Chapter 6

In a quiet corner of a Lagrange City, was a fancy restaurant, There Slifer Apollo sat across from Sir Reginald Bradford. Slifer, a young man with fiery red hair, wore a sharp white suit and a flowing red cape. Sir Bradford, a stocky man with a bushy moustache, was one of the main food suppliers for Slifer's 3rd Division.

Sir Reginald declared, patting his rotund belly after stuffing himself with the food in his plate. "Your men will be fed this season, I assure you." They had just finished discussing new terms for the supply for food the government. In this case the 3rd Division of the Round Table.

Slifer returned the smile, though his thoughts were already elsewhere. "Thank you, Sir Reginald. Your dedication to our cause is invaluable. We have noted that you provided more than the tender stated. The 3rd Division does not forget its friends Sir Reginald." Reginald could only smile from this, thinking of his future profits. 

Slifer reached for his glass of water, but a subtle vibration from his wristband interrupted the gesture. His brow furrowed as he glanced at the message flashing across the small screen.

A Unique! Superhuman energy signature had been detected nearby.

"Excuse me, Sir Reginald," Slifer said, rising abruptly. "Duty calls. "Sir Reginald's smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of concern.

"A situation?" he inquired, his voice laced with worry. "Is everything alright?"

"Just a minor disturbance," Slifer reassured him, his voice smooth as silk. "Nothing to worry about."

He offered a quick, reassuring nod, then turned and strode towards the exit, his crimson cape swirling behind him like a banner of flame. As he pushed through the restaurant's ornate double doors, the bustling sounds of the city washed over him, various voices, laughter, and the rhythmic clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages, flying objects and people entered his gaze.

He activated his wristband, establishing a secure connection with Lieutenant Anya, the second-in-command of the 3rd Division. "Anya, report" he said, his voice clipped and professional.

"Sir, The Veil has detected a Unique, Investigations are being carried out but the table has narrowed it to somewhere close to your location. We just don't know where, The Orb used was anonymous." She spoke with a monotone voice.

"Okay, I'll take a look around."

Slifer's body then began to glow, shortly after he began to levitate and rise up into the sky. When he was high enough, he snapped his fingers and a red dust puffed and settled in the city.

"And now we wait."

Slifer snapped his fingers again and a chair made of magic snapped into existence. He slowly sat on it and watchfully gazed over the city. A Unique huh... this should be interesting , he thought.

The day passed by quickly and night washed over the city. Lagrange transformed into a place of magical light. The towering spires of the Round Table's headquarters glowed with an ethereal light, their intricate carvings illuminated by the soft radiance emanating from within. The city's streets, paved with cobblestones that shimmered like moonlit water, were lined with enchanted lanterns. These lanterns, crafted by skilled artisans, cast a warm, inviting glow that danced on the faces of people still running errands at night.

The buildings seemed to come alive in the moonlight. Floating orbs of light, powered by the city's ambient magic, drifted lazily through the air, creating an illusion of twinkling stars. The gentle murmur of the city's central fountain, its waters provided a soothing soundtrack to the nocturnal scene.

And in stark contrast to the cities silent night, the sleeping rabbit was still bustling with noise. The Sleeping Rabbit Inn was a haven for weary travellers and locals alike, a cozy establishment nestled between the market and Lagranges affluent residential district. It stood as a testament to time and tradition. Its stone facade, weathered by centuries of sun and rain, exuded an air of quiet dignity. Polished brass lanterns flanked the oak-framed entrance, Its weathered wooden sign, depicting a slumbering rabbit beneath a crescent moon, swung gently in the evening breeze, beckoning travellers with the promise of warmth and respite. Inside, the inn was a study in understated elegance. Smooth, worn flagstones paved the floors, their surfaces gleaming softly in the light of beeswax candles.

