Eldoria: The Awakening

Chapter V

The captain's gaze flickers, a faint glimmer of recognition in his eyes as he spots the crest on the Sky Whale - the symbol of the Hikarikage clan. His warm facade falters for a moment, a shadow crossing his face, but he quickly recovers.

"Ah... the Hikarikage," he says, his tone now edged with caution, though he tries to mask it with a polite smile. "Welcome to our city."

The other guards stiffen slightly, their hands subtly shifting closer to their weapons. The name Hikarikage carries a heavy weight, a legacy of fear and mistrust that has seeped into the bones of every man, woman, and child in the city. The clan's history, marked by the devastation of war, has left deep scars, and the mere mention of their name stirs old wounds.

Lucian feels the tension in the air, a familiar sensation he's grown accustomed to. He steps forward, his expression calm, though his heart pounds in his chest. His uncle, Jin, remains silent at his side, his eyes cold and unreadable.

"We seek passage," Lucian says, his voice steady, though he can feel the weight of the captain's gaze, searching for any sign of weakness.

The captain nods, his hand finally leaving the hilt of his sword, though his posture remains guarded. "Of course. The gates will be opened for you. But," he hesitates, his eyes narrowing slightly, "I must ask your business in our city."

Lucian senses the unspoken question behind the captain's words: Why are members of the Hikarikage clan, infamous and feared, seeking entry here? He knows the suspicions that linger, the rumors that have followed his family for generations. But he also knows that to show any sign of doubt or hesitation would be a mistake.

"We are here for the Awakening," Lucian replies, his voice firm. "Nothing more."

The captain studies him for a long moment, the silence between them thick with unspoken tension. Finally, he nods, stepping aside. "Very well. You may enter."

The gates creak open, and the Sky Whale glides forward, passing through the city's threshold. As they move deeper into the city, Lucian can feel the eyes of the citizens upon them - some filled with fear, others with contempt. Whispers follow in their wake, echoing through the narrow streets, but Lucian keeps his head held high, ignoring the murmurs that cling to the Hikarikage name like a curse.

Jin, as always, says nothing, his expression carved from stone. Lucian knows better than to expect any words of reassurance from his uncle.

As Lucian and Jin dock the Sky Whale, they step onto the bustling streets of the capital city. The city is breathtaking, with towering spires of white marble, golden domes that catch the light of the sun, and wide, clean streets lined with lush trees and vibrant flowers. The air is filled with the scent of jasmine and the hum of life as citizens go about their day. The grandeur of the city only serves to heighten Lucian's nerves as they prepare for the Awakening.

They make their way through the city, eventually finding themselves at a hotel. The establishment is nothing short of an art gallery, with high ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes, polished marble floors, and walls lined with priceless paintings and sculptures. Jin, ever practical, suggests finding a cheaper place to stay, but Lucian, eager to impress his uncle, insists on booking the most expensive hotel they can find-a five-star establishment. He doesn't want distractions, just focus for the Awakening.

Lucian approaches the receptionist, a young woman who greets him with a polite smile. However, her expression quickly shifts to surprise when Lucian informs her that he wants to book the entire hotel. "The whole hotel?" she repeats, her voice laced with disbelief. "Are you sure, sir? This is highly unusual, and the cost-"

"I don't want any noise," Lucian interrupts, his tone sharp as he tries to maintain a confident front. "I need to be fully locked in for the Awakening."