"Could you leave? I'm badly hurt right now... I think Henri's mad at me. I wonder why? That Leonardo boy was really good at lying, if we're being honest."
Altan, perched above and overhearing the plea, smirked.
So, she can hear me. Though I'm hardly the audience for your confessions, he mused before speaking aloud, his voice carrying a mixture of amusement and indifference.
"I'm not under anyone—not even the Sages—and because of the son's death, the only interesting one in a century, you are now on my 'hit' list." His tone sharpened. "But then again, you said please, so I'll leave."
Without warning, Altan flung himself towards the lift doors. He flew with unerring precision, his boots hitting the exact spot he'd occupied before.
The small fire that had once crackled nearby was now nothing more than dying embers. He bent down, retrieving a piece of half-eaten meat from the Raugdran's skin . The taste of raw, bloodied flesh still lingered in his memory.
Altan shook his head, a growl rumbling in his throat. "That family is really crazy," he remarked, wiping a smear of blood from his side onto his armor.
His eyes remained fixed on the doors of the lift ahead. It looked minimalistic at best, standing with presence but without buttons or panels to call it.
Altan frowned, standing in silence, fingers absentmindedly combing debris from his hair. The door slid open with a soft whoosh. Altan stepped inside, his towering form instantly dominating the small space. The other occupants pressed back instinctively, making wary room.
"You are the 13,578th to use the new invention: the lift," a voice greeted him—robotic, yet familiar. Hector, the attendant, appeared.
Hector's eyes widened as Altan fully entered, his presence overwhelming the confines. The press of bodies eased further into the corners. His white hair framed his face, falling around his shoulders like captured light.
"I would like to show an example," Hector said, his voice now slightly shaky as he gestured toward the walls and floor of the lift. "Polisum glass—a material from another city. Indestructible is the best term."
Altan's sharp eyes gleamed. A slow, predatory smile curled his lips.
"Indestructible?" he echoed, savoring the word. He leaned his spear gently against the glass, its jagged prongs grazing the surface. He applied slight pressure—the metal vibrating with potential energy.
Hector stiffened, sweat beading on his brow. "Oh wait, I'm not talking about you..." he stammered.
"Why?" Altan asked, his smile widening, revealing sharp teeth.
"It's for the guests," Hector said, his voice trailing off weakly.
Altan tilted his head, expression darkening. "Am I an uninvited guest?"
"You're a dragon," Hector whispered.
Altan's smile lingered, but his eyes turned cold. "Oh, right. That's what most of you think."
The tension thickened as Altan leaned back, grip tightening on his spear.
He paused. "Alright, I'm moving to the next floor," he said, thoughts shifting. I only have a month left... he mused silently. And Leonardo is dead...
"I wonder what big brother is doing," Altan muttered. "When is the next right star?" he asked aloud.
"In the next few minutes," Hector replied quickly, still sweating.
Altan nodded, lost in thought.
The public only knew the name, associating it with the legend of the "Five Dragons." Few understood its true meaning.
As he stood in the lift, people dared to snap photos—his towering, pale figure an undeniable draw.
One bold man sidled close, flashing a peace sign beside him. Altan leaned in abruptly, mimicking the sign with exaggerated flair and a wide, toothy grin.
The man blanched and scrambled away, thoroughly unnerved.
Altan chuckled lowly, turning back toward the polisum glass. He caught sight of the Sky District sprawling in its full glory beyond the transparent wall.
"Magnificent," Altan whispered. "I want to go to the church again." A faint, private smile touched his lips.
His words were meant for no one but himself.
Altan's gaze remained fixed on the Sky District. Magnificent... but fleeting, he thought. Everything is.
The thought trailed into practicality. "Another way to ascened is by..." he murmured, his eyes flicking to take in the number of people crammed into the lift with him.