Chapter 15 -Dinner Meeting-

ALTER VIOLET

It all looked and felt amazing, the long hallways of the castle, the decorations on each pillar, the ancient stories carved on the walls. Of how everything on Ezar was built, from the beginning to now. Each time you read one story, it would make you feel like you were there in the flesh experiencing it for the first time.

As Cia and I kept walking down the hallway, I would take in what I saw. Onyx’s memories would flash here and there almost every time I would look at something. I’d see Onyx, Pearl, Eugene running through the corridors as the maids tried to get them. I let out a scoff as I imagined the queen and king's reactions to them sneaking out the castle for a festival the townspeople had.

The white-haired maid noticed my scoff as I looked down the hall. “Is there something wrong, young master?” She said, making me smile as I looked at her. “No, I just remember the good old times I had in this castle, from young to now.” It wouldn't be bad if I unchain some of my emotions, after all I should show them that nothing is affecting me. 

Cia’s red eyes widened at her realization of what I had said, making her look embarrassed at those times. “Y-You shouldn’t remind me of those times, young master. Especially when the three of you would snuck out of the castle to the festival the people had.” Cia said with her finger up as if scolding me for that. I let out a laugh making the maid even more angry than she was.

The maid stared at the ground as we kept walking towards the door, she then talked in a low tone almost muttering. “I’d just wished that you would have more memories like these in the future.” Without saying anything, I put my hand on her head, causing her to slowly move her gaze towards me. Giving her a smile that this time reached my eyes, “You don’t need to wish, because we will make it happen soon enough. But for now let’s get these things done for it to happen.” I answered as we were already in front of the door.

Upon the doors opening, I recognized the way things were placed and decorated. Suddenly the pressure of the atmosphere in the room hit me, to be honest I already had expected this meeting dinner. But for it to happen this soon makes my life a little easier.

In Onyx’s memories, he had been in many ‘dinner meetings’ learning some new important information, that’s how he learned about the visionary, Hannah. 

I wonder if I can learn about ‘that’ here in this meeting, I thought, walking to the table where Eugene and Lord Millguard. “Alter, how are you feeling now?” Lord Millguard said as he glanced over to me and seconds later so did Eugene. “I’m feeling better than I was before,” I responded, stretching the back of my head while giving a small smile. I could feel Eugene’s gaze as he studied me, it seems like he really has changed, I told myself. 

Something seems off, the sensation of mana was everywhere in a matter of seconds. I scanned my surroundings, attempting to find the source of this manipulation of mana. My eyes then landed on the door that I had gone through earlier, this aura is different from what I have felt before, it's unrecognizable. It’s stronger than an Espion that’s for sure, no it’s even stronger than the Espions. “This could be a hassle to deal with,” I muttered to myself, getting ready to meet this person that emitted a strong aura.

And judging by everyone’s reaction in the room, they appear to be clueless like me. “P-Prince Alter, why do you have such expressions on your face?” Cia spoke with a worried voice. My right hand reached for my face, a smile formed on my face. 

A smile? Ohh I see, It’s been a while since I have been this excited just by sensing someone's aura, I told myself in my mind. 

The red and golden doors opened, making everyone in the room who could sense mana or see aura, nervous, wanting to see who was this mysterious person with such outstanding aura. 

Sytairirth was the first one to walk in first with a white dress, something that she hasn’t used in decades. Behind Sytairirth was Juliette, wearing a blue dress that complemented her azure eyes but I noticed something about Juliette, she had a small amount of mana swirling around her. She’s getting there slowly but surely, I said in my mind. Lastly, it was the person who we all have been waiting to see. A familiar figure walked in, wearing a pink dress that sparkled wherever there was light, her lime-green eyes were complimented by that dress making her stand out more than the two who came in before her. It was Luna.

Luna was the one with that extensive aura filling almost the whole castle. I sometimes wonder if Chuzeoth didn’t tell her that her aura and mana had combined, which startled all the people in the castle because he wanted to show me the promise he made to me.

