Lucavion continued his unhurried stroll through the lively streets of Stormhaven, Vitaliara perched on his shoulder like a regal warden. The flickering lantern light danced across the cobblestones, casting shadows that seemed to play a silent game of tag.
“We’ve come far tonight,” Lucavion remarked, his voice soft as he took in the vibrant city around him.
[And we still have further to go,] Vitaliara replied, her glowing eyes sweeping over the bustling streets. [But first, rest. I can feel your weariness, Lucavion.]
Indeed, just as Vitaliara had stated, Lucavion had been working non-stop in the last 5 months of traveling time. After all, traveling from west to east was not something that could happen in a short amount of time.
Especially without having the machinery or other products that made traveling convenient. Even though Aether was really one of the finest mounts and she was quite strong and fast, even she had limits.
And Lucavion in fact was not someone to waste any opportunity to get stronger.
He gave a slight nod, acknowledging her concern. “True enough. Let’s find an inn.”
Lucavion continued his measured stride through the streets, his gaze distant but sharp, his thoughts delving into the countless days and nights he’d spent on this journey. The flickering lanterns cast fleeting shadows over his figure, his silhouette blending with the bustling vibrancy of Stormhaven.
[You’ve driven yourself relentlessly these past months,] Vitaliara noted, her voice calm but tinged with concern. Her glowing eyes flitted over his features, catching the faint lines of weariness he carried with his usual poise. [Even Aether needed her moments of respite. But you? You’ve barely paused, Lucavion.]
“It’s necessary,” he replied, his voice low but resolute. “The path between Westward Range and the Eastern Realms isn’t a leisurely stroll, and there’s little use in letting opportunities go to waste.”
Indeed, the journey had been grueling. The roads that connected the sprawling cities were anything but safe, infested with monsters that turned the wilderness into a treacherous expanse. These creatures, the bane of common travelers and weaker adventurers had been a constant source of opportunity for Lucavion.
He had deliberately chosen less-traveled paths, navigating through valleys and over ridges where danger was almost guaranteed. For the average person—or even a lesser Awakened—it would have been madness. But for Lucavion, it was a calculated investment.
Every encounter had been a test of strength, each monster a stepping stone in his relentless pursuit of growth. The [Flame of Equinox], his core that harmonized the opposing forces of life and death, had grown stronger with each battle. Yet, frustratingly, he remained just shy of a breakthrough to the coveted 4-star level. The monsters he faced, even at their peaks, lacked the potency required to fuel that next step.
Still, the hunt had not been fruitless. Where his Flame of Equinox faltered, his [Devourer of Stars] core thrived. The starlight mana within him had grown sharper, more polished, and more aligned with his unique physique. As he fought and refined, his cultivation advanced rapidly.
‘It’s ironic,’ he mused, a faint smile curving his lips. ‘A technique meant to honor my master, yet it has started becoming something entirely my own.’
The [Devourer of Stars] was no longer a rigid method; it had evolved under his hand, tailored to his unique energy pathways and physical constitution. He drew power from the stars themselves, their light transmuted into mana that resonated with the core of his being. Each refinement made the technique more his, shaping it into a tool perfectly suited for him.
[You’re on the verge,] Vitaliara said, interrupting his thoughts. Her tail swayed gently, her tone thoughtful. [I can feel it. Your starlight mana—it’s different now, brighter, more focused. You’ve pushed it to a point where it’s almost ready to bloom into something greater.]
Lucavion nodded faintly. “Almost isn’t enough. Not yet. But soon.”
[And the Flame of Equinox?] she pressed, her voice quieter now. [You’ve come so far, but you’ve also neglected rest. If you don’t find balance, even the strongest flames can burn out.]
His smirk deepened, though there was no mockery in it—only a quiet acceptance. “Balance is the whole essence of that flame, Vitaliara. I’m well aware. But this stagnation won’t last. The right challenge is out there, waiting.”
And indeed.
After all, he came to his city to achieve two things.
One to save a certain daughter.
And second, to achieve his breakthrough.
*******
The two made their way to the heart of the city, where the finest accommodations were clustered. It didn’t take long to locate a well-lit establishment with a polished sign swaying gently in the night breeze: The Golden Ember. Its inviting glow promised comfort and reprieve.
Stepping inside, Lucavion paused, his sharp gaze scanning the room. The spacious interior was bustling with activity, a hum of conversation rising above the clink of glasses and the soft strumming of a lute in the corner. What caught his attention, however, were the auras.
Strong ones.
Awakened.
Lucavion’s dark eyes swept the room, lingering on the flickering intensity of Awakened auras scattered throughout. Each pulse of power was a subtle beacon, revealing the diverse calibers of those gathered in The Golden Ember’s common hall. His smirk deepened, though his demeanor remained composed.
