Chat with Darius

Darius's laugh echoes through the chamber, an almost manic gleam in his eyes as he drains his glass, pouring another and then another. "Hahahaha! Oh, it's going to be a messy year," he muses, his voice thick with amusement.

Mike, recognizing the signs of an impending storm, discreetly departs the room, leaving us in a stifling tension. The door clicks shut, and I am alone with a man who, despite his laid-back demeanor, is more than capable of turning the world upside down.

With measured calm, I begin, "Darius, you've danced this dance before, and every time you seem to relish pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable. But this? This is beyond reckless."

His laughter continues, a stark contrast to my cold fury. "Little Rose, always so serious. It's just business."

My fingers tighten around the stem of my wine glass. "This is more than 'just business.' You're setting the stage for potential war. Tell me, why sell a national-grade weapon? Even for someone as unpredictable as you, this is a move I can't comprehend."

He leans back, studying me intently, his face unreadable. "Who said I'm selling it?"

I pause, recalling the whispers and rumors that have circulated the empire. "You're hosting the auction, are you not? Everyone believes it to be your weapon."

A smirk plays on his lips, the glint in his eye mocking. "Assumptions, assumptions. Everyone always assumes too much."

This infuriating man. Each word from him feels like a puzzle, a game he's playing, keeping his cards close to his chest. "Then enlighten me, Darius," I say icily, "if you're not the seller, then who is? And more importantly, why?"

His laughter subsides as he takes another swig from his glass, the liquid amber shimmering in the dim light. "Now, where's the fun in telling you that, hmm? Besides," he continues, placing the glass on the table with a deliberate thud, "you've always been quite adept at figuring things out on your own just like your father."

An edge creeps into my voice, a hint of the power I hold, "Do not test my patience, Darius. The implications of this auction reach beyond your underground dealings. People's lives are at stake."

He feigns surprise, his fingers drumming on the armrest of his chair. "Are you suggesting, dear Rose, that I should be concerned? That I should fear the wrath of the empire's queen?"

I refuse to rise to his bait, instead posing my own inquiry, "Who stands behind you in this sale? A certain... individual? Or perhaps an item that's been long sought after?" My words hang heavy in the air, a veiled threat that I hope he doesn't miss.

His eyes narrow, but his characteristic smirk remains. "Oh, you're good. But no hints from me today."

I take a deep breath, reigning in the rising tide of my frustration. The stakes are too high, and Darius is the key to unlocking the answers I desperately need. "Listen, Darius, whatever or whoever you're involved with, think carefully. If you don't I won't let it slide."

He chuckles, refilling his glass yet again. "Always the wise queen, aren't you? But don't worry about me. I've been playing this game for a long time."

-

The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically as Celeste's hair transformed to its original blonde-bright gold hue. The aura surrounding her intensified, the once demure and composed queen now exuding an air of authority and raw power. "Darius," she said, her voice unwavering, "it seems you are still looking down at me. I'm no longer a child."

The room fell silent, save for the soft, anticipatory hum of tension. As Celeste's fingers wrapped around the hilt of her sword, she drew it out by a mere inch. Yet, that tiny reveal was enough to unleash a surge of overwhelming energy. Time seemed to slow as the entire chamber vibrated with the force of her power. Cracks appeared on the luxurious furnishings, and the room's ornate decorations disintegrated under the onslaught.

From the minuscule gap between the sheath and the blade, strands of fierce lightning shot out in all directions, illuminating the dim room in bright flashes. The power of the queen's ancestral swordsmanship was palpable, a force to be reckoned with.

Darius, despite the chaos unfolding around him, remained seated, though not without effort. His grin widened, eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and respect. "Oh, you've truly mastered your father's swordsmanship. Impressive," he remarked, genuinely taken aback.

A bolt of lightning, with a will of its own, headed straight for Darius. But with a swift, casual flick of his hand, he deflected it, causing it to crash into a nearby wall, leaving a charred mark in its wake. With a sigh, he looked around the ruined room, feigning exasperation. "Ugh, seriously, did you have to break everything in here?"

Celeste returned her sword to its sheath, the storm within her momentarily calmed. The aftermath display of the power of her outburst was evident everywhere, a stark reminder of the untapped potential she wielded.

She fixed Darius with a steady gaze. "This was but a glimpse, Darius. Remember it well. Do not underestimate me."

He chuckled, seemingly unphased. "A compelling reminder, indeed," he said, raising his ruined glass in a mock toast. "But let's not resort to destruction. The Auction will go as planned. Ah, and try not to cause a scene."

★  ★  ★  ★  ★

I slump slightly in my seat, trying my best to pay attention. Professor Ayla is standing at the front, her slender fingers tapping the holographic interface which activates the room's massive display screen. In an instant, the room is filled with vivid, breathtaking images of the landscape owned by Duchess Rosalind.

"This is the Sylvarian Plains," Professor Ayla begins, indicating a sprawling expanse of open land, dotted with multicolored flora. "Here, you'll likely encounter the Whispering Willow – a pale blue tree with leaves that shimmer like starlight. The bark of this tree has potent healing properties but be careful; it's guarded by the Nightshade Serpents. They're small but their venom can paralyze an adult in seconds."