The doors opened again, making me turn my gaze to it. Speaking of the dragon himself, it was Chuzeoth accompanied by Aidryss, Someissoa, and Freomal. The four almighty generals of Ezar. I might have to speak with the old dragon myself after this dinner meeting, I said, shaking my head in disappointment at how the old dragon acts when I want something done. 

Lady Millguard clapped her hands loud enough to stop some people’s conversation, “It seems like we have everyone here. How about we start this Dinner Meeting?” She gestured to us to sit down at a large rectangular table. 

***

‘That was refreshing,’ I thought, my stomach being so full that I could not eat for the next two days. “A-Alter, how long has it been since you ate?” The white-haired Cia asked, looking at the stories of plates in front of me. I stopped for a second to think back, “About two or three days.” I answered, letting an embarrassed laugh while others gave me a concerned look. “It’s not like I wanted too. I was just in a constant battle of life and death.” King Millguard had his thoughts of this ‘constant battle’ that I said, making him ask about it. “And what was that matter of a constant battle of life and death, Alter?” 

Seeing as how mostly everyone in the table wanted to know this ‘constante battle,’ which I was obligated to tell them now. I let out a sigh before starting, “I had become a student in the Ifesia Magic Academy, like any other normal kid. Then some basilisks decided to attack the academy, just when I was newly promoted as the continent’s General. Of course the fight wasn’t easy since they were high-rank basilisk capable of using Ring Phases and ancient ones at that.” Everyone’s eyes had widened at the statement I just said but I continued speaking, “They had knowledge about Ring Phases and Mana cores, something that hasn’t been talked about in thousands of years. They were skilled in mana manipulation and combat, but their faces and expressions changed when I activated my Ring Phase along with the usage of abeyance.” Silence fell as I finished. It appeared that everyone in this room aside from me and my disciples knew what I was talking about. 

My suspicions raised at their facial expression along with their silence, they knew what I was talking about and didn’t fill me in when I got here. 

“You guys know something and you are keeping me and my disciples in the dark. Probably even Onyx didn’t know about this either since none of the memories I have seen show you guys telling him.” I could feel an anger that was not mine boil up inside me ready to explode at any given moment.

“Alter, there is a reason why we didn’t decide to tell you, your disciples or Onyx was because you guys are kids that is why. You guys are too young to handle a burden that big.” Said Lady Millguard, noticing the anger upon seeing my eyes. “I understand where your anger comes from but please understand that it is a difficult decision for us. But for now let us make a decision as to whether to tell you now or later.” 

The anger inside me was still unchained, let loose without control, but I have to control these emotions before they take over, I told my mind. Inhaling a long gust of air into my lungs before exhaling, “Alright let’s leave that for another time, now let's get started with the other situations.” I said in a calming voice.

In the corner of my eye I could see how Chuzeoth nodded as a response and continued like nothing ever happened. “Like I have told young master Alter, we are on the brink of war due to the situation that the Inox Lord wanted.” Everyone knew how Chuzeoth felt, hatred and disappointment towards himself for not being able to do anything. Before anyone else could talk I raised my hand, then silence fell again along with everyone’s gazes. 

“I would like to take this matter of Inox into my hands first, to find out what he wants from me. So please wait on your decision of declaring war until we have a reason why he wants me.” 

“But Alter, we can’t have you go alone, Something could happen to you, you could get kidnap, torture or even worse murdered.” Said Brelbem. Everyone in the table started to mutter, without any second thought I responded back, “That won’t be going alone, I will be taking three people with me.” Luna and Julie’s eyes brightened with smiles, but before they could say a word, I continued as I stared at the three people, “Pearl, Eugene, and Chuzeoth. You three are coming with me to Inox.” 

The three of them only nodded. As my gaze turned to Luna and Julie, I noticed their expression of sadness. They might find this bad for them but I need them to stay here and to train hard just in case. And if my prediction is right, they could be stronger as dragons.

