"Hmmm... is this the place?" Kiyel muttered to himself, his sharp eyes scanning the worn map in his hand. Despite the frayed edges and faded ink, the markings were unmistakable. He turned the map over once more, confirming his location. After a brief moment of hesitation, he rolled it up tightly and tucked it into the hidden pocket inside his sleeve.
Before him stood a massive gate, its structure looming like a silent sentinel in the night. Intricate carvings covered the surface, glowing faintly under the soft light of magical lanterns. Above, a weathered sign read 'Arkane District', its letters bathed in an ethereal glow that never seemed to dim, even in the darkness.
So, this is the Arkane District, Kiyel thought, his gaze lingering on the sign. The strange energy emanating from beyond the gates was palpable, like an invisible weight pressing against his chest. Something about this place felt different… unsettling.
His steps slowed as he approached the entrance, and his thoughts were interrupted by a voice.
"Identity tag, please."
The voice was firm, clipped, and devoid of any emotion. Kiyel's eyes flicked to the guard's post nearby, where a masked man stood leaning lazily against the counter. The guard's face was hidden beneath an angular black mask, but his presence radiated authority.
Without a word, Kiyel reached into his sleeve and produced a small wooden plate. It was plain, save for two distinguishing features: his name, 'Kiyel', etched with precision by a spell, and the insignia of his lineage, 'Daguros Family Sect', carved into the back. The faint magical aura around the plate made it impossible to forge or alter.
The guard took the plate, leaning in closer to examine it. Despite the mask, Kiyel could feel the weight of his scrutiny.
"Your name... you're from the Athanasios Nation, aren't you?" the guard asked, his tone unreadable.
"I am," Kiyel answered, standing tall despite the slight tension rising in his chest. "I've come here seeking someone."
The guard's head tilted slowly, his movements deliberate. "Hmm?" His voice dropped lower, a subtle hint of menace edging his words. "Seeking trouble, perhaps?"
"I seek answers, nothing more," Kiyel said evenly, his hands tightening just slightly at his sides.
There was a long pause. The guard's masked face remained fixed on Kiyel, the air around them thick with unspoken judgment. Finally, the guard leaned back, handing the identity tag back.
"Trouble won't serve you here," the guard said coldly, his voice final. "Go in."
"Thank you." Kiyel gave a brief bow, the traditional gesture of respect, before tucking the tag back into his sleeve.
As he stepped through the gates, a gust of wind tore through the street. Kiyel raised an arm to shield his face from the swirling dust, his cloak snapping behind him. When the wind finally died down, he lowered his arm—and froze.
Before him lay the Arkane District, unlike anything he had ever seen.
The cobblestone streets shimmered faintly under the warm glow of lanterns hanging from towering posts. The lanterns radiated hues of red and gold, casting intricate shadows that danced along the ground. The unfamiliar buildings around him seemed to rise impossibly high, their spires twisting toward the sky like claws. Their walls were etched with glowing runes, faint pulses of energy emanating from them as if the very stone was alive.
Kiyel's breath caught in his throat as his eyes moved to the inhabitants. Masters, demons, beasts, hybrids, and beings whose identities seemed beyond comprehension roamed the streets. The air was thick with power, each individual exuding an aura that made the atmosphere heavier.
For a moment, Kiyel faltered, his legs stiffening under the weight of it all. His chest tightened with a mix of awe—and fear. This place... it's alive with power. Everyone here is dangerous.
He forced himself to breathe, his hands tightening into fists. There's no time for hesitation. The map wasn't easy to get, and it led me here. I have to find him.
A flicker of hope stirred in him. This was it. This had to be the place.
His eyes fell on a small stall tucked in a shadowy corner. An old woman sat behind it, polishing a gemstone that shimmered faintly under the lantern light. Despite her frail appearance, there was something unsettlingly sharp in her movements.
"Excuse me," Kiyel said, stepping closer, his voice steady but polite. "Can you tell me where to find the Soul Seeker House?"
The woman slowly raised her head, locking her eyes onto his. Kiyel stiffened as he met her gaze. Her pupils shifted diagonally, snake-like, and there was a strange, amused glimmer in them that made his skin prickle.
"The Soul Seeker House?" she echoed, her voice smooth and melodic. "What business does a young man like you have there?"
"I have questions," Kiyel said, his tone unwavering. "That's all."
The woman's lips curled into a sly grin, revealing sharp teeth that gleamed faintly in the lantern light. "Don't be shy, dear," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "Can't blame you. They're all handsome as—"
Heat flooded Kiyel's neck, but he bowed slightly, forcing himself to mask his discomfort. "I only need directions."
Her low, unsettling laugh lingered in the air before she finally spoke, "Straight ahead," she said, gesturing with a bony finger. "Look for the building full of women. You'll know it when you see it."
Kiyel nodded his thanks, stepping away quickly. Her laughter echoed in his ears, lingering long after he'd turned.
It wasn't long before he found the building she had mentioned. While modest compared to the towering structures around it, it had a distinct presence. Women gathered near the entrance, their soft laughter blending with the faint music drifting from within.
Is this really it? Kiyel thought, his stomach twisting with unease.
He approached a woman standing near the entrance. "Excuse me," he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "Is this the Soul Seeker House?"
The woman glanced at him briefly. "It is," she said with a slight nod.
"Thank you." Kiyel took a step toward the entrance, but before he could move further, a guard stepped forward, blocking his path.
"Line up," the guard ordered, his voice cold and commanding.
"I'm not here for the services," Kiyel explained quickly. "I just need to speak with Lady Lili."
The guard's expression didn't change. "Line up," he repeated, his tone hardening.
Kiyel opened his mouth to protest, but before he could, a woman stepped out from the entrance. She moved with feline grace, her crimson eyes glowing faintly in the lantern light. Silver hairpins glinted as she raised a long, ornate pipe to her lips, exhaling a plume of smoke.
"A man?" she murmured, her gaze sweeping over Kiyel with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. She raised a hand, and the guards stepped aside without hesitation.
"Come in," she said simply, her voice leaving no room for argument.