The Empire of the Eclipse was the sole human-led country on the Paxurus continent. Founded a millennium ago by the Two Blades of Sun and Moon, Eclipse had always been a powerhouse due to its focus on the research of knowledge, combat arts, and magic—a culture passed down by the first-generation heroes that is still upheld today. Based on the easternmost side of Paxurus, the empire is governed by three major kingdoms and twelve minor ones. Furthermore, noble-owned territories were widespread across the massive piece of land that holds up the human race.
Astaris and Solaris shared the same kingdom, specifically the Kingdom of Jarus, a minor kingdom that lies directly next to the Everbridge. Katharos, on the other hand, was the place where the imperial castle lay; thus, it was a higher state considered to be the center of Paxurus.
Located south of Jarus, Katharos was established on a separate, massive island connected to the main continent by a long bridge constructed by two of the founders during their era. Although the three areas did not share the same kingdom in terms of territory, the people of Jarus considered these areas as districts since they were all connected by the Everbridge, using these titles based on societal status rather than actual borders.
Furthermore, what made Katharos and the Everbridge always populated—apart from Katharos being the capital city of the empire—was that it shared the same land as the world-renowned Academy of Ars. This city-wide academy was considered the center of the learning culture in Eclipse. Ars taught a wide variety of professions, skills, and specializations. It was essentially the melting pot for all the future trailblazers of the world, as most leaders and the strongest individuals globally came from Ars.
"But of course, for someone like us who could only dream of buying a small house and living a simple life, Ars was just another luxury for the wealthy. Hey... did you even listen to any of that?" Simon, who was holding a pamphlet in his hands, glanced at Solomon with furrowed brows.
"There are a lot of people here... And they all seem so otherworldly that it's making my stomach turn," Solomon said, hugging his stomach with both hands and ignoring Simon's question.
Glancing at the fluttery clothing made of silk and cotton worn by the people walking around the streets, Solomon felt his stomach start to turn with nervousness. A mixture of fear from seeing people of power for the first time, as well as the anxiety that he had to entertain them, made his stomach churn.
He knew he should refrain from interacting with or looking at anyone. He had heard people like them had massive egos, and bruising those egos might end up costing him his head.
"Well, the second prince is being crowned as the heir to the throne. Most people here would be royalty from other kingdoms of different races and all that." Simon, on the other hand, despite being more conservative with his reactions, had sweat dripping down his forehead. His voice shook subtly, giving Solomon enough clues to know his friend was just as nervous.
Placing his attention on something else, Solomon decided to look around Katharos, taking in the view without looking too clueless.
Looking at it, Katharos was a whole different world. There were four rows of roads, all made out of some sort of material that made the strain of walking vanish. It was as if the force on their knees that came from each step got absorbed by the streets. Though he didn't know much about construction and engineering, he knew that the road was not made of simple materials.
However, what truly caught his attention was the never-ending fence that extended from one end of the street to the other. Beyond it lay a massive garden filled with colorful and vibrant flowers, a fountain that shot up water as high as the houses back in Solaris, and a mansion made of marble, limestone, and gold.
When he had seen the local lord's dwelling back in Solaris, Solomon was already amazed by the three-story, three-house-wide palace that served as both a home and an office. However, this single mansion, which simply served as a house, was at least three times the size of what he had seen back then.
If Solaris was an attainable goal he could achieve in a few years' time, Katharos was a place that was way out of his reach. It was alien.
"With houses as big as those, I'd just stay in my house from morning to night," Solomon joked.
"Well, that's what they do. It's just that they'll all be attending the parade later today," Simon replied with a smirk on his face.
"Stop acting like you've been here and you know this place like that."
After a few more minutes of walking, Solomon and Simon arrived at a palace that was as big as an entire shopping mall. Just like the mansions from earlier, it was made out of marble with golden accents. However, a massive, shiny purple sign hanging in front of the building etched the words: "Department of Culture Preservation, Events, and Tourism."
"Let me do the talking. Talking to these people is no joke," Simon warned, his words echoing heavily inside Solomon's ears.
After glancing once more at the massive sign, they stepped inside the palace, their hearts heavy with nervousness.
