Levinia and Kanon had just arrived near the gates of Solis Keep. It only took them 30 minutes to get here after what was essentially a light sprint and jumping through treetops.
Although Levinia was supposed to be the perfect model for a prim and proper lady, she did let her wild side loose on the rare occasions when she was out of sight. They were now walking through a few scarcely spaced Torii gates, heading towards the massive city. Sakura trees lay on either side of the path, littering the brick road they walked with their flourishing petals.
Approaching the city, one could make out a few floating structures above it. They were known as the "Unseen Isles" and their purposes, though largely unknown, were said to vary. Some were rumored to be harsh training grounds, while others were supposedly private properties that high ranking officials used for meetings.
(I wonder what they meant by unseen....)
Kanon thought as he gazed upon the floating structures. The ironic nature of the name had left him with hopeless curiosity. The massive city stretched as far as the eye could see, the entire thing being encircled by an enormous white wall about 50 meters high. It was surprisingly smooth to the touch and was made from some strange material. At the center of the mighty wall were two large metal doors, crafted in a curved way that allowed them to seamlessly open and close without even so much as a screech.
They each possessed half of the distinctive symbol belonging to the Silva clan, which would be revealed in its entirety, including its metallic splendor, when both were brought together and closed. There were two actual guards on standby here, stationed on top of the huge wall in some kind of platform, dressed in lightweight equipment. They gave Levinia and gentle nod and were completely indifferent to Kanon's presence. Stepping inside the fortified city, the boy's golden eyes gradually began to fade, the once golden sheen his eyes had now completely gone, as if it was never even there in the first place.
There were two major misconceptions about the Asura on the main continent of Cian. It was mostly due to a lack of knowledge, but the fact remained the same. The first myth was that they were a single clan, but this wasn't true. Although they were of the same race for the most part, the four noble families were akin to different factions and because of this even though they were united under royalty, the nation had no flag to represent them as a whole. Instead, every major family sported its clan symbol as a means of representation, and that included the royal family as well, it was done to show respect to each clan's uniqueness.
The second was that all Asura had golden eyes as one of their defining features. While it was true that they did possess this unique characteristic, it was something of a rarity among them. The silver hair was their true defining feature more than anything else. The term used to describe it was "Arcane Blood" and it referred to those who had the ability to draw out the peak of their bloodline's potential. It was something of a mutation within a unique bloodline and in the case of the Asura, it often resulted in the individual manifesting the Goetia.
These eyes were what allowed members of the Asura to see and utilize the invisible energy Known as arcanum that passed through the planet's mystic Ley Lines. Without the Goetia,using arcanum was still possible for the Asura, but ordinary people wouldn't be able to use it with the same degree of proficiency as those who had manifested the golden eyes.
This was why anybody looking to join Alanor's fighting force had to either possess the Goetia or be an exceptional talent in their own right. Possessing the Goetia was a definite advantage, no matter how you looked at it, and this is why they were a highly coveted aspect of the culture here. Arcane Blood had given some people an advantage from birth and those with it had only come to know admiration and praise throughout their life.
That was the case for all but one, the boy who had just stepped through the gates of Solis Keep. He earned stares of confusion and contempt simply for entering his home city, and the malicious whispers he got sounded more like a hex than anything else. To no one's surprise everyone else here had either ashen grey, white or silver hair, and he was the only exception. His jet-black hair made him stand out conspicuously in the sea of lighter shades, a striking contrast that seemed to challenge the very stares of contempt he was getting.
Kanon was believed to be under a "curse," a notion that purportedly explained his contrasting appearance, as the rumors circulated. This earned him the epithet "Tainted Pariah." Nevertheless, despite this supposed "curse," he had successfully manifested the Goetia the zenith of the Asura's potential, a feat that had eluded even some nobles throughout their lifetimes. This accomplishment simultaneously made him a subject of scorn and envy.
"Pitying us again?"
"That cursed Outcast"
"Him again"
Those were just a few of the never-ending taunts that were headed the boy's way. Levinia on the other hand was greeted with nothing but friendly faces and smiles. The difference in treatment they were both subject to was like night and day. Although she was returning the goodwill she was getting in the same faith, Kanon could easily tell that she was actually angry, being her friend for so many years, he didn't need Senken for that. Her pace slowed to match that of the boy slowly walking behind her seemingly absorbed in the bizarre scenery.
They had crossed the threshold of the city via the northern gate, which brought them into the heart of the Silva clan's territory, aptly named "Lumina Grove." At first sight, it resembled an enchanting blend of Edo-period Japan and the charm of old English architecture, an unlikely pairing that remarkably complemented each other. The way the wooden structures of traditional Japanese design seamlessly intertwined with the solidity of brick and stone was a testament to the artistry of the builders. The buildings, while mostly small scale, were arranged with such precision that despite the bustling activity, there was an airy spaciousness that prevailed, even with numerous individuals strolling about accompanied by high-level mana beasts, as if such a sight were an everyday occurrence.
There were even two kids walking around with a wolf almost three times their size. Its fur was coated in black and while this had initially seemed like a dire situation without context, the creature was only entertaining their curiosity, even going so far as to carry them both on its back. Weapons of all kinds were commonplace in this section of the city as just about anyone of age who passed by had one affixed to their hip, back or some other easily accessed part of their body. In an alley near the duo, a line had formed outside a specific shop. The cacophony of loud metal clanks echoed as a hammer struck semi-molten steel within, yet the rhythmic symphony didn't deter the waiting customers. Their faces displayed eagerness, undeterred by the rhythmic pulse, as they awaited their turn to enter.
Having walked along the city's hustle and bustle in silence,Levinia spoke once they found themselves alone on a paved brick road, mere minutes away from their destination. She fixed a sad gaze on Kanon, her expression speaking volumes.
"Why did you take them Off?"
"Whatever do you mean, lady Levinia?" his response sounded totally uncharacteristic of him.
"Tch!" Her words got stuck halfway on their way out.
"Why did you deactivate the Goetia"
She had noticed for a while not but had chosen to remain quiet so as to not cause a scene. Kanon's eyes now reflected a light shade of azure blue instead of its usual golden color. All one needed to do was channel arcanum through the optic nerves to activate the Goetia and there were even those able to do it subconsciously, keeping their golden sight active 24/7, Levinia being one of them. Since his eyes were a major reason for the contempt he got, he had decided to limit the use of the Goetia inside the city as much as possible.
Doing that, however, had produced the opposite effect. Word about the black-haired youth who possessed the Goetia had already spread throughout the city, so his act of humility was seen as an act of pity. Kanon's expression faltered in turn, and he wore a solemn look before speaking.
"It was for the best. Walking in here like normal would have made things even harder, even more so since I was walking with you, a noble. I'm already hated but I don't want your name to be sullied because of me."
"Huh? Sully my name? That's thinking too far into it. You need only to ignore the pointless ramblings and prove yourself. That way nobody can dispute your earned power. We've been friends for years now so any damage to my name has already been done."
"I don't think that's something a noble should be saying."
"S-Shut Up! As long as you get the point. Now come on."
"On my way Milady"
The boy wore a thin smile as he once again resumed his march behind his now flustered companion.