Ch-9 The Arboury City

Hearing the strange announcement in her head, Melina's first thought was, Have my Goldfingers finally arrived? But as she processed the situation more carefully, she realized everything had changed right after she tasted Alexander's blood.

It must be the blood, she thought, a sense of disbelief mixing with excitement.

As she sat there, Melina could feel her strength surging within her. It wasn't a small increase either—she estimated that her power had grown by nearly 10%. She also felt a strong urge to break through to the next realm, but she suppressed it, knowing it wasn't the right time or place for such a thing.

Melina glanced at Alexander, only to find him staring at her with those same bored, indifferent eyes. She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, but before she could speak, Alexander's thoughts drifted, Why did her strength increase so suddenly? She's... interesting.

While most people, even those at the Astral Refinement realm or higher, wouldn't be able to sense the subtle shifts in a Body Tempering practitioner's strength, Alexander was far from ordinary. His perception was sharp, and the sudden boost in her power didn't escape him.

Melina, irritated by Alexander's calm demeanor, snapped, "What's wrong with you?"

Alexander didn't even flinch, responding in a calm tone, "Nothing."

Annoyed by his indifference, Melina's gaze shifted back to his hand, where she had touched the blood earlier. Her eyes widened when she noticed the blood was no longer there. "Huh, where did the blood go?" she asked in a raised voice, her confusion clear.

Melina's raised voice attracted the attention of other passengers, who glanced curiously at the two of them. They felt like they were witnessing a scene between a young phoenix and an ancient dragon.

Alexander looked at Melina, clearly seeing her as a fool for her outburst. "Of course, I cleaned it," he replied.

Melina's face heated up with embarrassment and anger.

Melina shook her head, trying to dismiss her irritation at Alexander. Ignore this idiot, Melina. What matters is figuring out if this blood is special or something. It's clear this guy is clueless.

Then, another thought struck her. Maybe my Goldfinger is actually related to devouring, like the protagonists in those fantasy novels.

Excitement bubbled within her as she contemplated her next steps. I have to verify it!

Melina snapped out of her excitement as she noticed the many eyes on her. So many unknown people are watching, she thought, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. I can't act suspicious. Low-key is the kingly way.

Deciding to hold off on her plans until they reached the city, she settled back into her seat, her mind racing with possibilities.

Meanwhile, Alexander observed her for a moment longer. Noticing her lost in thought, he turned his gaze back to the window. The vibrant scenery outside captivated him; it was a new world waiting to be explored, and he, too, felt a surge of excitement coursing through him.

It only took two hours for the bus to cover more than 500 miles. As the vehicle came to a stop, Alexander stepped off first, followed closely by Melina. Both turned their heads in shock as they took in the sight before them.

A massive wall loomed over the city, unlike anything they had seen before. These were no ordinary walls; they were crafted from special materials, infused with formations designed to protect the city from the external dangers of wild beasts. The intricate patterns shimmered subtly in the sunlight, radiating a sense of security and power.

Melina's eyes widened in awe. "Wow! Look at the size of that wall!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

Alexander, however, remained silent, his keen gaze analyzing every detail of the imposing structure. He could sense the powerful energy radiating from the formations, a clear indication of the strength behind them. This city is serious about its defenses, he thought, impressed by the display of craftsmanship and magic.

As they approached the entrance, a gate adorned with glowing runes came into view, guarded by armored sentinels. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. 

As Alexander entered the city, he was immediately struck by the tall buildings that loomed above him, each one a marvel of modern architecture that exuded a sci-fi aesthetic. High-speed cars zipped past him, their sleek designs catching the light, while people soared through the air on swords, performing acrobatic maneuvers that seemed almost effortless.

Melina walked beside him, her eyes wide with wonder, matching his pace as they navigated through the bustling streets. The atmosphere was charged with energy, and every corner offered something new to behold. Vendors shouted out their wares, and colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, creating a vibrant tapestry that filled the air with excitement.

As they took in the sights, a group of individuals soaring on swords approached them. The leader of the group, a young man with a confident demeanor, descended gracefully before Alexander and Melina.

"You must be newcomers. Welcome to Arboury City!" he announced, a friendly smile spreading across his face.

He pointed toward the north, his finger slicing through the air with enthusiasm. "If you head in that direction, you'll find the City Awakening for youngsters happening there. If you have good talent, the schools might take you!"

With that, the group took to the skies once more, their swords glinting in the sunlight as they flew away, leaving Alexander and Melina momentarily stunned by the encounter.

Alexander started walking north, his mind focused on the many purposes for coming to Arboury City, with the main goal being to awaken his talent. Melina hurried after him, her excitement evident in her stride.

As she caught up, Alexander glanced over his shoulder and asked, "What are you doing following me?"

Melina blushed, slightly flustered. "How is this following you? Clearly, I'm heading to the Awakening Platform!"

Alexander merely shook his head, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth, and continued walking.

To be continued..