After swearing the Oath with Lord Sialumis, the ti finally ca.
Emilia was given a few precious minutes to say goodbye to her parents.
Needless to say, Ariana was the most sentintal. She fussed endlessly, reminding Emilia to eat well, sleep early, stay out of danger, and even to be cautious of suspicious n who might approach her because of her unrivaled beauty. Tears welled in her eyes as she clung to Emilia, her body trembling, unwilling to let go.
At last, Draco had to step in and gently separate them, though his own reluctance was plain on his face. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his daughter’s forehead.
"Wherever you go, may the light of the Silvervein Clan be with you," he whispered.
"Thank you... Father..." Emilia replied, her voice quivering.
"Emilia... take care," Draco said, his deep voice carrying both pride and sorrow.
Then, turning to Lord Sialumis, he bowed deeply.
"Please, Lord Guardian Deity, I entrust my daughter to your care."
Sialumis inclined her massive head in solemn acknowledgnt.
And with a wave of divine light, Draco and Ariana were teleported away, leaving Emilia standing alone before the Guardian of her clan.
***
Now, it was just Emilia, Mimi, and Sialumis.
"Co here, Emilia. I will grant you a new disguise," the Divine Dragon said.
"Yes, Lord Sialumis," Emilia replied softly. She stepped forward and knelt before the radiant being.
Sialumis raised one massive claw, her talon glowing. The mont it brushed against Emilia’s head, the Silvervein girl’s body began to shine. White glyphs of ancient letters swirled around her like a living stream of light, wrapping her in their radiance.
And then, when the glow finally faded, Emilia’s appearance had completely changed.
She glanced back at Mimi with a small, knowing smile.
And Mimi... froze.
"WOOOOOAAAHHHH!" she squealed.
Because now—even she could hardly recognize her master!
Emilia’s snowy-white hair had turned into a shimring light blue, her long flowing hair style replaced by a short, confident cut. Her sapphire eyes had darkened into a deep shade, sharp and striking, and there was even a black crescent-moon earring glinted from one ear, giving her an edgy, daring look!
With this, no one would ever think she was a Silvervein anymore!
Yet, despite the changes, Emilia’s beauty hadn’t dimd. If anything, it had grown even more radiant! There was a fresh kind of charm to her now. So confident, so strong, and untad.
Mimi’s heart skipped.
"ow!"
She loved this! After all, she had always adored bold, powerful heroines in the gas and ani she played and watched! And now, Emilia looked like she had stepped straight out of that dream.
Mimi gave the dragon a big thumbs-up!
"Lord Sialumis, oga good job!"
Sialumis chuckled softly at the little Noctifelis’s enthusiasm.
"So, Emilia, how do you like it? Mimi clearly seems to be enjoying your new look as well," she said.
As her words faded, a mirror of shimring light materialized before Emilia.
And even she was stunned.
"Ah! I love it!" Emilia gasped, leaning closer to inspect her reflection from every possible angle. Her fingers brushed her new hair, her eyes sparkling. "And wow! This hairstyle... it’s perfect for combat too!"
Lord Sialumis’s lips curved into a satisfied smile.
"I’m glad it pleases you."
"Nn!" Emilia nodded eagerly.
With a gentle tap of her claw, Sialumis dissolved the mirror into particles of light.
"Now then, let us move on," she said, her tone turning more serious. "I will list the possible cities where you may undergo your rite. Listen carefully, both of you, and then give your final decision."
"Ah, yes!" Emilia replied quickly.
"Very good," Sialumis answered with a nod.
And with that, the Divine Dragon began her explanation.
Though Emilia already had a destination in mind, she still listened with full focus. To interrupt or appear careless before Lord Sialumis would have been nothing short of disrespectful.
***
There were, once again, six choices.
Martonia and Verdelun were both large, prosperous cities. They were safe, stable, and well-suited for those who just want to pass the trial without any risk.
Then there was Port Azure. Though its dungeons were not much harder than those in Martonia or Verdelun, the city itself was steeped in chaos. Illegal markets thrived there, slave trading ran rampant, and danger lurked in every corner.
Next ca Silvanya, a border city near the Elven Kingdom, and Aquilonia, a settlent buried deep in a frozen northern valley. Both were known for their difficult dungeons, but the rewards were equally great.
And finally... there was Duskwald—the most dangerous place of all.
Alexander had warned her very clearly: no matter what happens, never choose Port Azure or Duskwald. The risk was simply too great.
Emilia had thought this through as well.
Yes, she still wanted a place in Luminaris Academy. Yes, she wanted to stand among the top participants of the Rite of the Dragon Vein, simply because she carried the burden of being the Silvervein Clan Head’s daughter.
But she also knew her situation. Fa and glory didn’t matter right now. What mattered was safety—for herself and for Mimi.
There was no point in walking into unnecessary danger.
"Lord Sialumis, I choose Verdelun," Emilia declared at last.
"Ah, an excellent choice," Sialumis replied, and a visible relief softened her divine face. "It is safe, beautiful, and full of opportunities. To be honest, I was worried you might recklessly choose Duskwald, haha..."
"Well, I can be reckless sotis..." Emilia admitted with a small exhale. "But I’m not foolish enough to walk straight into my own grave. Right?"
"True." Sialumis nodded. "So just take your ti. Enjoy Verdelun. Try all kinds of food there, will you? And if you can, visit so of the nearby towns as well. Treat this not as a trial, but as a chance to explore the world and enjoy all the wonders it can offer."
"Yes, I will do that, Lord Sialumis." Emilia nodded with a bright smile.
But before she could say more—
ow!
OW!
It was Mimi!
"Eh? What’s wrong?" Emilia turned in surprise, watching her tiny companion stomp her paws and ow furiously, her tail standing straight up.
Sialumis blinked, taken aback. "Huh? Are you certain, Mimi? Verdelun is safe and full of blessings. There’s no need to insist on that other place!"
But Mimi was having none of it. She had also made her choice.
Not Verdelun.
"Duskwald! Lord Sialumis, I want to go to Duskwald!"
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