Two days hence, an ominous certainty hung heavy in the air, foretelling the impending arrival of formidable and enigmatic forces. Amid this foreboding atmosphere, a man's voice cut through, dripping with palpable concern.
"What of our revered monarch and our beloved Empress?" the elderly advisor inquired, his voice tremulous with anxiety.
"Carlos, you alone are the embodiment of my trust," the Prince replied, his tone resolute amidst the growing unease.
"Dear Prin... but Captain..."
"Just one day prior to the impending clash, venture to the distant east and unlock the concealed path within the palace's secret chamber. Should your thoughts dwell on our Father and Mother, rest assured, I shall bear the burden... Prepare yourself."
A day before the impending conflict, the palace remained wholly unprepared for the early arrival of these potent forces, plunging the realm into premature chaos. However, providence had smiled upon them; the Capital's protective barrier was raised, and the Empire's subjects had found refuge in the farthest reaches of the land.
Amidst the fierce battle raging within the palace, an elderly man found himself cradling an infant swathed in a protective shroud. The child slumbered serenely, cocooned within an imperceptible shield. As he held the infant, an unforeseen event unfolded—the royal insignia upon the child's brow inexplicably split in two, and the princess in his arms divided into two distinct entities. The old man was taken aback, and in that fateful moment, he embarked on an unexpected journey through the hidden passage.
The battlefield transformed into a tumultuous spectacle akin to a royal brawl. Despite the Celestial Vanguard and the Ombra Regency standing as stalwart allies of the Empire, they could not prevent the fall of the mighty palace forces. Yet, as the dust settled, their adversaries too lay vanquished.
During the harrowing clash, the coveted aura they had sought to harness abruptly dissipated. Yet, this loss paled in comparison to the greater impact it would soon wield upon the entire Empire...
***
"Me?" The three of them nodded in curiosity, wondering what Araia wanted to be, as the grand awakening approached.
"I'm not like you, exposed to the world of Mystics. I grew up in the depths of the Pearl Empire, where stories were our only treasures. Most people there never had a chance to awaken their powers, and even though there are Mystics in our region, they aren't found there. So, until now, I don't really know what I want to be," Araia replied with a slight grin.
"That's why you always seem so amazed when you see Mystic Jets and flying beasts," one of them remarked.
"When the opportunity arises, come with me to the Celestial Vanguard, and I'll show you around," another offered.
"I'm coming too," Rachelle chimed in.
"Who are you?" Araia asked, sparking another round of bickering between the two.
"I'm hungry," Kat said.
Lady Ciara extended an invitation, "My treat."
They all walked towards a famous restaurant in Pearl Capital.
"I saw Prince Adrian earlier," Araia mentioned, and all three of them gave her meaningful glances.
"Just a coincidence. It was so crowded earlier, and I accidentally bumped into him," she explained the surprising encounter, causing her face to turn a shade of crimson.
"Fate."
"Destiny."
"Soulmate."
The three of them said in unison.
"Isn't it weird? We were just talking about him earlier, and suddenly, he appeared in front of you like magic," one of them commented.
"Yeah, right."
For the first time, the frenemies found common ground and exchanged glances as they entered the restaurant.
Suddenly, a group in ancient elegant gowns blocked their path.
"Oh, look, the beloved granddaughter of Celestial Vanguard is here," one of them sneered.
Upon seeing the group, Lady Ciara immediately recognized them as being from the Numenix Empire.
In the resplendent Numinex Empire, gowns are not mere garments; they are exquisite works of art that mirror the empire's grandeur and opulence. These gowns are meticulously crafted to adorn the noble ladies who grace the imperial court with their presence.
A Numinex gown is a symphony of sumptuous fabrics, intricate embroidery, and luxurious embellishments. It typically features flowing silhouettes that cascade gracefully to the floor, creating an aura of regal elegance. The empire's emblem, a radiant sun intertwined with celestial motifs, often takes centre stage in the gown's design, symbolizing the empire's eternal power and celestial connection.
The colour palette of these gowns is a testament to the empire's wealth, boasting rich jewel tones like sapphire blues, deep amethyst purples, and emerald greens. These colours are often complemented by accents of shimmering gold and silver threads that catch the light, adding a celestial glow to the wearer.
The fabrics used in crafting a Numinex gown are of the highest quality, often including silk, satin, and velvet. These materials drape gracefully around the wearer, enhancing her natural beauty. The gowns are expertly tailored to ensure a perfect fit, hugging the curves and creating a silhouette that exudes grace and poise.
Embellishments such as delicate beadwork, sequins, and Swarovski crystals adorn the gowns, sparkling like stars in the night sky. Intricate lacework and filigree patterns trace celestial motifs along the hemlines and sleeves, adding an ethereal touch to the ensemble.
Numinex gowns are not just clothing; they are a reflection of the empire's majesty and the wearer's status. Each gown is custom-made for the noble lady who will wear it, ensuring that it captures her unique beauty and personality while adhering to the empire's aesthetic.
When a noble lady dons a Numinex gown, she becomes a living embodiment of the empire's grandeur, commanding attention and respect with every step. These gowns are more than garments; they are a symbol of the Numinex Empire's enduring legacy of elegance and power.
So it is not hard to recognize that these b*thches are from that place.
"You again, Numinari!"
"Oh, yes, darling, and you still have your lackeys with you."
Lady Ciara could only roll her eyes at Numinari's attitude. "I told you, Prince Adrian won't like you!" she retorted, seething with anger.
"Oh please, Ciara, stop your nonsensical argument. Adrian will be mine, whether you like it or not. You'll end up calling me Aunt," Princess Numinari taunted playfully. "And please, if I become your aunt, don't associate with trashy people."
Rachelle's ears burned with anger at this comment, but before she could protest, Lady Ciara restrained her, knowing her friends wouldn't stand a chance in a mere background argument.
The Numinex Empire was part of the "Big Five," a list of the most powerful Empires, while the Pearl Empire didn't even make it into the top 10 Glory List. Except for Katrina and Lady Ciara, Araia and Rachelle were just ordinary citizens of the empire.