She gestures to the next image: a dense, dark forest with tall, looming trees. "The Obsidian Forest is a treacherous terrain, thick with undergrowth. Here, you'll find the Luminescent Lichen, a rare moss that glows in the dark and is a prime ingredient for night vision potions. But beware of the Shadowstalkers; ethereal creatures that move silently, their translucent forms barely discernible against the forest backdrop."

Moving on, the screen showcases a serene looking pond surrounded by various flowering plants. "The Crystalpond Basin, a deceptively peaceful spot, houses the Water-bloom Lotus. This aquatic plant's petals can purify even the most poisoned of waters. But don't be fooled by its tranquility; the Basin is home to the Mirror Mantis - a creature that can reflect its surroundings, making it nearly invisible."

A rugged, mountainous terrain appears next. "And finally, the Vertigo Peaks. You might be lucky enough to find the Cliffcreeper Vine, which can be used to scale even the steepest of inclines. But it's also the territory of the Sky-scream Harpies. Their deafening cries can disorient even the most seasoned of adventurers."

She sighs heavily, rubbing her temples with evident irritation. "Honestly, I don't understand why I'm explaining all this to you. You should have prepared yourselves. I won't be there to guide you every step of the way." With a dismissive wave of her hand, she adds, "The rest, you can figure out on your own."

As the class wraps up, a collective restlessness fills the room. Students rise, chatter amongst themselves, and gear up for the expedition. With a sigh, I stand, the weight of the current situation settling heavily on my shoulders. This event wasn't supposed to take place this early. How much have I inadvertently changed in the timeline?

Surveying the room, my gaze lands on Biana, who's dozing off at her desk, an uncaring expression plastered on her face even in sleep. I shake my head in mild amusement and, lifting her up with ease, drape her over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes. It's a wonder how she managed to sleep through Professor Ayla's rigorous lecture.

Lysandra, always the observant one, arches an eyebrow at the sight and smirks, "Why don't you just slap her awake?"

I groan, adjusting Biana's weight on my shoulder. "That would be a nightmare. Let's just go."

Isadora, as unpredictable as ever, decides to join our little group, sipping on her pineapple juice with that characteristic swagger. Given the size of the territory we're about to venture into, we could be there for up to a week. Although, with my current skill set, I'm not entirely sure how long it will take me to gather the required materials.

Oliver sidles up next to me, a mischievous grin on his face. "Hehehe, this is one of our top areas. The land is practically blessed with luck. Why did mother go all out just for Biana's sake?" He flicks Biana's cheek in disdain, clearly unimpressed with his sister's lackadaisical attitude.

I smirk, readjusting Biana on my shoulder as I reply, "Duchess Rosalind is quite generous. This land must be teeming with rare plants. She certainly knows how to invest."

The portal gate before us hums to life, its vibrant energy pulsating in waves. As it activates, the entrance reveals an open field, a mosaic of various environments stretching out in all directions. Forests, mountains, ponds, and plains – all merging seamlessly into one vast expanse.

The vast expanse before me is a marvel, even for someone who knows these lands as intimately as I do. From the humming portal, I can spot the gentle sway of the Whispering Willow trees in the Sylvarian Plains, their shimmering leaves rustling softly. Far off in the distance, the Obsidian Forest looms, its trees' tall and imposing figures casting an almost eerie shadow over the land. To my left, the Crystalpond Basin glistens under the sunlight, with the Vertigo Peaks rising majestically to its right.

Even though Professor Ayla provided a brief overview, the true complexity and wonder of Duchess Rosalind's land is something to behold firsthand. In the Obsidian Forest, for instance, it's not just the Luminescent Lichen that's worth noting; the very air in there vibrates with a unique energy. The trees have a rare moss-covered bark, and when the moon is at its zenith, patches of phosphorescent mushrooms light up the forest floor, creating a mesmerizing glow.

Before I can further take in the sights, I feel Biana's weight becoming too much, so I drop her onto the ground, eliciting a disgruntled groan from her. Just as she's trying to push herself up, Lysandra plops down onto her, effectively pinning her down. I can't help but chuckle at their antics.

Aira approaches me, her ever-present smile widening. "Do you guys want to join us? We're going to head to the Crystalpond Basin. Want to join?"

Suppressing the urge to roll my eyes, I respond, "No, it's alright. We're heading to the Obsidian Forest."

Oliver's eyes light up at my mention of the forest. "The dark forest? Let me come along!"

Biana, now fully awake, glares at Oliver before punching him solidly in the stomach. He keels over with an exaggerated groan, clutching his abdomen. "Fuck you, bitch," she growls, pushing Lysandra off of her.

Biana, her face a mixture of fury and pain, stalks up to Lysandra, her intention clear. I can already predict what's going to happen next. Without hesitation, she throws a punch, aiming straight for Lysandra's face. But the moment her fist makes contact, she lets out a sharp cry, clutching her hand as if she'd just struck solid metal. "Ah, you fucking bitch! How the hell are you made of steel?!"

Lysandra throws her head back, laughing uproariously. "You fucking idiot, you're so damn weak," she taunts, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

I can't help but sigh, exasperated with their constant antics. I reach into my bag, pulling out plates and hand them to the duo, my glare pointedly fixed on them. The way they immediately stop and return my glare makes it clear they were putting on a show just to get fed.

These two... I think, annoyance evident in my tone. Purposefully making a scene to get some food. They're playing me.