The military police, after a thorough check of my identification and invitation, finally granted me entry through the black gates of Starshard Keep. The sight that greeted me was breathtaking. A magnificent white manor, a two-story building that resembled a cross between a castle and a grand house, dominated the landscape. I proceeded through a beautiful garden, its meticulously sculpted flora a testament to the wealth and power of its owners. It was clear I was now in the territory of the Diamante clan, renowned throughout Heavenport for their opulence and influence.
Inside, I was greeted by a stunning woman with deep, dark skin and cascading white curls. Her hands, sculpted from pure white diamond, shimmered under the light. Her striking white eyes, framed by sharply arched eyebrows, held a warmth that contrasted with her almost ethereal appearance. She carried herself with a poised, professional demeanor. Other women with the same striking features stood behind her, a clear indication of the Diamante's distinct lineage.
"Welcome to Starshard Keep. I am Celeste Diamante. I will show you to your place. The event will commence very soon,"
Ricardo glanced between them with an amused smile. "A family affair, then?"
Celeste nodded, her white eyes shimmering with pride. "Indeed. Now, if you'll follow me, sir."
She led me through the grand hall, an expansive space with a vaulted ceiling supported by massive marble pillars. The far end of the hall, a raised stage dominated the space—a massive platform. I noticed most of the event staff shared the same striking resemblance.
The hall had many round tables. White-sleeved servants bustled about, and I was seated at one before she excused herself.
My gaze swept across the tables. The Grand Council of Heavenport occupied a place of honor, all six members present. These were the city's most influential figures, their expressions a mix of anticipation and guarded curiosity. They were the ones who held the reins of power, their decisions shaping the lives of every citizen in Heavenport. Between them sat the Commander-in-Chief of the Military, General Jabari. In the past, when disputes arose between the two factions, an angel would act as an Arbitrator, but these days General Jabari fulfills that role. His presence spoke volumes about the gravity of the occasion.
At other tables, behind the general's, sat the leaders of Heavenport's five military branches. The leader of the military police sat to his right, flanked by the leaders of the knightly order and intelligence agencies to the left. The leaders of the navy and air force were seated further to the left. The air force is a relatively new branch of the military, its creation made possible by the recent decline in angelic protection, which had historically safeguarded Heavenport's skies. Leading this new branch is the enigmatic Rogue Harpy, a figure both revered and feared within military circles.
Despite the crowded hall, my attention was drawn to several other notable figures. A distinguished king from a prominent mining company, and guild leaders too , and a composed bank representative were among the attendees. Their presence hinted at the potential for significant investment or acquisition of the new D.E.V. units. A sumptuous open buffet displayed a variety of foods, and I helped myself. Just as I finished getting some food, a man took the stage, exuding confidence and authority.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "I am Rio Diamante, owner of Aetherforge Consortium. It is an honor to present to you the next evolution of our D.E.V. units."
Like the women before him, Rio possessed dark skin and gleaming white hair, cut into a sleek low fade. His arms, up to his shoulders, were crafted from white diamond, his luminous white eyes reflecting the stage lights.
He first get on stage "These units," he said, gesturing towards them are first models, C88 models, known as "The Iron Maiden." These units, masked warriors with red ponytails, came in two distinct versions: one wielding a sword, the other using iron chains , these warriors relied entirely on physical prowess, making them durable and deadly in close combat. capable of extraordinary feats of strength, speed, and agility. However, they a sword, the other using iron chains , these warriors relied entirely on physical prowess, making them durable and deadly in close combat. capable of extraordinary feats of strength, speed, and agility. However,they come with limitations."
"Our first models cannot channel magic, a significant drawback in a world infused with arcane energies. Their high energy demands place great strain on their masters, sometimes to dangerous levels. Acknowledging these limitations has driven our pursuit of innovation."
He turned to the audience, his gaze sharp. "To overcome these challenges, we have focused on two key advancements: improved protection for the master and optimized energy efficiency."
A knight stepped forward, clad in a sleek new suit of armor. "This new-generation armor acts as an energy reservoir, storing arcane mana for emergencies—like an extra battery when a master's reserves are depleted."
