5th Realm… Stronghold of 9 Realms Association…
The grand stronghold of the Fifth Realm stood gleaming under the daylight, a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Nine Realms Association. Surrounding the Administrative Hall, stood the various buildings dedicated to the workings of the Association, where the strongest and wisest wizards and officials stay.
Towering above all, at the top of the Administration Hall, was the palace of the Association’s head, Jason, a place of both luxury and secrecy.
Inside one of the richly adorned rooms in the central palace, Simon, Jason’s only son, sat on a lavish couch. A wine bottle, a gift from his father, shimmered in the light.
The servant girl beside him poured the wine, bending close, trying her best to catch his attention with her every movement, her dress strategically low-cut. She leaned in closer, hoping to be noticed, and bared a small, sly smile, her milky chest mere inches from Simon’s view.
Simon, however, remained indifferent. He took a slow sip of the wine, savoring its taste, his gaze never leeaving from the glass. No matter what moves or charms the servants tried, he was always calm, uninterested. “You may go,” he finally said, his tone calm but dismissive. “Leave the bottle. I’ll pour for myself.”
A hint of disappointment crossed the servant girl’s face as she set the bottle down and backed away. She turned to leave the room, muttering under her breath. Outside, a group of waiting servant girls hurriedly surrounded her, eager for her report.
“Well, Susu, Did he… notice you?” whispered one of them, her eyes alight with curiosity.
Susu shook her head, frustrated. “No,” she replied, sighing. “Nothing I did worked! I even made sure to adjust my clothes right in front of him, but he just looked past me as if I were invisible.”
The others exchanged disappointed glances, groaning softly. “What is it with this prince? You’re the most stunning among us, and you put on the best display of your round balloons. Why won’t he give any reaction? Do you think… could it be … he…?!”
The suggestion sent a ripple of shock through the group, but Susu quickly waved it off. “No, no, that can’t be it! The 8 healers test the prince every month; they’d surely notice if something like that were true. Besides,” she added, blushing slightly, “some of us have seen him without his robes, while preparing his bath. His thing… let’s just say, he’s definitely all man.”
The other girls giggled. “It’s strange,” one of them muttered, “From what I’ve seen, he has no interest in using his power over anyone. He could have any girl from the most powerful families if he wished, but… he simply doesn’t.”
Their gossip was cut short by a shout from down the hall. “Clear the way! The Patriarch is coming to see the prince!” At once, the servants scattered, each of them rushing to make way for the head of the Association himself, Jason, as he made his way toward Simon’s room.
—
Inside the room, Simon stood up as his father, Jason, entered. Jason nodded approvingly at his son, then gestured to the guards behind him, who carried a large chest, setting it carefully on the table before Simon. Jason lifted the lid, revealing a trove of powerful artifacts, each one gleaming with magical energy.
“Simon,” Jason began, his tone both proud and serious, “in a few months, you’ll set foot in the Spirit World. It’s a place unlike anything you’ve seen. Dangerous, unpredictable. As an experienced man, I’ve gathered some treasures and artifacts that will help you in your journey.”
Simon’s eyes gleamed with interest as Jason pulled out the first item, a gleaming amulet with a deep blue stone at its center. “This is the
‘Aegis Amulet
. It’ll create a powerful shield around you when you’re in danger. Its power is enough to deflect hundreds of powerful spells at once.”
Simon nodded, running a finger over the amulet’s cold, polished surface. Next, Jason held up a small vial filled with a strange, green liquid. “This is the Elixir
of Resilience
. It can heal you from a state of death, but it’s extremely rare. Use it only when absolutely necessary.”
Simon’s face remained focused as he listened. Jason took out a strange, glowing orb, its light flickering softly. “This is the Veilstone. It allows you to become invisible for short periods. In the Spirit World, it’s not always about strength. Sometimes, stealth is your best weapon.”
The treasures kept coming, each with its unique power and story. There was the Firefang Dagger, enchanted to cut through nearly anything, and a mysterious Timeglass Charm, which could slow down time for a few seconds in a small area.
Lastly, Jason presented Simon with a beautiful, ornate ring, the
Soulbinder Ring
. “This will protect your mind from any spirit or mental attacks. The Spirit World is home to powerful creatures that prey on minds.”
Jason placed a hand on Simon’s shoulder. “Remember, Simon, the Spirit World is not a place to take lightly. It’s unpredictable. Even these treasures may not be enough if you aren’t cautious. You’ll face trials there that will test your strength, your courage, and your wisdom.”
Simon nodded, absorbing his father’s words. “Thank you, Father. I won’t take this lightly,” he promised.
Just then, a magical communication glass on Jason’s spirit ring began to glow, pulsing with light. Jason lifted it, and the face of Emperor Ryon appeared within, his expression dark and intense.
“What’s with the sudden call? Did that Kent die already or what?” Jason asked with a joking smile.
“Brother Jason, I have encountered a little problem in the 7th realm. Hundreds of criminals have escaped from our most secure prison, and I suspect an organized effort behind it. I’ll need your help. If this continues, the royal authority will be severely undermined.”
Jason’s eyes narrowed. “That many prisoners, all at once? This is no ordinary breakout. Do you have any leads?”
“Nothing concrete yet,” Ryon admitted, frustration clear in his tone. “But I’m deploying my troops throughout the realm. I’ll need your forces as well. We can’t allow this to continue. I have my suspicions… but we need to confirm them.”
Jason gave a curt nod. “Brother-in-law, I will do anything for you. Consider it done. My forces will assist you in any way necessary. We’ll find the culprits.”
Ryon’s face softened slightly, his gratitude evident. “Thank you, Jason. I knew I could rely on you. I’ll update you as we uncover more.”
With that, the glass dimmed, the communication ending. Jason turned to Simon, his expression thoughtful. “This situation is more troublesome than it seems, If those prisoners are on the loose, there’s a high chance that someone powerful is working behind the scenes. You need to be careful when you go to the 7th realm.”
Simon nodded, understanding the weight of his father’s words. “I’ll be careful, Father.”
–
Tq 😉