Blackpool was a sprawling metropolis of pure wonder that even with his almost three decades of livelihood in Blackpool, Relvor was at a loss when it came to this city.
Blackpool was one of the top three greatest cities in the known world of Arcadia. Known as the Gilded City by many, Blackpool was at the epicenter of trade, ranging from Spices, Metals, Slavers, and even dragon eggs. There wasn't much you could not find in Blackpool. At least, that was what Relvor kept telling me.
What truly boggled me was the powers of Blackpool in that there were none. They had a government, but the presiding lords of this city's name had been but a mystery. And what seemed even weirder was that no one seemed to care. They were all preoccupied with their businesses and trade. Especially the dozens of guilds the city held.
Having entered through the southernmost entrance, It hadn't taken more than a few minutes, ten tops, to arrive near the forge Relvor owned.
"Izalith, why not stay the night?" Relvor offered, " After a night's rest, I will be more than willing to lead you to find your God's Temple. I am sure they will be missing their seeker."
A heavyweight tugged at my lip, tempting them to slip into a frown. "I would appreciate staying the night, but I will be fine on my own tomorrow," I assured the blacksmith, taking a long look at his run-down forge, which was both a home and workspace that lacked even something as simple as running water. I knew Relvor couldn't afford to miss out on a single day of work.
I was already in his debt, leading me here and allowing me to spend the night, something I would never see in first-world countries back on Earth, where everyone seemed to have a deep distrust of one another. Relvor provided me with a night's say and a warm meal. And that was enough.
He smiled." You can have Tomas's room. This little guy will sleep with Tessa and me tonight."
"Will she not mind?" I asked, not wishing to step on anyone's toes.
He chuckled, running his hands through his son's brown hair, "I'll be fine. Come, I'll prepare you some of Tessa's clothing and a wet rag."
—
Late into the night, after dinner, which only seemed to stave away the hunger, I peered through the window of Tomas's room and up towards the twin moons, bathing Blackpool in stary light. I slipped onto the small bed, which could barely fit me. Taking in the heavy scent of old mold that clung to the bedding, I folded my legs over one another and drew in a sharp breath.
"Finally!" Lily groaned. "It took you long enough. Let's see what this Heaven's End manual can do. Although I do feel cheated, we got an F grade instead of something higher."
I agreed. But there was no changing what had happened. My eyes closed, and I began cultivating Heaven's End.
A sensual sensation coursed its way around the air, caressing my skin that slowly turned flushed at its touch. My heart fluttered, almost jumping out of my chest at this strange feeling swelling within me. And an inexplicable shudder ran down my skin. And a certain tightness below my navel and even a little further down between my legs throbbed. My hands flashed to cover my mouth, trying to stifle the moan at the back of my throat. I tried to swallow through a gasp of hot breath passing through my fingers.
My mind felt dazed and even a little faint as A myriad of sensations tugged at my mind, toying with me in ways I couldn't even begin to understand. Bolts of pleasure darted through me, crushing whatever will I held to attempt to stop Heaven's End.
A thrilling pulse slithered deep into my body.
[DING]
[10 Abyssal Qi Aquired]
[DING]
[10 Abyssal Qi Aquired]
…
…
…
Over and over, the chimes of the System seemed to sound like a bell hitting a chord in me that simply brought untold pleasure.
I had wished to stop, wished to break this hold, but I couldn't. Not because I wasn't strong enough, but because I loved it. I loved the way the Ether held me. I loved the way it spoke to me. How its ethereal blessing coursed its way through me. I loved every—
"Izalith?" Relvor called from outside the door, shattering my concentration.
Coldness swept over me as I shuttered under this hollow sensation within the pit of my stomach.
"Izalith," Relvor called again, giving a few short knocks. "Are you up?"
"Y-yes." I stammered out, taken back by my words that sounded like another had spoken them.
It was sweet yet regal, carrying nodes of innocence while still maintaining a mischievous nature. By the Gods! It was as though the gods had woven for me a new voice.
"Now, this is what I'm talking about," Lily acknowledged her voice a total match for mine. "That mask may have blocked our face, but with a voice of the Gods and eyes that seemed to have been fashioned from the brightest star. We are about to be pulling. "
"Shut it, lily," I snapped, trying to pull myself together.
"The door is open."
Relvor opened the door, his eyes widening as though he had witnessed something beyond comprehension.
"Something wrong? You're staring." Tilting my head, he staggered back.
"By Tyr's Might." He said, pointing towards the mirror. "Tessa! Tessa! Look!"
"By the Gods, Rel, where was that excitement last night?" The soft voice of Tessa teased, peeping her long blonde hair tied in an elegant bun around the corner. "Oh my!" She blinked her emerald eyes.
It was the first time I'd seen Tessa, as I had not seen her return last night.
"By the Stars! Darling, you're stunning." Tessa pointed out, pointing towards the mirror. "More so than Rel had said." Her words carried a hint of blame towards the end as the edges of her lips arched. "Rel, why didn't you tell me she was so stunning?"
"I-I-I—"
Rising, I peered over the small bureau fit for a small child to the long mirrored station on top and stood starstruck.
Was this me?
I had always been jealous of my mother and aunties' unparalleled beauty, which didn't wilt with age but instead blossomed.
Heart fluttering, my fingers danced over the glow of my milky skin, a fairer white than the moon. Even masked, I knew my beauty now held a brilliance beyond the dawn.
"Who am I?"
[Name: Izalith Snow (Sealed)]
Abyssal Qi: N/A
Ether: 335/450
Cultivation: N/A
Str: 18
Dex: 18
Con:18
Int: 24
[Arcane: 20]
"Come, darling, allow me to do your hair," Tessa offered, running her fingers through my silvery hair."