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Chapter 19 - Chapter 19 - The Aether Fork

"We are using a hover carriage to get there. We should be able to rent one if we head towards Glimmershade Market. As for what I can tell you about Starfall District... It's a place filled with nobles, elite wielders and those with power. A lot of the buildings float slightly off the ground. My parents have a manor there but it's usually empty as they are always working. Then again they have several residences all over Lunaris Haven and outside of it."

As the pair strolled through the bustling streets, heads turned and whispers followed in their wake. Passers-by couldn't help but steal glances, captivated by their striking presence. 

Kharon's eyes darted around before he whispered, "Why are so many people staring at us?"

Aidan looked around as he whispered back, "They probably find you very attractive. You must understand that someone with striking features such as yourself can't help but draw attention."

Shaking his head Kharon looked at Aidan before saying, "They can't be looking at me though, it must be you and your bright suit. Wearing something that bright is surely the only reason they are staring at us. But I guess it doesn't matter; as long as they don't do anything."

Suddenly, a young man who looked to be no older than twenty-two walked up to Kharon, his face flushed.

"H-hi, um I just wanted to say that you are very handsome. And I- I was wondering if I could take you out on a date if you aren't already taken?"

He looked at Aidan's intimidating figure before shrinking back and turning back his attention on Kharon.

Kharon stood motionless, his gaze distant as if lost in thought, while Aidan frowned, the crease between his brows deepening with each passing second.

"Sorry but I am not interested as I am currently going to dinner with my friend over here."

The young man slowly scratched his head as he said, "I understand... You two look great together."

As he walked away, Aidan nudged Kharon before looking at him and smirking.

"Bold of him to think he stood a chance."

"What do you mean?"

"Forget it. It doesn't matter anyways..."

As he said this, Aidan quickened his pace. The distance between them stretched as Kharon rushed to catch up, only for Aidan to break into a sprint as well. The pair ran while laughing for several minutes before Aidan slowed down. They had covered a good distance and were now in a wide, open space. There were many strange, metallic vehicles with a range of different colours; Bronze, silver, gold and light blue. They all slightly hovered off the ground with men in formal attire at the forefront of them. 

Aidan walked up to a gold one and pulled out his soulbind token. He then briefly spoke to the man at the front before his token was tapped by a familiar device. Aidan then walked towards the back of the vehicle before opening a door and holding it.

"Your carriage awaits."

"So this is a hover carriage... It looks exactly how I imagined it would be."

Kharon stepped into the carriage and looked around before Aidan stepped in a second later as he shut the door. The carriage was a lot bigger on the inside than the outside. There were several luxurious couches with tables filled with food. 

'This is more like a mobile house than a means of transport... Just how much does this cost?'

Kharon's gaze shifted towards Aidan who was innocently eating a honey cake from the buffet. 

"You didn't tell me it was this big on the inside. And it even has food; what is the point of eating here if we are going to have dinner?"

"This is just a slight appetizer, that's all. Also, I am very hungry. I just ascended and I want to eat something, is that a crime?"

"You already ate when we went through the market."

"But that was a few hours ago. You know the metabolism of a wielder increases as they ascend? I want to enjoy as much food as I can while I still can."

"But don't you need less food to function as you ascend?"

"Yes... But I like eating. With such a rapid metabolism gaining muscle will probably become harder. Gaining fat is almost impossible as well... Well it doesn't matter, all that matters is that we will have dinner at a restaurant in Starfall District. The food is exquisite and the ingredients tend to be extremely rare. You will probably grow sick of my cooking after this."

As Aidan chuckled Kharon's gaze shifted towards the windows of the carriage. He could see buildings which made Aidan's house look small in comparison, each with a different design and aesthetic. He could also see a range of plants which fit well with the different mansions.

The carriage began to slow down as Kharon saw what he assumed to be their destination. A large building made of glass or diamond could be seen outside. There were several colours coming from it, as if it contained every single colour in existance.

As the carriage came to a stop, a faint voice could be heard coming from seemingly nowhere.

"You have arrived at your destination."

Aidan quickly stood up as he walked up to the door and opened it. Kharon slowly stepped out into the beautifully paved road which contained several runes all over. It was far different from the pavements in Glimmershade Market which had a few runes but wasn't as clean as this road.

Leading the way, Aidan walked towards the large diamond building as Kharon slowly followed him. As they got closer, Kharon could see someone standing close to the building. It was Dorn; he was wearing an emerald attire with several matching accessories. 

'Do nobles always dress this elegantly when they go out? I wonder just how many wardrobes and accessories they have. Maybe one for every colour or theme...'

"I am glad you could make it Aidan, Raven. Shall we get going? The restaurant is not too far from here. We should be there in a minute or two."

Aidan nodded as he began to follow Dorn. As he did, he looked back towards Kharon who was walking quite slowly. Aidan gently took Kharon's hand, concern flickering in his gaze. 

"Are you ok? We could reschedule if-"

"I am fine. I promise, I just have a really bad feeling. I feel like I am being watched by someone. It's very unsettling."

Aidan quickly scanned the area before turning back towards Kharon.

"I told you that I would protect you, so you don't have to worry. Also we have a tier 3 wielder with us. There aren't many people who can contend with Sir Orvus in terms of combat. You should have an idea of how strong he is after what happened."

Kharon smiled faintly as he nodded, "You don't need to remind me."

Kharon, Aidan, and Dorn strode towards the restaurant, their steps echoing through the silence of the district. The glow of lanterns reflected off polished streets, casting elongated shadows as they reached a brightly lit building.

"This is it. The best restaurant in all of Lunaris Haven. The Aether Fork. I hope you are ready to have your tastebuds permanently altered."

As they stepped closer to the building, the doors slowly swung open. Once they reached inside, Kharon was amazed to see that the restaurant contained a display of rare aquatic life. All the creatures seemed to be brimming with aether; their bodies vibrate and colourful. 

After Dorn spoke to a very flustered lady, they were taken to a private room. It was filled with a display of even more creatures, each one seemed more unique than the last.

"You like aquatic creatures, Raven?"

"I guess I do. This is my first time seeing them. They all look so beautiful..."

"I agree. The creatures are one of the reason I come here often. They offer a sense of calm and serenity that can only be matched by the church of the undead queen."

As he said that, Dorn crossed his hands over his chest before slowly opening them outward.

"No soul lost, no truth forgotten."

"You worship the Goddess of Souls?"

"Yes, ever since I was a child. My mother is a very devote believer."

Kharon nodded as he took a sit at the large table which had several unfamiliar utensils. As Kharon sat down, a menu suddenly flew towards him. It floated infront of him as he took hold of it. 

Aidan suddenly chuckled as he said, "Why did you look so scared. It's just a bit of paper."

"I know, I was just caught off guard that's all."

"So, what are you having? I recommend Aethergrain Risotto Royale. It will greatly help you after what happened today. I think I will have it myself."

Dorn suddenly said, "You can get several things on the menu, don't be shy."

Kharon looked at both of them before looking back at his menu.

"I will have what you recommended then. Embercorn Muffins, Aether Lotus Creme and an Iceborn Mead."

"Those are all good choices. I guess it's time to order. Use your aether to mark what you want then release the menu."

As Kharon channeled his aether through his fingers and marked his food choices, a shiver ran down his spine as he felt a cold presence which made him jump from his seat.

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