CHAPTER 507: 506. MASQUERADE MASSACRE (1)

Ocean Ryujin stood poised for battle, his attire a blend of elegance and command. He wore a pristine white tunic fastened with silver clasps, layered beneath a deep navy waistcoat adorned with intricate embroidery. A sweeping cloak of midnight blue, patterned with icy, arcane motifs and edged in ornate silver trim, billowed around him like a moving tapestry of winter magic.

His long, aqua-blue hair, loose and flowing to his shoulder blades, shimmered in the cold light, a delicate earcuff of fine metal resting over his right ear. The vivid aqua of his eyes mirrored the frozen waters, calm yet unyielding, while the familiar magical devices—a finely worked brooch and a pendant that seemed to hum with power—rested securely on his person, completing the look of a Dragon ready to claim victory.

Ocean didn’t bother give himself a look in the mirror because he knew whatever he wore, it would look heavenly on him because of the beauty that was crafted upon his disguise. He picked up the mask that he was supposed to wear for this masquerade ball.

It was an elegant white mask with blue gleaming scale-like design that covered his forehead and one half of his handsome face.

"Is Sol ready?" He simply asked the maids who were busy trying to keep their hearts from beating out of their chests.

"Uh... Yes... Yes, my Lord!"

Ocean turned around to see Sol who was also dressed up.

The winter light catching the gleam of his golden eyes and the soft sheen of his blond hair. His attire was a striking blend of teal green and black—short tailored shorts paired with a fitted double-breasted jacket in deep black, its lapels and buttons accented with subtle teal piping. Beneath it, a ruffled teal-green shirt added an elegant contrast, fastened at the collar with a black ribbon and an oval manastone brooch that glimmered faintly like captured starlight. A long black coat, lined in muted teal, billowed slightly behind him, lending him an air of composed authority despite his youthful frame. Polished black shoes and neatly tied laces completed the look, his presence radiating quiet composure as he met Ocean’s gaze.

His adorable face was covered by a small mask that had the beautiful design of the peacock feathers.

"I’m ready," Sol responded and Ocean stared for a moment before he turned to his vanity and pulled a small chest from the drawer.

He plucked out a bright blue pendant which he had been keeping to give Sol later but given the circumstances and Sol’s weak condition it was better to hand this to him now.

Ocean walked over to Sol and sat on his knee before him, Sol blinked as Ocean reached out and placed the silver chain around Sol’s neck, the bright blue pendant rested on his chest.

Every Dragon in their lifetime created countless mana stones which are formed purely by their mana and have the essence of their lives stored in it. Ocean had only recently started forming his own mana stones and he had been keeping them to give them to the ones who were especially close to him.

"Why are you giving me this? I already have the brooch." Sol asked.

Ocean looked up at Sol before reaching out and brushing his soft cheek with the back of his fingers making the soft pink hue color them.

"You have that brooch," Ocean spoke in a voice that wasn’t above whisper. "But that’s just for your safety. This one, is for the time when I’m not around and if you need my healing."

Sol watched as Ocean gently picked up the bracelet, clasping his fingers around it and closed his eyes for a moment pouring his mana into the stone.

"You... don’t need to be so..." Sol spoke and Ocean opened his eyes.

"Listen to my father and Prince Davian well and don’t try to go out of your way if you think anything will go wrong." Ocean said before he smiled at Sol.

"We’ll have a better time at the ball that I’ll hold at Ryujin mansion to celebrate Kai’s and your inclusion in the Ryujin family?"

Sol hadn’t ever thought of being a part of any family ever since he had come to existence, he hadn’t even thought of looking forward to something, but for some reason, his heart wouldn’t stop hammering away as he pondered over Ocean’s words.

"Now then, shall we head out and save the day?" Ocean said and the corners of Sol’s lips twitched and curled up into a beautiful smile.

"Yes."

Ocean and Sol walked out, hand in hand, finding Davian already waiting outside.

