"You're a remarkable young fellow, I must say," the butler said with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Grey eyed him warily, his expression unchanging.
Suddenly, Aira's excited voice rang out, "Grandpa Lucian!"
She darted forward, launching herself into the butler's arms.
"Aira, my dear, it's so lovely to see you!" Lucian exclaimed, chuckling and spinning her around in a gentle twirl.
"Grandpa?" Grey asked, confusion etched on his face as he watched Aira laughing and having a great time with Lucian. He didn't say anything further, just observing the scene with a puzzled expression.
Selene, on the other hand, bowed slightly, greeting Lucian with reverence. "It's an honor to see you again, Sir Lucian."
The butler chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "You don't have to be so respectful to an old man, Miss Selene. I'm just a butler, after all."
Selene's eyes shone with genuine admiration. "I cannot help but show respect, Sir Lucian. Your strength and prowess are legendary, and I am humbled in your presence."
Grey observed the dynamics around him and realized that Selene and Aira were intimately acquainted with the butler, a familiarity that didn't surprise him, given their local roots and prominence.
The butler's warm demeanor and gentle guidance towards the two women evoked a sense of grandfatherly affection, as if he were watching over them with a knowing wisdom and fondness, much like a doting grandfather would with his granddaughters
The old man and the others conversed, while Grey engaged in a mental dialogue with his system. 'This old man is impressive, his power far surpasses mine,' Grey thought.
'System, reveal his status to me,' he mentally said.
The system responded:
Name: Lucian Starwing
Race: Fallen Angel
Age: 1500+ years
System: Resource System
Power: Raja
Soul Power: 2B
Magic Power: 6B
Strength: 5B
Agility: 5.2B
Wisdom: 1B
Charisma: 5
'Hey system, don't show the stats of a person from now on. I just want to know about their information, not their power, as I can easily determine how powerful a person is,' Grey said to the system. He was getting annoyed with seeing everyone's stats.
[Understood, host. Stats will no longer be displayed unless requested.]
Grey turned his attention back to the butler. "Who are you?" he asked, his tone calm but authoritative.
The butler bowed slightly. "I am an envoy of Lord Valerius, the ruler of this realm. I have come to invite you to meet with him. He wishes to thank you personally for dealing with the fallen angel Damien."
Grey nodded. "Very well. When does he want to meet?"
"As soon as possible," the butler replied. "If you are ready, I can take you to him now."
Grey glanced at Aira and Selene. "Looks like we're heading out," he said. "Are you coming with me?"
Aira nodded, and Selene said, "Of course. We can't let you go alone."
"Let's go then," Grey said, turning back to the butler. "Lead the way."
The butler smiled and with a wave of his hand, a portal of dark shadows opened in front of them. "This way, please."
He knew the ruler of the realm would definitely contact him, and the appearance of the butler met Grey's expectations.
After Grey stepped into the portal after Aira and Selene, his vision blurred momentarily. With his exceptional reaction speed, far greater than those at his level, he slowed time around him.
Looking around, he saw himself standing in the void. In front of him were Selene and Aira, moving at a very slow pace. Ahead, the old butler watched with an amused smile.
Suddenly, the surroundings brightened as Grey restored normal time. They had reached their destination. Selene and Aira looked around, curious about their location.
"Grandpa Lucian, why are we here?" Aira asked, noticing the majestic gate in front of them, guarded by two soldiers.
Grey surveyed the grand gates. "We are at the entrance of the capital city of Acheron, Astrion," Selene explained, approaching Grey from the side.
"Miss Aira, we are here so that our guest can fully enjoy our capital city before meeting with the king," the butler said respectfully.
He then turned to Grey and added, "Young Master Grey, if there is anything you need, please let me know."
Grey nodded in acknowledgment, and they proceeded to enter the city.
The city of Astrion, the capital of Acheron, was an awe-inspiring sight. Towering white spires and intricate architecture adorned with golden accents gave the city an air of grandeur. The streets were paved with polished marble that gleamed under the ambient light from the ever-present, softly glowing orbs floating above, casting a serene illumination over the city.
