The Ethera Clan.
One of the Major Clans and a dominant power that ruled over the Calyndor Continent alongside the Arcana Clan of the Arcadia Continent.
Though both carried the same title, there was one key difference—the Ethera Clan was always stronger and held more prestige than the Arcana Clan, being the older of the two.
A family that had served the Emperor since the very foundation of the Empire, growing more talented with each generation. And with every new head that led the clan, its strength only continued to rise.
Currently, the head of the clan was Orion Ethera.
Though he held the title, he had chosen to live in a separate part of the continent with his immediate family, far removed from the heart of the Main Clan.
There was no way just he and his family were considered the entire Ethera Clan—a Major Clan was never that small.
A Major Clan had enough power to topple an entire continent if they wanted to. That's why they were regarded as the rulers of the continents they each presided over.
They weren't feared only for their strength and talent—but also for their sheer numbers.
Astrid sighed. "I feel like this trip is going to have way more drama than I hoped for..."
He turned to face his father, but the man was still glued to the tablet and stacks of documents in his hands.
Astrid's eyebrows twitched slightly. "He's been at this for the past two hours. Doesn't he ever get tired?"
Then, with a groan, he turned to look out the window, eyes drifting lazily across the sky as he sighed—for what felt like the tenth time in five minutes.
"My Lord, we'll be reaching the Main Clan in the next five minutes," the driver declared.
Orion gave a short nod in response.
Astrid's eyes lit up, glinting with that specific kind of excitement that screamed, "Finally!"
The black car slowed to a regal halt as it approached the towering gates of the Ethera Clan—a sight that instantly quieted Astrid's sarcastic thoughts.
He blinked.
No. He squinted.
Was that a wall or a mountain range?
The gates themselves stood like titanic slabs of obsidian etched with golden runes that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Guard towers flanked either side, their silver-tipped spires scraping the sky like they had a personal grudge against clouds. The fence stretched out far beyond what his eyes could reach, vanishing into the curvature of the land itself.
"...Okay. That's definitely overkill," Astrid muttered, nose pressed against the window.
Dozens of uniformed guards patrolled the top of the gates with synchronized precision, while others stood at key posts below, immobile as statues. They weren't just any guards—each one radiated a level of power that sent a subtle pressure into the air, like the air itself respected their strength.
The moment the vehicle rolled to a stop, a chime rang out from the inner walls. Within seconds, the golden runes on the gate flickered, pulsed, and then—with a deep mechanical hum—the monolithic doors began to part.
Astrid swallowed, the sound alone giving him goosebumps.
"This feels like the opening scene to some legendary war movie," he mumbled.
As the gate fully opened, the interior view slammed into him like a shockwave of grandeur.
The Ethera Clan wasn't a mansion. It wasn't even a palace.
It was a city.
Towering pagodas made of marble and blue crystal stood in elegant formation, each crowned with glowing sigils. Rivers of clean, glistening water wove through carefully tended gardens filled with spirit trees, their leaves glowing faintly with life essence. Floating lanterns drifted lazily across the air above a central avenue paved in obsidian and gold.
There were people, too—hundreds of them. Clan members walked with confident strides, each wearing dark navy robes lined with silver thread, the Ethera crest embroidered over their hearts. Some rode majestic beasts that shimmered with elemental energy, while younger disciples sparred in open courtyards lined with jade pillars.
As the car passed through, people began to turn.
Orion Ethera had returned.
Heads bowed. Warriors saluted. Elders offered respectful nods.
But none of them gave Astrid a second glance.
No one knew who he was.
And he liked it that way.
'Perfect,' he thought, watching as everyone ignored him. 'I am but a humble side character. Do not perceive me.'
The car cruised past rows of spiritual monuments, through a circular plaza where a massive statue of the Ethera progenitor stood, and finally came to a gentle stop in front of a marble pavilion nestled beneath a waterfall that flowed from the upper cliffs.
Two elderly attendants approached and opened the car doors.
Orion stepped out first. Regal. Composed. Like this was just another Tuesday.
Astrid followed behind, blinking rapidly as mist from the waterfall kissed his face.
"This place smells like incense and... money," he muttered.
As soon as both feet touched the jade-tiled floor, a familiar pressure fell over the courtyard. It was subtle, but heavy. Not oppressive, but ancient—like the very stones carried memories of battles fought and legends written.
They didn't wait long.
A trio of figures approached from the far end of the courtyard. Leading them was a tall man dressed in white ceremonial robes, trimmed in shimmering blue. His face was weathered but sharp, framed by long, swept-back silver hair. His expression was unreadable—a calm ocean with unspoken storms beneath.
He stopped a few feet away from Orion, his gaze flicking toward Astrid with casual curiosity—not surprise.
"So," the man said, his voice deep and level, echoing slightly in the vast courtyard. "This is the grandson I've heard so much about."
Astrid froze.
Grandson?
So this was... him.
The Grand Patriarch. The original strength and power behind the Ethera name.
Orion gave a respectful bow. "Father. It is an honor meeting you once more."
The old man's eyes remained fixed on Astrid. For a moment, there was silence. Pure, tense, awkward silence.
Astrid cleared his throat. "Uh... Hi."
The corners of the Grand Patriarch's mouth twitched. Just a little.
Then he turned. "Come. We have much to discuss."
Astrid followed, half-dazed, half-terrified, and already regretting every decision that led him here.
'Welp. No turning back now.'