The next morning, the neighborhood around Tom's house is greeted with an unexpected and majestic sight. Parked in front of Tom's house is a grand carriage, drawn by a majestic Flame Mane horse. The horse, living up to its fiery name, has a mane that seems to dance with flickers of flame-like patterns, adding a magical touch to the scene. It's whole body is pitch black and various intricate fiery patterns is formed all over it, The Horse standing like a King, his whole body is radiating nobility.
The carriage itself is a vintage masterpiece, adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors. It captures the attention of everyone passing by, creating an air of curiosity and excitement. The carriage seems to be straight out of a fairy tale, and its unexpected presence in the suburban setting adds an element of enchantment to the morning.
As word spreads about the carriage and the Flame Mane horse, neighbors start gathering around, expressing awe and wonder at the spectacle. Tom, who steps out of his house, is just as surprised as everyone else.
Yesterday he thought the carriage mentioned by Johnny would be something simple but it's a carriage from a famous Flame King's merchants, "It seem he spend quite a lot of money on it" Tom mumbled seeing the Carriage with a burning crown symbol that represents Flame King.
As the large crowd gathers around, the neighborhood buzzes with excitement and curiosity. Whispers and murmurs fill the air as people discuss the significance of the Flame King's symbol on the carriage. Tom overhears snippets of conversations, with some speculating about the purpose of the visit and others marveling at the opulence of the carriage.
Among the crowd, Jake's parents, Sera and Reynold, express their amazement at the unexpected arrival. "I never thought Johnny was serious about bringing something like this!" exclaims Reynold, shaking his head in disbelief. He knows of Flame King 's Merchants they are one of the Top 5 merchants of Celestaria, Johnny hiring one of their carriage must meant, he is connected to them one way or another, after all not any one can hire one carriage with their insignia on it.
'This village is getting more and more complicated , first Tom now Johnny, I wonder if there are any more surprises, anyway Jake will be leaving for Academy today at least I won't have to worry about him but Sera is now pregnant, We planned to visit that Gate but now it's impossible' Reynold sighed, now wondering if it was right choice to choose this village or not.
Johnny and Nina, Jimmy and Emily's parents, are also part of the intrigued gathering. Johnny grins with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, reveling in the surprise he orchestrated. Nina, with her infectious enthusiasm, encourages everyone to get closer and take a look at the ornate details of the carriage.
Reynold looked at Nina and wondered if she doesn't knew about it or is just acting like that way but unlike her 'This guy sure is something else' Johnny facial expression reminds him of those disgusting Nobles who flaunt their wealth.
"You sure spend a lot" Reynold said coming near Johnny.
"Hehehe, It's magnificent right but sadly it isn't me" Johnny laughed but then shook his head.
"Then who ordered this carriage?" Reynold asked hearing the unexpected answer.
"It's my sister, unlike me she had a talent for Magic and so she started her journey, I was 10 when she left home but after that we never heard from her but suddenly a year ago she visited me.." Johnny started explaining
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"Hmma hamm hmmmmmm hmm" Johnny checked all the products care fully as he hummed a song.
"You still didn't change a bit, you were a round ball at that time and still is round ball even after all this years" ???
Johnny frowned and turned his head and looked at Red hair woman sitting on his ware house window " Who are you..Arghh" Just as Johnny asking he got smacked.
"Bownsy, you forgot your own big sis?, You need to be smacked to get remember me" ??? said and stated beating him until he become blue and black all over.
Clap Clap
"Now you remember who am I?" ??? asked dusting off her hands.
" Yes Alina I ...arghhh" "Call me big sis, BIG SIS" Alina smacked his head as he called her name.
"Sosrry Big sis" Johnny said covering his head.
"How are you, little brother" Alina then asked with a smile.
"I am doing fine" Johnny replied while mentally cursing 'She is still a witch'.
"I am doing fine and I learned you are now married and even have twins as children" Alina smiled and said.
"Yes , I am blessed with two beautiful children" A genuine smiled appeared on Johnny face as he mentioned this, Alina looked at his genuine smile and also gently smiled.
"But how are you now?...I mean we thought.." "I died right?" Alina finished his sentence and asked.
