Chapter 15: The Gathering Begins
The grand hall of the Augustine estate had never felt so alive. It was a shimmering sea of influential figures—lords, political leaders, high-ranking officials, and representatives of the Alliance—all gathered to celebrate the formal acknowledgment of Argus Augustine's early awakening. The estate, normally a quiet place of discipline and training, had been transformed for the evening, with banners draped along the walls, elegant chandeliers casting soft light, and the finest dishes served on silver platters.
As Argus entered the hall, all eyes turned toward him. He could feel the weight of their gazes, the whispers that floated through the air like distant murmurs. He had expected this; his mother had made it clear how important tonight would be. But none of it fazed him. He had been groomed for moments like these, trained not just in his powers but in how to navigate the social and political landscapes that shaped the world.
Evangeline stood beside him for a brief moment, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder as she whispered, "Remember, you are my son. Show them why they should be watching."
"I know," Argus replied with a faint smile, his eyes scanning the room.
With that, Evangeline stepped away, leaving him to make his way through the crowd. Argus moved with the ease of someone far older, his posture confident and his expression composed. Despite being only nine, he had mastered the art of carrying himself like someone with far more experience, a skill that immediately impressed those who met him.
As he began to walk further into the room, he caught snatches of conversation from the various guests. It was a delicate dance of words and intent, each exchange carrying undercurrents of politics and positioning. He knew many of these people had come not just to honor his official recognition as an Awakened but to size him up—gauge his potential and determine how best to align themselves with his future.
The first person to approach him was a lord from the western territories, his long dark coat billowing slightly as he made his way toward Argus, followed closely by a small entourage of nobles. The man had an air of authority about him, his sharp features and steady gaze making it clear he was someone used to getting his way.
"Young Augustine," the lord greeted with a formal nod. "I've heard much about your talents. Quite rare to see someone your age drawing such attention."
Argus offered a polite nod in return, meeting the man's eyes without hesitation. "It's an honor to meet you, my lord. I hope to live up to the expectations."
The lord raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the boy's poise. "I imagine you will. Not many at your age would be comfortable in a room like this. You seem to handle it with ease."
Argus smiled slightly, the confidence in his voice clear. "I've had good teachers, and my mother has ensured I'm prepared for any situation."
The lord's companions murmured approvingly. One of them, an older woman with striking silver hair, stepped forward. "Prepared you certainly seem, young master," she said with a smile. "I heard you've shown a natural affinity for strategy. Quite a skill for someone so young."
Argus tilted his head, a spark of interest in his eyes. "Strategy has always been something I've enjoyed. Understanding people's intentions, predicting their moves—it's like playing a game of chess, only the stakes are much higher."
The woman chuckled softly, clearly impressed. "Indeed, and it seems you've already mastered the first rule of such games: always stay two steps ahead."
"I try," Argus replied smoothly, though inwardly he couldn't help but acknowledge the truth in her words. Strategy had become second nature to him—he always found himself calculating the next move, anticipating how people would act and react.
After several conversations, Argus found himself drawn to a quieter corner of the hall. That's when he noticed a girl standing alone, her silver hair shimmering under the chandeliers. Unlike most of the children from influential families, she didn't seem particularly interested in the event or the people around her. Her posture was relaxed but composed, and her bright silver eyes moved across the room as if analyzing everything in her path.
Intrigued, Argus approached her. She stood confidently, her gaze meeting his without hesitation, and unlike many others, she didn't seem impressed by the event or the people attending it.
"Enjoying the evening?" Argus asked casually, though his curiosity was evident.
She raised an eyebrow, her expression cool and indifferent. "It's tolerable," she replied, her voice calm but carrying a hint of amusement. "Though I imagine it's more exciting for you, being the center of attention."
Argus smirked. "It's part of the job."
"Being watched by all these important people? It seems exhausting," she said, glancing briefly around the room before returning her gaze to him.
"It's something I've been prepared for," Argus replied confidently. "But you don't seem to care much about all of this."
She shrugged slightly. "Why should I? I'm not here to impress anyone."
Their conversation flowed easily, and it quickly became clear to Argus that this girl wasn't someone who could be impressed by titles or status. Her calm, calculating demeanor stood out, much like her intense silver eyes.
"I'm Elara Valen," she finally introduced herself, her voice carrying just a hint of challenge.
The name piqued Argus's interest. The Valen family had a history of producing powerful individuals with an interesting power of mirror manipulation. It wasn't something guaranteed—few people ever awakened to powers, and those who did rarely inherited them. But Argus wondered if Elara had been one of the few lucky enough to inherit that gift.
Just as Argus was about to delve deeper into their conversation, a new presence made itself known, immediately drawing attention. A girl with fiery red hair strode through the crowd with purpose, her pace quick and her energy nearly tangible. There was something magnetic about her—where Elara's presence was quiet and observant, this newcomer seemed to fill the space with her intensity.
Her sharp green eyes locked onto Argus as she approached without hesitation. "You must be Argus Augustine," she said, her voice bold and confident, a stark contrast to Elara's measured tone.
"I am," Argus replied, intrigued by her directness. "And you are?"
"Valerie Drexler," she said with a wide grin, extending her hand for a firm shake. "My father told me all about you. I figured I'd see what the fuss was about for myself."
The Drexler family was known for their enhanced physical strength and durability—a power that ran through their bloodline, though it wasn't a certainty. The Drexlers were known for their aggressive approach, in both politics and battle, relying on brute force to overwhelm opponents.
"And what's your judgment so far?" Argus asked, shaking her hand with an amused smile.
Valerie shrugged, her grin widening. "You seem impressive, but I'll have to see you in action to be sure."
Argus chuckled. "I suppose that can be arranged."
As the evening continued, Argus found himself between these two contrasting personalities—Elara, with her cool, calculated demeanor, and Valerie, with her fiery energy and straightforward confidence. They were polar opposites in many ways, yet both intrigued him.
Whether they would become allies, rivals, or something else entirely, Argus didn't yet know. But one thing was clear: both girls were not people to be ignored.