As the time approached for our journey to the northern lands, I couldn't help but feel the weight of anticipation. We were about to face one of the most dangerous creatures known to the Empire, the Glacial Wolf Demon. With my grandfather and Sir Leon fully recovered, and Tomas already en route with the newly forged warhorses, I knew we were ready. This would not only be a test of strength for Tomas, but for all of us, as we sought to secure his future and the future of the Order.
The journey from the Institute back to the family castle was not without its own set of memorable moments. Our small group, now tightly knit by months of training, experiments, and friendship, found ourselves engaged in a series of adventures as we traversed the northern roads.
One such occasion arose when we stopped in a bustling market in a village just beyond the Imperial borders. The air was filled with the scent of roasted meats, exotic spices, and freshly baked bread. Among the merchant stalls, we discovered a small, hidden shop that specialized in rare magical materials. Fénix, who joined our group after Marcus left for his lands, ever the curious magician, was drawn to a shimmering bundle of starleaf—an elusive plant that grew only under the light of the crescent moon. As the shopkeeper explained its properties, my mind raced with possibilities for our future alchemical experiments. It was a small discovery, but it filled me with excitement for the potential hidden in the vast world.
Further along the road, we encountered a village plagued by a group of rogue demonic beasts. Small creatures by comparison to the monsters we were accustomed to, but still dangerous to the common folk. March, Mancil, and I made quick work of the creatures, our auras flaring with precision as we dispatched the beasts. The villagers' gratitude was heartwarming, reminding me of the responsibility I bore not only as a knight in training, but as the future Duke. It felt good to help those in need, but it was also a sobering reminder of the chaos that still lurked on the Empire's fringes.
Yet, the most unexpected and exciting event on this journey was our invitation to the famous Tulipán Commerce Guild's auction. Held in one of the grandest halls in the north, the auction drew nobles, merchants, and scholars alike, all vying for the rare treasures on display. My companions and I entered the gilded chamber with wide eyes, marveling at the dazzling array of items up for bid.
The highlights were nothing short of astounding. Ancient texts that promised knowledge long forgotten, weapons forged by the greatest smiths in the north, and the rarest of magical jewels. Fénix was immediately drawn to an intricate sapphire necklace imbued with protective enchantments, while Mancil eyed a beautifully crafted battle axe that thrummed with power, calling to his warrior spirit.
But it was the display of weapons that truly captured my attention. Among them, a sword caught my eye—no, my soul. Nearly two meters in length with a double-edged blade, it was a masterpiece. The patterns on the blade shimmered in a soft violet hue, and the scabbard, simple yet elegant, bore the design of a rose long thought extinct. It felt as if destiny had led me to this sword, and I knew immediately it was the perfect gift for my father, Duke Raion. The price was steep—30,000 magical white gold coins—but with the fortune my alchemical shops had earned across the northern territories, I had little hesitation in placing my bid.
The system of currency in our world is simple yet reflective of our society. The lowest coin is copper, followed by bronze, silver, gold, and the rare white gold coins imbued with magic. At the top is the platinum coin, known as the Imperial Solar Coin, used by only the wealthiest merchants and nobility. Interestingly, the ancient coins of the Estelar Empire hold twice the value of the modern ones, a reminder of the long history that still echoes in our world.
As the auction concluded, each of my companions left with treasures of their own. Fénix protective sapphire, Mancil's battle axe, and March, who surprised me by purchasing an ancient grimoire—he had always hidden a deep fascination with magic, despite being a warrior. As we prepared to depart, the excitement of the auction still buzzed in the air, but I knew the real adventure awaited us at the ancestral lands.
Meanwhile, Tomas had already arrived at the Violet Castle, leading the 145 newly created warhorses that had undergone the bloodline purification. The transformation was nothing short of extraordinary. These horses were now titanic creatures, standing over three meters tall, with coats of shimmering black and gold. Each horse radiated an aura that could rival that of a seasoned knight, with strength and speed that would be the envy of any army.
But one horse stood out among them all—Nerón. His size had not changed as drastically as the others, but his power had soared. With a coat of silver-white and eyes that glowed a fierce red and gold, he exuded an aura that seemed almost regal. He had absorbed more of the purified blood than any other, becoming a beast of legend in his own right. Tomas could hardly contain his excitement when he introduced the horse to my father and grandfather, and I could see the same awe in their eyes.
"Nerón," Alaric Flower said, running a hand through his gleaming mane, "is truly a king among horses."
The name felt right, a fitting tribute to the legends of my previous world. I could already see him riding into battle, leading my grandfather's charge into the heart of danger. It was clear that this horse would not only be my grandfather's most trusted companion, but a symbol of the power we were beginning to wield.