The Gift of Ascension

"Mavis," Cynthia called to the attendant standing off to the side of the sofa.

"Yes, Madam?"

"Young Miss will do just fine," Cynthia corrected, her tone calm but firm.

"As you command, Young Miss," Mavis replied with a slight bow.

"Now, go and ready a carriage. Opal and Jennifer should be finishing their affairs soon."

"Yes, Young Miss." With another bow, Mavis swiftly exited to fulfill her task.

Moments after Mavis left, a knock echoed through the room.

"Enter," Cynthia called.

The door opened to reveal Clementine. "Young Miss, a representative from Skyforge Aeronautics has arrived, seeking an audience with you."

Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "Skyforge Aeronautics, you say?" She remained seated, her expression unreadable. "Very well, let them in."

Clementine bowed slightly before stepping aside. Moments later, she returned, leading the visitor into the room. The woman moved with a

head slightly before speaking.

"Councilwoman Cynthia, on behalf of Skyforge Aeronautics, we extend our sincerest congratulations on your ascension to Psy Lord the highest rank among Warlocks," the representative said smoothly. "In recognition of your remarkable achievement, we would like to present you with one of our latest Mystic engineering marvels the Migrel Gale."

With a graceful motion, she extended her hands over the table. A moment later, a small, intricately detailed ship materialized from her storage ring, resting gently upon the polished surface.

"This, my Lady, is the Migrel Gale our latest mystical flying vessel, infused with the powers of the three mystic disciplines.

"Its arcane sails are inscribed with ancient runes, channeling the winds at your command. The crystalline hull radiates ethereal light, reinforcing the ship's durability while resonating with the elements. The enchanted figurehead serves both as a guardian and an amplifier of magic.

"Floating lanterns guide your course, while a magically attuned engine powered by refined elemental stones grants precise control over speed and altitude. The deck enhances spellcasting, ensuring seamless synergy between vessel and master. Finally, the Gia Compass ensures you are never lost, while Aura-mark inscriptions along the hull form an impregnable protective ward, safeguarding your journey."**

The representative spoke with practiced confidence, her words painting a vivid image of the ship's splendor.

Cynthia leaned forward slightly, examining the model before shifting her gaze back to the woman. "Impressive… but tell me, how did you come to know of my ascension?"

The representative blinked, momentarily taken aback. "I beg your pardon, my Lady?"

"How did Skyforge learn that someone had ascended to Psy Lord, especially when the facility is halfway across the world?" Cynthia clarified, her expression unreadable.

A flicker of hesitation passed over the woman's face before she answered. "We saw and felt the signs of ascension, my Lady. Such an event does not go unnoticed, no matter the distance."

Cynthia's fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of her chair as she considered the response.

"So that means all felt my ascension?" she mused, a bit taken aback by the realization.

"Yes, Councilwoman. The Psy waves were felt even as far as Zanaryia where we are located."

Cynthia exhaled softly, absorbing the weight of that statement. "I see… well, I thank you for the congratulatory gift." She smiled.

"It was our pleasure, Councilwoman." The representative rose gracefully from her seat and bowed before taking her leave.

As Cynthia exited the room, Opal and Jennifer met her in the hallway.

"Young Miss, we are ready to depart whenever you are," Opal informed her.

"Good. Then let us set off now." Cynthia strode forward, followed closely by her attendants.

As they reached the manor's entrance, Clementine passed a storage ring to Opal, who accepted it with a nod. "Thank you for filling in for me while I was away."

Outside, the prepared carriage awaited them. A silver metal figure of a bird adorned its helm, while a tiger insignia marked the door.

After stepping inside and settling in, Cynthia gave the order. "To the Library."

"Most certainly," a voice responded.

Shortly after, the carriage began moving, rolling past the manor gates and into the heart of the bustling city. Outside the windows, people went about their daily lives.

After some time, the carriage came to a smooth halt before the grand entrance of the Lumenoth Library.

Opal and Jennifer exited first, but as Cynthia prepared to follow, the voice from earlier spoke again.

"Shall I wait for your return?"

"Yes," Cynthia replied.

"Understood."

In that instant, a word surfaced in Cynthia's mind a name.

"That is my name. Once you are ready, please come outside and call for me, and I shall come to you," the voice said.

"Okay, I will," Cynthia acknowledged before stepping out and closing the carriage door. With that, the carriage pulled away, disappearing into the city's flow.

Cynthia ascended the wide steps of the Lumenoth Library, Opal and Jennifer following closely behind. The grand doors parted before them, revealing the vastness within.

Towering bookshelves stretched high toward the ceiling, winding staircases spiraled endlessly, and enchanted lanterns floated lazily, casting a soft glow. On the ground floor, countless Warlocks sat at long tables, surrounded by mountains of books, engrossed in their studies.

A slight breeze stirred, and as Cynthia turned her gaze upward, she spotted the cause.

A massive owl descended toward her, its enormous wings creating a gentle wind. As it landed, the majestic creature dipped its head in a gesture of respect.

"This Venerable One greets the Councilwoman," Tet intoned, extending one wing before himself in a formal bow.

Cynthia offered a small smile. "Hello, Tet. I'm here today to collect a few grimoires and spellcraft manuals. Also, I wonder if you happen to have any of the creation patents of the Martial Dolls from the Zhou Dynasty?"

Tet's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Hmm… The art of creating Martial Dolls is a closely guarded secret of the Zhou Dynasty and its four great Martial Sects. Even though Warlocks contributed to their development, they were bound by the Oath of Draethon, preventing us from obtaining their latest schematics. However…" He paused for a moment before continuing. "We do possess the first-ever design draft. Be warned it pales in comparison to the constructs of today, as it was created more than two hundred years ago."

Cynthia considered this carefully before nodding. "I'll take it."

"Then please follow me," Tet said, flapping his wings gently as he took off, gliding into a nearby passageway.

Cynthia and her attendants followed, navigating through the vast labyrinth of knowledge until they reached a private study chamber. Tet landed gracefully and gestured for her to take a seat.

"Now then, what kind of grimoires and manuals do you seek?" he inquired.

"Anything that deals with runes, sigils, mana cores, and martial enhancement ," Cynthia replied. "As for grimoires, I'd like anything containing basic spells for Warlocks."

Tet gave a slow nod. "Give me a moment to gather what you desire, Councilwoman." With that, he spread his wings and soared out of the room, leaving Cynthia to wait in anticipation.