luxurious, the businesses more exclusive. He felt the difference in the air, as if with every step closer to the mansion, the pressure was building. The houses along the road were made of precious materials, with lush gardens and gently singing water fountains. The space seemed to overflow with wealth and history.
Finally, after several hours of walking, they arrived at a large iron gate adorned with ancient symbols and invisible magic. The guards were well-armed and stood with rigid postures, as though ready to respond to any threat. One of the guards immediately recognized Adalric, and after a brief exchange of words, the gate opened.
"Welcome to the Scarlet Mansion," Adalric said with a satisfied smile, his eyes observing Kael with an expression of approval. "Your home, for now."
Kael looked up at the imposing mansion before him, a massive building made of black stone, with towers rising to the sky like fingers of obsidian, cutting through the twilight horizon. A cool breeze gently blew around them, but Kael felt an inner warmth, a mix of excitement and nervousness. He was finally home, or at least, at his family’s mansion, a place full of mysteries and stories he didn’t fully understand yet. But one thing was certain: this was where things would truly begin.
"Let’s go inside," Adalric said, gesturing toward the open gate. "You need a bath." He looked at Kael with a mischievous smile, the lightness in his voice hiding the seriousness behind the advice.
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Kael nodded with a sigh, rubbing his tired eyes. The journey to get here had been tough, and he knew he was dirty and exhausted. Before he could respond, Adalric turned and spoke in a gruff tone, but with a touch of humor.
"And you too, miss," he said, pointing at Irelia, who was, in fact, with her hands dirty from the things she had bought during their stroll and the delicious delicacies she had devoured with enthusiasm along the way. She wore a mischievous smile, taking in every detail of the city, but seemed unconcerned with the stains on her clothes.