CHAPTER 19: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

The Kaiser mansion hadn’t felt so alive since Jack was first born.

Lanterns swayed on silver chains as the cool wind blew.

In the grand hall, large tables draped with red silk were covered with extravagant food. The smell of moonlavender and roasted duck filled the room.

This was no ordinary day. This was a soiree in honor of Jack. For a new chosen had been picked by a god.

In Elysium there were four chosen ones. Each one was leagues better than anyone else in terms of skill with a few exceptions.

Clink!

Glasses clinked together as Alaric and Cassius drank some wine to celebrate.

"Lord Kaiser, a lovely celebration as always. It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen one of your parties be so vibrant." Lord Ambrosia said as he clinked his glass with Alaric.

Lord Ambrosia was one of high ranking nobles that was aligned with Lord Kaiser. He had a lot of wealthy friends, and had considerable weight when it came to the wealthy class.

The slow soft tone of harps being played in the grand hall set a nice tone for the evening.

"Where is your son Lord Kaiser?" Lord Amborisa asked as he glanced around the room.

"He should be back shortly. He’s in a dungeon currently testing his skills." Alaric said with a smile as he drank more wine.

"So soon? He just woke up."

"Im sure you know by now, my son was chosen by a god. He’s destined to be challenged left and right. I’m just doing my part as his father to prepare him for the future." Alaric said.

Lord Ambrosia bowed his head and left to get more wine for his empty glass.

The crowds swirled around Alric and Cassius as they continued their conversation.

Nobles and servants cast curious glances at Alaric as guards remained by Alaric’s side.

Old allies of the Kaiser’s came to offer congratulations. Even enemies came to size up Jack to their own children.

Everyone kept tabs on Jack. His first successful dungeon raid, the use of Embersalt, and how kind he was to the people of Sorne.

A herald announced the arrival of anyone important who showed up to the party.

"Lord Vance of House Enoc!"

"Lord Charles and Lady Veronica of House Whitecreek!"

"Lady Claudia and her son, Rhys of House Lufiel!"

The young man who entered with his mother walked around like someone who only thought highly of himself.

His hair was so meticulously done, that a hair on his head would never be out of place. He was a tall boy who had golden hair.

He placed one hand on his sword and smirked as he scanned the crowd.

"Mother, where is our guest of honor. I’d like to see the chosen one."

Before Lady Claudia could answer, the music died down and Alaric stepped towards the center of the grand hall.

"My friends," Alaric said with his stern, commanding voice. "Thank you for joining me on this day. This is no ordinary party. This is a celebration for my son’s 16th birthday, as well as to celebrate the awakening of the fifth chosen one."

Clap!

Clap!

Clap!

Applause rang out through the room to congratulate Alaric.

"As we all know, there are four chosen ones who serve this kingdom. One submits to the royal family. One who oversees Elysium’s illustrious magic academy. And the other two who serve themselves.

They are all powerful and now, my son joins their ranks. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves for this a new step in Kaiser history!"

The harps resumed and the applause grew louder.

An hour later, Jack came down from his room and walked through the halls to go to the garden where he saw his father.

The whole celebration didn’t matter. He knew there were important people he had to see and that’s all that mattered.

His hair was still shiny from the ectoplasm, and someone called out his name as he was walking outside.

"Jack Kaiser I presume." Rhys said as he looked down on Jack.

"Yeah I’m a bit busy, let’s talk later." Jack replied not even looking at Rhys.

This infuriated Rhys. A single strand of hair fell out of place triggering something inside of him.

--

"There is someone who doesn’t like you very much Jack..." Cassius said.

Before Jack could have a proper conversation with anyone, Rhys strode towards Jack angrily.

"JACK KAISER!!!" A strange soft voice came from around the corner.

As Jack turned to see who it was a white glove hit him in the face and dropped to the ground.

Jack picked it up and threw it back to the young man.

’You really shouldn’t throw things in other people’s homes you know.’

"Jack... my dear boy..." Alaric said as he slapped himself in the head.

Why is everyone looking at me like that? And why are there so many people in my house?

[Jack, while you were away a soiree in your honor was being thrown.]

What, why did no one tell me about this!

[Seraphina tried to tell you about it, but you ran off as soon as you heard the news about the factory.]

You’re right I did do that. Oopsie.

"The chosen one has accepted." Rhys smirked. "Im going to end this quickly."

What’s up with him? What is he talking about?

[You picked up his glove. It’s a tradition that you accept a duel. And then you threw it at his face. So he’s probably not the happiest right now.]

....

....

"Wait, if a duel is going to commence, let’s go to the training ground. I wouldn’t want my son to destroy my wife’s garden." Alaric said with a grin.

Every single noble and servant in attendance made their way to the training grounds.

They formed a loose circle in the training grounds.

Each person was mingling and talking about who would win.

"I heard Rhys is considered a genius among his peers." One pretty lady said.

"I heard Jack is already soloing dungeons." A big belly man said.

System, what’s this guy’s deal?

[He has a very strong dislike for you. Since you’ve awakened he wants Aurora to himself.

Oh so he’s the jealous type.

"Lord Alaric, I request two wooden swords for combat." Rhys said confidently.

Jack chuckled. ’I don’t use swords. I use a spear. And I’d prefer to use the real things. Unless you’re afraid?’

Rhys’ blood began to boil. "Very well, it’s your own funeral. Don’t blame me when you get hurt."