A/N: Shout out to Wraith for PRing the chp. Also I'd like to thank everyone for enjoying the story so much! The story has finally surpassed 10K avg views and almost have 500 favorites! It really moves me that so many people enjoy the story! I'll continue to do the best I can to bring you all an enjoyable story!

Also once again, if you like Sci Fi or enjoy the game and storyline of Starcraft, make sure to check out my new fic The Templar's Return! Well then, hope you all enjoy the chp!

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“We’ve finally arrived!”

Azrael, Zer, and Han Byul were currently inside a carriage. After three weeks of travel, they had finally arrived. Even though the trip was pleasant, traveling for three weeks wasn’t an easy feat. There were moments when temperaments flared and arguments ensured. A large city rose into view as the convoy of carriages carrying the ten participants from Sinara Academy climbed the last hill. At the sight, Han Byul rushed toward the window and looked at the city with sparkling eyes. There was also a hint of wonder and amazement in Azrael’s eyes as he viewed the city.

“Ho, it’s your first time seeing Alexander, isn’t it Az? Live up to your expectations?”

“It really is worthy of being called the most beautiful city in Xiosu, Zer. I wonder how they got so much Beryllonite to make such a large wall.”

On such a bright day, the white walls seemed to shine for all to see. Beryllonite was one of the most expensive stones to buy. Not only was it very sturdy but they were also a great amplifier of light magic. Just at the sight of the wall, Azrael understood it would be nigh impossible for an enemy force to scale the walls that were over a hundred feet tall. With the assistance of Beryllonite, the defensive light spells should be strong enough to defend against all but Demi-God and God level attacks. As he continued to look at the wall, Zer continued.

“There is a large Beryllonite mine only ten miles away. The Kingdom has a law that only ten percent of the Beryllonite can be sold. The rest is used in defense and equipment. The Paladin’s and Priest’s gear are made from it.

“It really is a beautiful city to behold. Even though it’s such a large city, the designs of the buildings have a homely and warm feeling to them. Also the rivers that flow along both sides of the city are so clear that you can see down for hundreds of feet.

“Alexander is also known as the city of lovers. There are several attractions for couples to see in the city. Many of the stores and restaurants also cater toward them as couple make up such a large percentage of tourists in the city.

“There is also a legend that Felsia named the city after her deceased soul mate. Supposedly the two were so perfect together that many felt as though the Gods themselves decreed their union. This area is where he proposed to her.

“Even though he passed away a long time ago, the royal family still carries their blood. There’s a reason the Arman family is the only original royal family still in rule. Felsia has protected them from all assassination attempts.”

As Zer talked, the carriages reached the crossing to Alexander. When Azrael looked down, the water was indeed so clear that he could see down for hundreds of feet. He could see the marine animals swim lazily as they went about their way without a single care in the world.

After they passed the crossing, the convoy went towards the gate. Since the carriages had Sinara Academy’s crest painted onto the doors and the guards were aware of the participant’s arrival beforehand, they were let through immediately.

Just as Zer said, the buildings inside the walls were homely. Unlike the majority of other cities, all of the buildings were built out of wood. Even though all the buildings were larger and looked to be in better condition, they still reminded Azrael of his previous home and he smiled as he thought about his family.

On the gray, stone cobbled road were hundreds of people as far as the eye could see. There were people who were leisurely walking as they took on the view, some who were catching up, and some who were bartering with the merchants who had opened stalls. There were quite a few odd scenes in progress at any given moment.

About a quarter of a mile away, there was a contingent of weird birds that were waddling through the crowd on two feet. Even though it was Azrael’s first time seeing them, he remembered reading about a race of birds that couldn’t fly but instead swam in cold water. The name “penguins” popped into his mind.

The weird thing was that these penguins all wore shiny silver armor and held miniature polearms while maintaining formation around a gama. A gama was a litter that was built with a large chair which an aristocrat would sit in as four people carried the litter. As the guards waddled forward, they forcibly moved the people out of the streets.

“Move aside! Move aside! Empress Wing is coming through!”

