[ Academy]
Three and a half years had passed by too quickly because of the peace. The once-constant threat of demonic attacks, haf become now a distant memory as the demons didn't attack after the incident where the Viscounts and Barons disappeared without a trace no one knew what happened or who was responsible but they should be deeply grateful to Verona even if she made the decision on a whim.
So in three years, there was peace.
Life however, had a way of continuing. The Academy bustled with activity as the first batch of students, Azrael's generation, prepared for graduation. Four years of rigorous training, forged friendships, rivalries, hatred, and even romances happened before these occasion.
The vampires were not even missed and they had been forgotten. Three years ago, their abrupt drop out did make many question it but they soon forgot.
A gap was swiftly filled by Seraphina, who stepped in to replace Eliana after her unexpected resignation, no one knowing the reason for her resignation.
Those school days held a different experience for the Blessed. Their factions formed solidified and growing with talented warriors who were recruited to their respective causes, a system that would continue even after graduation. They would still be poaching and recruiting talents.
With the vampires gone and the dragons oddly and an uncharacteristically quiet and calm, a sense of relaxation filled the academy.
Training remained rigorous, but a newfound lightness and harmony filled the air.
Students mingled freely, exploring complex relationships, their laughter echoing through the academy grounds.
With the ever-present threat from the demons seemed to have lulled them into a state of comfortable complacency( they never learn... Sigh).
*******
[Stonegate]
Great prosperity had swept over Stonegate, propelled by the rapid rise of Babel. The once-modest(avarage and poor) city had blossomed into a bustling metropolis. The catalyst for this transformation was undeniably - Babel.
Nobles, initially wary of Babel's growing influence, had quickly silenced their objections. Rumours of the Human Royal Family's potential backing calmed them by force, even if the rumours were false no one tried to fuck around and find out, but they disturbed Babel a lot, with nobles threatening Babel so they can get a piece of the pie.
Still Babel's success great with new branches made throughout the continent.
Meanwhile, Null, Babel's dark unknown arm, had carved its own path. Their reputation for completing even the most delicate and of course ethically questionable missions had grown steadily. Information, no matter how sensitive and hidden, had its price, and Null was always delivered, provided the gold was heavy enough.
Babel's banking system, however, was its own great achievement. It had streamlined the financial lives of countless citizens. The introduction of insurance especially life, a weird and outrageous concept considered they lived in a world where death could happen anytime, had further bolstered B.Bank's popularity.
Nobles, in particular, were drawn to the ease and efficiency of automated tax collection. A clause written in the B.Bank account acquisition contract that stipulated automatic tax deductions from account balances, a move initially met with great resistance,( paying taxes is not a good feeling.)
However, the sheer convenience of B.Bank services proved irresistible. People grumbled complained, but ultimately, the allure of simplified finances won them over.
Babel, with its other innovative approach and unwavering focus on progress, had become an undeniable force. Its reach of influence stretched far and wide. But till now they only met the managers Eric, Harvey, Amber but they didn't know who owned Babel.
Babel's name was told and talked about through the human continent. It wasn't just a replaceable entity anymore. Even the copy cats had a hard time competing with Babel it already had a name for itself, a brand that people wanted.
From its food courts serving delicacies to immersive entertainment districts loud with music and cheer, Babel had it's hand in almost everything.
Travelers lodged in comfortable Babel-owned inns and hotels, paying conviniently through Babel banks.
Adventurers, sought out Babel-affiliated guilds, renowned for their well-paying quests and top-notch employment benefits like health which people loved a lot but not just anyone could join you had to be exceptional.
Craftsmen honed their skills in prestigious Babel-made artisan guilds, their creations displayed in opulent galleries, sold expensively in weapon shops or auctions, but they didn't make only expensive goods they catered for everyone and that's why they were so popular.
Now, Babel's influence were stretching into the realm of medicine. Rumors about the establishment of Babel-affiliated medical guilds, promising affordable treatments and readily available quality potions. The common folk, weary of exorbitant healer fees were filled anticipation.
The very streets of Stonegate hummed with Babel's energy. Academy students, easily identifiable in their pristine uniforms, frequented Babel establishments, their presence drawing curious crowds.
Many wanted glimpse of the legendary "Five Blessed." Their saviours chosen by the Gods. The students were kind of popular with some having a follower base in Babel's social media app.
************
A figure materialized with a loud thud in the middle of the bustling street. A small crater formed on the cobblestone. The man who emerged from it wore black sweatpants hung loose on his toned musically frame, a long-sleeved black turtleneck clinging to well-defined muscles.
His raven hair, windswept and slightly singed, framed a face that could only be described as heartbreakingly handsome, with piercing grey eyes.
The dust spread away as the man wafted it away with a casual grace that contrasted the violence of his arrival. He brushed at his clothes, a wry smile forming on his lips. "Seems I'm a bit late," he murmured, his voice deep.
A reply materialized in his mind, a voice as beautiful as it was unemotional. "Nine months late to be exact, young master," it said. "There are still only three months left before the tournament is over."
The man, despite the voice emanating from nowhere, chuckled. "Better late than Never," he said.
" Sometimes when you're late you shouldn't even bother in going anyway." Said the feminine voice and the man just laughed it off.
Neveah's deep voice echoed through the seemingly deserted street, shattering the night's silence. "My dear Sharon, did you gather what I asked about prospective challengers, I would like to…?"
Before he could finish, the familiar voice materialized in his head, as cool, calm and collected as ever. "That's against the rules placed upon you," it stated, devoid of any emotion.