When I woke up, it was bright.
The crystal was still just as cold and uncomfortable as it was last night, but given how I was feeling, I nearly forgot about that.
I am so much better than I had thought I would be.
It is far from my peak, but a lot better than yesterday.
I sat up and looked at the beautiful view behind the glass wall.
It is a vast sky.
The floor is above the clouds. I wish they would disappear so I could see the city. I could still see some parts of it, but the clouds hid most.
I watched for a minute before I got down from the crystal. I looked at the time and quickly put on my clothes before walking out.
Click!
"Lord Silver," the young woman greeted; beside her was another wheelchair.
I wanted to walk, to take it all in, but instead, I chose to sit. I would need every ounce of energy today. It was the opening day—a day of expectations, demands, and unrelenting pace. I could feel it already; it would be a long, busy day.
Soon, she took me to the elevator, and we stepped inside.
A few seconds later, the elevator stopped at the lobby, and we exited.
Only to find my guards already there, waiting patiently for me.
"Thank you, Mage?" I thanked. "Beadhammer," she replied.
A few minutes later, I was in a carriage;
There were only two hours before the opening, and I had to return to my lodging, freshen and change, and then go to the Archmage Tower to attend the opening.
"You shouldn't waste time with me. Every hour is important here. Davis would be more than enough for me," I told Zela.
I had allocated my entourage slot to her, which meant she now had access to resources and privileges that a mage of her standing could only dream of.
Since it is Archmage City, she didn't have to worry about my safety.
My enemies would be utterly mad if they decided to attack me here. Even if they tried, they would fail.
Still, I will keep my guard as a precaution. Davis will be her replacement.
We took the Lightway and reached the place in record time. When I saw it, it took my breath away.
A grand palace, towering in its majesty, crafted entirely from flawless white marble. Its surfaces were stark, devoid of unnecessary embellishments, yet every inch told a story. Intricate domes, soaring spires, and elegant archways adorned its structure, each detail a testament to the unparalleled skill of the artisans who had poured their craft into its creation.
A massive central dome, inlaid with delicate gold filigree, dominates the skyline, creating a balance with the spires.
A lush garden with manicured lawns, fountains, and marble pathways surrounds the palace. Reflecting pools enhance the palace's beauty and ethereal charm.
Its name is Lunar Palace.
Hollis Gladstone designed it for his wife, Kyr Gladstone, the Archmage of Moonfire and the seventeenth archmage of Archmage City.
I wish it were night. It is told that the palace shone the most beautiful at that time.
It is one of the most known palaces in the city. The Lunar Palace is a declared heritage site.
Usually, the heads of state and other influential people stay here, but every decade during the synod, it becomes a place where the masters of legacy stay.
Click!
"Welcome to Banaras Palace, Lord Silver," greeted the half-orc woman as she opened the door.
The woman looked to be in her late sixties, wearing a beautiful dress. "Major-domo," I replied and sat down in the wheelchair beside her.
The staff pushed my wheelchair while she led me into the palace. Informing about its history with grace.
Soon, we passed through its gates into the grand hall.
The grand hall is breathtaking, with its soaring ceiling painted with celestial frescoes. Crystal chandeliers hang gracefully, scattering light across the polished marble floors.
I could see the people sitting on couches and talking with each other.
Many looked at me. Some were surprised; some had questions. I recognized a few among them and nodded. They nodded back.
The synod is a rare opportunity for masters of legacies. It was one of the only times their sovereigns would let them leave the kingdom.
Still, only around half come, which is still a considerable number. Seeing how Sovereigns treat hosts of a legacy like precious treasures or caged birds.
Never allowing them to leave their cages.
They pushed me toward the elevators when one of the elevators opened, and a woman walked out.
She is a tall, lean woman with the body of a warrior. Her skin is glistening black, and she has thick, curly violet hair that reaches her neck.
She is wearing a long white toga with a golden belt. Her dress is not conservative but also not scandalous. It shows a perfect amount of skin.
She has a falchion at her waist and, just like that golden belt, it is an artifact.
Very few people would dare to show not one but two artifacts openly.
She does that without fear. If I had been in her place, I would have done the same.
The moment my eyes fell on her. Her eyes also fell on me, and her lips curved.
She turned and walked toward me.
"Lord Silver, we finally meet," said the woman worriedly as she looked at my state.
"We finally do, Prefectus Prisca," I replied with a smile full of fake warmth, just like that fake worried smile on her face.
She is Prisca of House Kyros—Vice-leader of Masal Coliseum.
One of the reasons I'm coming here is to meet her and negotiate the release of my mother. It won't be easy, but I have a few cards I could play.
"What happened, if you don't mind me asking?" she asked. I really did mind the question.
"Nothing more than a little skirmish, Prefects," I replied.
"It must be more than a little skirmish to make you strain your spirit as such," she said, and it took all my will to keep my expression under control.
Masters of Colosseum. You can't underestimate them—especially the ones of the legacy.
There could have been many reasons for my state, but she stated the most fitting.
It's not because of her guess.
"I am glad you are fine, Lord Silver. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you that would delay our meeting," she added with a smile and walked away.
'Bitch!' I cursed internally.
