The great doors opened revealing a large hallway.
The hallway was decorated with elaborate inscriptions, and paintings hung on each wall, all bearing a resemblance to Ceru and Adar.
"These must be previous clan leaders," Arnos thought, walking through the array of great men and women who came before him.
"Wait here," Ceru ordered, running back to the entrance and swiftly returning with an envelope. "Hold on to this. It's your invitation," he said, handing it back to Arnos.
"Why are you returning it to me?" Arnos asked, receiving the envelope.
"Just keep it with you at all times, and don't hand this to anyone," Ceru instructed.
As the three continued down the hallway, a loud voice echoed from the end of the path.
"Look who we have here, the two 'young masters' of the Azure Family, gracing us with their presence," the voice sneered.
"Why'd we have to bump into this guy of all people?" Wendall muttered under his breath.
"Wait, there's a third?" the voice echoed throughout the hallway. "HAHAHA NO WAY, YOU ACTUALLY BROUGHT THE BRANCH WHELP WITH YOU," it cackled.
"Bakal… any more words and I swear you won't be leaving the hall in one piece," Ceru snarled, balling his fist.
"Ceru, those fools in the Azure Family may think you are a genius, but potential is just… potential. Let's pray it doesn't get wasted," the voice mocked. "Lest you forget–"
Ceru's robe glowed a violent blue, his eyes shining with fury as the air crackled around him. He reached into his robe, but Wendall grabbed his arm before he could make a move.
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"Ceru… don't," Wendall said, with a look of seriousness that surprised Arnos.
The voice got closer, the footsteps slow and ominous until a figure appeared at the end of the hallway. A young man, older than Ceru but younger than Wendall, emerged. His robes were brown, adorned with beautiful black inscriptions, and he wore a black sash around his waist. His athletic imposing build, and ferocious wild eyes gave him a menacing presence. His black, unruly hair complemented his tanned skin and dark eyes. His twisted smile revealed his enjoyment of harassing Ceru.
"Bakal… don't forget your words reflect onto the Beryl Family," Wendall calmly said, releasing Ceru and walking toward Bakal.
"Wendall, why are you so uptight? We are all allies, aren't we?" Bakal deviously smiled, putting his arm around Wendall, which was shaken off instantly. "We came here to enjoy ourselves, not fight each other," he laughed, eyeing Ceru.
Arnos stood in shock at this interaction. It was the first time he had witnessed Ceru lose his composure. Ceru had a look of fury that seemed unwarranted. Arnos couldn't help but wonder what Bakal could have done to receive such hatred.
"Ah, I nearly forgot, we have the SLAVE of the Azure Family here. Since when did we allow rats to eat at our table? We usually throw crumbs outside for them to eat," Bakal mocked, staring at Arnos. He walked closer and knelt until he was at eye level with Arnos. "You aren't welcome here, boy," he snarled. His words pierced Arnos's heart, his stomach dropped, and tears welled in his eyes, hearing the words he only thought to himself being said aloud.
Ceru snapped and threw a punch toward Bakal, which Wendall intercepted. Blue inscriptions glowed from Ceru as he pulled out a talisman from his robe. The air shook, and he instantly switched places with Arnos, delivered a kick aimed at Bakal's face.
"The famous Spacial Talisman, developed by the clan leader, being used already?" Bakal laughed, blocking the kick. "You must really be annoyed this time," he said, unsheathing a dagger with black inscriptions. A dark aura enveloped the blade as he swung it at Ceru's neck. Ceru twisted his neck upwards to avoid the attack, simultaneously leaning back and landing a kick on Bakal's chin. Instead of reeling in pain, Bakal instantly pulled out a talisman of his own.
Wendall appeared behind Bakal, furious. "One wrong move and I am willing to make the entire Beryl Family an enemy," he whispered.
Bakal smiled, his whole persona shifting, and turned around. "Just wait, you're next," he whispered to Wendall with a subtle hint of animosity. He walked past Wendall toward the end of the hallway. "This banquet is going to be fun. I hope the 'slave' can enjoy his food," he laughed, disappearing into the distance.