Davian stood tall, the light from the chandeliers in the corridor glinted off of his deep midnight hair, its inky strands a stark contrast to the rich royal blue of his coat. Gold embroidery curled in elegant patterns along the tailored fabric, the matching half-cape draped over one shoulder giving him an air of regal authority. A crisp white cravat rested at his throat, fastened with a polished golden clasp, while fitted ivory trousers and polished black riding boots completed the ensemble. The brooch that Ocean had given him rested right above his heart, clear crystal, adapting to the color of the outfit.

The white mask with beautiful golden engravings and gold beads adorned his handsome face. His violet eyes, vivid and unyielding, held the quiet intensity of someone born to command.

But that sharpness instantly vanished, replacing with the gentle warmth as he smiled.

"Master, Sol." He beamed as the duo walked towards him.

"Have you been waiting for long?" Ocean asked and Davian shook his head.

"Not at all, besides, you look good, Master and you too Sol." He said.

After exchanging the brief greetings they walked towards the ballroom. Davian looked at Ocean who didn’t look nervous at all, but then again he had learnt his lesson to not judge Ocean by looking at the surface. Beneath that cool exterior was the depth that was so dark and restless, unseen world in constant motion. Powerful currents twisted and spiraled like countless whirlpools. Pressure that built with crushing force as the water grew heavier, compressing everything that it surrounded.

Beneath that calm and composed face was a place where stillness was an illusion—beneath the tranquil blue lied an endless, churning dance of chaos and creation.

The announcement of their arrival was made and they entered the large ballroom. The huge room was already packed with a lot of people all had their faces covered with masks.

It was easy to know who was a noble and who was a commoner though, but it seemed like it wasn’t a matter of concern. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.

"There are more than hundreds here, Master." Davian muttered as they walked farther down making their way past the crowd.

"Be extra careful." Ocean spoke, "They wouldn’t move until His Majesty and His Highness Arian are here so, keep an eye around and don’t get swept away."

"That’s rude, Your Highness. I can only be swept away by one thing and you’ve already sent her away from here." Davian smiled, Ocean’s heart skipped a beat and he sighed clenching his jaw.

Just how did this man find the gall to flirt in this situation?

Ocean turned his gaze from him and looked around again. The King and Crown Prince were scheduled to enter in some time but almost all the guests were present. The room was practically buzzing with so many people and their presences, all seeming to pressing down on Ocean trapping him in a claustrophobic feeling.

"This is why I hate balls," Ocean muttered, Davian who heard him couldn’t help but smirk.

"It’s been a while since I saw Master in real action, I’m looking forward to what you do with those who dare mess with your plan."

Ocean glanced at him from the corner of his eye, like that didn’t just sound like what a fight junkie would say.

Ocean sighed and looked down at Sol.

"Are you all right?" He asked squeezing Sol’s hand gently.

Sol was also having a bit hard time because of so many people. Dragons were naturally isolated species because they were pretty much satisfied with their own mana and surrounded by the habitat that harmonized with their mana so, being forced into the place with so many varying mana presences oft came with terrible headaches later.

Ocean could feel eyes on himself but they weren’t any hostile gazes so, he simply brushed them away while he met the gazes with familiar people and gave them nods of acknowledgement.

He had discussed his Plan C with the relevant people in the morning and had them also know about both Plans A and B for them to be on the same page as others. Everything was set accordingly just a bit more time and it would probably begin. Ocean still didn’t know when it would actually begin but the most likely probability was around midnight. The new Year would start and probably it would also be symbolic for the Golden Serpent that she managed to strike on her enemies at a significant time.

Ocean confirmed that everyone whom he had stationed around the room were in their places giving him a feeling that he was connected in this grand web as the kingpin.

"Everything seems to be going well for now," Ocean mumbled.

Just then the large double doors opened and the remaining actors tonight’s play entered. Ocean and others looked at the three monarchs of three different kingdoms who walked in simultaneously followed by the Crown Prince of Denril.

Among the crowd, Arian’s sharp orange eyes found Ocean’s in a moment. He lifted his chin just a bit and Ocean gave him a curt nod.

It was time to begin Plan A.