Mother, youre going to strangle ! The cloaks fine!
Auslen was currently within his bedroom, standing in front of a large mirror with frustration written all over his small face as Amabellas fussy hands flew around his body, repeatedly adjusting his already perfect clothing.
He was overly dressed in the elaborate, nonfunctional red robes that his mother loved to have him wear. Above the robes sat a long black and gold cloak, which, thanks to his loving mother, was nearly choking the life out of him.
Two silver earrings dangled from his earlobes, both looking quite different from the previous earring-type Mystic Artifact he typically wore. However, the dark-green ring that usually sat on his left ring finger was strangely nowhere to be seen.
Amabella ignored Auslens pleas and moved her hands to his head, making sure the dark red ribbon was secure and not a strand of hair was out of place.
Auslen just sighed as he subconsciously rubbed his stomach. Even though he knew his mothers actions were ridiculous, he could only let her continue in silence. It would be a very long ti before they would be able to see each other once more, and this seed to be her way of dealing with the anxiety that the thought of their prolonged separation produced.
Cedrick, who was leaning against a nearby wall, used his leg to slightly propel himself forwards before he walked towards the duo.
He spoke, Let Auslen alone, Amabella. We need to be leaving soon if we are to make it to the Sect Entrance Examination on ti.
At Cedricks words, Amabellas eyes glistened and she wrapped Auslen in her arms tightly, seeming as if she had no intentions of letting him go within the near future.
Auslens muffled voice sounded within her embrace, Its okay, Mother. We can still talk to each other through our Voice Transmission Crystals. Ill co back and visit! I promise.
As if she had received what she really wanted to hear, Amabella pulled back with a beautiful smile on her face as she warned, You had better contact often, Auslen. Otherwise, dont bla for flying over to that Sect myself to embarrass you in front of all of your little friends!
While Auslen was rolling his eyes in his heart, knocking sounds ca from the closed oak door. Cedrick reached out to open the door, showing Vincents surprised face.
After bowing hastily, he quickly stepped aside to reveal Aiden.
Grandfather and Uncle Jai have arrived, Aiden announced before rotating his head to smile at Auslen.
Cedrick nodded silently and glanced at Amabella, who reached down to grab Auslens hand. Soon, the four mbers of the Royal Family were exiting the small palace. Vincents gray-robed figure was following closely behind, lugging a large leather bag on his backside.
Auslen!
Once Auslen alighted from the final step of the entryway with his mother, he was nearly tackled from the side by his enthusiastic cousin.
Auslen smiled slightly at Nathaniel before focusing his gaze behind the boy to the two n walking behind.
Tobias laughed with a deep, warm tone at the two children as he walked towards the group. He reached down to place his hand on Auslen's hair, but was quickly slapped away by Amabella.
"Oww!"
Tobias stared resentfully at his smiling daughter as he rubbed his hand in efforts to clear the stinging pain.
Ignoring the hint of mocking in Auslens laughter, he turned his gaze to Cedrick as he asked, Is everything prepared for departure?
While the two were discussing, the man that was previously standing beside Tobias beckoned towards Nathaniel.
Apparently unwilling to let Auslen go, Nathaniel dragged Auslen over to greet the tall man, with Vincent following behind from a distance.
Nathaniels excitent was obvious as he exclaid, Dad, Im going to leave with Auslen now!
The handso, young-looking man bent down slowly, allowing Auslen to get a clearer view of his uncle.
He was wearing a layered, deeply purple robe, with silver glasses framing his almond-colored eyes that matched his son's. His darker blonde hair was cut shoulder length, a style quite different to how it is normally worn in the Kingdom.
As Auslen was quietly observing the man, an incredibly gentle voice sounded from the mans lips.
I see. Im glad that you both have grown much closer during these past few months. It puts my heart at ease.
Reaching inside his purple robes, he took out a densely carved, foot-long wooden box and held it out towards Auslen.
Auslen lifted an eyebrow, taking the unexpected gift while he continued listening to the smiling Uncle Jai.
This is a small gift for taking care of Nathaniel so well.
As Auslen was beginning to open his mouth in thanks, a voice transmission caused him to still.
Do not open that box in public, nephew. Otherwise, youll end up causing quite the stir. Wait until you have isolated yourself within your residence at the Sect. Take it as my and your aunts thanks, as we truly appreciate your help in taking care of our son.
After listening to his uncles voice transmission, Auslen didn't think on it anymore and cautiously put away the long box with a grateful smile on his face. anwhile, Nathaniels eyes began to water as his face reddened with obvious envy.
While throwing himself into his fathers arms, he whined, Why did you only give Auslen a present? I want one too!
Auslen stood back while watching as his uncle calmly comforted Nathaniel, internally shaking his head in slight disapproval.
Jai was Amabellas younger brother, and they shared so common traits. However, the gentleness that his uncle constantly exuded, a trait of which his mother was often found lacking, was far beyond the normal standard, at least when it cos to properly raising a child. It was no wonder Nathaniel turned out as spoiled and bratty as he was.
However, Auslen did not bla Jai, nor his wife, for their horrid parenting skills.
As he considered his grandfathers words, he postulated that his uncles actions perhaps had sothing to do with his cultivation path. However, even if that were the case, it did not make Auslens upcoming babysitting duty any simpler.
He just hoped that his uncles gift was worth all of this extra effort.
Suddenly, Auslen heard heels clacking on the stone path beside him, dragging him from his thoughts.
Would my handso little nephew like a gift from his Auntie?
Amabella had also kneeled herself down, holding out a silver bracelet in her fair fingertips.
Auslen imdiately noticed that the bracelet was a Mystic Artifact.
