[Welcome to Alareon (B2-F14-D)]

  Caleb stepped out of the portal and looked around. They stood on the bridge he’d walked down with Aliyah, the sun off to their left. People from below looked up from the markets gathered by the wall doors. They pointed as he looked down to them, a mixture of awe and excitement in their faces. Daen stepped out the portal behind him to cheers from the rest below. Caleb backed away, offering a small wave after Daen’s example, the man laughing to the applause before turning back to Caleb.

  [Well, not exactly in the palace, but it’s close enough to where we need to go anyway] Daen said. [Good for a first time. Though I should note, especially given your privileges, you shouldn’t teleport to a place without express permission first.]

  Caleb nodded, following after Daen as they made their way back to the palace. Then he frowned.

  “Wait, if people can just teleport everywhere, isn’t that a huge security risk?” he asked.

  [Well usually people can only teleport to specific points. We keep them in teleportation ports. But given your sponsor you can teleport to anywhere you desire.]

  Caleb nodded. He still didn’t completely understand why the representatives of Earth held so much influence or favour with Yuniea. Probably because he just didn’t get the importance of personally connecting to the Super’s will. It didn’t matter completely that he didn't understand. It bothered him, sure, but if it was the way things were, it was the way things were.

  The two stepped inside the building as a thought crossed Caleb's mind, eliciting a frown.

  “Wait, if people can teleport to teleportation ports whenever they want isn’t that a huge security risk?” he muttered.

  [Well very few people get personal teleportation privileges. It’s mostly larger scale stuff, prompted by Yuniea and for military purpose. But we do have the wormhole gateways we’ve implemented from Etimos. They're for general public use. Pretty expensive though.] Daen said as they turned a corner, earning immediate bows from those nearby.

  “Wormhole gateways?” Caleb said. “How’re they different from the other portals? I mean they feel and look like wormholes”

  [They’re made without magic. Etimos has a lot of stuff like that. Your world too] he said. [I’ll have to read over the deal your representatives made sometime. From what I’ve heard, they’re going for a lot of trade, but independent infrastructure and all that sort of stuff. A little strange, but you’ll be contributing a lot more than expected and we all get your tech, so it’s a win a win.]

  Caleb frowned. He was starting to understand some of Nigel’s mutterings a bit better now. The more he heard, the more he felt like Nigel's anxiety had convoluted the concept within his mind.

  Not that two people in control of the world and without it's best interest, doesn't sound like a good reason to worry.

  They stopped outside a room with another set of words he couldn’t read but understood.

  House of Dress

  Daen looked to him smiling.

  [Are you ready for your uniform?]

  Caleb nodded, before the two stepped inside. The room was smaller than he’d expected but still adorned with similar ornamentation and decoration as outside. The walls were lined with large realistic paintings of men and women adorned in armour and unique clothing Caleb had never seen before.

  And in the centre of the marble room was a strange two metre by two metre square, and an even smaller unreflective white circle within it.

  [Helana!] Daen cried.

  A red-haired woman who sat in the corner tapping away at a tablet before looking to the two of them. She smiled, standing as Daen walked ahead and greeted her.

  [Caleb, this is Helena my distant cousin] Daen said. [And Helena, you’ve already heard of Caleb]

  The two shared a looked before Helana laughed, offering a hand.

  [Yes, I have] she said. [It is nice to finally meet you.]

  “Hello” he said, shaking it. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

  Daen cackled to himself as Helana glanced to him with a raised eyebrow. Caleb frowned, looking between the two.

  [Sorry about him] Helana said. [He’s been trying to get me to practice Earth greetings and now he’s acting like a child because I’ve finally used one.]

  “Oh. Ok.”

  [Now, you’re here for an imprint of your uniforms I’d presume] she said. Daen nodded, clearing his throat as he stopped laughing.

  [Good] she said, [Caleb, if you’ll just take off your shoes and step forward onto the white square.]

  Caleb glanced to Daen, who gestured for him to step forward. He made for the square, slipping out of his sliders and standing atop the platform. It was strangely lukewarm against his feet. He looked up, to Helana as she waved over a floating white box, as it unfolded, revealing a series of jars, rocks, bottles, strange tools and a few smaller weapons, all neatly stacked onto at set of shelves.

  She grabbed a jar then a small dagger, and turned to him, dagger at the ready. Caleb pulled away slightly and Helena gave pause looking to Daen. Caleb looked to him too.

  [It’s alright. It’s part of the ritual Caleb] Daen said. [She’s a practiced witch.]

  “W-witch?”

  [You didn’t explain anything to him?] Helana said, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

  [I’ll explain now.] Daen muttered, laughing awkwardly. [Uh… right, witch. Nice folk. A little strange, but it's what we call those who practice the study of magic outside of their skill. Helana here uses artifacts and other things to exert will on the world she can’t with her own power. She’s very good, especially with bonding souls to the steels.]

