Chapter 115: Friendship is like a big...strong tree

The tension in the air was thick as Ruchir, Garret, Alice, and Flippy were escorted by the Sayy Guards through the winding streets. The guards, tall and stern, moved with a quiet precision that left little doubt about their training and loyalty to the Sayy family. The group was silent, each lost in their own thoughts, as they made their way to the Four Road Market, the bustling heart of the city.

The market was a chaotic blend of sights and sounds, with vendors shouting their wares, children running between stalls, and the scent of spices and cooked food filling the air.

But today, none of that seemed to reach the group.

They were too preoccupied with the weight of their current predicament. The guards finally stopped at the market's edge, their duty fulfilled, and with a sharp nod, they turned and retreated, leaving the group standing alone amidst the throng of people.

As soon as the guards were out of sight, the group collectively exhaled a sigh of relief.

Garret was the first to break the silence, running a hand through his hair and letting out a low curse.

"Can anyone just kidnap anyone anywhere like this?

For God's sake, I almost had a heart attack back there!" His voice was a mix of exasperation and disbelief, his usual bravado slipping in the face of their recent ordeal.

Alice crossed her arms, her expression serious as she addressed the group. "We need to be more careful from now on," she said, her tone firm.

"The Sayy family has a confirmed doubt about us. There's no question about that. They're not going to let this go easily."

Ruchir's face fell, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. He looked down at his feet, a deep sense of regret washing over him.

"It's because of me that we're in this situation," he said quietly, his voice tinged with guilt. "I should have been more careful. I should have..."

Before he could finish, Garret clapped him on the back, a grin spreading across his face despite the tension in the air. "

Hey, don't beat yourself up about it," he said, his tone lighthearted.

"If anyone's to blame, it's those crazy Sayys.

They're the ones with a stick up their... well, you know." He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Besides, it's not like any of us knew this would happen. We were just doing what we had to do."

Alice nodded in agreement, though her expression was softer now as she looked at Ruchir. "Garret's right," she said, her voice gentler than before.

"None of us could have predicted this. And honestly, we've all made our own choices along the way.

It's not fair to put all the blame on yourself." She placed a hand on his arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"We're in this together, Ruchir. We've faced worse things before, and we'll get through this too."

Ruchir looked up at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "But what if things get worse? What if...?"

Flippy, who had been quiet up until now, suddenly piped up, his innocent voice cutting through the conversation.

"Ruchir," he began, his tone unusually serious for someone so young. "Friendship is really important, you know?"

His large eyes looked up at Ruchir, filled with a sincere earnestness that made everyone pause.

"Friendship is like... like a big, strong tree," Flippy continued, his small hands gesturing as he spoke. "The roots go deep into the ground, and no matter how strong the wind blows, the tree stands tall because of its roots."

"That's what we are, Ruchir. We're the roots for each other. Even if things get really scary or hard, as long as we're together, we're strong. We help each other stand tall, no matter what."

Ruchir blinked, taken aback by the depth of Flippy's words. T

he innocence with which Flippy spoke only made the message hit harder, and Ruchir found himself swallowing the lump in his throat.

"Flippy... I..." he began, but Flippy wasn't done yet.

"And you know," Flippy added, his tone softening as he gave Ruchir a small smile, "sometimes we make mistakes."

"But that's okay because friends help each other, even when we mess up."

"That's what makes us strong. So don't feel bad, okay? "

"We're all here for you, just like you're here for us."

There was a moment of silence as Ruchir processed what Flippy had said.

The sincerity, the simplicity of the words, yet the profound truth they carried, resonated with him in a way he hadn't expected.

He looked at Garret and Alice, both of whom were nodding in agreement with Flippy's words, and he felt a warmth spread through his chest.

"Thanks, Flippy," Ruchir finally said, his voice quiet but filled with gratitude. "You're right. We are in this together. And no matter what happens, we'll face it together." He looked at Garret and Alice, his resolve strengthening as he spoke. "I won't let this situation get the best of me. We'll figure this out, and we'll do it together."

Garret grinned, his usual confidence returning. "That's the spirit!" he said, clapping Ruchir on the back again. "Now, let's get out of here before those Sayy guards decide to come back."

Alice smiled, her eyes filled with a quiet pride as she looked at Ruchir. "We've got your back, Ruchir," she said softly. "No matter what."

As the group began to move forward, Ruchir felt a renewed sense of determination.

Flippy's words had reminded him of the strength they had as a team, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew they would face them together.

