The streets of Newhaven glowed with a soft, luminous light, casting long shadows that danced along the cobblestones. The lampposts, though seemingly ordinary, imprisoned elementals within their glass confines. These ethereal beings buzzed in despair, their delicate wings beating against the barriers that held them. Their light, though bright, failed to pierce the deepest alleys or illuminate the dank, oppressive cells of the auction houses where unspeakable transactions took place.For us, the denizens of the danger zones, the arrival of humans brought a harsh revelation. Technologically manufactured devices ceased to function in these zones, rendering even the most advanced guns useless. The only tools and weapons that worked had to be crafted from resources found within the danger zones. To the humans, those resources included us, the inhabitants of Emerald Glaze.Artifacts, however, were an exception. These ancient and mystical objects retained their power in the hands of humans, b
The exterior of the bathhouse was a blend of traditional Emerald Glaze and modern architecture, with wooden beams and sliding paper doors that seemed to invite you into a realm of both history and comfort. The front entrance, framed by delicate lanterns, glowed softly, casting a welcoming light.Stepping inside, the air was warm and humid, infused with the faint scent of eucalyptus and lavender. The reception area was cozy, with soft lighting that cast a golden glow over the wooden floors, making everything feel bathed in a perpetual sunset. A friendly attendant greeted Jacky and Liam with a polite bow, her voice like a gentle melody as she welcomed them to the bathhouse.Beyond the reception, the bathhouse opened up into a spacious area divided into various sections. To the left, private changing rooms provided privacy and comfort, each equipped with soft towels, plush robes, and lockers for personal belongings. To the right, a row of showers ensured guests could cleanse themselves b
Mr. George's fair skin had turned bright red, resembling a tomato left out in the sun too long. The body of the demigods tended to be sturdy and capable of enduring the majority of what the world of man could throw at it. But George's unblessed body had a complexion that seemed to be auditioning for a lobster festival.The steam of the sauna burned like hot coal, but to the demihumans, it felt natural and normal. They basked in the scorching heat like it was a mild summer breeze. The sauna itself, constructed from fragrant cedar wood, offered dry heat that seeped into the muscles, providing deep relaxation. It wasn't unusual to see patrons emerge from the sauna looking like they had been reborn, but Mr. George walked out looking like smoked fish."Damn freaks, every last one of them," Mr. George muttered with a dark scowl as he left the heating room with a towel barely clinging to his waist. He looked like a crimson parade balloon a random demigod thought as he went into the sauna.
Lilith raised a brow, a flicker of suspicion dancing in her eyes. Mr. George had always been the least level headed among them, but waltzing into the ladies' bath wasn't his style. Something had definitely spooked him."Oh hey, Mr. George, what's up?" Lilith's voice was light, but her eyes were sharp, scanning his face with a calm exterior.Mr. George was still breathing heavily, his muscled chest rising and falling in a predictable pattern. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, and his usually composed demeanor was replaced by an urgent, almost frantic energy."I saw Liam... the hegemon," he gasped, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and awe. "He just left the sauna. Hurry up and find him."Lilith fell silent for a moment, her thoughts unreadable to Mr. George. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and then she gave a light nod."Sure, I'll get right on it."The moment she finished speaking, a mighty divine sense erupted from her petite frame, encasing the space around the bath and beg
The air was thick with the stench of mold and unwashed bodies, mingling with the metallic tang of blood and rust. The only light came from a single flickering torch mounted on the damp stone wall, casting eerie, shifting shadows that danced like malevolent spirits. These shadows seemed to mock the prisoners, their movements almost taunting in the dim glow. Rows upon rows of iron barred cells lined the narrow, winding corridors, each one cramped and filthy. The cells were designed to hold demihuman prisoners, their shapes and sizes varying to accommodate the diverse forms of the incarcerated. Some cells were elongated with reinforced bars, tailored for those with serpentine tails or multiple limbs, while others were smaller and more confined, meant for those of diminutive stature. The bars themselves were coated with a grimy mixture of rust and dried blood, a testament to the brutal conditions within. Chains and manacles hung from the walls, coated in a thick layer of grime and r
Mystic Brilliance Auction House, located in the perilous danger zone of Emerald Glaze’s, within the heart of the major city. Newhaven, stands as a grim monument to the sinister dealings that transpire within its walls. The building looms ominously, its shadowed façade a stark reminder of its macabre reputation.Inside, the auction hall is vast and foreboding. The ceiling, a nightmarish display of cruelty, is adorned with life elementals, grotesquely nailed to the rafters. Their once luminous forms now flicker with a dim, tortured light, casting eerie shadows that dance menacingly over the patrons below. The air is thick with a palpable sense of dread and unspoken horrors.The main floor, while grand in its own right, is dominated by dark, polished wood and heavy, oppressive décor. The atmosphere is heavy with the stench of secrecy and corruption. The auction is not merely a transaction of rare artifacts but a grim marketplace where the enslaved and the forsaken are bought and sold. T
Eldric Thorne smiled wearily, leaning in to whisper into the Mad Clown’s ear, "You forget something of utmost importance, Mad Clown. This is Emerald Glaze, not Olympus." The Mad Clown grinned sadistically and stepped back to his seat, his eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. Eldric Thorne was clearly confident in his backing, showing no fear despite the threat to one of the Four Heavenly Maidens. His assurance was palpable, but the Mad Clown’s smirk revealed his amusement at Eldric’s unshakable demeanor. The conversation had taken a sharp turn, revealing the precarious balance of power in Emerald Glaze. The Four Heavenly Maidens were the pinnacle of strength, towering above any threat below them. They stood as the highest echelon of power just beneath the rulers, their might unmatched. Their locations were chosen with strategic precision to guard against any potential threats, and their connection to Lady Stagnia, the Archoness of the Void, provided an additional layer of pr
Mad Clown walked out of the private booth, an optimistic smirk on his face. The smirk stretched his lips into a manic grin, the kind that sent chills down the spines of those who dared to meet his gaze. His red and blue coat swayed dramatically with each step, a stark contrast against the dark and sinister ambiance of the auction house. He tugged at the lapels of his coat, ensuring it was perfectly aligned before adjusting his hat. The hat, a grotesque jester's cap, added to his already unsettling appearance. With a final self satisfied nod, he began his confident stride towards the stairs leading from the private auction booth. Shadow, in an ethereal form, hovered nearby. Even Mad Clown's heightened senses couldn't detect him in this state. Yet, he spoke with the confidence of one who knew he was ever present. "First phase of the plan is complete, now we move on to the next... I heard the mighty dragons of the Black Mountains resisted the Four Heavenly Maidens the most of all t