  Caleb nodded, looking back to Helana.

  “Sorry” he muttered, shuffling back towards her.

  [It’s alright] she said gently, before stepping forward again. She paused, looking over him and then gently raised his left palm, holding it out flat. With perfectly even hands ran the edge of the dagger across his hand, and opened the jar, smearing a strange smelling red goop across it.

  She stepped back, cleaning her hand with a towel, before closing the jar as she put it back and hung up the dagger. Caleb glanced to the goop again. It was strangely cool, but almost dry in a way. He couldn't quite tell.

  Weird, he thought, looking back to Helana.

  She turned to him and he felt her magic swirl around her in a beautiful pattern, centred on her eyes. She was seeing something. Past his physical form.

  He tried to stay completely still as she walked around him, strangely aware of his own body. She moved around him in a lazy circle, her steps slow as she tapped away at the tablet, eyes never leaving him.

  Then she paused, silent for a second, before nodding to herself. She grabbed a cup and a strange paddle like tool and, carefully, she scooped the goop of Caleb's hand before wrapping it with a cloth.

  [And that’s it.] she said, smiling at him.

  “That’s it?”

  [Yes]

  [I told you she was good] Daen said, making his way over. [Fast right?]

  Caleb had no idea what had happened. He still felt normal. Nothing seemed to have changed given his magical or physical form. He looked back to his hand, the cut already less than a scar.

  [Do you have any questions?] Helana said, looking to his confused expression.

  “Um, what exactly did you do?”

  [Just stored some of your essence. We’ll give it to the smiths and have them forge soulsteel armour tempered for your soul]

  “Oh. Don’t you need to measure me?”

  [The household already has your measurements. They took it from your wardrobe] Daen said.

  Caleb nodded frowning. The place was more high tech than he realised. It’d felt magical before, but now – even despite the ritual – it felt closer to futuristic tech.

  Though this is all to make armour, he thought. What a strange clash of the mystical and futuristic.

  His eyes remained fix on the slight red tint of his skin where the strange goo had been, before he slowly looked to Daen.

  "How long will it take?"

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  [It depends. Varies a lot. Sometimes a day, sometimes a week] Daen muttered. [Now, let’s go. I’ll take you back to your House and we’ll have your wardrobe make you the formal uniform for the festival.]

  [You’re taking him?] Helana said, raising an eyebrow.

  [He’s part of the squad]

  [Great Mother] Helana said, sighing, before she looked to Caleb. [You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.]

  “Uh… it’s fine” he mumbled, suddenly uncertain.

  [Look what you’ve done to the poor boy. He feels obligated to go with you.]

  [No he doesn’t. You don’t, right Caleb?]

  “N-no?”

  [If you’re going to take him, don’t take him to any of the private parties. The ceremony and afterparty only. Understood?]

  [What? But the private parties are were all the fun is. The Chosen at least deserves to-]

  [I’ll tell Esaeni]

  Daen paused then sighed.

  [Alright. Ceremony and after party only]

  Helana nodded pleased, then looked to Caleb.

  [Have fun. And don’t listen to everything Daen tells you. People think he’s childish for a reason.]

  [Enough of that] Daen said, clapping a hand onto Caleb’s shoulder as he steered him to the door. [I’ll not have you put any more poisonous thoughts into the Earthchild’s brain. Bye.]

  [Goodbye Caleb. Daen]

  “Bye” he called out, glancing back to her. They stepped out of the room, and Caleb looked to Daen. The man suddenly seemed a lot less intimidating. He didn’t know exactly how it worked, but it seemed like Helana had some kind of power over Daen. Maybe because she’d been older? Or maybe they just seemed more comfortable around each other. More casual as just family. Whatever it was he hadn’t seen this side of the man yet.

  It was quite weird to think about just how much he’d been assuming. He’d been thinking of all Daen’s actions as supremely important, of him as a king. He did own a palace after all. But at the same time he did feel quite young. He couldn't make sense of it in his head, his understanding suddenly thrown off kilter.

  It was difficult to understand the social dynamics with no frame of reference. But humans were still humans in the end. Even if their society was completely alien. It made sense that someone would want to show something off, especially if that thing was supposedly super important to the foundation of everything your society was built on.

  But does he really just want to show me to his friends at some parties? he thought. Is that why he made the offer?

  [You look confused] Daen said, looking down to him. [Do you have a question?]

  “Yeah” he started before stopping himself. It wouldn’t do good to question him about all his motives, and there wasn’t exactly anything stopping him from lying more if he had been. Plus, he didn’t feel entirely comfortable about questioning the guy about everything just yet. He wasn’t that close with him.

  [Ask away]

  “I… uh… do all of your family have red hair?”

  Daen looked to him, quiet, then burst out into laughter.