“Well, well,” he murmured, stepping further into the room, his boots clicking softly against the polished wooden floor. “It seems Stormhaven has become a convergence point.”
[These are no ordinary travelers,] Vitaliara observed, her voice low but edged with interest. Her glowing gaze flitted from one Awakened to the next, noting the diversity of energy signatures. [Some are strong enough to rival you. And look there—] she nodded toward a table in the corner, where a figure sat with an enormous shadowy wolf curled at their feet. [Even familiars are present.]
Lucavion tilted his head slightly, acknowledging her observation. “The duke’s expedition must have garnered more attention than I anticipated. Such a gathering of power is rarely a coincidence.”
[Or an entirely safe one,] Vitaliara added. Her tail flicked lightly as she perched higher on his shoulder. [Not everyone gathered here will be an ally. Or even neutral.]
“True enough,” Lucavion said, his tone unhurried. “But the more, the merrier. Wouldn’t you agree?”
[Vigilance is better,] she countered, her voice sharp with caution. [Not everyone here has good karma. And I doubt their interests will align with ours.]
Lucavion chuckled softly, the sound a blend of amusement and calculation. “Karma is a luxury we can overlook for now. As long as they’re useful, their sins don’t concern me. That being said, I’ll take note of the most intriguing among them.”
[You’d better,] Vitaliara said, her tone tinged with quiet resignation. [Human nature rarely changes.]
Experience tales at empire
He didn’t argue. Instead, he made his way to the counter, securing a room with his usual effortless charm. The innkeeper—a stout woman with shrewd eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor—gave him the key but not without a brief, appraising glance at Vitaliara.
“It’s rare to see such a creature in these parts,” she remarked casually, though her tone carried a subtle edge.
Lucavion’s smirk softened into something polite yet distant. “A rarity, perhaps. But one that prefers her privacy.”
The woman gave a curt nod, handing over the key without further comment.
Ascending the staircase, Lucavion’s thoughts remained on the room below. Each aura he’d sensed was a piece in the larger puzzle he’d come here to solve. The daughter he sought to save and his own imminent breakthrough—they were tied to this city’s convergence of power, and he would navigate its web with precision.
Reaching the room, he unlocked the door and stepped inside. It was modest but well-appointed, with sturdy furniture and a large window that overlooked the lively streets below. Setting his pack down, he glanced at Vitaliara, who had leaped gracefully onto the windowsill.
And then he mumbled while posing to take his clothes out.
Lucavion began unbuckling his coat with deliberate slowness, his smirk deepening as he caught Vitaliara’s sharp gaze from the windowsill. “Shouldn’t I get some privacy?” he asked, his tone dripping with playful mischief. “Or would you rather stay here, you peeping cat?”
[Vitality incarnate does not ‘peep,’] Vitaliara shot back, her tail flicking sharply. [And I am not a cat!]
Lucavion chuckled, neatly folding his coat before moving to unbutton his shirt. “You may not be a peeping cat, but you’re certainly a peeping tom.”
Her glowing eyes narrowed, her posture stiffening with indignation. [Peeping tom? What is that supposed to mean?]
“Nothing,” he replied smoothly, though the glint in his eye said otherwise.
[Why do I feel offended?] she demanded, her tail curling tighter around her paws as she stared him down.
“Must be your imagination,” he said with a shrug, his voice laced with mock innocence. “I wouldn’t dream of offending you, Vitaliara.”
Her glow brightened slightly, signaling her simmering irritation. [For someone so smart, you’re remarkably annoying sometimes.]
“That’s what makes me charming,” he quipped, neatly setting his shirt aside before pulling a fresh tunic from his pack. “But since you’re so insistent, I’ll forgive your trespasses this time.”
[Vitaliara does not trespass,] she retorted, lifting her chin as if her very pride were at stake. [And certainly not for someone as insufferable as you.]
Lucavion’s laughter was low and warm as he tugged the tunic over his head. “You wound me, truly. But I suppose I’ll survive.”
[Survival is the least of your concerns,] she muttered, turning her gaze to the streets below as if dismissing him entirely. But the faint flick of her tail betrayed her lingering irritation—and maybe, just maybe, a touch of amusement.
Lucavion leaned against the edge of the bed, watching her with a lazy grin. “You’re adorable when you’re flustered, Vitaliara.”
[I am never flustered,] she snapped, her glow flaring indignantly. [And certainly not by you.]
“Of course not,” he replied, his grin widening. “Just as I’m not insufferable.”
Her silence spoke volumes, but when she finally turned back to him, her eyes gleamed with a spark of begrudging humor. [One of these days, Lucavion, your wit will get you into trouble.]
“It usually does,” he agreed with a smirk.
“But isn’t that half the fun?”
She didn’t have anything to say about that.
—————A/N————-
Happy new year.
A small mass release for the gang, hope you have a good year in 2025.