Inside, people seemed busy scattering here and there, some with papers in hand, some with none. Although it was chaotic, there seemed to be a system, and every single conversation was for an important reason. It was honestly a culture shock for Solomon; he didn't expect ladies wearing court dresses and men dressed in doublets and hose to be working a job that seemed meant for ordinary people. It appeared that even within the nobility, there was a hierarchy between those who were truly rich and those who still had to work to stay rich.
However, as they walked through the entrance, Solomon could feel the gazes of the people start falling on him. It didn't feel good whatsoever—it was as if he were standing in front of the judges at a talent show.
"Don't look them in the eye," Simon muttered, nudging Solomon in the elbow. His shoulders were tense, and his brows were drawn together, furrowing in a show of concern.
"We just need to talk to the person I made the deal with," Simon assured him.
Arriving at the reception desk, Simon and the receptionist started to talk. Solomon, on the other hand, began to brush off his worn-down suit, wondering if the micro-scratches and tears were too eye-catching for the people inside the palace.
Not long after, the receptionist led both Solomon and Simon in front of an office. The mahogany door had a sign pinned to it that read, "Chief of Recruitment."
With a knock, the staff member who had led them announced their presence.
"Come in..." A dismissive and arrogant voice seeped through the gaps beneath the door, leading Solomon to raise his brows in doubt.
Sitting behind a mahogany desk filled with documents and books, a middle-aged man with a mustache and white curly hair stared at the pair as they entered the room. He was holding a quill in his right hand, tapping the table with his left.
"Welcome, dear guests," the old man muttered. His lips curved upward—precise and practiced—yet his eyes remained distant.
"Hello, sir. We met back in Solaris. I mentioned a talent you showed interest in. I assure you—he will make this parade a success." Simon greeted him with firm composure. His shoulders were squared and tense, his eyes steady and calm. He then extended his hand for a handshake, aiming to lighten the atmosphere.
On the other side, instead of reciprocating the handshake, the old man clasped his hands together, placing both of them in front of his mouth. His gaze shifted to evaluate Simon's expression, the smile vanishing from his face.
"Young man... do you know what I hate most in people?" The old man's eyes turned cold. His eyebrows relaxed, yet his focus remained entirely on Simon.
Feeling the sudden shift in the atmosphere, Simon gulped with nervousness. Fearing that the conversation wasn't going well, he immediately bowed and greeted the old man with sudden enthusiasm.
"No, sir! I'm sure someone of your status has high standards, and I'm willing to learn from someone like you!"
"You haven't answered my question," the old man whispered coldly.
"Obnoxious people!" Not knowing what to say, Simon answered generally, afraid that the old man might grow angry if he didn't respond.
"No," the old man chuckled.
As if those words were the key to a locked treasure, Simon lifted his head, trying to check if he had successfully put the old man in a good mood.
However, as the heavy, pressing gaze of the old man met Simon's, he immediately knew that it wasn't his demeanor that was wrong. Just a week ago, they had been having regular business conversations. But now, the old man was treating him like a failure.
"I hate people who think they are more than what they are..."
"Especially slum rats," he continued, his voice heavy with disdain, his eyes shifting to focus on Solomon, who was standing cluelessly behind Simon.
"I thought you said you had a circus performer who plays around with magic... Why did you bring a rat from Astaris inside this sacred place? Do you want to sully Prince's Apollo crowning?! " The old man slammed his desk, his voice filled with disgust and disappointment.
"That doesn't matter, sir; I assure you of his talent." Despite the provocations and intense words, Simon didn't want to back down. He had to make sure that Solomon performed.
However, the old man had other plans in mind. Someone like him wouldn't even think about commoners, much less Astaris residents being capable of performing something that would satisfy the nobility, who regularly entertained themselves with high-class performers.
"I don't make deals with beggars, so you better get yourself and that nasty scarf out of my room before I force you to," he snarked.
His words seeped through Solomon's ears, causing him to turn towards Simon's direction. That was the scarf his sick mother had made for him. At first, he was angry at the old man, but as the seconds passed and his expectation of chaos turned into total silence, he grew scared. Scared of what Simon was thinking.
"I..." Simon started to speak.
The air felt heavy. Solomon stood still, nervous about Simon's next words. Murder was a crime punishable by death.
"I see. I might've misjudged your character. Thank you so much for considering us," Simon said casually. His face was blank like an empty canvas, yet his eyes, blurred and unmoving, stared directly at the old man's face.
"We'll take our leave," he said with a deep, mechanical bow.