"Hello everyone, I am your host, Ray Walker—son of Duke Robert Walker and Diana Spencer, the famed formation master whose name echoes through the halls of the Spencer family. I am a member of the Inventor Guild. It is for that very reason that the mysterious master behind this new marvel entrusted me with the honor of unveiling his latest invention to all of you."
Ray's voice rang with confidence, a warm, infectious energy lighting up his features. The floating camera, suspended mid-air by softly humming wind runes, panned to the grand sight behind him.
"Where do you think I am now?" he said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Well, let me show you."
The image shifted, and gasps echoed across distant towns and cities as the view expanded to reveal the king's palace in all its majestic glory. From this close, every etched detail of the ancient stone walls, the glint of polished marble, and the fluttering royal banners became clear—a sight only a privileged few had ever witnessed firsthand.
"Yes, I am standing before our king's castle, where the grand birthday celebration of our young Princess Alice is about to unfold." Ray's voice dropped slightly, a note of reverence entering his tone. "And here's what it looks like from the outside."
The camera glided gracefully toward the palace, capturing its towering spires, golden gates, and the slight shimmer of protective enchantments in the air—faint glows that danced when the wind brushed past.
"The guests haven't started to arrive yet," Ray continued, his voice returning to its buoyant rhythm, "but they will be here any moment. Until then, why don't I show you the grand hall where this celebration is set to unfold?"
The castle doors creaked open with regal authority as Ray stepped inside. The camera followed, revealing an opulent hall bathed in warm golden light. Pillars carved with the majestic figures of lions seemed to guard the room, their eyes fierce and proud. Statues of past kings stood in silent vigil, their presence both comforting and humbling.
Tables lined the vast chamber, draped in fine cloths and adorned with golden utensils. A lavish buffet stretched along the sides, the aroma of rich roasted meats, honeyed pastries, and exotic fruits drifting faintly through the air.
Ray turned to the camera, his smile wide. "How is it? Grand? Elegant? Beautiful?" He gave a light chuckle. "I know, right? And this… is just the beginning of our show."
Outside, the soft rumble of approaching carriages signaled the start of arrivals. The camera, now hovering above, caught the regal processions as they entered the palace grounds. Ornate carriages pulled by majestic beasts gleamed under the sun. Some guests descended from the skies in hot air balloons marked with family crests, their silken canopies gently billowing as they landed.
One by one, nobles stepped forth—barons, counts, viscounts, earls, and dukes. Each arrival brought whispers of awe from the watching crowds. Men wore tailored formal suits embroidered with magic-infused thread that shimmered subtly under the light. Women flowed in like waves of beauty, draped in elegant dresses, their accessories glowing with embedded gemstones and mana.
Ray moved aside respectfully, allowing the guests their space, but he couldn't help adding his personal charm. With a warm tone, he complimented their attire, offering brief introductions as familiar faces passed.
Some among the nobles—warriors who had once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ray on the battlefield—recognized him instantly. They paused, greeted him with a firm grip or a respectful nod, and allowed brief interviews. Through Ray's lens, people from far-off regions began to learn more about their nobility—not as distant lords, but as real people with stories, camaraderie, and courage.
Soon, the hall swelled with laughter, chatter, and the rustle of silk and velvet. Outside, the scene of floating balloons, decorated carriages, and elegantly dressed arrivals continued to dazzle. Children peered from windows in distant towns, pointing and gasping in delight. This was a world they had never imagined they'd glimpse.
Ray activated more of his floating cameras, which scattered across the hall like fireflies, capturing every angle—nobles greeting each other with grace, old friends reuniting, children chasing each other underfoot, and nervous young heirs introducing themselves to seasoned seniors.
Then, a hush began to spread.
It was time.
The grand entry.
The great double doors opened with a resonant boom, and the royal family began their entrance.
King Daymond emerged first, his presence commanding. He wore a suit of ceremonial armor, polished until it gleamed like sunlight. A regal red cape flowed behind him, and a crown—set with deep blue mana crystals—rested above his brow. Each step echoed, a heavy yet comforting rhythm, like the heart of the kingdom itself.
By his side walked the queen, radiant in sapphire silk, her expression both serene and strong. Behind them followed the six concubines, each dressed with grace, their eyes poised. Then came the children—a royal lineage that few outside the capital had ever seen.
Ray, watching from the side, took a breath, then began to speak with reverence.
He introduced them all: the king, the queen, each concubine by name and origin, and the princes and princesses, from the oldest to the youngest, already seasoned in court affairs, to the—the star of the evening.
Princess Alice.
Music began to play—a soft, enchanting melody from the orchestra, its notes laced with gentle magic that danced through the air. A trail of glowing flowers unfurled on the carpet as Alice stepped forward.
A bubbly giggle escaped her lips as she walked, her eyes sparkling with childlike wonder. She wore a beautiful white and pink dress that shimmered with enchantments. Her gaze flicked between two people she cherished most after her father, mother, and siblings—her cousin Aries and Ray.
Magic twinkled around her like falling petals as she approached the stage.
The king stepped forward once more, his voice steady as he spoke of his daughter. He told the nobles—and the world—of her affinity for heart formations and how far she had already come. Then, before the astonished eyes of all, little Alice formed a peak Qi stage formation, its power delicate yet immense—a clear sign of her extraordinary talent.
Gasps rose like a wave across the audience, not only within the palace but also in towns and villages far beyond. Children stared in awe. Elderly formation masters leaned forward, eyes wide with disbelief.
Ray, ever the showman, picked up his narration once more. He spoke with pride—not only for the princess, but for what this moment meant.
Then, smoothly and with practiced timing, he shifted to his next act—advertisement. The camera panned to a glimmering crystal ball held in Ray's hand—which he called the Crystal Vision. Next, he introduced his camera—the very device making all this magic possible for the viewers beyond.
His tone grew animated as he described the features, demonstrating them briefly for the audience. "If you wish to purchase," he said with a grin, "you may visit the Inventor's Guild Shop, inquire with Diana Spencer, or contact the third concubine, Lady Alice."
The camera briefly caught the surprised but amused smile of the third concubine.
Then, as the night wore on and music filled the grand hall, the guests slowly began to take their leave—one noble family after another, their carriages vanishing into the night or lifting into the sky with quiet gusts of enchanted wind.
Ray exhaled, the weight of a successful night settling on his shoulders. He had done it.
He had made history.
This, he knew, was only the beginning. One stream, one invention—and a whole world of possibilities ahead. Movies. Series. Games. Messaging systems. Delivery networks. A future that had never existed before… now lay within reach.
But it was too much for one person alone. As he quietly walked away beside his mother, Diana—her eyes filled with equal pride and fatigue—Ray realized he couldn't do this all himself. Nor could he burden the women of his family alone.
He needed allies.
He needed to grow.
He needed the academy.
But for now… Ray was satisfied. Truly satisfied.
The wind gently lifted his hair as he looked back once at the glowing palace.
The first spark had been lit.