"Yes.... I cried a lot that day, but it's good now you are alive" Johnny said
Alina shook his head seeing Johnny tearing up, wiping away his tears gently she said " I almost died actually"
"When I left my village after awakening my Blue Core and Mana Core, I was filled with hope and excitement, eager to fulfill my dream of becoming a powerful Mage. However, reality dealt me a harsh blow when I failed the entrance test for Celestaria Academy. The academy's minimum standard was a Violet Core, and I found myself defeated before even stepping foot inside. With limited options, I enrolled in Fulster Academy, a lower-tier institution established by a retired Lord-class Mage.
The three years at Fulster Academy proved to be a grueling challenge. Most of my classmates possessed some knowledge of neutral arts, and I faced relentless beatings in every practical class. Undeterred, I refused to back down. Instead, I dedicated a significant portion of my time to studying in the library. After a year of intense practice, I managed to climb the ranks steadily, no longer holding the last position in my class. Gradually, I worked my way up and ultimately graduated as the 10th rank out of 60 students in my class." Alina started telling him her story, Johnny listened with utmost focus, not interrupting her even once.
"It must be hard for you" Johnny said
"It was" Alina nodded.
"What happened after graduation, why didn't you returned?" Johnny asked
"I wanted but but on way way back to home, a accident occurred" Alina sighed and explained
"On my way back home, after making some money, I witnessed a scary situation one night. A lady was running away with her child, being chased by people with weapons pointed at her. I couldn't ignore it, so I stepped in, even though those people were much stronger than me—they were SSS rank, and I was only S rank at that time.
We fought for about 10 minutes, and things got really tough. One of them even cut off one of my arms. Just when I thought I was done for, a strange blood-red shield appeared and protected me. Before I could figure out what happened, the lady I was trying to help bit me and said sorry. It was weird, but after she bit me, I suddenly felt super strong. With this new strength, I managed to defeat the SSS ranker, easily, like I am SSS rank now and they are S ranks.
But right after that, more people showed up. They looked tough, and I was sure I was in big trouble. But turns out, they were the lady's bodyguards. She explained everything, and then I passed out. The adrenaline that kept me going finally gave in, and I collapsed, feeling safe at last." Alina
"I don't know what to say any more" Johnny said.
"I know right, even I still feel weird being a Vampire now" Alina sighed and said.
"hmm---WHAT? Vampire" Johnny nodded and then exclaimed.
"Tch, what slow reaction" Alina
"Are you really a Vampire now" Johnny asked as he looked at his sister up and down.
Smack
"Can you stop checking me out? Like I am some kind of exotic animal" Alina smacked Johnny head as she said.
"And Yes I am now a Vampire, not just any Vampire but a Duke Rank Vampire-The Blood Frost Queen" Alina said while showing her fangs and announcing her Title.
"You are now Duke rank? How did you become so powerful in such low amount of time?" Johnny exclaimed once again.
"When I mentioned the lady biting me and apologizing, it turns out it wasn't her but her child, Lily. She had let her child bite me because every vampire's first turn brings a significant boost in powers and talents. She recognized my potential when she witnessed me battling those two assassins ranked above me," Alina explained.
"Now where was I ?, Yest the fainting part, When I woke up, I found myself in a luxurious room. As I observed my surroundings, a maid entered and instructed me to follow her. Unsure of what else to do, I followed her. She led me to the same lady I had saved earlier. She introduced herself as Lilana Morosus, a prominent member of the vampire clans and the only wife of Arch Duke Magna Sanguis Morosus," Alina continued
"Then she explained about vampires and their first turned. She told me that now her daughter and my life were linked. If Lily dies, I will die too, but not vice versa. Unfair, right? I asked the same thing, and then she said she would compensate me. They trained me in vampire ways. Also, thanks to me turning into a vampire, my mana core reached Peak Violet rank and changed to a Blood Mana core. Additionally, I gained another affinity aside from my Wind affinity—Blood Ice. With their training, my own hard work, and talent, I became a Duke rank at a young age," Alina finished explaining, leaving Johnny contemplating whether to envy her or feel pity for her.