"What you are seeing right now is called Emberlight," Asher's voice echoed softly. "They are the purest essence of runic sorcery—the life that flows through all beings."
"Try to guide the emberlight toward your core," He explained, "It will act as a trigger for unleashing your attribute."
I tried to follow his instructions, trying to sense the faint, dim particles. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't guide the particles towards my core. It felt as if they were alive, refusing to heed my command.
"Don't feel discouraged," Asher said gently. "This process usually takes people weeks. Simply keep trying, and you will eventually succeed," He reassured me.
However, just then, a bright crimson fire emerged as Zei unleashed her attribute in mere seconds. Crimson runes flared to life as the flame danced on the edge of her spear, her wings unfurled, charred yet breathtakingly majestic. The crimson flames only lasted for a couple of seconds before fading away.
"Well, what do you know?" She said with a triumphant smile on her face.
"That was impressive," Asher admitted, clapping, a pleased expression painted onto his face."Looks like your Aetherian blood helped in unleashing your attribute".
"How is that possible?" I asked, confused "Aren't both of those forces supposed to oppose each other?"
"Those were my initial thoughts as well," he replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "but after witnessing this, I might have to reconsider my words."
He sheathed his katana,"Let's conclude our lesson here for today. Both of you did great. I'll provide you both with another vial tonight, and we will continue our spar next time."
"Yes, sir."
After we got up ready to leave, he added, "Oh, and make sure to be ready, you are invited to a grand ball held in Eleithiya two days from now."
"...What?" Zei asked, surprised by the sudden news.
"I also got the news just this morning, so don't blame me," He said with a weary sigh. "Kristen has the habit of telling such things at the last minute."
"But why are we invited?" I asked.
"Only Kristen knows," Asher sighed, "He told me to bring both of you along and that it's important. You will meet several promising individuals who will be joining the military academy this year, so it will be a good opportunity for you to get to know them and make some connections."
He paused before leaving. "You should go out today and get something appropriate to wear. We will head to Eleithiya tomorrow at dawn."
"Alright"
It was already evening when I heard a knock on my door.
Knock, knock
"Rayne, are you ready? It's getting late," Zei called from the outside.
"Just a minute," I replied, buttoning my shirt.
When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Zei was waiting. She wore a soft, flowing dress the color of the dusk, not extravagant, but it suited her perfectly. A chain with a teardrop pendant hung around her neck, glinting faintly as she turned towards me.
Meanwhile, I was wearing a plain shirt and a pair of black trousers that looked painfully ordinary by comparison.
"I really need to buy some clothes, "I muttered under my breath.
"Shall we?" Zei asked, stepping out into the street illuminated by the gleaming yellow lamps.
The narrow streets echoed with murmurs of people passing by, and the lamps powered by mystical runes lit the cobblestone path beneath our feet.
"There's a clothing store in the town," Zei said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "We'll go there first and then figure out the rest later."
We moved through the busy streets, passing by people. Soon, we reached a large store with elegant golden lettering, White Brilliance. Its windows, etched with golden carvings and fine curtains, looked quite luxurious, but considering the amount of money we received from Asher I don't think we will have any problems whatsoever. Looks like Military personnel earn a lot more than what I imagined.
"Welcome, dear customers," A mellow voice greeted us as we entered the store. The man behind the counter looked to be in his thirties, with sharp grey eyes resembling mine, wearing a pair of elegant golden glasses. His hands were adorned with multiple rings, silver earrings gleaming.
"MY name is Elias. What can I help you with today?"
"We need a few outfits for an upcoming event," Zei said politely. "Could you recommend something to us?"
Elias' eyes lit up. "By the upcoming event, do you mean the grandiose ball held in Eleithiya tomorrow?"
"You know it?" I asked, curious.
"Most people in town are aware of it," He muttered with a knowing smile. "After all, it's going to be the gathering of the most powerful and influential figures in the republic— even the elite military personnel who fight against profanity for our sake."
"It's that grand?" I asked.
He chuckled, "It seems like this is your first time attending a ball?, No wonder."
"Could you tell us more about it?"
"Well…" He lit a cigarette. "I have time, so why not?" Wisps of smoke coiled gently in the air.
"You must know about Indrecia, right?"
"Of course," I lied.
"Well, the rumor has it, they were finally able to reclaim that area. If it's really true, then it's a major victory for the Republic. The rumors even say that the generals of all three forces will themselves attend the ball."
"Is that…a big deal?"
Elias looked at us in surprise, "Were you people living in a hole or something till now? Of course, it's a big thing, the last time such an event happened was when the Aeriths invaded Eleithiya."
"That big, huh?"
"Indeed, well, let's leave it at that for now," He waved his hand. "You guys were here to buy clothes for the ball, weren't you? Let's see what suits you." The man glanced at us one more time before a smile tugged at his lips.
"Well then, I will make you both the shining star at tomorrow's ball, just leave it to me."
After taking our measurements, he grinned. "How about a matching outfit? A couple's set would look perfect on you."
I turned towards Zei with a troubled gaze, "Are you okay with that?"
"What do you mean?" she asked, tilting her head
"You know…about the couple dress"
"Why would it be a problem for me? I think it will suit wearing matching outfits," she replied calmly.
"... Let's do that then," I murmured.
Elias laughed, "Huhu don't worry, I will make you both the shining stars at the ball, you are my precious customers after all."
"Please…just don't make it too extravagant."
He smirked, "You'll thank me later."
We left the store shortly after. I turned towards Zei. "Anywhere else you want to go?"
"Of course, there is, we still have to buy clothes and other things for ourselves, especially for you."
"For me?"
"How many pairs of clothes do you have?"
"...two"
She sighed, "We will be traveling a lot in the future, and for that, we are going to need clothes and other essentials. So hurry up, we still have a lot to shop for." She muttered with blazing embers in her eyes
"Ye ma'am."
We spent the next two hours in multiple shops, trying various outfits for me. "Isn't this enough?" I asked, exhausted.
"Hmm, that should do for now."
"Finally," I took a breath of relief, as I looked at several bags in my hands, anymore and I might have collapsed.
"Let's eat something, shall we?" I muttered.
"There's a restaurant nearby," She said, "Alicia mentioned it's quite popular."
The famous restaurant turned out to be a luxurious bar, its glass doors glimmered in golden light.
"What are you waiting for? Hurry up."
"Are you sure this is the right place?" I asked.
"It indeed is, now hurry," she said, walking ahead.
We went inside as a lady welcomed us, "Welcome, dear customers, do you have a prior reservation?"
"Yes, we have," Zei replied smoothly. I blinked—when did she plan all of this?.
"We sat down at our table by the window, observing the streets outside. Soon, the waitress brought us the menu.
"Are you fine with a filet?" Zei asked.
"That works for me, " I nodded. We placed our order and waited for the food. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice and peaceful, perfectly suiting my preference. Yet something felt a little amiss.
"Is this place to your liking?" suddenly she asked.
"It's quiet and cozy, I like it."
"That's great," she nodded. After a few moments, she added "...Rayne"
"What is it, Zei?" I asked
"I have something to tell you."