  [Our hair is dyed at birth, Earthchild. It’s an old tradition. You could adopt it if you like. I think the blonde dye would suit your soul. It could be an adopted tradition for your house.]

  “I think I’m okay”

  -

  Caleb tugged at his collar as he looked at himself in the mirror. He had to admit, even though it was slightly uncomfortable, he did look good.

  It was the same kind of uniform he’d gotten before, but with the additional pieces Daen had had, and a few more. The shoulder guards, the strange belt with a porcelain white dagger in that seemed weirdly out of place, white gloves, a strange golden sword pin Daen had said he’d earned, and a golden sash over the front of it all that read in the strange lettering.

  House Souza

  [Do you like it?] Daen asked.

  “It’s nice” he said. “But I’m still confused on exactly why I need the dagger?”

  [For surprise attacks of course] Daen said proudly. [The sword has to wait, since it needs to properly tempered, but nobody really pays attention to the dagger.]

  Caleb nodded like he understood what Daen was saying. He was pretty sure this wasn't what they wore in combat and even more sure nobody would be trying to surprise attack him. And if they were, given the strength he'd felt in the singular instant Daen had summoned that sword, the monster would probably be ten times the size of Ekhut.

  Not ideal for a sneak attack.

  But he nodded anyway.

  [Ah right] Daen said, suddenly grinning. He stood quickly before clearing his throat loudly. Caleb looked to him, eyes widening as Daen gave him a small bow. Then he produced a ring from his pocket and holding it out to him as he offered the ring.

  [Souza Caleb Martinson. I En Daen Avarson, offer you this gift and title as a testament not only to your bravery and courage, but the honour you’ve restored to my house. The signet ring of your house and the title of higher as recognised by the representatives of Alareon. May your challenges be mighty and good fortune befall you and your kin forever more.]

  Caleb accepted it, looking over the fist that stood in gold, raised against the black of its surface, then turned it over, reading the words along the curve of the ring.

  by his fist, all will be reborn with order, liberty, and love

  He wasn't sure whether to feel grateful or anxious. Probably a little of both.

  “Thank you” he muttered, slipping it on. The gold of it felt cold against his finger.

  [You like it?] Daen asked. Caleb nodded, then looked at himself in the mirror again. He suddenly felt a little strange. Out of place in the face of all the formal stuff. It felt almost wrong in a way. Uncanny.

  [You alright?] Daen asked. Caleb nodded, before flexing the fingers of his hand.

  “Just feels a little cold” he said.

  [What’s what I said when my father asked me to try it on] Daen laughed, looking to his own. [It warms with time though. In many years, you will be able to tell your first child the same.]

  Caleb blinked surprised, as he looked back down to the ring. It was weird to think of. But his children would be inheriting a noble house.

  Will my future wife even be from Earth, he thought. His head was starting to spin now, his side throbbing as he reached for it. This was probably thought for a different time.

  “So, what else do we need to do?” he asked.

  [Nothing. You’re all set. Learning etiquette and all that other stuff won’t really matter. Just don’t use Yuniea’s name in vain or anything and we’re all good. Unless you want a stand-in sword?]

  “I think the dagger’s enough” Caleb said before looking to Daen’s clothes as he frowned.

  [What?]

  “When do I get a cape?”

  [Ah. The white cloak. The envy of lesser men.] Daen laughed. But there was a hollow quality to it, different to his other ones. [You get it when you’ve been to the frontier.]

  “The frontier?” he asked, turning to him.

  [The big battles of the war] Daen said. [For the most part the wars are fought through sneak attacks, and higher being politicking or schemes. That’s all for Yuniea and her guides to manage. We just cut the head off the things that slip through her net, or we fight the on the frontier.]

  “What’s it like?” he asked.

  [Chaos] Daen said. [Imagine an entire planet consumed by war. Millions of men, women, and beasts magical and non-magical, fighting against each other with a billion weapons and enough magic to blind you. All who go there die. In body, mind or spirit. You won’t be the same when you return.]

  “I-I have to go there?” Caleb stuttered, caught of guard by the sudden seriousness in Daen's words.

  [One day. You’re took weak now, but we’ll give it a year] Daen said. [The squad will train you while we go through easier missions. Build up the difficultly.]

  Caleb nodded, a cold sweat suddenly beading his back.

  You knew it was a war, he thought. This is to protect everyone.

  [Ha!] Daen laughed. [I had that same expression when I found out. It’s alright. You’ll be fine. You’re the chosen]

  Caleb nodded, the uneasiness in his stomach calming. A year. He’d gotten strong enough to defeat Arithorson in on only a few days, even if it’d been half a fluke. A year sounded like enough time to survive that. Especially with proper training.

  “Ok” he nodded again. “Alright.”

  [You alright?] Daen asked.

  “Yeah” Caleb said, straightening as he looked to Daen.