I don't usually do that, but this woman had irritated me enough to force it out.
This interaction made me sigh internally. I had already expected the negotiations wouldn't be easy, and this little exchange proved that I may have underestimated it.
Soon, they pushed me into the elevator, and it moved up.
The door opened, and we moved out.
A few seconds passed when a surprise appeared on my face as I noticed something. I was so busy with my thoughts that I didn't realize the floor I was in.
"Is this the sixth floor?" I asked. "Yes," the woman replied.
Hearing that, surprise flashed across my face, quickly replaced by a smile that I couldn't suppress.
'It seemed like they were treating me like a Grade IV legacy master,' I thought.
First, the Great Mage Stoneheart welcomed me, and now my accommodation is on the sixth floor. It's clear that they are treating me as a Grade IV legacy.
The sixth floor is for the masters of Grade IV legacy.
There is another above me. The seventh floor is for the masters of Grade V legacy.
As for Grade VI. The dome is for them.
There are only four suites, and they are only available to masters who have come here personally. Their representative or heirs stay on the seventh floor.
Soon, we stopped in front of the large bronze doors.
"All your things have been placed here. If you need anything, ring the bell; the staff will take care of your every wish," the woman said before walking away.
I looked at the magnificent suite. Everything is beautiful, from the lamps on the wall to the carpet I am now waiting on and the sofa in front of me.
Just one look at them, and one can see high-level artisans made them.
Each tells a different story.
This furniture looks new, but it is ancient—thousands of years old. This is a place where many masters of legacies and important people have stayed over the years.
The suite is enormous, but I didn't have much time to explore it all.
So, I got out of my wheelchair and walked into the beautiful room before stepping into the bathroom.
I showered, stepped out before changing into the suit, and nearly activated my skill before stopping myself.
Click!
The door opened, and Eudo walked in.
"Lord Silver," he greeted. "Eudo, please be quick. I want to reach the Archmage Tower before the opening ceremony begins," I replied.
"That won't be a problem, my lord," he replied, and two cases opened one after another before things flew out of him.
Usually, I don't wear makeup, but today is essential, and I need to look my best.
I am going there without my advantages. I need something that will help me with those sharks.
Eudo worked fast but was smooth, as always. He is the highest-level person I have, and he is just a step away from reaching Lv. 40.
It isn't easy to reach that level, and people have stayed at that edge all their lifetimes, but I have confidence in Eudo.
It might take him some time, but he will reach it.
He soon turned to my eyebrow.
Their hair had grown a lot through the medicine, but not enough. Thankfully, Eudo did his magic; now, it looked like I had never lost them.
The battle had been genuinely horrifying. It had burned every part of me.
I am extremely lucky to be alive. I wouldn't have been if not for several factors lining up.
"Done," he said finally, and I have to say, I look good. "Thank you, Eudo," I said.
"It's my honor, Lord Silver," he replied and walked away. A few seconds later, I followed.
"Let's go," I said to Jill as I sat in my wheelchair.
...…
Simar
I took a bite of my food and looked around.
It is only morning, but the floor of the Legacy is full. Most people are eating brunch, like me.
I have not been here to eat lunch or enjoy the legacy. I have been to many legacies, and every legacy is different, but the Velvet Garden was on a different level.
It's better than every Grade III legacy I have visited. It is not just the ambiance and beauty but also the feeling.
It affects more deeply than Grade III. It feels similar to Grade IV in some aspects.
It is shocking, given it is only a few months old at his grade and just a year from birth.
I was nearly finished with my brunch when I saw the man I had come to meet.
"Simar, it's been a while," he said and sat before me.
"It has been Drev," I replied.
"How are you?" he asked, looking at me worriedly. "Good," I replied, trying to smile as brightly as possible. There, I only find worry in his gaze.
Not pity. I have seen that too much lately.
I am not okay. I had just gone through a nasty breakup and came here for a fresh start.
This man could help me with that.
"So, were you able to do it?" I asked, feeling the nervous anticipation.
"It wasn't difficult. The tower is looking for people like you," he replied. I felt relieved hearing that.
"Thank you," I thanked.
"Don't thank me yet. I was only able to get you the interview. You will have to get the job on your own," my friend replied with a smile.
I smiled back.
I still remember the last time I saw him. He was so different, so broken.
He was crying as he had just burned down another restaurant, with Liam consoling him.
Now, he had become one of the crucial members of this powerful legacy. Even Liam seemed surprised by the influence he now wields.
I didn't know him too well. It was through Liam that I met him.
Liam offered me a job, but I declined.
Liam is a friend, and I don't want to burden him. Besides, taking me will have consequences.
It is the reason why I came here.
"I will," I replied.
I am a green mage applying for the job they advertised. I could have gone through the formal process, but I didn't have the time or the money.
It was a mistake to trust the man. He gave me everything but just as quickly took it all away.
Leaving me with nothing.
"Still any suggestion?" I asked. "Be truthful, and don't hesitate to show all your abilities," he advised.
"With how much, Liam, praised you. I don't think you will have any problem getting the job," he added.
"Thank you for saying that," I said.
It feels good to hear that. In the past few years, all I heard was being called useless.