Chapter 94: A First Glimpse
As Lucien and everyone got out of the building, he was surprised by the view before him.
The view of Aethel Academy.
He had heard stories. Read about it in books. But seeing it with his own eyes was different.
The academy stretched across the horizon like a city carved from light and stone. He could see towers of pale marble piercing the sky, their peaks disappearing into the clouds. He could see floating platforms hovering in the air, connected by bridges of silver light that swayed slightly as students walked across them. The breeze carried the faint scent of flowers and the distant hum of Originat, rich and alive.
Below, he could see courtyards sprawling with gardens of glowing flora. Petals shimmered in blues, golds, and violets, their light pulsing gently like a heartbeat. He could see trees with silver and emerald leaves lining the winding paths. He could see students sitting beneath them, some reading, some talking, some just staring at the sky.
In the distance, he could see a massive structure dominating the skyline. Pillars towered above everything else, holding up a dome that seemed to carry the sky itself. He could see flags bearing an unfamiliar emblem fluttering in the wind. Beyond it, he saw mountains rising in the distance, their peaks dusted with snow. He saw waterfalls cascading down their sides, forming rainbows that arched across the valley.
Everything was new. Everything was strange. Overwhelming.
Lucien stood still, his breath caught in his throat. He had imagined the academy many times. But this, this was beyond anything he had pictured.
Seraphina stepped beside him, her hand slipping into his. "Beautiful, isn’t it?"
"It is," Lucien said, his eyes taking in the sight before him.
He glanced through it all. This was where his new journey would start. This was where he would get stronger.
Seraphina smiled. "You’ll learn everything in time."
Lilith appeared on his other side. "This is where you’ll grow stronger, darling."
Alexia stood behind them, her golden eyes scanning the unfamiliar structures. She said nothing, but her presence was steady.
Lucien let out a slow breath. He didn’t recognize anything. He didn’t understand anything. But he was here.
The Aethel Academy.
He smiled. A small, tired, genuine smile.
"Yeah," he said softly. "Let’s see what this place has in store for me."
After a while, he glanced behind him to check the building. He hadn’t heard any sign of collapse. When he looked, he saw all the cracks had healed.
"Oh, I keep forgetting the houses are different from our past life," Lucien laughed.
He had expected the building to collapse, but it had been imprinted with runes that automatically healed it. The stone was smooth again, as if nothing had happened.
"Oh yeah, where’s Cupcake?" Lucien thought, remembering his other pet. It had been a while since he had seen it.
CHIRP!
Lucien heard the familiar voice. But where it was coming from was surprising.
He glanced at the source. From between Seraphina’s breasts, a small head puffed out as Cupcake drowsily opened its eyes. Its scales glowed faintly, still warm from its resting place. Its tiny golden eyes blinked sleepily, adjusting to the sunlight.
Lucien’s eye twitched as he tried to hold his anger when he saw where it had been sleeping. His fingers curled slightly at his sides.
Cupcake yawned, its tiny fangs glinting, and let out another soft chirp. It seemed completely content, nestled in the warmth of Seraphina’s cleavage.
Seraphina looked down and smiled. "Oh, Cupcake. You’re awake."
Lilith glanced at the scene and rolled her eyes. "Of course it’s sleeping there."
Lucien pinched the bridge of his nose. His headache was returning.
"Cupcake," he said, his voice strained. "Come here."
"Master!" Cupcake was delighted when it saw Lucien, having not seen him in close to two weeks.
The little Qilin chirped happily and leaped from Seraphina’s chest, landing gracefully on Lucien’s shoulder. It nuzzled against his neck, purring softly. Its warmth spread across his skin, a familiar comfort.
He looked at the little Qilin, wanting to spank it. See where it was sleeping? He hadn’t even enjoyed that comfort, and here was his pet enjoying it. The warmth of Seraphina’s body, the softness of her skin, and this little creature had claimed it as its bed.
Looking at its innocent gaze, Lucien sighed. He didn’t have the heart to do it. The little Qilin blinked up at him with its big golden eyes, completely unaware of the jealousy brewing in its master’s heart.
Others noticed his gaze on Cupcake. Seraphina, who was quick to pick up on what was happening, tried to suppress her laughter.
"Darling, are you jealous?" Seraphina asked, holding back her laughter.
Lucien’s face flushed slightly. "What? No. I’m not jealous. Why would I be jealous? It’s just a pet."
His voice was too quick. Too defensive. The words tumbled out before he could stop them.
Seraphina’s eyes sparkled. "Oh, really?"
"Really," Lucien said flatly, crossing his arms.
Lilith smirked. "Then why is your ear red?"
Lucien’s hand instinctively shot up to his ear. It was warm. He cursed inwardly, his jaw tightening.
Seraphina burst out laughing. "You are jealous! You’re jealous of a Qilin!"
Lilith joined in, her laughter soft but genuine. "Darling, you’re adorable when you’re flustered."
Lucien’s face turned redder. "I’m not jealous. I just think it’s... inappropriate. That’s all."
Cupcake tilted its head, completely oblivious to the conversation. It chirped happily and nuzzled deeper into Lucien’s neck, its tiny body warm against his skin.
Seraphina wiped a tear from her eye. "Don’t worry, darling. There’s plenty of room for you too."
Lucien’s eye twitched. "I’m not sleeping there."
Lilith giggled. "Of course not, darling."
Seraphina and Lilith exchanged a knowing glance. Their laughter continued, light and teasing.
Lucien sighed heavily. He was surrounded by madness.
"Let’s just go," he said, his voice tired. "Before I lose my mind."
He started walking toward the academy, Cupcake still perched on his shoulder. The little Qilin’s warmth was a small comfort against the chaos of his life.
Behind him, Seraphina and Lilith followed, still chuckling.
Alexia walked silently beside them, her golden eyes watching everything.
Lucien shook his head. His life was absurd. But at least it was never boring.
A/N: We are just eight golden tickets away from a bonus Chapter. Let’s not forget the reader’s missions too.
· For every 50 Golden Tickets, a bonus Chapter is rewarded.
· For every 100 Power Stones, a bonus Chapter is rewarded.
· For every gift worth 1,000 coins, a bonus Chapter is rewarded.
· For every Dragon, four bonus Chapters are rewarded.
· For every Magic Castle, nine bonus Chapters are rewarded.
· For every Spacecraft, twelve bonus Chapters are rewarded.
· For every Golden Gachapon, fifteen bonus Chapters are rewarded.
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