The outer layer is made of a revolutionary alloy designed to withstand immense force, while the inner structure contains energy-dampening nodes that absorb and redirect kinetic impact. More importantly, it actively channels stored mana to the doll , reducing need for master mana need."
A slight murmur rippled through the audience as Rio continued. "Initially, the armor's weight posed a problem, restricting mobility. but we experimenting with spatial distortion fields to offset perceived weight. This results in unparalleled protection without sacrificing agility."
As the audience absorbed this breakthrough, another Concubine stepped into the spotlight. She had short, red hair, similar to Celeste's.
"Now," Rio said, his voice swelling with pride, "I present our next-generation unit."
A hush fell over the crowd as the new unit demonstrated her abilities.
Gasps rippled through the room. Even the most stoic military officials leaned forward in their seats.
"We've named this unit attack 'Bornfire'," Rio announced. "This unit, model FC47, operates with significantly reduced mana consumption compared to its predecessors, making it more efficient for prolonged use. "However, magical attacks require more energy compared to older models, a necessary trade-off for enhanced versatility."
"But that's not all." Rio's voice took on an even more excited tone. "We have one more model to showcase today. However, this model is still in beta testing." A new unit was presented—FC99."So far, all our models require a master to operate each unit individually. But this model ,FC99 allows for dual-unit synchronization" he paused for emphasis, "and can work in pairs, with a single master , enabling a single master to command two units simultaneously. While each individual FC99 is not significantly stronger than an FC47, the advantage comes from their ability to fight in tandem, creating overwhelming synergy in battle."
"That is all we had for tonight," Rio announced, and the music swelled. A group of dancers began their performance. I saw Rio head towards The Grand Council of Heavenport's table. My gaze, however, was drawn elsewhere. Celeste stood alone, now adorned in a flowing white dress. She looked breathtakingly beautiful. I couldn't resist the urge to approach her.
"Is your shift finished?" I asked, my voice a little breathless. "You look incredibly beautiful in this dress, by the way."
Celeste turned to me, a soft smile gracing her lips.
I felt a surge of boldness. "Do you want to dance?"
"Sure," she replied, her eyes sparkling. "Let's do it."
As we moved onto the dance floor, the music enveloped us. It was a waltz, I realized, but with a unique, ethereal quality. Celeste moved with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly. Her white dress flowed around her like a cloud, each movement fluid and precise. She held her head high, her eyes fixed on mine, a serene expression on her face. Her steps were light, barely touching the floor, as if she were floating. I tried my best to match her elegance, feeling a connection deepen with every turn. The music seemed to weave around us, creating a magical sphere where only we existed.
Then, as the song finished, everyone in the hall turned to us, clapping. We exchanged good nights, and she went her way. I wanted to follow her, but a voice stopped me.
"Nice dancing, Mr. Ricardo."
I recognized that voice: Sadhana Flora. More beautiful and elegant than ever. Her eyes gleamed with amusement.
"I should have known it was you by that charming scent of yours, Ricardo. You always were a ladies' man, always know the right thing to say."
I smile ooh before I forget . "And I wanted to congratulate you on being the first Flora to reach the age of twelve. That is quite an accomplishment."
"Thank you," she replied. "Come, I want to introduce you." She grabbed my hand and led me to Rio. "So, Sadhana, who is here with you?"
"This is Ricardo, from Silver Quill Press."
"Ooh," Rio said, his tone shifting. "So, what did you think of the event? I want a good review. The food and music were great, I assume?"
"Yes, the food and music were excellent," I replied, "but I'm more interested in the broader implications. I wonder, why would a city protected by angels ever need such... dolls?"
Rio's smile tightened slightly. "I hope we never do. But it's always best to be prepared for every eventuality."
Someone called Rio, and he excused himself. "Apologies, I need to take this. Goodnight." When he left, I asked Sadhana, "What does the Grand Council think of all this?"
She hesitated for a moment. "Opinions are... divided. And what about you, Ricardo? What do you think?"
