Chapter Eight - A Glimpse of the World
Six months had passed since the visit of the Aquira Clan, and life within the Phoenix estate had returned to its usual rhythm. Ryker was now a year old, though anyone who saw him would have thought him closer to three. His growth, both physically and mentally, continued to defy expectations.
The morning sun cast golden rays over the vast estate as Ryker awoke from his slumber. He stretched, his small limbs moving with the elegance of someone far beyond his years. Unlike most children, who needed assistance with their morning routines, Ryker had long since mastered the basics himself. He rose from his bed, took his bath, brushed his teeth, and dressed in an outfit that, while child-sized, carried the regal air befitting his lineage.
Descending the grand staircase, he spotted his parents seated at the dining table. Aiden sat relaxed yet composed, sipping from a steaming cup of morning tea, while Lila radiated warmth as she greeted him.
Ryker beamed as he skipped toward his mother, wrapping his small arms around her. "Good morning, Mother."
Lila's face lit up as she kissed his forehead. "Good morning, my little angel. Did you sleep well?"
"I did, Mother. I had a splendid sleep."
He turned to his father next. "Good morning, Father."
Aiden raised a brow, feigning offense. "Oh? No kiss for your father? What an ungrateful whelp."
Ryker giggled before hurriedly pecking his father on the cheek. "Sorry, Dad."
Aiden let out an exaggerated sigh. "Ah, that's more like it. I was beginning to think I had fallen out of favor."
Ryker took his seat, looking around. "Where are Grandpa and Grandma? Are they not coming down today?"
Lila's expression softened. "They had urgent matters to attend to, sweetheart."
Ryker pouted slightly. "They promised to take me out to see the city…"
Aiden and Lila exchanged glances before Lila gently stroked Ryker's hair. "I'm sorry, love. But they'll make it up to you, I promise."
Ryker's lips pressed into a thin line. "Grandma is still sad, isn't she? I can tell. She tries to hide it, but I know she's been crying. I don't like Aunt Maxima and Grandma Tasha. They made Grandma sad."
Lila sighed. "Ryker, don't say that. Family disagreements happen, but hatred solves nothing."
Ryker crossed his arms stubbornly. "But it's true! They hurt Grandma, and I hate them for it."
"Enough, Ryker." Lila's tone was gentle but firm. "Hating them won't change what happened."
"But can't you and Dad take me?"
"As much as we want to, we really can't right now. Your father still has his duties as the clan head, while I, as the clan mistress, must oversee certain tasks."
Ryker's face drooped all the more, looking very pitiful. "But I was really looking forward to today," Ryker said with tears forming at the corners of his eyes.
Aiden couldn't bear to see the boy sad, so he suggested, "Honey, why don't we just let the boy go on his own? We will just assign a few more guards to escort him."
"No, it's still too risky. Remember, the boy is just a year old despite appearances. Anything could happen. What if something happens that the guards cannot handle, what then?"
"Honey, I think anytime it involves Ryker, you forget who your husband is. This is my territory, my playhouse. If anyone tries to play any tricks here, it will be over for them before they even know what happened. Even if it's that stonehead Baraq, he would have to think twice before bringing himself here to be humiliated," said Aiden proudly, looking smug.
"Yeah, yeah, you don't have to be so smug about it, darling. Ok, fine, I'll assent to this, but we both have to leave our mana signatures on his body for good measure. Also, I want only the most elite guards to escort my baby, meaning no one with a mana core below the expert rank should be in the entourage."
Aiden grinned. "Already ahead of you."
Ryker practically bounced in his seat. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!". He immediately jumped from his seat, rushed to give his parents a kiss and a hug before attempting to scuttle to his room to have a change of clothes for his outing. Before he could get to the stairs, his mother called, "Ryker, dearest," which made Ryker stop.
Huh?" responded Ryker.
"Why did you come downstairs?"
"For breakfast."
"Have you had any yet?" Lila asked, amused.
"No."
"So where are you going?" At this point, even Aiden couldn't hold his laughter.
Lila chuckled, shaking her head. "You almost ran off without eating."
Realizing his mistake, Ryker quickly sat back down, cheeks flushed. "Oh… sorry, Mother."
As the family shared their meal, the excitement in Ryker's heart only grew. Today, he would finally see the city with his own eyes.
