Kauven's Grand Pavilion

The Kauven's Grand Pavilion has always looked magnificent. The lights and decorations made it even more imposing and majestic. This is where royalty and VIPs are welcomed and celebrated. Tonight, the Grand Pavilion has been turned into a splendid dinner hall and ballroom. At the head table, the guests of honor are sat along the Council of Kauven. In the closest table to the front is the City Elders of Kauven. Make no mistake, though these group of old geezers look uninteresting, they were some of the most powerful people in Kauven during their time. Most of them actually held seats in the Council during their younger years. Majority of their time is now dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technological advancements and furthering the understanding of magic. They are also the people who oversee the development and creation of crystals used during the ritual of Granting. Someday, Forlorn's Hope can only wish to be powerful and prestigious enough to earn the right to be invited into the circle of City Elders.

Each of the City Elders stopped by to introduce themselves to the young heroes. That was mostly a pretense, though. Everyone in Kauven know who the City elders were. It was predominantly to gauge the ability of the new grants. Two old women went back to their seats after talking to the new heroes. They thought that Ellie and Althea were particularly promising due to the quality of their mana. They weren't sure on Bryce whose mana was strong but seems to give off a strong aggressive sensation. Terrick seems to be getting a lot of attention from the young girls from the party, almost all of them asking contact information. Tasha seems to be comforting Ellie about something that was upsetting her.

The dinner proceeded without incident. During the dancing portion of the evening, Terrick was crowded with literally all the girls. Some lined up for a chance to dance with Bryce as well. Tasha being a tall and well-proportioned young lady was asked for a dance by just many boys while a group of hesitant potentials asked for Ellie but she kept rebuffing them. Althea had her share of invites but she excused herself and left to go to one of the balconies. Her head was filled with questions. She needed to know what the Beast Nation's hand is in all of this. She also wondered why the Royal family gave them such high accolade. She thought of how this will change things between the members of the group now that money is no longer a motivating factor. She also wonders if everyone would want to go to most prestigious magic school in the kingdom for 2-3 years. She knows she wants to go but wonders at what cost? Will this mean that I will have to be at the employ of the royal family? Am I trading freedom to learn more advanced magic?

Mistress Juliette noticed that Althea was alone in the balcony and decided to check in on her. The young grant shared her concerns and wondered if going to the Grand Magical Academy was a good next step. She also worried about the possibility of breaking up the party when they obviously seem to have such good chemistry both on and off the battle field. They also haven't been this close ever. The young nun looked at her confirmed that her concerns are valid. However, there is no need to worry about it tonight since she doubts that the others have made up their minds either. They have time to make this decision together as a party. Plus, they can always change their decision. Althea was about to give the nun a motherly hug when the lights in the Grand Pavilion turned off. Then, an explosion could be heard inside, along with the screams of many people.

Wentlas immediately casts fairy Light which lit up the room once again. One corner of the room looks like it suffered a bomb blast. Four bodies strewn against the walls while a handful more lay bloodied on the floor, one of them a bloodied lady wearing a white gown with shimmering crystals.