"We're going together, right?" Aurelia asked, her voice soft but confident as she descended the grand staircase alongside Pyris.
Their shoulders brushed lightly, a sign of the unspoken bond they shared. Today was the day they would return to the Academy, and everything felt different.
"It's a given," Pyris replied, adjusting his outfit. He wore sleek black jeans and a short-sleeved printed t-shirt, the white sleeves and hem contrasting with the green and white design on his chest.
His look was complete with stylish white shoes, reminiscent of Earth's Air Max, and an expensive watch gleaming under the hallway lights.
Aurelia was stunning beside him, dressed in a cream-colored two-piece outfit—a buttoned vest top that highlighted her neckline and pocket-designed pants that trailed just over her shoes.
Her midriff was exposed, her hair cascading down her shoulders in loose waves, while light makeup accentuated her natural beauty. She looked effortlessly elegant, commanding attention without even trying.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, a familiar voice greeted them from the opposite side. "No uniforms?" Emberly asked, stepping gracefully into view.
She wore a flowing blue dress, her flat shoes barely making a sound as she approached.
"No," Aurelia answered before Pyris could, their tone polite but distant. Pyris remained silent, his gaze straight ahead as they moved toward the living room.
"Good morning, Mother Obsidian," they greeted in unison, bowing slightly—a sign of respect, yet with an undeniable gap in warmth. Emberly chuckled softly, amused by their formality.
"Rebellious, aren't we?" Her smile lit up the room, her beauty amplified by the playful energy in the air. But the siblings simply bowed again and continued on their way, ignoring her offer.
"I could take you in the chopper. It would be faster!" Emberly called after them, but her words fell on deaf ears. Neither turned back, as if she had never spoken.
"Classic," Emberly muttered, massaging her forehead. "Now I have two rebellious children."
"You're imposing, Mother," came a voice from above. Anastasia, the eldest daughter, leaned casually against the second-floor banister, watching the scene unfold with a knowing smile. "Just give them time. They'll come around eventually."
Emberly sighed but smiled. "Seems to be the case."
____
Once outside, the fresh morning breeze kissed their skin, a welcome contrast to the tension indoors. The expansive estate around them gleamed in the soft sunlight, the air tinged with the scent of blooming flowers.
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"How are we getting to the Academy?" Pyris asked, breathing in deeply. The energy in the atmosphere was calming for him, almost as if he could feel the flow of nature itself.
"I usually take the chopper," Aurelia said, glancing toward the sleek aircraft perched in the distance, "but today feels different. We might as well enjoy each other's company. How about a car?" She paused for a second, a mischievous smile forming. "Mom planned to surprise you with your new school ride, but I guess the situation didn't permit it."
Intrigued, Pyris raised an eyebrow. "Let's check it out." Without another word, he grabbed her hand, and they ran toward the garage.
Aurelia placed her hand on a green scanner at the door, and with a soft beep, the massive garage doors slid open, revealing the impressive collection of House Obsidian's vehicles.
The rows of motorbikes, luxury sports cars, and family vehicles shimmered under the bright lights. Each car was a masterpiece, a symbol of the family's wealth and power, their worth comparable to entire estates.
"There it is!" Aurelia's voice brought Pyris' attention to the far end of the garage, where an exquisite vehicle sat alone, its gray body blending into the background with an understated elegance.
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Pyris ran his hand over its sleek surface. "It's perfect. Not too flashy, but powerful," he remarked, admiring the design. The car's surface was smooth, the craftsmanship immaculate. He could feel the subtle hum of advanced technology within.
Aurelia tossed him the key, and with a press of the button, the car's doors lifted smoothly. Settling into the plush interior, Pyris felt the seats mold to his form as the dashboard lit up with futuristic controls.
He programmed their destination with a simple touch, and the engine came to life with a deep roar.
"Woohoo!" they both shouted as the car sped out of the garage, the powerful engine carrying them effortlessly out of the mansion's premises in seconds.
Back at the house, Anastasia shook her head, watching from the window. "They act like it's their first time driving," she said, rolling her eyes.
Emberly joined her, a content smile on her face. "It's their first time driving together—and this happy, too," she mused. "They've been so distant, so weighed down by everything. It's good to see them enjoying themselves."
"You went all out, custom-ordering a car just for him." Anastasia couldn't help but notice the distinct vehicle, even among the others. "How much did you spend on it?"
"Ar 900 billion," Emberly replied casually, settling into a chair as they watched the car disappear into the distance. Before Anastasia could protest, she added, "And before you say it's excessive, just remember that it's for his protection. That car is built to outrun a Rank 19 Awakened. It's not just a car—it's his shield when I'm not around."
Anastasia raised an eyebrow. "Still, it seems like overkill. The imperial family would weep if they knew how much you spent."
Emberly's smile faded, her expression hardening. "Let them weep. They've been quietly trying to undermine us for years. They already own 12% of our mana core mining company, and now they want more." She sighed, frustration creeping into her voice. "Their greed knows no bounds, but I haven't said anything—yet."
Anastasia studied her mother for a moment before shifting the conversation. "And what about Obsidian Tech? Is everything settled there?"
Emberly's mood brightened slightly. "Yes, that's one thing they haven't touched. With the upcoming launch of ARGO VRMMORPG, our stocks are soaring. The Academy just signed a 100 billion Ar contract for our new virtual reality helmets."
Anastasia nodded, intrigued. "I meant to ask—what makes this game so special? The last one, Battle Simulation, was groundbreaking. What sets this one apart?"
Emberly's eyes gleamed. "Let's just say this game will redefine immersion. It's more than a simulation—it's an entire universe. You'll understand soon enough."
*****
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