As Valicar and Altheack continued to evade capture in the floating city of Minerva, they moved stealthily from inn to inn, never staying for more than a night. The city, known for its grandeur and excess, was abuzz with activity. Although the city guard seemed strangely lacking in numbers, the deep pockets of the nobility ensured that they were far from safe.

The situation had taken a dire turn. A substantial bounty had been placed on Valicar's head by the Adventurer's Guild, an organization that often served the interests of the nobility. It was clear that Duke Aerion Skyborne, determined to eliminate any threats to his rule, had poured resources into this endeavor. Several A-ranked adventure teams had been dispatched to track them down, and there were rumors of an S-ranked team lurking nearby.

The presence of these adventurers roaming the streets of the floating islands was indeed a perilous development for Valicar and Altheack. Valicar's striking appearance and notorious reputation made her fairly recognizable, even among these elevated circles where magical media was widely available among the nobility.

As they moved cautiously through the city, it was evident that many comforts familiar to Helm Hold were readily available in Minerva. Sophia found herself longing for the simple joys of life back in their school. She missed being able to get ice in the tavern, and the concept of indoor plumbing, a magical marvel in itself, seemed like a distant luxury. The city was a haven for mages, The atmosphere crackled with magic, mages busy at their craft, eagerly chasing the generous coin of the nobility. It was a city of sheer extravagance and privilege, where the crème de la crème of Aldria had congregated, each driven by their motives and ambitions.

"What a douchebag name... Aerion Skyborne? Really? Who the hell would go by that?" Mike quipped one evening during their evasion of the adventurers.

"Well... my father was also a Skyborne. The throne of Aldria is passed within the family of Skyborne, the dominant family of the kingdom. They claimed the throne in a civil war centuries ago and have held it ever since. So, the firstborn would go to the capital, while the second-born would rule Minerva," Altheack explained with an annoyed look.

"Soooooo, you're Altheack Skyborne?" Sophia questioned, breaking the silence.

"Not while I'm a bastard, but that could change," she said with a gleam in her one good emerald eye. The adjustment to her vision being halved had been a rough transition, and it was spoiling her mood that evening.

One night, as they luxuriated in the opulent surroundings of an inn, fate dealt them an unexpected hand. Overheard conversations among a group of drunken adventurers revealed a treasure trove of secrets regarding the Duke's nefarious plans. With some deft spellwork, Sophia coaxed these inebriated souls to spill their secrets. The adventurers would have no recollection of this night, but the knowledge they unwittingly shared was of immeasurable value.

The revelations painted a damning picture of Duke Aerion Skyborne, a man renowned for his gluttony only matched by his cunning. It became abundantly clear that his desires stretched far beyond the throne; he was plotting to hand over the kingdom to the formidable Holy Human Empire in exchange for their support, mirroring the actions of Altheack's brother. In honor of his impending coronation, the Duke intended to host a grand ball, and Altheack and Valicar saw this event as their golden opportunity. They decided to infiltrate the party and palace, assuming clever disguises, as it was highly likely that a representative from the Empire would be present.

Their plan was set in stone: they would navigate the labyrinthine world of the nobility, sneaking into the grand ball where the kingdom's elite, including staunch supporters of the Duke, would be in attendance. The stage was set for a perilous yet vital endeavor. It was here, amid splendor and deception, that Altheack intended to assert her claim to the throne and where Valicar, now bearing the moniker of "Aldria's Scarlet Scourge," would strive to thwart the Duke's sinister machinations. In the shadows of Minerva's grand ball, secrets would be unveiled, and the destinies of many would hang in the balance.

Under the shroud of night, and with the invaluable assistance of Altheack's childhood friend Zorven, a member of the city guard with insider knowledge, they would embarked on their audacious mission on the night of the grand masquerade party. The twins, to their shared chagrin, reluctantly surrendered to the necessity of a radical transformation. The songs extolling their daring exploits had become a ceaseless refrain in every tavern and on every street corner, delivered by gleeful bards and jesters who reveled in taunting them with both their old and new monikers.

Mike since the first song her heard about them began to sense something extraordinary. Every time he heard one of the songs recounting their adventures, he felt a surge of power coursing through him, like a dormant wellspring awakening. It was as if the very tales being spun about him were infusing him with strength.

The newfound ability sparked a novel idea in Mike's mind. What if he could use this growing influence to encourage the bards and poets to craft songs that would serve their cause? Songs that would sway the hearts and minds of the nobility, and put fear into their enemies, potentially turning the tide in their favor.

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With this in mind, before they left for the grand masquerade, Mike hired a talented bard in a dimly lit tavern. He commissioned the bard to compose a song about him, one that would not only celebrate his deeds but also plant the seeds of dissent against Duke Aerion Skyborne's rule. Mike knew that with each note of that song, his power would grow stronger, as Valicar's name was becoming increasingly renowned in the city, thanks to rumors of their arrival. His demonic pact was fueled by their legend spreading, although not nearly as potent as when he was before an audience like in the battles against the orcs.