I shrugged. "That depends on what I ask, doesn't it? And whether you're willing to answer..." I paused, letting my gaze linger on her for a moment. "For example, are you going to support this venture? Because I know your support depends on whether or not there's potential for investment in a company that's on the verge of a breakthrough in prolonging Flora's natural lifespan. We all know that Flora only live for ten years, and yet you still stand with us. Your continued presence is a testament to your..."
"Devotion?" she offered, her gaze searching mine.
"Indeed. My company could change a lot for the city, and save many lives. But we need support. And someone like Rio could provide that support."
"And what about the angels? What will they think?" I asked
Before she could answer, she was summoned away by General Jabari. "Duty calls, Ricardo. It was a pleasure."
I watched her go, then decided I needed to find Celeste. I had seen her head towards the gardens earlier. I searched for her everywhere, my heart pounding with a growing sense of urgency. Finally, I saw her near an apple tree, sitting alone, bathed in the soft glow of twilight. A sense of relief washed over me, quickly followed by a renewed awareness of her beauty.
"It's very soon to leave, don't you think?" I asked, my voice carrying a hint of playful accusation.
As if on cue, the moon emerged from behind a veil of clouds, casting its gentle light upon her face. I could see her features with perfect clarity: the delicate curve of her lips, the subtle sparkle in her eyes, the radiant smile that bloomed as she turned to me. Time seemed to stand still, the world outside fading away, leaving only the two of us in that tranquil moment.
"Who said I was leaving?" she replied, her voice a melodious whisper that sent a shiver down my spine. "I was waiting for you here."
Celeste rose as I approached, her movements fluid and graceful, like a dancer responding to an unheard melody. The moonlight seemed to cling to her, illuminating the subtle contours of her figure, turning her white dress into a cascade of shimmering light.
As I drew closer, the world narrowed, focusing on the warmth radiating from her. I reached out, my left hand gently finding hers, the touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. Her skin felt like polished marble, smooth and cool, yet alive with a subtle energy. With my right hand, I tilted her chin, my fingers tracing the delicate curve of her cheekbone. Her gaze locked with mine, her white eyes shimmering with an unspoken invitation.
Lowering my head, I closed the distance between us. The air crackled with anticipation, thick with the sweet fragrance of her perfume and the subtle scent of apples from the nearby tree. When our lips finally met, it was like the world exploded in a symphony of sensations. A soft gasp escaped her lips, and her hand tightened in mine. The kiss was slow, tentative at first, then deepening with a growing urgency. It was a kiss of discovery, of unspoken desires finally given voice.
My lips felt...ineffable. There is no word to describe the feeling. It was like a dream, no, more than a dream. It was like coming home, like finding a missing piece of myself. Every nerve ending in my body was on fire, yet I felt a profound sense of peace. Pleasure, pure and unadulterated, coursed through me, obliterating all thought. I was lost in the taste of her, the feel of her, the sheer perfection of the moment. It was as if the moon itself was holding us in its embrace, and time had ceased to exist.
As the kiss deepened, my hand moved from her cheek, trailing down the smooth column of her neck. I kissed a path along her jawline, each press of my lips sending shivers through her. The skin there was incredibly sensitive, and she arched slightly, her breath catching in her throat. I continued my descent, kissing the hollow of her throat, the delicate curve of her collarbone. Her pulse thrummed beneath my lips, a wild, erratic rhythm that mirrored my own.
My hand found the swell of her breast, the fabric of her dress doing little to conceal the heat radiating from her. Her soft moan was like fuel to the fire, urging me on. I explored every inch of her, my touch reverent, worshipful. Her skin was like silk, smooth and yielding beneath my fingertips. I traced the delicate curve of her waist, the flare of her hips, feeling the heat of her body through the thin material of her dress. Every part of her was soft, inviting, begging to be touched.
I wanted to lose myself in her completely, to become one with her. But as I shifted, a soft hand on my chest stopped me. Her eyes, filled with a mixture of longing and hesitation, met mine.
"Let's go to my room," she whispered, her voice husky with desire.