Chapter 6: The Emperor's Vault
The following morning, the atmosphere in the Astravell Empire's palace was abuzz with anticipation. Nobles whispered among themselves, speculating about the items that Leon and Aric might choose from the imperial treasury. Servants hurried to and fro, their heads bowed as they gossiped in hushed tones. The sun cast a golden glow over the palace halls, but to Aric, the light felt almost intrusive — too revealing, too exposing, as if it were peeling back the layers of his intentions.
Leon and Aric stood outside the grand entrance to the Emperor's vault, flanked by two royal guards clad in gleaming silver armor. The vault was an imposing structure, its massive iron doors etched with complex runes that glowed faintly with protective magic. The air was thick with a sense of mystery and ancient power. Behind them, the palace courtyard stretched out, filled with onlookers who strained to catch a glimpse of the two SS Level talents.
Beside them, the Emperor stood tall, his expression as inscrutable as ever. The golden crown atop his head gleamed in the morning light, a symbol of his absolute authority over the Astravell Empire. His robes, embroidered with intricate sigils of the imperial family, flowed around him like a storm cloud as he raised a hand for silence.
"Within these doors lies the Astravell Empire's most powerful and treasured artifacts," the Emperor announced, his voice firm, carrying across the assembled crowd. "Choose wisely, for your decision will shape not only your future but the future of the Empire itself."
Leon's emerald eyes sparkled with excitement. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said, bowing deeply, his voice ringing with youthful enthusiasm. The crowd erupted into whispers, some in awe of the Emperor's generosity, others speculating about what Leon and Aric might choose. The air was charged with tension and anticipation, every eye fixed on the two young men destined to shape the Empire's fate.
Aric merely nodded, his dark eyes cool and calculating. He had already decided what he wanted, but he would play along. There was no need to attract unnecessary attention. His expression remained neutral, but beneath the calm facade, his mind raced. If he played this right, he would obtain exactly what he needed to alter his fate. The Pearl of Severance was close, and his heart beat a measured rhythm, a steady drum against the uncertainty of the future.
A royal attendant stepped forward, a ring of keys clinking at his side. He inserted a large, ornate key into the vault door, and with a deep, resonating rumble, the doors began to open. The air inside was cool, almost icy, and the scent of old magic hung thick in the air. The crowd leaned forward, their eyes wide, as the vault's secrets were unveiled.
The room beyond was vast, stretching further than Aric had imagined. Shelves upon shelves of artifacts filled the space, each item more imposing and mystical than the last. Weapons gleamed with enchanted light, ancient scrolls whispered with forbidden knowledge, and jewels shimmered with untapped power. The air was thick with power, a palpable sense of enchantment that made the hair on Aric's arms stand on end.
Leon's eyes darted from weapon to weapon, his excitement palpable. "Look at that sword!" he exclaimed, pointing to a massive, double-edged blade adorned with runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. "It looks like it could cleave a mountain in two!"
Aric barely glanced at it. His focus was on the far end of the room, where a cluster of artifacts was kept behind a barrier of shimmering blue light. There, nestled among the lesser treasures, was a small, unassuming wooden box. Inside that box was the Pearl of Severance. It looked insignificant, but Aric knew better.
"That section is reserved for the rarest and most dangerous artifacts," the attendant said, noticing Aric's gaze. "Only those with explicit permission from His Majesty may access it."
Leon, oblivious to Aric's intentions, wandered toward a shelf of weapons, his fingers tracing the hilt of a silver rapier that sparkled like moonlight. "This one feels… right," he said, lifting it from the shelf.
The sword responded instantly, its blade humming with an ethereal glow. The runes along the blade's edge pulsed, and a rush of wind swirled around Leon, as if recognizing him as its master. Aric raised an eyebrow. Even the weapons here were eager to align themselves with the so-called hero.
The Emperor nodded approvingly. "A wise choice, Leon. That rapier was once wielded by one of the Astravell Empire's greatest generals. It will serve you well."
Leon bowed deeply, his face flushed with pride. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor then turned to Aric, his sharp gaze piercing. "And you, Aric? What will you choose?"
Aric took a slow, deliberate breath, his expression unreadable. "May I have permission to examine the items in the restricted section?"
The crowd fell silent, their eyes widening. The Emperor's eyes narrowed slightly, studying Aric as if trying to peer into his very soul. After a tense pause, he nodded. "Very well. You may proceed."
Aric's heart beat steadily as he stepped toward the barrier. The blue light flickered as he passed through, and the temperature dropped even further. The artifacts here were dark, their auras heavy with ominous power.
There it was. The small wooden box, resting innocuously on a dusty pedestal. Aric reached out, his hand hovering over it. The box thrummed with a barely perceptible vibration, as if aware of his presence.
He lifted the lid. Inside, the Pearl of Severance lay nestled in a bed of black velvet. It was small, no larger than a marble, but it glowed with a haunting, otherworldly light. A chill ran down Aric's spine. This was it — the gateway to the Demon Realm.
"Have you made your choice?" the Emperor's voice echoed, snapping Aric back to the present.
Aric closed the box and turned around, his face calm and composed. "Yes," he said smoothly. "I have."
The Emperor's eyes lingered on the box in Aric's hands, but he said nothing. Instead, he nodded and turned away. "You may both leave now. Prepare yourselves well, for the Academy is not a place for the weak. It will demand not just your strength, but your resolve, your cunning, and your very will to survive. It is a crucible where only the strongest emerge unbroken."
As they exited the vault, Leon beamed, the rapier strapped proudly to his side. "What did you choose, Aric?" he asked, leaning in to peer at the wooden box.
Aric's smile was polite, his grip tightening around the box. "Just a trinket," he said casually. "Nothing as grand as your sword."
Leon laughed, oblivious. "Well, I'm sure it will be useful. Can't wait to see it in action!"
Aric's eyes darkened, the shadows deepening beneath his calm exterior. "Oh, you will," he murmured under his breath. "Sooner than you think."