Divine Beast Ascension

The common citizens didn’t know about Dean Jarrit’s sudden trip, even after he had already left. Their only clue was the lack of his usual acceptance speech for the institute’s newest class, which had been fulfilled by Professor Bastol. But many also noticed that of the people entering the institute, two key people were missing, the two finalists of the last tournament.

However, Professor Bastol never explained the matter despite many asking him all about their absence. All he would say was, “Our territory leader will soon give an explanation for everything.”

That aside, there were also many major changes taking place within the noble families and prominent businesses.

Though he couldn’t compare to someone like the Libarn Guild, Keldon’s shop was closed down shortly after the tournament. Yet Keldon was still spotted visiting major dealers in merchandise, goods, medicines, and herbs on the regular. Then he would randomly make massive purchases, the likes of which couldn’t compare to his deals of the past, while his shop had been open. But all news about Keldon’s strange business deals were soon overlooked after the new year arrived.

On the first day of the year, huge news shook the public when the Libarn Guild made an announcement immediately after the institute’s entrance ceremony. Dragging their two well-known managers in chains with Professor Nixt as an escort, the reclusive patriarch of the Libarn Family made an unannounced appearance. He publicly shamed his now-former managers and stripped them of all connections to the Libarn Guild, promptly promoting Graent to the station of first manager and declaring radical changes to how their guild would do business henceforth.

But that was only the start. The public was busy gossiping about what else Claud and Reginol did to deserve becoming cripples, especially with Claud being a former low-perennial. They weren’t prepared for even more news to pop up.

.....

The wedding of the Trantor Forell and Freele Whizek was soon announced for the public, despite only those with an invitation being allowed to attend. Yet the most shocking news how the Forell Patriarch had paid a visit to the Practor Family, supposedly to discuss a potential engagement. Everyone was curious to know what had happened in their meeting but there was never any follow-up news regarding the sit-down of the two patriarchs.

What made that all the more strange was the visit of the Whizek Patriarch, along with the visits of other lesser noble families, such as the Eaton and Tordail Families. Even the newly appointed first manager of the Libarn Guild paid a visit to the Practor Family. And the public had no clue as to why.

Over the course of two moons, the citizens of Trighton were abuzz with rumors and gossip of all kinds. The most outstanding gossip at the moment was the Practor Family and how it could be gaining so much attention from the other nobles. Talk of betrothals was among the gossip, as some remembered the skills of the masked young woman whole turned out to be Hurman’s granddaughter, who also hadn’t entered the institute. Others wondered what had become of Oliver, their newest tournament champion with unusual soul skills and beastly battle arts. A rare few wondered if the news regarded the health of the aging patriarch, as Hurman had never managed to ascend and his son had even failed to ascend in the past.

But those rumors and doubts would eventually be cleared up. Finally, Professor Bastol’s statement came true.

Before the end of the second moon of the new year, a sudden celebration was announced to the public. They were given only one day’s notice of the event, but that only added to the hype. Many announcements were made about the barely-announced festival, but some things stood out immediately, including the participation of the Practor Family and a speech from their territory leader.

All it took was a day for the city to grow vibrant once again as they hurriedly prepared the city center for the festivities. White banners were hung across the commercial district, surprising many as even more banners were hung up along the road leading toward the institute. Multi-colored ribbons were hung as well, connecting the white banners and offering a splash of color to the festive mood.

The next morning, food stalls were up and running before the sun woke up the city. By the time the sun began climbing the sky, the commercial district was packed with lines for the many game and food stalls. Lines were long but swiftly moved. Everyone was ready for their baited attention to finally be served and the many booths were the perfect distraction before the main event.

When mid-day neared, people were being corralled into the amphitheater and the surrounding area. There were plenty of people standing at the base of the platform as they piled into the stands, but everyone had their eyes on the two men on stage.

One wore a plain white shirt with black trousers and a black cape, accentuating his naturally blonde hair. He was the person everyone was glued to at first. But many shifted their attention to the man standing beside their territory leader, mostly from shock.

The man had a full head of grey hair and a grey beard but his skin was tight and full of life. Adorned in navy blue and golden amber robes, he was an unexpected sight.

Noticing him, some gave a closer look to those around the platform, noticing many wearing similar robes. And there was another man that some were even more stunned to see. His long, brown hair was somewhat messy, as was his tattered facial hair, but the smile on his face and the two swords on his hips left the spectating nobles in awe.

“PEOPLE OF TRIGHTON!!!”

That rare voice echoed throughout the amphitheater and the surrounding area. All conversations ceased and all eyes were glued to the territory leader, finally addressing his people.