As the people saw the gama, they slowly moved to the side and bowed. The Empress was a little bigger than the rest. She sat on her throne of ice with her right leg crossed over her left and supported her head with her right wing which was placed on the arm rest. Empress Wing showed a bored expression as she lazily looked upon the people.

“It’s your first time seeing a magical beast, isn’t it Az?”

At the sudden voice, Azrael turned around. Beside him, Han Byul looked at him with eyes of bemusement. When she saw him nod, she started to explain the current relations between magical beasts in human.

“Sights like this have actually become quite common in the last fifty years. You know about the last Great War that lasted for a century between the magical beasts and humans right? Both sides were evenly matched which led to the death of millions on both sides. It got to the point that both sides became mortified at the death count on their side and became afraid of the thought that they would wipe out both sides. The leaders gathered and soon came to a truce.

The truce conditions were pretty simple. Neither side would attack the other. Commercial trade was also created as a way to solidify the treaty. The magical beasts would provide rare metals and plants while humans provided weapons and daily household goods.

You remember those penguins just now? They are part of the North Frost Penguins who are a particularly strong magical beast. As their name implies, they specialize in the ice subclass of water. Empress Wing is actually one of the three Demi-God magical beasts, and rumors say that she can cause all the water in a one mile radius to turn into ice.

It is also said that her power could rival the legendary Chunyong. Chunyong is a mythical figure that is said to be able to call into being typhoons and blizzards on a whim’s notice. Unfortunately, even though some Azure Dragon elementals or magical beasts have been seen, none have yet to see the awe inspiring figure.”

’Oi master! Just who does your girlfriend think is a mythical figure? Also, that shrimp has power that rivals mine?! That brat is way too young to be my match! Hurry up and get stronger master so I can materialize!’

‘Hahaha calm down Chungyong. Still, I didn’t know you were considered that strong.’

‘Hmph, you think my title of Chunyong was just in name only master? You’re talking about me, the mighty Azure Dragon!’

‘Since when have you become mighty Chunyong?’

‘…I got carried away. I apologize Samjoko…’

Azrael couldn’t help but to laugh at Chunyong’s outburst. It reminded him of when Aurora or Azer would argue about who was better. Still, to think that Chunyong was stronger than a Demi-God… He remembered once again just how strong his elementals were.

The journey up the hill was fairly peaceful. The city’s layout was interesting as the road traveled in a circular fashion inward. As they moved closer to the middle, couples began to appear more frequently as they began to pass the tourist attractions.

At one point there was a thirty foot tall crystal fountain. Lights radiated from the crystal and clear water, dazzling all who saw it. Several traveling troupes were also out as they performed acts and bard’s voices could be heard throughout. The scene of the couples as they walked hand in hand and smiles on their face was a warm sight to behold.

“Haa… Han Byul you don’t have to hold yourself back just because I’m here so stop looking over my way with such hesitant eyes….”

Azrael turned from the window to see Zer just as he sighed and slumped his shoulders. He had an expression as if saying it couldn’t be helped. At that moment Han Byul threw herself toward Azrael and hugged him. With her tongue stuck out, she looked towards Zer with a smile.

“Hehe, sorry Zer! Seeing all those couples, I couldn’t help myself~ Next time I’ll introduce you to a very pretty friend of mine. She has a sexy S line figure you know?”

“Really? When we go back to….wait a moment… you’re pulling my leg aren’t you?!”

Han Byul busted into laughter and Azrael just shook his head in amazement at the sight of Zer’s excited expression fluster when he figured out the joke. With a “hmph” he turned around and looked through the window. In truth seeing Azrael and Han Byul always together had made Zer who was normally not that interested in a relationship want to form a relationship also.

The rest of the journey was uneventful. The only scene of interest was when they saw two yellow mouse type beasts stomp on an elderly sage like figure who wore a white robe. It was quite a bizarre scene to watch.

The two mice had black markings at the end of their ears and lightning shaped tails. There were also two red circles on their cheeks. One of the mice wore a brown leather jacket with a feather inside a shield crest stitched onto the back. The other one wore a strange black mask.

The old sage’s skin was wrinkled from old age. His long grey hair reached flowed down to the lower portion of his back. As he was getting stomped, the sage continued to look forward and reach his arm out.