“Now that it has been decided, shall we talk about mana cores?” Sytairirth said, looking at me with a surprising gaze. “As some of you have noticed, there are different types of mana sources. One, Mana Rings, Mana Artifacts, Mana Crystals, and Mana Cores. Mostly every person in here has or had a Mana Ring to use mana, as for Luna and Juliette, they have potential to develop a mana core.” Lady Millguard then pointed at Luna and continued, “Luna already has an understanding of mana manipulation. As for Juliette, she too has an understanding of mana manipulation as great as Luna but she is lacking a connection between mana, But with the proper training they both will be able to construct a mana core and use mana without a ring, making them the second and third humans to ever build a mana core in centuries.” 

Everyone was too stunned by what she said but then clapped seconds later to celebrate their achievement. “And with that, we end today’s Dinner Meeting.” Lord Millguard stated, raising his drink so that everyone did the same.

LUNA LYRIC

Mana core huh? That’s something that Julie and I both can achieve to get stronger. Then that means that we are a step closer towards becoming stronger, we can both finally be on Alter’s side in battle.

As I kept thinking about it, I realized that Alter and Pearl weren’t  in the room any more. I scanned the room until I saw Cia, she probably knows where they are, I thought. “Cia, do you know where Alter is?” The curly-haired maid got closer to me and whispered in my ear, “Both master Alter and lady Pearl are outside by the garden.” She said as she walked away towards the King and Queen.

If he’s outside then I have to talk to him. 

I walked outside the room when no one saw, making it the perfect escape. The moon or should I say the moons were so bright that I could see my shadow as I walked through the open halls. I looked around for the garden when two silhouettes appeared in my view, “I found you two.” I muttered as I walked behind a tree, trying to listen to their conversation. 

Moments before the Dinner Meeting began, the queen had handed me a bracelet that hides one’s aura and mana, making them look like a non-mana user. My thoughts were quickly cut short when Alter spoke.

“So, how long are you guys going to be there?” Alter said, still looking at the lights of the city while Pearl turned to where the mysterious figures were.

“As expected of the one she chose, even with mana cores we are no match for you even after seven years.” said a young and sympathetic voice.

She chose? We? After seven years? What are they talking about, more importantly who is ‘she’? I thought as more and more thoughts came clouding my mind. 

The young and sympathetic voice figure came into view, revealing a young girl in her early twenties. Wearing black clothes as if blending in with the dark shadows. How come I can’t sense her earlier? I asked myself, concentrating on the mana around her.

“Why are you here? Is there anything to report to me? And if so, you know that letters are more convenient than meeting in person.” Alter words were felt as frustration towards something but I couldn’t lay my finger on it. 

Another figure stepped up and said, “Alter, we have found the remaining crystal’s location and to be safe at the moment we have people watching over them.” 

The atmosphere changed, the aura surrounding Alter wasn’t a pleasant one. Death was what the aura screamed when it was being released from him. Alter turned around still releasing his deadly aura, his dark brown eyes weren’t visible, instead, they were replaced by dark crimson eyes.

“Are you sure it’s the crystals?” Alter’s voice gave a hint of what seemed like relief being covered in a cold blooded voice. 

Both people kneeled upon hearing Alter’s cold voice, the second person then spoke but with fear of letting something that Alter didn’t like out of his mouth. “Y-Yes, I personally check every piece.” The atmosphere then changed quickly, as if nothing ever happened, or as if it was never there. The more I heard about these crystals the more questions and missing parts came into mind. 

Who knows about this, aside from Pearl and… me? Does Julie…

The feelings that I thought were gone for good reappeared, not quickly but faintly. Little by little they started to build up inside, making it seem like a parasite that duplicates itself slowly but surely. I regocnized this emotion, but I mentaly denied it, knowing deep down that it was the feeling of betrayal caused by those dear to you.

"Now that we know the locations of the crystals, a decision will be made." The blue-eyed girl stated giving her princess aura, then looked at Alter putting her right hand over her heart. "Alter, the decision will be made by you." The curly-haired boy thought about this decision long and hard judging by the motion of his blood color eyes. A minute had passed, the sounds of nature could be heard as Alter closed his eyes and sigh moments before speaking in a authoritive voice.

"Collect the cystals, whatever it takes and bring them to me. Anticipating that they can get them before us we have to get them in advanced before they notice."