Chapter 3: An Invitation from the Unknown

A faint shimmer pulsed through the air.

Akari's golden eyes flicked toward the disturbance just as a thin thread of silver light wove itself into existence before her. The glow twisted and danced, forming delicate patterns in the air, almost like a living ribbon. Then, with a final pulse, the magic settled, unraveling into a single, floating parchment.

A message.

Akari leaned forward, intrigued, her nine tails curling behind her as she reached out. The parchment drifted into her hand, surprisingly warm to the touch, as if it had been pulled straight from the heart of a spell.

She turned it over. No seal. No signature.

"How mysterious," she murmured, amusement lacing her voice.

It wasn't every day that magic so delicately crafted found its way to her doorstep. In the past year and a half since her rebirth, she had encountered very little in the way of civilization. No kingdoms, no cities, no structured societies—just the endless beauty of nature and the occasional presence of spirits.

And, of course, Sylwen.

The elf had mentioned that powerful beings existed in this world, but she had never spoken of formal organizations or ruling bodies. So, who had sent this?

Her tails twitched in anticipation as she unfolded the message.

—

To the one who walks in the shrine of the ancients,

Your presence has been noted.

The High Table extends its invitation.

Come, if you wish to stand among those who shape the world.

—

Akari read the words twice, then a third time, her lips curling into an intrigued smile.

"The High Table, huh? Fancy."

The parchment held no details of where this so-called gathering was, but the magic within it pulsed in a way that suggested guidance. Likely, all she had to do was accept the invitation, and the spell would handle the rest.

She tapped her chin thoughtfully.

There were a lot of questions to consider. Who were these people? Why were they interested in her? How did they even know about her?

And yet… none of that really mattered, did it?

Because, in the end—

"This sounds fun."

Akari grinned, excitement buzzing in her veins.

She had spent over a year in solitude, exploring, testing her abilities, and enjoying the peace of the shrine. But something about this world still felt untouched, undiscovered. If this High Table was truly a gathering of powerful figures, then surely it was worth a visit.

And besides—

She never could resist a little intrigue.

The world twisted.

A sensation unlike any Akari had ever felt coiled around her body—weightless, yet dense, like sinking into a warm current while floating in the sky. The spell had activated the moment she willed herself to accept the invitation, pulling her through unseen threads of magic.

Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the sensation vanished.

Akari landed gracefully on her feet, the soft click of her sandals echoing against polished stone.

She looked up.

The sight before her was nothing short of breathtaking.

A floating castle, suspended high above the clouds.

The sky stretched endlessly in every direction, an ocean of blues and purples streaked with gold. Beneath her, the castle's foundation shimmered with enchantments—massive chains of glowing runes anchored it to nothing, defying all reason. Towering spires of black stone twisted into the heavens, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings that pulsed faintly with power. The entire structure exuded an air of authority, as if it had existed for millennia, watching over the world below.

Akari let out a low whistle, her tails flicking behind her. "Well, well, this is dramatic."

A set of grand doors stood open before her, beckoning her inside. Without hesitation, she strode forward, her usual playful confidence undiminished by the sheer weight of the place.

Inside, the air was cool, filled with the lingering hum of ancient magic.

The chamber was vast, yet intimate. Five grand tables were arranged in a circular formation, each uniquely designed—one carved from obsidian, another glowing with celestial light, a third entwined with roots and vines. The remaining two pulsed with energies both dark and wild, their surfaces shifting subtly as if alive.

And sitting at one of them, looking as composed as ever, was Sylwen.

Akari grinned.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite elf."

Sylwen turned her head at the sound of Akari's voice. As always, her expression was unreadable, but something flickered in her emerald eyes—acknowledgment, perhaps. Maybe even relief.

"…You came," Sylwen said simply.

Akari took the seat beside her without waiting for an invitation. "Of course. How could I refuse such an exclusive event?" Her voice dipped into something teasing. "I must say, though, if I had known you would be here, I would have dressed up a little more."

Sylwen exhaled through her nose. "You already stand out."

Akari smirked. "I do tend to have that effect."

Before Sylwen could respond, footsteps echoed through the hall.

The others had arrived.

One by one, four figures entered the chamber, each exuding an aura of raw power.

The first was a woman with porcelain skin and crimson eyes that gleamed with an unsettling hunger. Her deep red gown trailed behind her like a river of blood, and the very air around her seemed to darken with her presence.

She took her seat with effortless grace, her gaze sweeping the room before settling on Akari with vague amusement.

"Selene von Carmilla," she introduced herself, her voice smooth as silk. "True Vampire."

Akari tilted her head, noting the way Selene's fangs caught the dim light. "Mmm, I thought I felt a little chill in the air."

Selene's lips curled ever so slightly. "I do try to make an impression."

The next to enter was a woman with deep violet hair and piercing golden eyes. Two curved horns adorned her head, and a thick aura of dark magic surrounded her like a living shadow. She radiated authority, her every movement deliberate, powerful.

"Lilith Azazel," she said, her voice carrying an unmistakable command. "High Demon Lord."

Akari hummed. "Demon royalty? How delightful."

Lilith merely offered her a knowing smirk before taking her seat.

Then came the one who shone like a star.

Golden hair cascaded down her back, glowing with an ethereal light. Pure white wings extended from her back, their radiance illuminating the chamber. She moved with divine grace, each step filled with celestial purpose.

"Elyndis Seraphiel," she spoke, her voice like a hymn. "Divine Seraphim."

Akari couldn't help but chuckle. "An angel, a demon, and a vampire walk into a floating castle… Oh, this is fun."

Elyndis merely gave her a serene, knowing smile, as if she had already expected such a comment.

Finally, all eyes turned toward Akari.

She leaned back in her chair, tails flicking lazily, her golden gaze meeting each of theirs without hesitation.

