Chapter 98: Teleporting (1/2)
It took all of Arthur's effort not to have his jaws unhinged as they walked through the association's branch. Grounds that cleaned themselves, fountains with water rotating around statues like a solar system, trees of changing colors, and flying wooden floors getting people between places were things that were of the few marvels at the association.
'These guys are bored,' Arthur thought to himself, as he realized that they showed off runes at every juncture or corner. However, what amazed him was not any of these. It was the hall they entered when they planned on using the teleportation circle.
It was a circular hall adorned with engravings and windows. Every bit of the hall was inscribed with runes and Arthur could feel the buzz and dance across the walls. The hall was able to fit more than a thousand without them being cramped.
'Is this some circus or a festival?' Arthur almost blurted out loud. Robes of varying colors contended with each other, each carrying a different emblem. Arthur would have mocked them if not for the fact he also wore one of those robes.
Not all of them hailed from workshops, some of them were ones that have been sponsored after the preliminary rounds by workshops or guilds. Arthur would have stood in their shoes if Emma didn't recommend him.
Arthur met Roy and two others in the crowd. It seems that being one of the top workshops in the Yalen Kingdom, the Twilight workshop was able to recommend five people. The other two were also apprentices that Arthur met the other day, a young man and woman of about similar age; they were around their mid-twenties. There was also Alice Jenov to take care of Emma and the other four, but she was chatting with other runes masters.
Arthur realized he was one of the younger participants. Even Emma was older than him by one year. It was only then that he realized why Emma had recommended him. If not for his current talent, then it would be for his growth potential.
”How old do you need to be to participate?” Arthur asked while chatting with the group from the twilight workshop.
”Hm, younger than 25.” The male apprentice answered, scratching his head awkwardly since he was barely eligible. Arthur felt bad for pointing it out but didn't know how to fix things up.
”Not all of us are geniuses, dear Arthur,” Emma came to his rescue as she started teasing. The rest also sighed helplessly and threw comments about how unfair the world was. Arthur protested and the group had a good laugh.
”Such a joyous atmosphere,” Another group walked over, and one of them commented. Arthur could feel the tension between the two groups as they glared at each other. Only Emma's expression remained relatively mellow.
”Ah, if it isn't the Ancient Deer. Welcome, you have brightened our days.” Emma
”Ancient Stag.” The guy furrowed his brows with displeasure.
”Ah yeah, that was the name. Sorry, my memory is a bit hazy.” Emma sighed but her tone was not apologetic at all.
The girl apprentice whispered to Arthur that these belonged to another workshop, one at odds with their Twilight Workshop over a feud in the past. More than hostility, it was a rivalry between the top workshops in the kingdom.
As the conversation went on, Arthur realized it was true. Even though they bickered, there was no real hostility between them. There was also a sense of unity between them since they would compete against other nations.
A ripple of noise went through the crowd as their chattered increased. A hush followed shortly after. Arthur looked around and saw many people were looking toward the door.
”It's the royal family of Yalen,” Emma said in a barely-audible whisper. Arthur followed her gaze and was able to peer through the crowd and see the people who have just entered.
Heads of blonde hair tore through the crowd as everyone came to say their greetings. A group of five people of varying statures, blonde hair as their shared trait, made their entrance. To his surprise and ill-forbidding, Arthur recognized one of them. Alfred Yalen, third prince of the kingdom, with who Arthur had an encounter almost a month ago.
”Are they all participating in the competition?” Arthur furrowed his brows. He didn't think the prince would be here.
”Not all, they're a diplomatic envoy, there to make favor with the association and other nations. However, I did hear that the fourth princess shows great promise in the ancient languages of the Era of Yore. This has helped her in learning Runes faster than others. However,”
”However?” Arthur's eyes followed the group with great caution as he repeated.
”She's only sixteen this year. I never knew she would participate in this cup.” Emma said with some hesitation, looking at a short person in the crowd.