After breakfast, Ryker hurried to his room to change into his best clothes. He chose a comfortable yet stylish outfit, perfect for exploring the city. As he finished dressing, he heard a knock on his door. It was one of the elite guards assigned to escort him.
"Master Ryker, we're ready when you are," the guard said with a respectful bow.
Ryker beamed with excitement. "Let's go!"
Ryker left his room and headed towards the entrance of the mansion. His parents, Aiden and Lila, were already there, ready to see him off on his first trip to the city. Lila hugged Ryker, asking him to be careful in the city. She turned to the captain of the guard, who was just a few steps away, and severely warned him that should anything happen to Ryker, he would be held responsible. The captain, falling to one knee and placing his hand on his chest, swore to protect Ryker with his life. Aiden patted Ryker on the shoulder, also asking him to be very careful while in the city. Ryker assured them that nothing would happen to him and that he would be very careful.
Ryker then stepped out of the mansion, excitement and expectation filling his entire body. An entire squad of elite guards in black suits was already lined up and waiting for him. There was also a convoy of sleek hover cars bearing the insignia of the Phoenix clan. Ryker was led by the captain into the most luxurious hover car, a red car with extravagant designs on it. Despite his young age, Ryker entered with the grace of a young master from an esteemed clan. The engines of the cars then fired up, and before long, they sped off towards the entrance of the estate, Aiden and Lila watched them go into the distance, their eyes filled with concern and worry
The hover cars moved swiftly down the mountain path, the scenery blurring past in breathtaking splendor. Ryker sat in the vehicle, his small hands pressed against the window as he marveled at the towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and vast open plains stretching toward the horizon.
Soon, the city came into view.
Searing Flame City stood as a testament to humanity's resilience and innovation. Massive walls, standing over 300 meters high and forged from a fusion of mana and modern technology, surrounded the metropolis like an unyielding fortress. The gates, adorned with intricate phoenix engravings, loomed ahead, standing 200 meters tall and 50 meters wide.
Atop the gates, the name "Searing Flame City" was etched in bold golden letters, emanating a fiery glow that mirrored the determination of its people.
As the convoy approached, guards at the gates immediately took notice. The emblem of the Phoenix Clan emblazoned on the vehicles caused an immediate reaction.
"VIP approaching! Open the gates!" a guard shouted, his voice carrying urgency.
Within moments, the gates parted, and the convoy proceeded into the heart of the city.
As they entered, Ryker's breath hitched. The bustling streets were alive with movement and sound. Towering skyscrapers crafted from gleaming mana-infused metal stretched toward the heavens, their surfaces reflecting the vibrant hues of the city. Ancient trees intertwined with the futuristic architecture, their roots glowing faintly as they pulsed with mana.
Hovering platforms and vehicles zoomed across the skyline, and in the distance, holographic advertisements flickered with images of the latest innovations and upcoming tournaments. The air carried the tantalizing aroma of street food, a mixture of sizzling meats and exotic spices that made Ryker's mouth water.
His excitement reached a peak when he turned to Mathias, his guard and escort. "Mathias! What's the most fun place here?"
Mathias chuckled. "There are plenty, young master. We have the arcade, the amusement park, the commercial hub, and even the battle arenas if you want to watch warriors train."
Ryker's eyes sparkled. "I want to go to the arcade first!"
Mathias nodded, signaling the convoy. "To the Bluemoon Arcade."
The cars changed course, heading toward one of the city's most famous entertainment hubs. As they pulled up, the large neon sign of the Bluemoon Arcade came into view. The moment Ryker stepped out, he was met with curious gazes. People whispered among themselves, trying to decipher his identity.
Feeling self-conscious, Ryker shrank slightly under the attention.
Mathias, sensing his discomfort, released a controlled burst of aura, a subtle warning that caused the onlookers to avert their gazes and return to their business.
A young woman dressed in a professional black suit approached them, bowing slightly. "Welcome, young master. My name is Mary, and I will be assisting you today. Please, follow me."
Ryker straightened his back, mimicking his father's composed demeanor. "Please take me to the best room available."
Mary smiled. "Right this way."
As Ryker followed her inside, he had no idea that this simple outing would be far more eventful than he ever anticipated