Lush gardens and crystal-clear fountains added a touch of natural beauty to the urban landscape. Majestic statues and elaborate carvings depicted scenes from ancient history and mythical legends, showcasing the city's rich heritage. The absence of sunlight was replaced by a tranquil, perpetual twilight that enhanced the ethereal quality of the city.
As they explored, Grey, Aira, and Selene visited several notable places. They strolled through the Garden of Eternal Blossoms, where bioluminescent flowers created a mesmerizing, otherworldly glow. They also admired the Celestial Market, a bustling area filled with exquisite crafts and enchanted items crafted by the fallen angels.
Next, they visited the Obsidian Plaza, known for its grand architecture and monumental statues, where Grey marveled at the intricate details and the city's artistic splendor. Their final stop was the Starlit Pavilion, an open-air venue where ethereal performances and light shows entertained visitors, leaving Grey thoroughly impressed by the city's unique charm and elegance.
As the magical carriage approached the floating castle, Grey's eyes were filled with awe. The castle, towering and majestic, seemed to defy gravity as it hovered high in the dark, twilight sky. Its walls were made of gleaming white stone, contrasting sharply against the backdrop of the endless, shadowy expanse. The castle's architecture was both grand and intricate, with spires that reached toward the heavens and elegant arches that framed its numerous windows.
Ornate golden filigree traced elaborate patterns along the castle's facade, catching the ambient light from the floating orbs and casting a soft, ethereal glow. The castle's high towers were crowned with crystalline turrets that shimmered like stars, adding to its otherworldly beauty. Graceful bridges and walkways connected the various sections of the castle, some of which seemed to float independently, supported by invisible forces.
As the carriage drew closer, Grey could see the grand entrance, a massive archway adorned with mythical symbols and glowing runes. The entrance was flanked by towering statues of angelic figures, their wings spread wide in eternal guardianship.
Upon arrival, the carriage landed gently on a floating platform that served as the castle's landing area. Grey stepped out and gazed at the castle with unrestrained fascination. The sheer scale and elegance of the structure, combined with its surreal floating presence, filled him with a sense of wonder and reverence.
To Grey, the castle was a living embodiment of the fantastical tales he had grown up hearing. Its grandeur and the magical aura that surrounded it made him feel as though he had stepped into a dream, leaving him utterly captivated by the breathtaking scene before him.
"Young master and young misses, please follow this butler," said Lucian with a satisfied smile, clearly pleased with Grey's awe-struck expression.
He had intended to leave a great impression of their world on Grey, hoping to build a lasting connection that would prove beneficial in the future.
As Grey and the others followed Lucian into the castle, a chill ran down Grey's spine, surprising him.
'What's this?' he thought, widening his eyes and extending his senses throughout the castle. He detected numerous powerful auras, some comparable to and even surpassing Lucian's. It seemed many occupants were using their perception to scrutinize him.
Outside, Grey maintained a calm exterior, though his mind was alert. He knew that in a place where the ruler resided, there would be many formidable individuals. Despite his relaxed demeanor, he carried himself with a natural sense of dominance, not allowing anyone to view him as weak or contemptible.
Lucian noticed Grey's composed stance and an approving smile crept onto his face. 'This kid is something else,' he thought, continuing their walk through the castle.
As they moved deeper into the castle, Grey sensed the most potent aura emanating from its center. 'That must be the king,' Grey mused, recognizing the immense power.
[Host, you are correct. That person is the strongest in Acheron, the ruler of the realm.]
Grey struggled to contain his excitement, his lips curling into a frighteningly comical smile on his otherwise youthful yet mature face. The prospect of meeting the realm's most powerful ruler filled him with an exhilaration he couldn't quite explain, but he welcomed the feeling.
Meanwhile, Varelius, seated on his grand throne, observed everything with a calm demeanor. A smile played on his lips as he watched Grey's reaction, clearly pleased by the young boy's enthusiasm and the unfolding scenario.