Rise of Legends - DISCONTINUED

Auction

(A/N: A reader made me realise that there are a ton of plotholes that I need to cover, so I won't really be progressing the story today but covering them instead. To be honest, this chapter also helped introduce another one of Alistair's powers so I'm not complaning.)

Arthur POV:

I was waiting in the living room downstairs with Alistair for my father and Vince to get ready. Alistair had a disguise magic tool he got from his mother to hide his pointy ears.

Suddenly, I heard an obnoxious knock from the front door.

'Sheesh, knocking once is plenty.'

I let out a slightly annoyed shout that I'd get it since I was close by, anyway. No need to trouble the maids when I was right next to door.

"Who's ther—OOF!"

I was hit with the nostalgic sensation of getting smothered by a pair of foam pillows. A classic way of assassination, but shouldn't it be used while I'm sleeping?

"Oh my goodness! You were alive! Look how big you've gotten! I'm so sorry, Art! I wasn't able to protect you! I'm so glad!" the lady sniffled.

"Mmfph! Mmmfph!"

"Angela, I don't think he can breathe..." A comforting voice pointed out.

"Eep! S-Sorry!" Angela squealed.

Peeling my face away, I smiled at the sight of my companions. "It's so good seeing you guys again!"

My giant guardian angel, Durden, patted my head and I saw his narrow eyes getting watery, triggering a tear from me as well.

Adam smacked me on the butt. "Little brat! You know how devastated everyone was because of what happened? It's good to see you again, hehe."

"You've gotten better-looking, Arthur." I turned to see the charismatic Helen Shard with her signature bow still strapped to her back squat down in front of me. She lightly pinched my cheek and gave me a sympathetic smile before standing back up.

Suddenly, I'm embraced again, but this time, I was thoroughly surprised. "Sniff."

It was Jasmine. That cold, aloof Jasmine. She kept mute as she just tightened her arms around me, letting out soft sniffles.

I couldn't resist the urge to pet her head when she suddenly peeled herself away from me, her face scarlet. Quickly standing up and trying to regain composure, she shot me an embarrassed nod and turned away.

"Ah hello," Alistair greeted them in a flustered manner.

"Awww, who is this cute kid?" Angela asked as she hugged him.

After I was explained about Alistair, all the Twin Horns were looking after him like he was their own son.

At this time, Sylvie woke up from her nap on the couch and trotted towards us.

"Woah! What is that?" Adam exclaimed. The rest of the Twin Horns had the same expression of surprise as even Jasmine turned back to look at the mysterious mana beast.

"She's my contracted beast, Sylvie," I announced while my bond hopped on top of my head.

"Holy crap! You already have a contracted beast? Do you know how valuable it is to have a bond? Oh man, I've been trying to look for a beast to tame these past few years but with no luck. The ones that they sell are way too expensive, too, lucky brat!" Adam was practically pulling his hair out in jealousy.

"What's with all the commotion down...Ah! You guys are here!" My father, wearing his uniform, leaped down the flight of stairs and rushed toward his ex-party members.