When he was learning about the various professions that cultivators typically pursued, he had co to understand that his mother was quite the accomplished Mystic Artisan. She was capable of creating all types of Mystic Artifacts, but jewelry seed to be a particular favorite of hers.
Nathaniel quickly turned himself from his fathers embrace, eyes sparkling as his gaze centered on the beautiful bracelet.
His brown hair whipped wildly as he hurried over to his Aunt, sticking his arm out in excited impatience.
Amabella giggled before sliding the oversized bracelet onto his small arm. As soon as it touched his skin, the silver bracelet quickly began to shrink until it fit Nathaniels arm size perfectly.
While Nathaniel was waving his arm around in the air excitedly, Cedrick and Tobias walked over to join their small group.
Tobias looked at the two children and turned his head to Cedrick in question. Its about ti, isnt it?
Cedrick nodded his head and announced, Its ti.
As soon as he spoke, the sunlight had dimd considerably all of a sudden, causing everyone to look up towards the sky.
Auslens eyebrows raised as he took in their mode of transportation.
It was a large, 20-ter-long ship, floating silently above the treetops. Its wooden finish was a shade of green so dark, it appeared nearly black. Its entire body was streamlined, seemingly bearing no sails nor upper deck, and silver embellishnts generously decorated the exterior.
Another boat? Sohow, it seems that flying boats are the trend around here. I cannot, for the life of , understand the appeal
Seeing that they were about to depart, Amabella reached out to hug Auslen one last ti as she spoke.
When you settle down at the Sect, make sure that you take care of yourself and your cousin well. If you need anything, please contact or your father promptly
I will, Mother!
Make sure to keep in contact, Auslen! Ill co and visit you at your sect one day!
Auslen turned his towards his brother with a laugh.
I promise, Aiden!
This ti, after he had finished speaking, Auslen felt the air around him suddenly transform, as if it were condensing or hardening into a sort of protective barrier or shell. Soon after, Auslen, Vincent, and Nathaniels bodies floated up in the air, rotating slightly around Cedrick sowhat comically.
Without any more words, Cedrick shot towards the sky, bringing the three boys along as they disappeared into a hatch that had opened on the side of the airship.
Wow!
Auslen calmly walked beside Vincent and Cedrick while watching his cousins restless figure running around the wide corridor, his head swinging around as he looked into every open room he could find.
Even Vincent looked starry-eyed as he peeked through the large porthole windows in wonder.
Auslen chuckled silently at the two before glancing through the porthole himself.
Surprisingly, Auslen couldnt help but stop in place as he gazed outside.
At so point during the re monts they had arrived inside the airship, they had already bolted far away into the distance. In fact, Auslen could just barely see the outline of the Royal Palace before it instantly disappeared into the innurable buildings that made up the Capital City.
He walked closer to the window to look downwards. The terrain below was not even clearly visible, only looking like the biggest and most vibrant abstract oil painting he had ever seen, colors constantly blending and bending in his perception due to their incredible speed.
I didnt even feel us taking off! Wheres the inertia? Or the sound generated from the massive amounts of air resistance that was surely affecting the airship?
After forcing himself to stopping thinking of questions he couldnt answer, Auslen rubbed his right hand across the wooden walls in appreciation of the remarkable engineering that went into constructing such a flying machine.
Abruptly, Vincents concerned voice interrupted his thoughts, Is your stomach feeling alright, Your Highness?
Auslen's golden eyes widened slightly as he lowered his head to notice his other hand subconsciously rubbing his stomach in soothing motions.
Oh.
Auslen placed his arm down by his side, smiling as he spoke in reassurance, Im fine, Vincent. I guess I ate a bit too much during breakfast.
Is it indigestion? I have so d
Hell be fine, Vincent.
Before Vincent could pull anything out of his leather bag, he was interrupted by Cedrick, who had already turned his eyes to face Auslens slightly accusing gaze.
Ignoring his sons expression, Cedrick said, We should catch up to your cousin before he gets himself lost. It wont be long before we reach our destination.
No way. We just left minutes prior, and we still have to cross hundreds of thousands of miles before we leave the
Auslens thoughts stilled as he glanced outside once more, nearly gasping aloud at the sight.
The buildings, people, and even the land were suddenly gone, replaced by sparse, blurry clouds and an endless expanse of a mystifying body of water.
Its water, while remarkably clear, did not carry the usual shades of blue, but rather, a crystalline yellow! At their unbelievable speeds, the body of water vaguely resembled an incomprehensibly large sheet of expensive yellow silk that glistened under the brilliant rays of the morning sun.
The Amber Sea? Weve traveled such an exaggerated distance already?
While Auslen wondered why his own silver boat wasnt nearly as travel-efficient, the group made it to an open area located at the bow of the ship, where they saw Nathaniel staring captivated in front of a huge window.
Auslen chuckled at his cousin's entranced expression, which drew Nathaniels attention towards him.
Auslen! Co look!
Auslen slowly walked next to the boy to gaze out the window, squinting slightly as he observed the scenery. After another mont, he understood what Nathaniel had been screaming about.
Through the clouds, he could see a humongous land mass in the rapidly approaching distance.
As they arrived above the land mass, Auslen could see majestic, sweeping hills of vegetation, presenting colors of bright reds, oranges, and yellows that continued to grow denser as every second passed. Continuous stretches of towering mountains lood in every direction, quite unlike the flat lands of the Western Empyrean Continent.
Cedrick walked from behind to stand beside the two children and spoke in brief introduction.
Welco to the Eastern Empyrean Continent, the land of the Heaven-Reaching Mountains.
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