The time came and a man in a white and red butler uniform opened the gates. Behind him were four beings made of dark matter that ondulated in the air. They were tall and big and very intimidating. Especially the heavy axes made from the same matter as their bodies. It was as if the axes were part of their bodies.

Of coure, most people that were invited knew what they were. Shades. Summoned beings made from a particular dark element variation related to shadows. They mimicked a memory of the caster and were faithfully servants. Those five were made by Atem. Indeed, the butler was one as well.

When it comes to Shades, there are two levels of the ability. The first one is to summon one that looks like a moving shadow with no colors, no sentiences proper and not even distinct features. The second one is to summon a complete copy in visual to the target. In this case, Atem purposefully created both to make it seem like the 2nd-type Shade was a human and the Master of the other Shades.

It was a pure show of might that no one could distinguish. If someone saw it, they would know how impressive the abilities of the caster were. If they don't, they will feel that even the butler is incomparably powerful. Either way, it will give off an intimidating feel.

...

The 2nd-type Shade, named Shady for easy distinguishing, was the only one capable of sentience and as such of speech. It would be its job to welcome the guests and usher them in. As he looked at the giant crowd in front of it, Shady spoke calmly and with confidence.

Shady: Please, may the honored guests with invitations come up first.

It wasn't confident nor calm, it was simply emotionless. And that lack of emotion was misinterpreted as confidence by the crowd. Soon enough, strong people began to move forward one after another while presenting their invitations. Entire teams of adventurers, eccentricly clothed individuals, hooded ones who hide all of their features and those who came by buying the 'add-on' option.

After the bulk of the crowd, those with invitations and their companions, entered, it was time to select those with no invitations. And for that, Shady was given a single task:

(Atem: The strong ones and the babes are allowed in)

To make things mroe orderly, the Shade ordered everyone to line up in front of him. People scrambled to get good positions fearing that there would no longer be entries left if they didn't. It turned out that the first one in line was an average man. He was a baker in his thirties and yet to marry. Tonight, by coming here, he hoped to meet someone... He even dreamt of turning his life around.

However, the tension went on when Shady asked him:

Shady: Why should you be allowed in?

???: ...

The poor average baker thought hard. Even though those behind were hurrying him in, he decided to take his time. He would never again have such an opportunity. Tonight was his only hope to change his life. And so, he pondered. Did he have anything more than those behind him? He was not stronger than most. He was not wealthier either. He was not the best baker unfortunately and had no fame to himself. He did not have anything of value...Nothing that made him different from those behind...

"??? : Wait. Those behind! That's right! I have this that they can never have!"

He confidently answered the butler:

???: I am First!

Shady: ...

Everyone: ...

???: I was the fastest to get in line!

Shady: Alright, go on in. May you have a pleasant time, dear guest.

And he was allowed in. For but a simple reason. He triggered the Shade's acting commands. The strong ones are allowed in. To the Shade, the fastest was definitely a strong one. And so, the average baker randomly lucked out by being first and was allowed in.

After him was an elegantly dressed Noble. The Noble introduced himself to Shady who answered him with the same deadpan expression he always had since his creation.

Shady: Why should you be allowed in?

The Noble frowned at the situation. Did he not just introduce himself? He decided to keep his temper in check and reiterated his introduction. Since this was the rpetigious party of the new kingdom's VIP, he would be amiable. However, the answer he got was not the one he expected:

Shady: Entry rejected. Get lost.

He became enraged at the treatment. How dared a mere butler act like so to him?! As he began to protest, he felt a powerful wave of wind and all the hairs on his entire body raised at once. The light disappeared as a shadow was above him. One of the Shades swung its axe and stopped it right before cleaving the Noble in two.

The poor arrogant man was nearly peeing himself in fright. As Shady's next sentence was said, he left without daring speaking anymore:

Shady: One Warning, won't be a second.

After this, the people were relatively tame and very few dared to act out regardless of their status if they were rejected. And many were being rejected. Until someone's turn. Someone who was hiding its appearance. Unlike all previous times, Shady did not even ask questions but moved to the side, bowed and welcoemd the guest in.

Shady: Please, this way, dear guest. May you have a pleasant time, dear guest.

People were getting slightly antsy at the sight but the sight of the four giant shadows was dreadful enough that none had any ideas. The truth is that Shades are capable of feeling basic instincts and the instinct of survival is one of those. If this instinct is triggered then it meant a strong one was there. As such, the entrance was allowed.

And so, a mysterious guest with no invitations yet high level of power entered the premises.