“I must…see the pantsus…. of my ladies…”

“Nez, this pervert old sage is still trying to look at girls panties… He needs to be beat up more.”

“You’re right Bolta. Let’s beat him up so badly that he never threatens pure girls ever again!”

At that moment, static electricity formed around the two mice and discharged into the sage. The sight of him as his muscles spasmed was unsightly and the passengers inside the carriage decided to erase the memory from their mind.

The sun had set by the time the convoy reached the inner district of the city where their lodging was located. The buildings made out of wood were now replaced by stone buildings created from Beryllonite. There were also a lot fewer pedestrians as only a few people could be seen walking around on the roads. The few that could be seen, however, wore the same type of clothing.

They were all wearing a long robe with some type of hood that covered the face. The robe was black except for the yellow circle in the middle with little line extending out from all direction. The design reminded Azrael of the Sun.

“Those people are the priests and nuns from the Solios Religion. As you know, it is the major religion within the Felsia Kingdom. They believe that the Sun is the Lord’s symbol and gift to us. The majority of priests and nuns have been sent out throughout Xiosu to spread their teachings. Only the most senior ranking people stay here in the inner district. “

As Han Byul explained, the convoy finally came to a halt. Excited, she threw the door open and stepped out. Surprised by the sudden movement, Azrael and Zer stay where they were for a moment. As the two looked at Han Byul and shook their head, they stepped out.

As he stepped out, Azrael finally got a full glimpse of their lodging during the duration of the Rising Star Tournament. He had to admit the building was an impressive sight to behold. The building was over a hundred feet in length and was five stories in height. At the entrance there was two large statues of a tiger that stood majestically on a large stone. In between the statues, staff members stood respectively to greet them.

“Waaah this hotel is really nice darling desu~.”

“It really is, honey. Let’s make sure to make the most of it okay honey?”

“Of course desu~.”

Azrael turned around to see the passengers of the carriages behind theirs come out. Wright and Cynthia were already up to their antics as they were in each other’s embrace. Beth who stood beside them seemed as though she wanted to puke at the sight. Azrael and Zer could only look at her in pity; they remembered the last time they saw the two together. They could imagine how horrible it would be to travel with those two in a confined space like the carriage.

Aren, Leslie, MItchell, and Ryan came out from the last carriage. The four of them seemed as though they were disinterested with the sight. Azrael couldn’t help but sigh at the scene. They were in a lot of trouble if they were forced to use them in a match. Their attitude didn’t help either.

The staff members guided all of them to their rooms. Azrael and Zer were roomed together while Han Byul shared a room with Beth. Wright and Cynthia were disgruntled when they found out they couldn’t share a room. It took about fifteen minutes to convince them and they went to their separate rooms.

The rooms that had been reserved for the participants were elegant. There were two large beds with intrinsic designs in each room. Beside the beds were drawers where they would be able to put their clothes. Also inside the room was a large table and a crystal chandelier on the ceiling. There was also a separate room where a tub was placed for them to wash themselves.

As soon as they entered the room, Zer dropped his bags and plopped down on a bed.

“Haa...it sure feels nice. What are you planning on doing the rest of tonight and tomorrow?”

“Hm..I’m going to rest for tonight then go look at some of those attractions around the city with Han Byul. You?”

“I’m going to look at some weapons and gear here tomorrow. Don’t want to do too much the day before the tournament starts.”

“Haha that is true. Well then, you want to go eat dinner tomorrow? Winst said that he’d arrive tomorrow with the rest of the students that came to cheer. We should all go out and eat.”

“Sounds fine by me man. Well then, I’m going to go to sleep man, you should too.”

“Alright, night Zer.”

“Night Az.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In a dark alleyway which was only lit by the starlight, was the outline of a man who stood silently. As he waited, a voice spoke from the shadow of a building.

“Tomorrow will be when we act. If we fail tomorrow, there won’t be another chance while the Rising Star Tournament goes on. Remember, all you need to do is bring Princess Han Byul to the designated location tomorrow night.

As for killing her...leave that to us.”