Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 34: Beast

Aria pulled out a gray dress from the box, one Oak had kindly found for her when she first arrived at the Moon Tower. Most of her dresses were coarse and unrefined, none of them could be called elegant. She carefully put on the dress and walked over to the small mirror. Taking a few steps back, she could finally see her whole figure. She gazed at herself in the mirror, a complex wave of emotions rising in her heart. The dress was obviously too big, like wearing a large sack. The sleeves drooped to her knees, and the neckline was so wide it exposed half her shoulder, making it look particularly ill-fitting. She tugged at the dress, trying to make it appear a bit more suitable, but it was to no avail. She sighed in frustration, her disappointment growing.

Oak had given it to her, and she hadn't tried it on until now. She never expected it would look so terrible when worn. Reluctantly, she took off the dress and changed back into her uniform, feeling a mix of annoyance and unease. Gazing at herself in the mirror, she felt a bit better. However, for the grand banquet in the evening, that disastrous dress was her only option.

Thinking about the banquet filled Aria with complex emotions. She knew it would be filled with important figures, and she hoped she could hide away in some unnoticed corner.

Morning light streamed through the tall windows of the hall, where five major legions had gathered. The gray light cast on everyone's faces and figures. Oak stood out in the crowd, exceptionally tall. Aria squeezed through, feeling surrounded by a world both strange and familiar. Sable stood next to Oak, his eyes flashing with irritation at the crowd.

"I thought you'd overslept," Sable said sharply, with a hint of sarcasm.

"I was delayed changing clothes," Aria explained, pointing to the distance. "Are those purple-uniformed snake people the Venom Legion?"

"Yes, they are. The Venom Legion is exclusively snake people. Their Grand Mentor is Seraphina, a friendly ally. The women with coral-edged uniforms are from the Mercury Legion. The ones in gray with crescent moon badges are from the Lunarshade Legion. The red scorpions belong to the Tailsting Legion, Alpha's army," Sable explained calmly, showcasing his knowledge.

"We're the ones in deep blue," Oak reminded proudly, smiling broadly.

"Obviously, we all know we're in deep blue," Sable retorted, his tone dripping with disdain.

"What's in the Beast Arena?" Aria asked, feeling excited about participating in the grand Lunar Essence festival.

"It's the most important, intense, and anticipated event," Sable replied, sounding like a pompous announcer. "The Lunar King and the Grand Mentor will be there, so you'll get to see our ruler."

"But isn't the ruler a woman? Why is she called King?"

Sable and Oak looked at her, deeply shocked. Sable coughed lightly, trying to hide his surprise, then explained slowly, "Here, 'King' isn't just a title for men. It symbolizes supreme leadership. Our ruler prefers this title, so everyone respectfully calls her King. Officially, she's a regent, awaiting the true Lunar King's return."

"Return?" Aria asked, astonished.

Oak leaned in, his expression serious.

"Yes, return," Sable continued. "Each Lunar King inherits memories and wisdom from past lives. When he returns, the current queen will step down. This isn't widely known, as the queen dislikes it."

"You mean, with memories from each life?" Aria asked softly.

"Yes, though no one has seen the true Lunar King for years. I doubt the legend's truth or believe he's abandoned us."

"Sable, my grandmother said it's true," Oak interjected.

"Oh please, your grandmother doesn't even remember you," Sable scoffed.