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C1783

Nestled amidst a landscape of icy grandeur, Centauri City emerged like a radiant jewel, stark against the snowy biome. The chilling embrace of the cold weather, starkly contrasted with the warmth and life teeming within its walls. At first glance, one might draw parallels to the illustrious Golden City, given the bustling crowds and the hive of activity.

Wandering through its labyrinthine streets, Emery couldn't help but marvel at the city's diverse populace. Everywhere he turned, he was met with a spectrum of humanity. From the porcelain-skinned to the deep ebony, from the purity of human blood to the intriguing mix of half-bloods, and even more exotic hybrids, the city was a melting pot of races. Elongated ears, shimmering scales, and other intriguing features marked these hybrids, telling tales of their unique ancestries.

Yet, for all its obvious splendor, a shadow of inadequacy loomed over Centauri City. It was an unspoken fact, but in the grand hierarchy of cities, it still bowed its head to the likes of the Golden City, the mystical Zodiac City, the opulent Silvermane City, and the vibrant Venta City.

Julian, however, seemed unperturbed by such trifles. His eyes sparkled with an excitement Emery hadn't seen in a while. Gone was the solemnity of the ruler he once was, replaced by a man eager to embrace the promise of adventure and freedom.

"Emery, let's dive into the heart of this city with a drink at a pub!" Julian proposed with a gleeful grin.

While pubs and bars weren't necessarily Emery's first choice, he had to admit there was an appeal to the idea. Memories of the grueling days he'd endured in the Demon pit came flooding back, juxtaposed with the lighter moments spent sipping the fruity wines of the wood elves. Perhaps a touch of human alcoholic nostalgia was precisely the palate cleanser he needed to truly immerse himself in this new chapter.

Following Julian's lead, they soon found themselves standing before an imposing five-storey edifice. The grandeur of the building, combined with the elite magus clientele it seemed to attract, made Emery question Julian's choice.

"I don't think this is a pub?" Emery mused aloud, his gaze sweeping over the opulent interiors, the ornate chandeliers, and the bevy of stunning women that graced the premises. The entire setting evoked memories of another place - the famed Silvermane Red Pagoda.

Julian chuckled, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Trust me, Emery, beneath this lavish facade, they serve the most heavenly drinks. Prepare to be amazed!"

Emery's experience in the magus world was largely confined to healing chambers and tranquil forest retreats. The enchanting woods had been his refuge, sheltering him from the world's complexities. Julian, on the other hand, had delved deeper, having spent a significant time aligning with the Nephilim faction. As such, the nuances and quirks of magus society were more familiar to him, their allure not lost on the seasoned Roman.

Upon entering the establishment, Julian's eyes immediately sought out the bartender. With a confident stride, he approached and placed an order for a drink that he once cherished. The bartender's initial reluctance was palpable, his brows raised in faint surprise, "They will be two thousand spirit stones per glass, sir."

For the uninitiated, this was a price that could be deemed exorbitant. But Julian, undeterred, reached into his cloak and produced a pouch. Its contents sparkled under the dim lights: numerous radiant red stones, each valued at 10,000.

"I am paying today!!" Julian said with cheer.

The bartender's demeanor underwent a swift transformation. Gone was the aloofness, replaced by a servile eagerness to please.

With a wry smile and a hint of sarcasm, Julian leaned closer to Emery, "Feels as though we have 'lower realm' tattooed on our foreheads, doesn't it?"

However, any vestiges of irritation were promptly dispelled with the presentation of the green-hued drink. Holding it up to the light, Julian exclaimed with palpable anticipation,

"Here we are, Emery. To new experiences!"

Intrigued, Emery gave the beverage a discerning look and discovered its identity:

[Absinth]

[Crafted by the mythical green fairies, this drink promises a euphoria that transcends realms, encapsulating its consumer in a blanket of warmth and unparalleled taste.]

Hesitation wasn't in Emery's vocabulary that evening. The drink's description had piqued his curiosity, and he found himself drawn to its promise. The first drop was a revelation, an intricate dance of flavors playing on his palate, warming his insides and elevating his senses to a realm of clarity he hadn't experienced before. The aftertaste was akin to a lingering embrace, leaving behind a memory hard to forget.

Julian's eyes gleamed with vindication at Emery's evident pleasure. Grinning, he proclaimed, "I knew you'd love it! How about another round?"

As the evening progressed and Julian's spirit lifted with every shot, an air of mischief played in his eyes. Finally, with a half-stifled chuckle, he leaned towards Emery, "You know, I didn't just bring us here for the drinks." His gaze shifted to a waitress, a subtle nod sending a clear message. She promptly beckoned them, leading the duo to a dimly lit chamber adorned in opulence. Inside, an array of stunning women, each unique in her beauty, awaited.

"Emery, feast your eyes. Care to indulge in some company?"

Julian's demeanor had clearly been influenced by the drink, a hedonistic veil replacing his usual restraint. Emery, thanks to his inherent resistance to intoxication, remained unaffected by the drink. Yet, to deny that he was unmoved by the allure of the women before him would be an untruth. Their beauty was bewitching – some flaunted celestial wings, while others showcased half-blood lineage with curling horns and tantalizing tails.

Despite the tantalizing scene, Emery's grounding in morals prevailed. He turned to Julian, a wry smile playing on his lips, "Julian, haven't you left a wife and children behind in Rome?"

The remark drew a hearty laugh from Julian, his face flushed from mirth and drink. "Ah, there you are! That's the old Emery I know!" After a little more chuckle Julian whispered.

"I am telling you, Emery, I am but a man with fleshly need, and ever since I became a magus, I have never enjoyed any of these activities from Earth woman. So judge me if you want, I am going to choose first"

Without further ado, Julian made his choices, opting for the company of two enchanting ladies – one with the complexion of deep chocolate and the other, a raven-haired beauty. As they disappeared into a private chamber, Emery was left with the expectant gaze of the establishment's supervisor.

"So, kind sir, any of these delightful ladies catch your eye?"

Ten women radiating a unique charm, their eyes locking onto Emery's with an invitation.

To be continued