The streets of the Four Road Market seemed a little less daunting now as they walked through them, side by side. The future was uncertain, but with friends like these, Ruchir knew they would stand tall, like the strong tree Flippy had described.

Meanwhile ,in the Drunken Immortal Pavilion which was not just any establishment; it was an empire-renowned bar and restaurant, revered for its opulence and exclusivity.

Nestled in the heart of the imperial capital, this grandiose edifice was a testament to luxury and power, its very name whispered with reverence by those who could only dream of setting foot inside.

The pavilion towered above the bustling streets, a gleaming structure of white jade and gold filigree, its design an exquisite blend of ancient elegance and modern craftsmanship.

Carved dragons wound their way up the pavilion's columns, their jade eyes glinting with an almost lifelike intensity, while the roof was adorned with delicate golden tiles that shimmered under the light of the sun and moon alike.

The Drunken Immortal Pavilion was situated in the most prestigious quarter of the capital, known as the Royal District.

This area was home to the nobility, the wealthy elite, and the most influential figures in the empire.

The streets were wide and immaculate, lined with ancient trees and adorned with lanterns that cast a warm, inviting glow in the evenings.

The air here was filled with the scent of exotic flowers and the soft murmur of flowing water from artfully placed fountains.

It was a place where the elite gathered to indulge in the finest pleasures life had to offer, and the Drunken Immortal Pavilion was the crown jewel of this luxurious haven.

The pavilion was renowned for its unique offerings, especially its rare and potent wines, which were brewed using secret recipes passed down through generations.

These wines, known as the Immortal's Elixirs, were said to grant temporary bursts of incredible strength or clarity of mind, depending on the blend.

The food served here was equally legendary, with chefs who were masters of their craft, creating dishes that were both visually stunning and rich in flavor, using ingredients sourced from the farthest reaches of the empire.

But what truly set the Drunken Immortal Pavilion apart was its power.

This was not just a place for merriment and indulgence; it was a hub of influence, where the powerful and the ambitious came to forge alliances, hatch schemes, and conduct affairs that shaped the very fate of the empire.

The pavilion was known to be under the protection of a shadowy syndicate with connections that ran deep into the empire's political and military circles.

Those who offended the pavilion often found themselves facing inexplicable misfortunes, while those who earned its favor could expect their ambitions to be quietly, yet effectively, supported.

The pavilion had nine floors, each more exclusive than the last. The higher one ascended, the fewer the people who were allowed to enter, and the more powerful they were.

The ninth floor, in particular, was a place shrouded in mystery and awe. Only the royals or those of similar status and importance were permitted to set foot here.

The walls of the ninth floor were lined with silks and precious stones, the furniture was crafted from the rarest woods, and the air was filled with the soft strains of music played by hidden musicians.

It was a sanctuary for the elite, where the outside world and its troubles seemed to fade away, leaving only the intoxicating allure of power and pleasure.

On this floor, in a private room adorned with gold and crimson, a young man of imperial bearing paced back and forth, his expression dark with anger.

His long blue hair was tied back with a golden ribbon, and his robes, embroidered with the sigil of his noble house, swirled around him as he moved.

His eyes, sharp and filled with barely restrained fury, were fixed on the far wall, as if he could burn a hole through it with his gaze alone.

"Damn it!" he spat, his voice filled with venom. "Not only did those weaklings from the Blackwood Gang lose, but they also lost to academy students!"

He practically snarled the last words, his fists clenched in rage.

The young man was no ordinary prince; he was one of the empire's rising stars, a figure known for his ruthlessness and cunning.

To hear that his carefully laid plans had been thwarted by a group of mere students was an insult he could hardly bear.

"They failed to take the chest from the Sayys," he continued, his voice low and dangerous. "And on top of that, they were fooled by some academy brats."

His lips curled into a sneer as he imagined the incompetent fools groveling for mercy. But this was not the time for anger alone.

No, he needed to think. He needed to act.

The young man paused, his eyes narrowing as a cold, calculating expression settled over his face. "Just wait and watch," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

"I am not like the Sayys. I won't just sit back and take this."

His voice was filled with a quiet menace, the kind that sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it.

"I'll deal with them through indirect means. Let's see how they handle it when their world starts to crumble around them."

A slow, menacing laughter began to build in his chest, growing louder and more chilling as it echoed through the lavish room.

It was the laughter of someone who had no intention of playing fair, who would use every dirty trick in the book to achieve his goals.

The kind of laughter that promised nothing but ruin to those who stood in his way.

"Let's see how you are crushed," he whispered, his voice dripping with malice.