"Akari Noctis," she purred, amusement dancing in her voice. "Nine-Tailed Fox."

The air grew heavier.

Not from hostility, but from something else—an unspoken acknowledgment.

They were five.

The Ancients.

And now, the High Table had gathered.

The air in the floating castle grew dense with the weight of unspoken words. The five ancients sat in their respective seats, watching each other with measured interest. Though this was the first gathering of the High Table that Akari had ever attended, it was clear that she was not the only newcomer.

She stretched her legs out under the table, tails curling behind her as she gave an easy smile. "So, I suppose this is the part where we discuss important world-changing matters, hm?"

Lilith, the High Demon Lord, let out a soft chuckle. "Something like that."

Selene, ever poised, folded her hands on the table. "The world stirs. The balance that has been kept for eons is shifting. There are whispers of new forces rising."

Elyndis nodded, her golden aura pulsing faintly. "Indeed. I have sensed disturbances in the divine flow. There are... inconsistencies. Signs of something moving outside fate's design."

Akari tilted her head, interest sparking in her gaze. "Well, that sounds ominous. Any idea what's causing it?"

Sylwen spoke next, her voice as cool as ever. "No. But the spirits murmur of change. Something unseen."

Lilith exhaled, tapping her fingers against the armrest of her chair. "And change often brings chaos."

For a while, the conversation shifted between speculations and observations. Each of them had noticed something amiss in their respective domains—shifts in power, old barriers weakening, forces moving in the shadows. Yet no one had concrete answers.

Akari, for her part, simply listened.

Though she was ancient in her own right—reborn into a body that possessed untold power—she had spent most of her time alone, wandering, testing the limits of her abilities. She had not yet concerned herself with the grander affairs of the world.

But perhaps… that would soon change.

After what felt like hours, the meeting drew to a close. Elyndis was the first to rise, her radiant wings folding behind her. "The High Table shall convene again when the time comes."

Lilith smirked, standing as well. "Try not to miss me too much until then."

One by one, the ancients prepared to leave, but as they did, Akari's gaze lingered on Selene.

The vampire was making her way toward the exit, her movements fluid and elegant, like a noble who had ruled for centuries.

A thought struck Akari.

She had never been to a vampire's castle before.

Grinning to herself, she pushed off from her seat and strode after Selene, catching up with her just before she left the chamber. "Hey, Selene."

The vampire halted, her crimson eyes flicking toward Akari. "Yes?"

Akari placed a hand on her hip, tails swaying behind her. "Mind if I tag along? I'd love to see this grand castle of yours."

Selene raised an eyebrow, amusement glinting in her gaze. "Curious about my domain, are you?"

"Curious about you," Akari corrected with a teasing lilt. "You seem like the type to live in style."

Selene's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. "Very well. But do try to keep up."

Without another word, she turned and cast a spell.

A swirl of deep crimson enveloped them, the scent of roses and iron thick in the air. The world around them blurred—shadows stretching, shifting, pulling them into the depths of another realm.

And then—

They arrived.

Akari stepped forward, her golden eyes widening slightly as she took in the sight before her.

A towering gothic castle, bathed in the pale glow of an eternal moon, stood before them. Dark spires clawed at the sky, their edges sharp and hauntingly beautiful. The stone walls were ancient, adorned with intricate carvings of forgotten stories. Mist curled around the base of the structure, weaving through the blackened rose gardens that stretched along the outer courtyard.

And at the heart of it all—Selene's domain.

Akari let out a low whistle. "Damn."

Selene glanced at her. "Impressed?"

Akari turned to her, eyes gleaming with genuine admiration. "You know, I knew you'd have a cool castle, but this? This is next-level." She gestured to the looming architecture. "It's got that whole 'mystical vampire queen' aesthetic down perfectly."

Selene chuckled softly. "I would expect nothing less."

Akari's gaze drifted to the sky. Unlike the floating castle where the High Table had gathered, this realm was shrouded in eternal night. A silver moon hung low, casting everything in an eerie glow. There were no stars, only the endless darkness stretching beyond the castle grounds.

It was haunting.

And yet, Akari found herself loving it.

She took a deep breath, inhaling the cool air. There was something rich about it—something old, something powerful. Even the shadows seemed to hold their own kind of life, whispering at the edges of her senses.

Selene watched her with quiet amusement. "You seem quite at home here."

Akari smirked. "I do have a thing for the dramatic." She glanced at Selene, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Maybe I should move in."

Selene let out a soft laugh. "You wouldn't last a day."

"Oh? Try me."

The vampire simply shook her head and gestured toward the castle doors. "Come, let me show you the inside."

Akari followed, stepping through the grand entrance as the heavy doors closed behind them with a resounding thud.

Inside, the castle was just as breathtaking.

Dark velvet banners draped along the towering walls, their deep red hues matching the rich carpets beneath their feet. Chandeliers, made of black crystal, hung from the ceiling, their candlelight flickering in an almost ghostly manner. The architecture was both elegant and imposing, each corridor lined with ancient paintings and statues of figures long forgotten.

The air was thick with something unspoken—a quiet presence that lingered in every corner.

Akari placed a hand against one of the cold stone pillars, feeling the magic that pulsed within the very foundations of the castle. "This place has history."

Selene nodded. "It has stood for millennia. Many who have walked these halls are now mere echoes of the past."

Akari's smile softened. "Sounds lonely."

Selene met her gaze, something unreadable flickering in her crimson eyes. "…Perhaps."

A moment passed between them, heavy with something neither voiced.

Then—

Akari grinned. "Well, at least now you've got me to liven things up."

Selene let out a breath of amusement. "That remains to be seen."

And with that, they continued deeper into the castle, the halls whispering their silent secrets as the fox and the vampire walked side by side.