(The Surprise Banquet Grounds, Chaosbringer’s POV)
The wind carried with it the faint scent of wine, roasted meat, and freshly poured mana elixirs as the evening air settled softly over the remote valley between Skyshard City and Leo’s isolated mansion.
Rows of white tents stretched across the open field, their canopies glowing faintly beneath the suspended mana orbs that drifted lazily above like tiny silver moons, casting ripples of soft light across the marble tables arranged beneath them.
Chefs moved briskly behind the counters, their hands blurring as they plated dish after dish of golden pastries, crystal-glazed meats, and glimmering fruit that shimmered faintly under the mana lights.
Waiters in sleek uniforms drifted quietly between guests, refilling glasses that caught the evening’s glow, while the quiet murmur of conversation filled the air, soft and measured, as if everyone present knew that this gathering was meant to celebrate something monumental.
At the center of it all stood Chaosbringer, his long hair tied loosely behind his back, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he observed the scene unfolding before him.
"Perfect," he muttered, his tone half-proud, half-nervous, as he adjusted the collar of his coat and took in the sight of the guests he had gathered with such care.
Amanda Skyshard stood near one of the larger tables, her expression tender and expectant as she smoothed the hem of her gown, trying to look her absolute best for her husband.
Beside her, Alia and Luke shared a quiet laughter, the kind that spoke of nostalgia and longing both, their faces bright with the simple joy of anticipation.
"Man, it’s been so long since I’ve last seen him," Luke said, raising his glass slightly, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. "It’ll be good to see my little brother again."
Amanda’s eyes softened at his words, while Alia nodded eagerly, her excitement barely contained. "He’s been training for so long," she said, her voice light with hope. "It’ll finally feel like our family’s complete again."
Chaosbringer smiled faintly at their words, his chest tightening with a mixture of pride and worry, for though he had organized this banquet to celebrate the Lord’s millionth win, a part of him still remembered the cold look in the Lord’s eyes the last time they spoke— a look that said he didn’t care for anything mortal anymore.
Across the tent, the five Monarchs of the Cult stood together by the bar counter, their imposing figures slightly out of place amidst the warm laughter that filled the space.
Anderson Silva swirled the golden liquid in his glass absently, while Mickey James leaned closer, lowering his voice as though afraid the night itself might overhear.
"Man, I hope the Lord’s calm today," Mickey muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, he just finished that insane training session, right? That should make anyone happy."
Anderson gave a quiet grunt of agreement, though his eyes betrayed his unease. "Happy, sure... but the Lord isn’t exactly known for reacting like other people."
Darnell Nuna, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke, his usual carefree tone edged with nervous optimism. "I think we’ll be fine. His family’s here too. I heard he’s gentle around them."
At that, Dupravel’s glass froze midway to his lips as he glanced at his son, his expression unreadable. "If not..." he began, his voice trailing into silence as a collective shiver seemed to run down their spines.
Su Pei, standing a little apart from the rest, chuckled awkwardly, raising his glass as if to dispel the tension. "Well, let’s just say—if he’s not gentle tonight, we’re all in for a very short party."
The faint laughter that followed felt thin, strained, and though the music from the nearby harpists tried its best to fill the void, a quiet tension lingered in the air.
Chaosbringer, sensing it too, clasped his hands together and forced a smile as he turned toward the last group of guests, which were Dumpy, Leonardo, and Ben.
The trio stood together near the dessert counter, where the soft hum of conversation blended with the quiet clinking of glass and cutlery.
Leonardo looked sharper than usual in his formal black coat, the faint insignia of the Cult embroidered on his chest, as he sat with the discipline of a soldier.
Yet, despite his rigidness, his youthful face betrayed the restless excitement that he was trying so hard to suppress.
"The Seventh Elder really went overboard this time," he murmured, glancing around at the lavish setup—the gleaming platters, the golden drapes, and the faint scent of roasted spice that hung in the evening air.
"I just hope Uncle doesn’t kill him for throwing this without permission," he said, hoping aloud, as Ben, standing beside him with a glass in hand, laughed lightly, his tone easy and familiar.
"I think Chaosbringer’s counting on the family’s presence to soften the blow. With Amanda and you here, Leo won’t dare start yelling."
Leonardo huffed a quiet laugh. "You sound confident... but I’ve seen my uncle yell without yelling. And trust me when I say, his ’disappointed’ talk is much worse than his anger."
Leonardo pointed, as Dumpy, who sat beside them with a large plate of food, immediately huffed at the comment.
"I’d watch that tongue if I were you, boy. The only reason I’m letting this comment slide is because you’re the Lord’s nephew, and hence I see you as my own child. However, if not for blood relation, trust me when I say, I’ve killed men for less."
Dumpy warned, steam blowing out of his beastly nostrils, as Leonardo’s face turned pale.
It was a well-known fact within the Cult by now that no one could insult the Lord even mildly in Dumpy’s presence, as even good-natured jokes like these did not get a free pass.
"I’m sorry, Uncle Dumpy. I’ll be better..." Leonardo said immediately, as Ben chuckled a hearty laugh.
"Oh, how the tables have turned... our little Dumpy has grown from a tiny frog no one took seriously, to the bully of the big boys."
Ben joked, but before anyone could respond, a strange pressure suddenly washed over the whole camp, causing everyone to turn their heads East.
"He’s here..." Dumpy said with a smile on his face, as the entire camp sensed Leo’s arrival, even before he showed his face.