As we continued down the street, I began to notice how the bustling market stalls and crowds gradually thinned out. The atmosphere changed entirely. The lively chatter of vendors and buyers was replaced with a quieter, almost eerie stillness. The houses and streets ahead seemed older, bearing a somber tone unlike the vibrant parts of the capital we had just passed.
At one point, Emma gestured toward a rundown building, its wooden frame leaning precariously as if time had forgotten it. "That used to be a really popular bar," she explained. "But the owner was murdered... by a human."
I raised an eyebrow at her statement. "So... are humans bad people?" I interrupted.
Emma shook her head. "I wouldn't say that. Some humans are genuinely good—many even helped build the capital into what it is today. But..." She paused, her voice lowering. "Sometimes humans do the most unexpected things."
"Like the war at the Elderwoods eight years ago?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Emma's expression became serious. "Yes, exactly. I see you've done your research."
I nodded with pride. The war at the Elderwoods was a significant event where a human organization created an army to subdue and capture vampires for experimentation. After countless abductions, the vampires retaliated, sparking a brutal war. The humans were utterly defeated, and their king was forced to sign a peace treaty, ensuring no further conflicts or the potential extermination of the human race.
We eventually reached a busier section of the city, where groups of people in uniforms mingled with others in casual clothing. "The ones in uniform are probably academy students," I thought aloud. "And those lining up must be here for the same baptism ceremony Elizabeth is attending."
Turning back, I realized Elizabeth wasn't with us. Emma and I exchanged panicked glances before rushing around to look for her. Sophia, tugging at my sleeve, calmly said, "Master, I found Miss Elizabeth." She pointed toward the back of the line of people waiting to be baptized. There stood Elizabeth, patiently waiting for her turn. Relieved, I informed Emma before we joined the procession.
Following the crowd, we entered a long hallway that led to an expansive arena. The stone structure loomed above us, its design both ancient and majestic. Climbing the stairs, we found seats in the audience stands. The excitement in the air was palpable as we waited for the ceremony to begin.
Soon, a band of instrumentalists filed in, playing a rousing anthem that brought the crowd to its feet in applause. They bowed deeply before exiting. Suddenly, a flicker of light appeared in the arena's center, followed by a cloud of smoke that spread across the space. A sharp snap echoed, and the smoke vanished, revealing a figure standing in the middle. The crowd erupted in cheers, especially the women and girls.
The man removed his hat, bowing with a confident grin. With a soft incantation, his voice resonated through the arena. "Greetings, everyone. I am Sir Reynold D. Argos, your humble host for today's ceremony."
With another snap of his fingers, the ground trembled as a platform and podium rose dramatically from beneath the arena. Gasps of awe rippled through the audience, including me. My admiration for Sir Argos began at that very moment.
He approached the podium, and a shimmering crystal orb materialized before him. It was a Trikiol crystal, a rare artifact that reacted to a person's magic type and strength. Red signified fire, blue water, and green earth. Sub-elements like lightning, darkness, light, and wind were represented by orange, purple, yellow, and white respectively. The crystal's glow would darken with greater magical power.
Sir Argos called for the participants, who marched out and bowed to the crowd before forming a line. As my gaze scanned the group, I spotted Elizabeth waving at me. I smiled and waved back before noticing Sophia's unusually neutral expression.
"You don't have to be so stiff, you know. Relax a little," I said, patting her head.
She gave me a small, comforting smile. "I'll do my best, Master. I'm just staying alert for any threats to Lady Elizabeth."
"Threats?" I repeated, puzzled.
Emma chimed in. "Viktor, nobles and royals like Elizabeth often attract unwanted attention during events like this. It's not uncommon for them to have bodyguards nearby for protection."
Meanwhile, Sir Argos began calling names. Each participant stepped forward, touched the crystal, and demonstrated their magic, earning applause as they were assigned to classes.
When Prince Durian Saws approached the podium, his unsettling aura made the audience uneasy. The crystal glowed a dark purple, confirming the whispers about him. He walked off without a word.
Next, Amy Valenstyne was called. She touched the crystal, which glowed light orange. Her expression flickered between surprise and annoyance before she exited. Then came Elizabeth Kernes. Emma cheered loudly, embarrassing Elizabeth, who blushed as she stepped forward. A pinch from me silenced Emma, and she sheepishly sank into her seat.
Elizabeth touched the crystal, and it glowed crimson—not the orb itself, but her eyes. A burst of flames erupted in her palm, forming a fireball before she clenched her hand, extinguishing it. Sir Argos nodded in approval, whispered something to her, and sent her off.
Finally, Zack Richmond was called. His name alone stirred gossip. Zack sauntered to the podium with a smug grin. He touched the crystal, and its colors shifted wildly—red, green, white—before spinning into a blur and shattering to dust. Gasps erupted as Zack extended his palm, unleashing a towering pillar of fire. Smirking, he shoved his hands into his pockets and walked away without acknowledging anyone.
The audience was left in stunned silence, myself included. This ceremony had turned out to be more eventful than I had ever anticipated.