It was eight o'clock in the evening. The capital city of the Drakethorne Duchy, Valentine, pulsed with vibrant life as carriages streamed through its grand gates. Each carriage was carefully guarded by vigilant troops and proud knights, sworn to protect the noble families within.
The carriages gleamed with fine materials, many adorned with gold emblems signifying high nobility. Inside, young masters, heiresses, and family heads waited to meet the Drakethorne heir. The nobles knew Drakethorne produced strong people, and their lineage carried Black dragon blood.
The city gate was transformed into a vision of celebration, draped with vibrant red roses and flowing silver cloth that cascaded from its towering arch. These decorations were a heartfelt tribute, a symbolic gesture to honor and welcome the beloved heir of Drakethorne.
One by one, the carriages rolled to a halt near the entrance. Knights in polished armor stepped forward with practiced grace, opening the doors and assisting the nobles as they emerged. Their garments were exquisite, their robes and dresses fashioned from luxurious fabrics, each person exuding an air of dignity and self-assurance as they stepped onto the cobblestone path.
The women were especially captivating, their gowns tailored to perfection, accentuating their figures and amplifying their natural beauty. Every strand of hair had been arranged with meticulous care, resulting in an aura of elegance and refinement that drew the eyes of all who beheld them. Their presence filled the night with an almost enchanting sense of allure and wonder.
Near the grand entrance stood Lucy, the esteemed knight commander of Drakethorne. She greeted each guest with a warm smile, her blue dress elegantly fitting her form. Subtle makeup highlighted her strong features, and her hair was gathered into a sophisticated high bun. Though Lucy radiated beauty and poise, those who truly understood her formidable strength approached her with a respectful caution, aware that beneath her graceful exterior lay a warrior's might.
Lucy greeted every guest personally, offering a courteous gesture and presenting each with a small, thoughtful gift that had been carefully prepared for the occasion. The knights standing to her side announced the names of each arriving guest with clear, ringing voices as they entered the magnificent hall, adding an air of ceremony to the evening.
The grand hall resembled a majestic cathedral, its soaring terrace overlooking the expanse below, with sweeping staircases connecting the upper and lower levels. Soft linen fabric hung in gentle cascades from the terrace, and the marble stairs and floors gleamed beneath the glow of countless chandeliers. The hall was bathed in an ethereal light, imbuing the space with a sense of reverence and awe.
Meanwhile, within the private chambers of the Drakethorne estate, Shane and Sera sat together, their attention wholly consumed by the tiny child nestled securely in Sera’s loving embrace. Her arms were wrapped around the baby with a tenderness that radiated warmth and devotion.
Shane wore a fancy black suit that matched his dark eyes and hair. His sturdy build radiated confidence, and his face glowed with pride and excitement as he was finally stabilizing the newfound power of reaching Paragon rank, level 700, at such a young age. But still, he was fatigued from all the work he had been doing for the past week while simultaneously trying to stabilize new powers, yet he didn’t make his fatigue known for now, as he didn’t want Sera to keep on worrying. She was worried about him from dawn about how much he was pushing himself. So, he did not want to make her even more worried.
Sera’s dress was a striking shade of red, its fabric clinging softly to her figure and highlighting her natural beauty. The bold color set off her azure eyes and the waves of blue hair that cascaded over her shoulders. She was radiant, her features glowing with happiness. As she looked between Shane and their son, her expression was suffused with a quiet, unspoken joy and an immense pride that seemed to fill the very air between them.
Nestled in Sera’s lap was their infant son, Alex. He wore a comfortable silvery suit adorned with delicate gold embroidery, a garment fit for a child of noble birth. Alex slept peacefully, his tiny form cradled securely in his mother’s loving arms, his breath soft and even.
"Darling, we really should make our way to the hall. The guests are already gathering, and it would not be fair to keep them waiting," Sera Azurestorm said softly. She cast a loving glance toward Shane, who was watching their sleeping son with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, clearly tempted to reach out and pinch the baby’s cheek. With a gentle hand, Sera intervened, stopping him just in time.
“Let them wait; they're the lucky ones who get to see our Alex,” Shane replied, his voice tinged with longing at not being able to pinch his son’s cheeks.
Sera adjusted her hold on Alex, cradling him securely with one arm while looping her other arm through Shane’s. She led the way forward, her steps growing brisk. "I know you are the stronger one, but we really should hurry," she said, her voice a gentle coax, urging him onward.
Shane walked beside her, his features composed and his emotions carefully concealed. As the patriarch of Drakethorne, he had long since mastered the art of hiding his true feelings.
Sera and Shane reached the terrace’s entrance that overlooked the cathedral-like hall below. Their faces remained composed, betraying nothing of the happiness and anticipation that stirred within them. Below, the assembled crowd waited in breathless anticipation, each person eager to witness whether the tales about the young heir held any truth.
The knights stationed at the terrace's entrance bowed deeply, their voices rising in a reverent chorus. "We welcome Patriarch Shane Drakethorne, Matriarch Sera Azurestorm, and our new young master, the heir of Drakethorne!" The announcement echoed through the hall, sparking a ripple of excitement among the guests.
Every knight present in the hall dropped to one knee, heads bowed in solemn respect as the masters of Drakethorne made their entrance.
Their appearance and presence were commanding. Everyone felt their power, but those with great strength were especially shocked by Shane Drakethorne’s aura, which was clearly stronger than before but showed signs of instability. As Shane moved, the air around him shimmered faintly, marking the tangible presence of his new, potent aura. It was a subtle but unmistakable sign of advancement to a new rank.
Together, they made their way across the terrace, eyes keen and expressions serene. At its very center stood an imposing throne, lavishly adorned with gleaming gold and rare gemstones.
With the utmost care, Sera placed Alex upon the throne, settling him onto the soft, down-filled cushion. The child curled up contentedly, soon drifting deeper into sleep, undisturbed by the grandeur surrounding him. Sera whispered a quiet incantation, weaving a gentle magic circle around the throne to ensure her son’s safety.
People stared from below the terrace, shocked that the baby seemed as normal as any other. Despite his outward appearance, there was a subtle energy about him that only the keenest eyes could detect. They had expected someone extraordinary based on his legendary reputation.
Just as people were clearly brewing things inside their minds on how that legend could be false, a loud voice rang from the entrance of the hall, catching the people off guard.
“Ha ha ha! You have given me a truly magnificent gift! I once thought it would die with me, but your son has it flowing rich in his blood. Ha ha ha! Blessings upon the ancestor of Drakethorne!”
Those who are confused about the power ranking: I will be adding the power ranking chapter soon.
In this world, everyone has an interface to see their level. It starts from level 1.
When they reach level 10, they get a class, such as a magician or a swordmaster.
Level 1: Human
Level 2 - Level 9: Novice
Level 10: Apprentice [ Class Selection ]
Level 50: Expert
Level 100: Master
Level 300: Grandmaster
Level 500: Sage
Level 700: Paragon
[Above this is a mystery for now, even I don’t know]
Gates are like this:
low→high: white, yellow, orange, red, black, catastrophe, [ Above I don’t know for now ]