To further obscure their distinctive magical identities, their once-vibrant locks were dyed a uniformly unremarkable black, concealing the fiery red and deep blue hues that had once made them unmistakable. Mike, his irritation palpable, expertly concealed their armor and gear beneath a voluminous black cloak. The event they were infiltrating was a masquerade ball, an extravagant spectacle where the nobility veiled their identities behind masks inspired by creatures, both mundane and mythical.

Mike, ever the skeptic, couldn't resist voicing his distrust, his words dripping with cynicism. "I don't trust this guy," he muttered.

Sophia, playfully affixing a dragon-shaped mask to Valicar's face, her chosen guise, responded with a teasing tone, "You don't even trust your own shadow, Mike."

Altheack interjected with a gentle correction, emphasizing the paramount need for discretion in this perilous undertaking. "I've known him for many years, even from my youth, Val... or, um, Mike. Rest assured, he'll secure us an audience with my uncle, one way or another."

Mike's rejoinder carried a sarcastic edge, an undercurrent of jealousy seeping into his voice as he pondered the uncertain outcome. "Well, if this guy is so trustworthy, I'm sure he can hand us the throne on a silver platter. But when this inevitably goes south, how do you intend to handle it? Will you seek the aid of that jackass, or will you come running to me again?" His words bore a hint of lingering resentment, a complex emotion he struggled to conceal.

"Damn it, Mike, things don't exactly have a smooth track record when we follow your plans," Sophia countered, her voice laced with defensiveness.

Mike, equally defensive, retorted, "And your plans aren't exactly foolproof either, Soph! But I'm the one who manages to get us out of the shit!" Their heated exchange bore the weight of past trials and the underlying tension that simmered within their close-knit group.

"We go in quietly and play things by ear. I'm confident we can persuade the crowd, magic or not. However, if the argument involving necromancy comes up, it could indeed pose a problem, at that point, we grab the key and dip. "Sophia's newfound comfort with mind magic was evident in her nonchalant implication of its use.

"Well, look at you, Mrs. Morality. Remember a time when you hated using mind magic? What the hell happened, huh?" Mike, skepticism unwavering, couldn't resist a jab.

Sophia didn't evade the question; instead, she openly shared her evolving perspective. "I have to admit, it's proven itself useful. Dominating their free will for the greater good, it saves lives and leaves them unharmed. If it means they won't face your blade, it's worth it. Besides, the similarities to necromancy are... intriguing." Sophia confessed, her morals gradually bending under the weight of their circumstances, especially concerning Mike. The trials they had faced had a way of bending one's principles before they broke completely.

As they continued through the streets on their way to the palace, Sophia's thoughts deepened. Her growing proficiency with mind magic, combined with the newfound ability to hear the voices of the dead, presented her with a unique perspective on life and death. Among the lively, bustling streets of Minerva, she couldn't help but notice the dead, their ethereal presence lingering as they observed their grieving families and staff. In this world, no matter their wealth or status, everyone met the same fate eventually.

Altheack's voice interrupted her reverie, pulling her back to the present. "I know you and Mike have your reasons for using necromancy, Sophia, but... it's still horrifying to witness. Even though those monsters were our allies, it was a terrifying sight. So, please avoid using it in front of others. While the explosion seems to be well-known, your use of dark magic like necromancy seems to be relatively unknown, and we should keep it that way," she advised Valicar as they approached the palace gates.

The grandeur of the palace and its opulent surroundings beckoned them. The streets were abuzz with nobility and elites, all adorned in magnificent masks and regal attire, each outfit a reflection of fantastical creatures. Women wore dresses resembling griffins and unicorns, while men donned fierce masks representing dragons and shadow panthers.

Valicar, acknowledging Altheack's request, responded, "Understood, Alth. If things go south, where would the key be?" Her gaze briefly flickered toward yet another soul departing the palace, a curious sight amidst the grand celebration.

Sophia's mind briefly flirted with the idea that the departing soul might have the knowledge they needed, but she quickly dismissed the notion. It would be a cruel act to subject an innocent person to the torment of their interrogation, even if it served their greater purpose.

The palace's grand masquerade ball was a sight to behold. Magical lights illuminated the vast expanse, casting a radiant and enchanting glow that danced across the faces of the revelers. Floating trays, imbued with arcane magic, glided gracefully through the air, delivering a dazzling array of delectable dishes and exquisite treats. The entire scene was a mesmerizing fusion of elegance, magic, and extravagance, a true embodiment of Minerva's opulence.

"The vault in the basement would be the most obvious choice," Altheack replied, her voice a low murmur as they followed her friend, Zorven, who expertly guided them to a side door. This discreet entrance allowed them to bypass the crowded main thoroughfare leading to the palace's grand ballroom.

Sophia, consulting the compass they had obtained long ago, confirmed, "Well, there's one here." The device pointed unerringly downward, indicating that the next key was located directly below their feet.

Mike chimed in with a wry grin, "But first, we have a party to crash."