Crowds of people started to gather around the three of them.
"Look, it's the Monarch."
"Who are those two?"
"The elf girl looks dirty."
Faces of disgust and curiosity circled around them, whispering and staring in judgment.
Shiebe: Eros! What the hell are you insane? What if we died?
Eros: I would destroy it. It's only a test after all. As for why I did it... let's just say you two will need the training if you want to survive in this world.
Zaneff: Training?
Eros: Let's talk more inside my palace.
Shiebe: Wait! How did you teleport us here?
Eros: It's one of my abilities as a Monarch. I can teleport anyone I want as long as I'm close enough to my homeland.
Shiebe suddenly felt embarrassed as he realized people were watching. He hastily tried to hide his face while he and Zaneff followed Eros, surrounded by guards.
The city was breathtaking at night. The air was alive with music and laughter. People danced in the streets, lit up by the soft glow of hanging lights. The architecture was intricate, detailed, and majestic, casting long shadows in the glow of the festivities.
Eros: Welcome to Dynastian. The Land of the Night. Right now, you're witnessing the Festival of Life.
"Hey, it's the Monarch! He's back!"
All eyes turned to Eros, and the crowd's murmur grew louder.
Eros: My dear people of the night! I have returned, and I bring two guests who will stay with us for quite some time. Meet the Crimson Red-haired Fighter and the next big thing: Shiebe Zackaria! And the quiet but deadly elf girl, who will one day overtake her father as a council member—Zaneff Feriona De Louch! I will train these two to become the greatest warriors! Treat them with respect, as they are now part of this great city.
An uproar of cheers filled the streets.
"I knew she looked familiar."
"Shiebe Zackaria... the newest member of the Zackaria family."
"Wow, how did the Monarch find them?"
"That Zackaria kid doesn't look too happy though."
Eros continued to ascend the golden stairs leading to his grand palace. Pillars made of pure gold lined the entrance, and a massive statue of Eros stood at the center, looking down over the courtyard.
Shiebe: You really do love yourself, don't you?
Eros: It's not me but my fateful followers.
Shiebe noticed that Zaneff had stopped walking, her eyes fixed on the massive statue of Eros, staring at it with an almost reverent gaze.
Is it really that amazing? Shiebe thought. I guess it's normal for a girl her age to be obsessed over a guy like him.
Shiebe: Hey, Zaneff! We're gonna leave you behind if you don't hurry.
Zaneff: Oh, right... sorry...
They continued walking until they reached a large golden door guarded by ten women. Each of them wore elegant outfits and stood in perfect formation.
ALL: Welcome back, Your Highness.
Eros: Ah, my wonderful wives. It's been too long.
Of course, he has ten wives... why am I not surprised? Shiebe thought, his annoyance simmering under his calm exterior.
Eros leaped forward, embracing each wife, his joy infectious. Shiebe didn't pay much attention to it; after all, the Monarch's personal life was his business.
Eros: Ah, meet Shiebe and Zaneff. From now on, they will live in this palace and train here.
Shiebe: It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we won't cause you any trouble.
Zaneff nodded in quiet acknowledgment.
Eros: Ah, so you can be nice. That's good to know.
Eros opened the door to reveal a massive throne room. The space was expansive, decorated with opulent tapestries, golden accents, and towering statues of previous Monarchs. Guards stood at attention, their eyes never wavering as they saluted the incoming group.
Once seated on his throne, Eros addressed them again.
Eros: Alright. I'm going to make an offer to the two of you. If you wish to reject it, that's your choice. But I hope you don't. I've already made an announcement outside, and there's no turning back now.
Shiebe: Go ahead.
Eros: Shiebe, Zaneff... will the two of you stay here in my palace for the next seven years? I will provide you with shelter, food, and rigorous training. There's a great battle coming between the Council and the Z-Mons. All factions are searching for prodigies to train. When we first met, I was just returning from a scouting trip, but when I saw you two, something told me that taking you under my wing would benefit this world. So, what do you say? You are eligible to refuse, but...
The proposition was generous and straightforward, and it didn't take long for Shiebe to process.
Shiebe: Well, if you see us as prodigies, I guess I have no choice but to accept.
Zaneff: Yeah, me too. It's better than going home for now.
Eros smiled, pleased with their quick acceptance. He had been confident in Zaneff's decision but had doubted Shiebe's willingness. Still, it seemed Shiebe was only prideful, not truly opposed.
Shiebe: But... would you mind telling me more about Ruina? I still have my parents, and I haven't heard anything about them since the attack.
Eros: Well, as I mentioned before... a lot of people were kidnapped from the town, many buildings were set aflame... and your parents... are nowhere to be found. They definitely aren't in Ruina. That's for certain.
Shiebe: I see...
Shiebe's heart twisted, a complicated knot of emotions twisting in his chest. The anger that had once burned so brightly toward those who had destroyed his perfect life seemed to be subsiding. In its place was a cold sadness. But what truly unsettled him was the apathy that crept in—the feeling that, perhaps, he didn't really care. They weren't his true parents, after all.
Damn it. My head's killing me...
Zaneff: Shiebe... Shiebe... Shiebe.
Shiebe, unable to focus due to the blinding pain in his head, couldn't hear Zaneff calling his name.
Zaneff: Shiebe, are you okay?
Shiebe: Y-yeah, I'm okay...
Eros: I'm sorry, Shiebe. There is an ongoing investigation into the mass kidnappings. We'll find your parents, and all the citizens who've been taken.
Shiebe: Thank you...
Zaneff: I know we've only just met today, and that I'm a stranger, but... if you want to talk... you could talk to me.
Shiebe: Thanks, Zaneff... hey, Eros, is there a place for me to rest?
Eros: Of course, my wives will show the two of you to your rooms. Training begins in a few weeks.
Still nursing the relentless pain in his head, Shiebe and Zaneff followed Eros' wives to their respective rooms.
Once inside, Shiebe collapsed onto the massive king-sized bed. His room was enormous, furnished with fine furniture and an elegant desk.
My head. Shit.
This life... it's so much better than my old one. I should be able to forget about it. It's been six years, and yet I'm still haunted by my past. I won't let it control me anymore. I'll change my life. I'll make the most of this second chance. This time, I'll live the way I always wanted to. No more isolation. No more depression. I'm going to make it.
And with that thought, he finally allowed himself to close his eyes, the ache in his head slowly fading into a soft, blank silence.