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Chapter 5 - Saken Family

Their journey to Central Eldoria had brought Aurelius and Evelyn to the legendary Ridge District, an area that had been mysterious and abandoned for what felt like a century. They felt desolate as they moved farther into the mysterious neighborhood. Over fifty structures—buildings, homes, and shops—stood as silent witnesses to a bygone period, their empty windows and crumbling facade telling memories of lives long since forgotten.

The silence was only broken by the distant echo of their footsteps on the cracked sidewalk and the delicate rustle of leaves in the history-heavy air. As Evelyn led Aurelius through the maze-like streets, she remained constant in her purpose.

But it wasn't until they arrived at a specific structure that Evelyn's goal was clear. She moved toward the building with purpose and opened the large door without hesitation. Aurelius followed her inside after becoming intrigued by the atmosphere of secrecy that pervaded this location.

As they stepped into the dimly lit interior, Evelyn's demeanor shifted, and her movements took on an otherworldly grace. Her arms extended, one forward and one backward, and her lips formed words that held a power beyond ordinary comprehension.

"Magic Technique, Circle of the Spirit, Gem X," she intoned, her voice carrying a resonance that seemed to vibrate in harmony with the very essence of the room.

Aurelius watched in awe as the atmosphere around them began to shift. Ethereal symbols and patterns of light emerged, intertwining with the very air they breathed. The room seemed to come alive, its walls pulsating with an energy that transcended the boundaries of the physical world.

In that moment, Aurelius's shock gave way to a profound realization. Magic was real, and he was standing at the threshold of a world that defied the laws of reality he had known. He looked at Evelyn, his admiration evident in his gaze. She wielded her powers with a grace and confidence that left him both humbled and awestruck.

As the portal to the Spirit Circle began to open before them, Evelyn turned to Aurelius, a smile playing on her lips. She was not only a guide but a living testament to the mystique of this hidden world.

"Let's go, Aurelius," she said, her voice tinged with excitement and pride. "Welcome to the Spirit Circle."

Aurelius stepped through the portal with a sense of wonder and anticipation, leaving behind the abandoned world of Ridge District and entering a realm where magic was real and the mysteries of Central Eldoria awaited. Together, they embarked on a journey that would unravel the secrets of his past, his heritage, and the extraordinary destiny that lay before him.

As Aurelius and Evelyn Vale crossed the threshold into the Spirit Circle, they found themselves in a world that defied all expectations. Gone were the abandoned streets of Ridge District; instead, they stepped into a breathtaking realm that stretched as far as the eye could see, a world of unparalleled beauty and wonder.

The area within the Spirit Circle was vast, rivaling the expanse of Ridge District. Before them, a crystal-clear river meandered gracefully through the landscape, its waters glistening like liquid sapphires under the gentle caress of the sun. The river was flanked by lush, verdant mountains adorned with trees and a riot of colorful flowers that seemed to dance in harmony with the breeze.

Evelyn, with an air of familiarity, beckoned for Aurelius to follow her. As they began their journey through this captivating paradise, she spoke of the surroundings. "This is the heart of Central Eldoria, Aurelius. A place where the beauty of nature converges with the mystique of our hidden world."

Aurelius was entranced by the sights and sounds that enveloped him, the stark contrast to the world he had known until now. His gaze shifted towards the mountains in the distance, where a few buildings clung to their slopes like sentinels guarding ancient secrets.

Evelyn, her voice tinged with enthusiasm, directed his attention to their next destination. "Do you see those stairs, Aurelius? We're heading up there."

As they began the ascent, Aurelius couldn't help but wonder about the enigmatic Saken family. His curiosity finally found words, and he turned to Evelyn. "Evelyn, how many people are in the family?"

Evelyn considered for a moment, her footsteps never faltering as they climbed the stairs. "More than thirty, I guess," she replied, "but right now, most of them are on missions. So, there will be rookies like me and the principal waiting for us."

The climb grew steeper with each step, and Aurelius soon found himself struggling to catch his breath. His legs felt like lead, and he finally gave in, sinking to the floor to regain his composure.

Evelyn couldn't contain her laughter at his plight. "You're so weak," she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Wanna ride on me?"

Aurelius, caught off guard and flustered, stammered, "Wait, what? What do you mean?"

With a punch to his belly, Evelyn clarified her offer in exasperation. "Are you stupid or what? I meant, if you're tired, I can carry you on my back. Never mind, we have to hurry up."

Aurelius chuckled at his own misunderstanding, a hint of embarrassment warming his cheeks. He pushed himself back onto his feet, fueled by a newfound determination.

As Aurelius and Evelyn ventured deeper into Central Eldoria and towards the Saken Campaign Center, they were greeted by a scene that hinted at the complexities and dynamics of this enigmatic world. Inside the center, two figures, Cordelia and Egnatius, both rookies like Evelyn, stood engaged in hushed conversation.

Cordelia, a peculiar expression on her face, regarded Aurelius with a look of skepticism. She leaned towards Egnatius; her voice laced with wry humor. "Is that the new rookie?" she quipped, a hint of mockery in her tone. "He looks like a bothersome shit to me, ha-ha."

Egnatius, however, had a different perspective. He stepped forward towards the door and extended a friendly greeting to Aurelius. As they exchanged pleasantries, Evelyn took the opportunity to introduce Aurelius to the newcomers.

Aurelius, his curiosity piqued, was eager to learn more about his fellow rookies. Egnatius took the initiative to introduce himself, bridging the gap of unfamiliarity with a warm welcome.

But the scene took an unexpected turn. As Aurelius familiarized himself with the faces around him, he suddenly found his attention arrested by an entrancing sight. A woman, with an alluring figure and long, flowing blue hair that matched the shade of her penetrating blue eyes, approached him with an aura of confidence.

She came closer to Aurelius, her touch lightly grazing his chin. Her words, however, were laced with a sharpness that belied her beauty. "You are the new one, huh?" she remarked, her tone condescending. "You look weak. Excluding your good height and nice face, you are nothing but trash to me. Want to serve me? You can be my tool."

Aurelius was taken aback by the woman's audacity and the contrasting beauty that masked her harsh demeanor. Before he could respond, another woman intervened, her presence commanding attention.

With a flick of her hand, she summoned a transparent yet formidable wall that materialized between Aurelius and the provocative woman. The wall shimmered with an ethereal quality, a testament to the mastery of her magic technique. Her voice carried authority as she spoke.

"That's enough, Cordelia," she stated firmly, her gaze unwavering. "Leave him alone."

Cordelia, upon seeing the Principle, Ria, was visibly surprised. Her demeanor shifted from audacious to deferential as she acknowledged the higher authority.

The tension in the room was palpable, a testament to the intricate social fabric that defined the Saken Campaign Center. As Aurelius navigated the dynamics of this newfound world, he realized that Central Eldoria held not only the promise of answers but also the complexities of alliances, rivalries, and enigmatic figures that would shape his journey in ways he could only begin to fathom.

End~fin

See you in the next Chapter: Regret