The walls, adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of Arthurian legend, whispered tales of chivalry and valor. A grand fireplace, its hearth piled high with crackling logs, dominated the common room, radiating a comforting warmth that dispelled the chill of the evening air. Comfortable armchairs, upholstered in rich velvet, were arranged in inviting clusters around the hearth, each offering a haven of relaxation for weary travellers. The bar, was fashioned from a single slab of polished mahogany, its surface etched with intricate patterns that hinted at its age. Behind the bar, a vast array of gleaming bottles stood at attention, their contents promising a symphony of flavours and aromas.

Not far from the bar sat Ray on a table, he had just received his food and was now arranging his plates neatly even though the waiter had already done so. He glanced around the room while doing that, taking in the scenery with a practiced eye. The inn was well-maintained, its staff attentive and discreet. It was the perfect place to relax, maybe gather information, to blend in with the crowd and observe unnoticed.

"Lord, the food here can be really good." Said Marco as he arrived on the table.

"Please don't call me that in public, Marco you'll bring us unnecessary attention." Said Ray.

"I'm sorry force of habit. I've called you this for years it's quite hard to suddenly snap back to your name. But it's really good to see you." Added Marco. He ordered water.

"I understand, I'm proud of you Marco. You've done well for you self so far. I really hope the others are the same too. " Said Ray.

"Thanks, I've heard bits and pieces about the others but none of it is verified. But I can tell you what happened after you left." Said Marco as he remembered the past. "At first the kingdom scrambled, searching and looking for you. Special investigative forces went out in various parts of the land and beyond with the hopes that they bring something back for thing Emperor, but nothing." Muttered as Marco has he finished his sentence.

"I see." Ray said as he ate his food. "I had planned to hide away until death, But…"

"I understand, there is something you must do. I know that look." Sighed Marco.

Suddenly there was a commotion, People in the inn started murmuring as a certain man walk into the inn. It was Slifer.

Earlier.

"I can't seem to find anything." Said Slifer as he talked to Anya through his bracelet.

"Understandable sir, there's too many people with abilities in Lagrange. You tried your best." Said Anya. In the end Lagrange was a magical city and one of the Hubs of the Kingdom of Avalon. The amount of people walking around with abilities was many. 

"What about that clinic you found?" inquired Slifer.

"The Doctor there said he had no idea and our search didn't turn up anything."

"Hmmm Understood. Let's call it a night. I just need to get something before I get to back to base." Slifer had seen that the Sleeping Rabbit in was still open, he wanted to get some alcohol before he wanted back to rest.

He began to descend from the sky and landed on the door of the Inn and entering it. Of course his presence made a disturbance, everyone knew who he was this wasn't new to him. He made his way to the bar. Ordered some drinks and waiting for the nervous bartender to sort them out.

"Here's your drinks sir." Said the Barman his hands trembling as he handed over the drinks.

"Thanks." Slifer got up to leave up noticed a cloaked old man with silver hair in the corner, His face looked familiar. His instincts honed from his long life told him to look closer into it. But he was unsure what to do he didn't want to bother random strangers. He decided to secretly snap a picture of the cloaked man and left.

When he reached outside he sent the picture to Anya. "Anya run a search on these two, I don't know why but the cloaked man feels familiar I might've seen him somewhere before a long time."

"Sir, your instincts are never right. How many of these searches have we done over the years based on familiarity?"

"Just humour me okay?" said Slifer as he flew into the air.

"Ha-ha understood My Lord." chuckled Anya as she got to work.

Back inside the Sleeping Rabbit Inn.

Marco had been spooked. He even had sweat on his forehead.

"Monarch of the Sky…" commented Ray.

"Yes, I thought he had caught onto something."

"He's a bit special compared to the other Monarchs, we had better leave. I don't want to take chances." Said Rayleigh as he stood up. Marco agreed with him and they both left the inn.

"So where are you headed to now sir?" Asked Marco. His curiosity bubbling within him.

"Hmm to gather information for now. Are there any good Information brokers in Lagrange. Yes within the market, is a decent one. The Tronic brothers."

"Alright lead the way, let's go have a look." Marco and Ray headed towards the market. Ray had no idea that he had his picture had been taken and Slifer was looking into him.