'I might be the most insane person in this world for challenging someone of his calibre. Even with the boost from Sigilus earlier, a demigod is still too much for me to handle,' Kael thought as he walked alongside Zephiron.
And for those of you who still haven't figured it out, yes, the assassin is Kael. You're welcome—now I can stop drowning you in vague references.
'I still need time. Sigilus mentioned earlier that it would take at least a few months for my recovery... might as well play along,' Kael contemplated.
While all of this was going on in his mind, there wasn't the slightest fluctuation on his face. If he hadn't looked alive enough, Zephiron might have mistaken him for a walking corpse.
As they continued their walk through the city, the streets gradually became cleaner, and the houses more refined. After several hours, they arrived at a clear boundary.
It seemed they had reached the edge of the commoners' district, standing before the bridge that separated it from the nobles' quarter.
"As pointless as it may seem, people always find a way to feed their inflated egos. Even in a desolate place like this, they build these divisions to distance themselves from those of lower birth," Zephiron grumbled, his voice heavy with disdain. Despite his irritation, he still assumed the role of explaining the situation.
As Kael saw Zephiron surely wasn't lying, the bridge led to a partition between the two circles of citizen. The walls so huge it probably wouldn't fall under rebellion, but the houses were there to put shame on those bulwarks, as calling them houses was a folly of perception; their grandeur resembled castles in their own right.
Back to the partition walls, guarded by knights clad in silver, who stood like ancient statues, their presence a testament to the passage of time. Steady and cold, they remained polite to every passerby, yet ready to react at a moment's notice.
Their vigilant gaze scanned those approaching, preventing any non-noblemen from passing through. Kael understood that these guardians were no pushovers; and also that they wouldn't let them through unless the old immortal was recognized or had a place to live here.
The thoughts Kael entertained were swiftly proven unnecessary, as what followed aligned perfectly with his expectations. The head guard, accompanied by what appeared to be a butler, rushed forward the moment Zephiron's silhouette became visible.
To be fair, missing someone of Zephiron's stature only left two possible explanations: either the individual failed to recognize him, or they were in desperate need of an eye exam.
But whatever. As they neared the inner gates, the fox-eared butler and head guard stepped in front of them. The captain remained expressionless, merely standing by, while the butler's sharp gaze locked onto Kael, scrutinizing him, as if trying to discern his true intentions.
Sensing the attempt to probe his mind through divine sense, Kael casually released a trace of his aura of death. The butler visibly shuddered, though it was so subtle that even Zephiron, with all his power, failed to notice.
The butler, now unsettled by the deep killing intent radiating from someone so young, felt momentarily confused but chose to dismiss it. Shaking off the unease, he turned to Zephiron and spoke in a hurried, slightly breathless tone, "Where have you been all this while, master?"
The butler, as it appeared, belonged to the fox beastkin lineage. While these were not uncommon, his features hinted at something rarer—the heritage of an Aqualuna fox beastkin, a lineage as scarce in these parts as sighting a dragon.
And yet, as if on cue to challenge that rarity, a deep roar echoed through the courtyard.
"Roooaarr."
It seemed the presence of an Aqualuna wasn't the most unusual sight after all, for there was now a literal dragon lounging like an obedient dog, wagging its tail at the sight of Zephiron.
Zephiron, who had been aloof to all the fanfare his arrival usually caused, now appeared unable to contain his enthusiasm. "I found a new talent on my way back here! Just look at him! An unpolished gem waiting to be the next legend!" he bellowed with pride.
For a man typically so reserved, Zephiron's sudden shift was startling. He paraded Kael before the gathering as though displaying his most prized treasure.
Now the center of attention, Kael remained utterly unfazed. If the silver-armored head guard's face could be called expressionless, then Kael's was nothing short of a glacier—cold and impenetrable.
Despite the countless stares from the guards and the line of servants, Kael stood still, casually facing sideways. "All of you... Why don't you just die already?" he muttered, his voice laced with irritation.
If moments earlier they had assumed his silence was due to shyness or perhaps an inability to speak, they now desperately wished he had stayed silent. The air thickened with unease as his words hung in the atmosphere.
"I didn't expect that to be the first thing out of your mouth, and I didn't know you could talk as well!" Zephiron exclaimed, clearly taken aback.
"See? What a prodigy! He's a once-in-a-millennium talent who can talk too!" Although unexpected, Zephiron's words lightened the tense atmosphere surrounding them.
"Alright, my lord, let's return to the mansion without any further ado," the canine said, seizing the moment of levity. As he spoke, the dragon stepped forward, revealing a carriage that had been waiting patiently for its master's arrival, eager to return to its nest.
Zephiron, upon hearing this, quietly marched forward with his usual calm, otherworldly demeanor. He was closely followed by the butler, who kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings. The head guard stood near the carriage, ensuring the way was clear and preventing any overly curious onlookers from following them. The lord's personal servants climbed aboard the carriage pulled by horses, their movements practiced and efficient, ready to transport their master back to the mansion.
Finally, Kael took his time to enter the lord's carriage atop the dragon, moving with a grace that belied his silent nature. He was as quiet as ever, his presence barely noticeable amidst the bustle. Yet, there was a glint of anticipation in his eyes, a flicker of hope as he pondered what the future might hold for him. This spark of curiosity didn't escape Zephiron's keen gaze.
As Zephiron settled into his seat, he couldn't help but study the young man opposite him. Satisfied that he could finally discern something in Kael's eyes, he chuckled softly to himself, realizing that someone of his caliber shouldn't find it so difficult to read another.
Clearing his mind of such unnecessary musings, he leisurely gazed out the window at the vast, starry sky. Each twinkling star reminded him of the countless possibilities that lay ahead for Kael. In the quiet of the carriage, he felt a moment of tranquility wash over him, the rhythmic sound of dragon's flapping wings against the air.
As he cleared his throat, Zephiron prepared to share some words of wisdom, hoping to build a better image in front of Kael after the earlier encounter had somewhat tarnished the aura of greatness that usually surrounded him. He wanted to impart something meaningful to this young talent, a lesson that might inspire him as he ventured into a world filled with both promise and peril.
"Child," he began, his voice steady and calm, "every journey begins with a single step, and it's the choices we make along the way that shape who we become. Remember, greatness isn't just about power or skill; it's about the heart you put into your endeavors." He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle in, eager to see how the young man would respond.
""And that doesn't matter to me. Just answer this: will you aid me in my pursuit of vengeance?" Kael replied, his tone gentle and unhurried, contrary to his words.
"How did I ever expect anything good to come from you? My mistake," Zephiron chuckled, shrugging off what he was about to say.
"Now, tell me, young lad, what is it that you truly wish for? Let's see it through," he declared in a loud, commanding voice, his tone shifting to one of genuine interest.