Chapter 13: Lightning Delights
The four reached a towering building at the heart of the village. Unlike the simple homes and even the chief's manor, this structure radiated wealth and power. A sprawling garden surrounded it, lanterns casting warm light across trimmed hedges and polished stone paths. The people entering were sharply dressed — suits, tailored coats, even flashes of urban fashion — outsiders who clearly did not belong to the rustic village.
Guards manned every entrance and exit, their presence far more imposing than the lax sentries at the village gates. As Ana approached, they straightened instantly.
"We greet the young miss," they chorused, saluting. Ana merely nodded, dragging Jin forward as Taka and Tor followed behind.
"The first five floors are goods of different levels. The last two are restaurants," Ana explained briskly, breezing past the bustling lower floors. Merchants haggled, nobles browsed, attendants bowed — but Ana ignored them all.
By the sixth floor, the atmosphere shifted. The restaurant level gleamed with glamour: jeweled walls, chandeliers dripping with crystal, furniture carved from rare woods. Patrons dined and laughed, their voices echoing in the opulent hall. Yet neither Tor nor Jin showed the slightest awe. Ana noticed, her lips twitching faintly.
"Lady Ana, I do not believe it is proper to bring just anyone into the top floor of Lightning Delights," a stationed guard said, blocking their path. His eyes flicked dismissively over Tor and Jin. "Only VIPs within the elite are allowed."
Ana's gaze hardened. "You say you don't wish to act presumptuous, yet you dare stop me and call my guests 'just anyone'?" Her contempt cut sharper than steel. She swept past without slowing.
"I will report this to the clan head," the head attendant declared, stepping into their path.
"Go ahead," Taka replied calmly. His aura flared — a crushing wave of power that hurled the attendant into the wall. Blood trickled from the man's lips as he cursed under his breath.
"Big bro Taka is very strong," Jin remarked as they were escorted to a private partition on the VIP floor. Tor wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic.
"This is nothing for him," Ana said proudly. "Just wait until you see what he does to the horde that's coming."
They settled at a table. Jin, hungry from the day's journey, ordered a mountain of food. Platters soon filled the table, steam rising from spiced meats and fragrant rice.
"I was surprised to see two children at the village gates at this hour," Taka said, curiosity in his voice. "It's strange. Where are you from?"
Ana shot him a look, shaking her head.
"I cannot answer that," Jin said uneasily. Taka let the matter drop.
"Then at least tell us where you're going. Perhaps we can help," Ana offered, steering the conversation.
"Are you the heiress of the Lightning Pavilion?" Jin asked suddenly, ignoring the question.
"I will answer yours if you answer mine," Ana replied, stubbornness flashing in her eyes.
"We can't tell you our destination," Tor said, leaning forward. "But we do wish to pass through the Lightning Pavilion."
"Really? Aren't you worried about the dangers on the road?" Taka asked, baffled by their calm.
"No. So are you the heiress?" Jin pressed again.
Ana sighed. "No. The Pavilion isn't even on this continent. I'm a descendant, but the Lightning Delights — the African branch — is run by my family."
Tor frowned in thought. "Hmm. Doesn't that mean we'll need a plane to reach the Pavilion?"
"Yes," Ana said, smiling. "But perhaps my father will let you use the Lightning Bird. It's fast, and it flies straight there."
As they ate, a man approached. He wore a dark blue blazer so deep it looked black under the lights. Slim, clean‑shaven, with a sinister gleam in his eyes, he carried himself like poison.
"Miss Ana," he sneered, "not only have you picked up a stray dog, but now you've graduated to kittens. If you wanted children so badly, why didn't you let my young master put one in you earlier?" His mocking stare locked on Taka.
The seventh floor was smaller, less crowded, but his words drew every eye to their table. Taka's aura flared with rage, but he was only a second‑step saint. The man — IK — clearly had wealth and mana to match his arrogance.
"IK, don't push your luck because I am silent," Ana said coldly. "Do you know what will happen to you here in Lightning Delights if I get mad?"
"Don't get so worked up," IK replied, smirking. "This time we're all on the same boat. Why don't we work together? Or is it hard for underlings of the Pavilion to act civilized?"
"Oh, but it is you who is uncivilized," Ana shot back. "Coming in the stead of your master, who knows his proposals will be rejected. That makes you the coward's dog."
IK's face twisted. "You bitch. Watch what happens to this dog you cherish. You'll regret your disrespect. You'll beg my master to ravage you while I enjoy every second—"
"Shut up."
Jin's voice cut through the air. The atmosphere shifted violently. For a heartbeat, time slowed. Her aura spiked, sharp and overwhelming, then vanished as quickly as it came.
IK froze, shaken. For that single second, he had felt something that terrified him.
The head of Ana's guards stepped forward, his presence heavy, as silence fell across the floor.