  [Good. Let’s go] Daen said standing before making a face.

  “What’s wrong?”

  [Your hair] Daen muttered, rubbing at his chin. [Ah it’s fine. We’re running a little late already and we can cut it there.]

  Caleb glanced to his hair in the mirror. It looked fine to him. A little long maybe, but still fine.

  “Do I have to cut it?”

  [Well I’d recommend it] Daen said. [I know longer hair is normal for men on Earth, but on Akyren it’s a little frowned upon.]

  “Akyren?” he muttered. He recognised the name.

  [Where the festival is. It’s the mother planet, the founders of the Federation]

  “Wow. How long have they been around?”

  [About two hundred thousand years] Daen said. [Don't make that face. It’s not that impressive. They got lucky. Placed near the centre. And the planet's a serious bore. They have a ton of rules that limit the things they can and can’t do, so it’s a bit… backwards? That sound rude. They’re just really religious over there. Even Esaeni gets a bit creeped out by them sometimes. Don’t tell anyone I said that by the way.]

  Caleb frowned, thinking back to Esaeni. If Daen thought the people of Akyren were overly religious, and she got creeped out by them, then they must’ve been really hard core. The hair should’ve been his first sign.

  I guess it’s understandable, he thought. They interact directly with their god practically everyday. Who knows what Yuniea’s told them over the course of two hundred thousand years.

  Caleb paused, shaking his head. He was still struggling to comprehend the scale of everything. He still didn’t even really know exactly how big the Federation was, let alone how any of it even worked. The politics, the societies, the war, and all the different magic. And the tech too. How on earth had this Etimos planet managed to create wormholes for teleportation without magic? He paused then looked to Daen.

  “Daen?”

  [Yeah?]

  “How did you know where I live?”

  [Ah. You accepted the position in my squad] Daen said as they turned a corner. [As a cadet of my squad, I have the ability to go locate where you consider home, and you. There were three places in your case, but I chose the one with the most recent connection.]

  “Three places?”

  [Yes. It’s quite common. Your mana usually connects strangely to places within space you hold sentiment for you. Yuniea can sense it through you record]

  Caleb frowned.

  [What’s wrong?]

  “To just know it like that… does Yuniea see everywhere?” he muttered uncomfortable.

  [No. But she and her guides see a lot. They have to. To monitor possible threats, though they’re constantly shifting their attention.] Daen said. [But I wouldn’t be surprised to know she would keep an eye over you. You’re the chosen after all.]

  Caleb frowned. He didn’t know what to make of it. A super god being spying on him because he could supposedly end a war it couldn’t.

  So strange.

  [Now enough… what’s the Earth saying… aha! Enough] chit-chat. [We’ve a festival to go to.]

  Caleb nodded as Daen stood, then waved his hand, creating a swirling red portal.

  [I’d go after you, but you’re not on the guest list] Daen said. [Probably best if I go first. Stay close though.]

  I’m not on the guest list? he thought. Oh Jesus, that can’t be good.

  Daen stepped through, and after a moment’s hesitation, Caleb followed right behind. He felt the swirl of energy and the flash of a thousand stars, then cool air met his face. He opened his eyes to a larger hall, above which a glass atrium stood, filling the room with sunlight.

  [Welcome to Akyren (A2-C1-C)]

  [WARNING – You are within a regulated zone without permission. The necessary authorities have been notified.]

  Crap.

  “D-Daen” Caleb muttered.

  [Huh? Oh the message? Just ignore it] he said. [Yona will probably think it’s funny]

  Yona? he thought.

  A strange music played as they walked forwards, a grouping of servants in strange cloak-like dress lined the room, their faces covered by veils. Daen started forwards towards a woman in black and green dress, her dark hair stretching down to her waist.

  The woman looked to him, frowning, then gave a small bow to Daen.

  “Good evening Master Daen sir. Who’s your guest?” the woman said.

  [This is Caleb Souza] Daen said, his voice brimming with pride. The woman’s eyes widened and she offered him a quick bow as well, before gesturing through the room, to the set of doors across from them.

  “Please, go through. You’ll find a courier ship outside” she said with a quick bow. Daen started forwards quickly, walking along the silk roll carpet that lay embedded in a thin strip along the floor.

  Caleb followed quickly after him over to the set of lavish glass doors, before they stepped out onto the greenhouse of a courtyard.

  Instantly Caleb’s eyes widened. They stood the skies around them filled with huge skyscrapers, of white, glass and black stone that stretched high into the sky or down to the ground far below them. The buildings were all uniform in shape except a few that stood out, huge pyramids, or strange spires built out of gold and white stone. It was like a metropolis straight of sci-fi and positively brimming with magic. Absolutely beautiful, filled with its lights and set against the backdrop of a slowly darkening night sky filled with stars.

  [See? Not that impressive]

  “Right” Caleb mumbled. “Right.”