Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 189

Chapter 189: Explorers

Dawn of Wine, a city famous for its wine, it is an ancient city said to be the birth place of the founding Emperor, later this city was renamed as Dawn of Wine, as the founding Emperor likes Wine very much.

The city stood tall and proud, its high walls gleaming under the midday sun. Towers punctuated the massive fortifications, each one manned by vigilant guards. Outside the colossal gates, a long line of people waited to enter, their murmurs and excitement filling the air. Merchants with laden carts, families with eager children, and travelers from distant lands all moved forward slowly, presenting their documents to the stern-faced guards who meticulously checked each identity. Amidst the crowd, a young man with striking white hair and deep blue eyes approached, his cloak billowing slightly in the breeze. As he reached the gates, he removed his hood, revealing his handsome face.

He gazed up at the city’s towering walls and bustling streets beyond, his eyes filled with admiration.

“How magnificent,” Aiden mumbled to himself, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I’m glad I left the academy to travel here.”

He stood at the edge of a magnificent city, its high walls towering over the landscape, protecting the bustling life within. People were lining up at the gates, their identities being meticulously checked by guards clad in gleaming armor. The gates, massive and ornate, slowly swung open to admit those who passed scrutiny, their hinges creaking with a sound that echoed through the air.

‘Let’s first get the stuff that was destined for Ivan,’ Aiden thought, his eyes scanning the bustling streets beyond the gates.

He showed his identification to the guards and stepped into the city. What came into view was a hive of activity—bustling streets filled with people from all trades and walks of life. Vendors lined the streets, selling an array of goods and accessories. The air was thick with the sounds of bartering, the clinking of coins, and the occasional laughter.

To his left and right, street shops overflowed with exotic wares. People moved in a constant flow, some on foot, others in carriages pulled by fantastical beasts—horses with flaming manes, massive rhinos, and even giant dogs that looked both fierce and loyal. The city was alive, a living proof to its prosperity and diversity, as the birth place of Founding Emperor.

According to information Aiden has collected, this city is only second to Imperial capital, and if governed by Imperial family too, It is also dubbed as second Imperial capital.

Aiden took a moment to sample some delicacies from various stalls, savoring the rich flavors and unique textures. He then began to make his way towards the location revealed by his skill.

For the past year, Aiden had been intercepting items meant for Ivan. The first was an art that allowed spirits to grade up, a valuable treasure he had secured and shared with Chloe and Loyd. The second was an ancient, forgotten piece of equipment, which he gifted to Chloe as he had a superior version. The ring on his finger, initially meant to store spirits, had now unlocked an additional function: it could evolve spirits by sacrificing others.

Unlike the Ring he found in the Ruin underneath the Academy which has only one function, that is to store and purify spirits.

The third item was a marrow-cleansing pill, which he also gave to Chloe. His own energy pool, meticulously crafted for the fortification of his body, was sufficient to cleanse his impurities. Now, he was here in the Dawn of Wine city, chasing the fourth opportunity revealed by the Chronicles of Ivan scroll.

After failing to open the scroll the first time, Aiden had succeeded after securing Ivan’s first opportunity. Reaching the Spirit Lord level had revealed two more opportunities, one of them is in this city and another in a different location. As he moved through the crowded streets, he didnt forget to check out all the stuffs offered by this city, he kept his Akashic eyes open to see if there is any other value able stuff to ste…take for himself.

Using the map provided by the Chronicles of Providence scroll, Aiden arrived in the back alley of the city, known as the Slump area. He took in the sight of malnourished people lounging around, broken houses in disrepair, and the pungent, unpleasant smell permeating the air.

‘I guess, no matter the world, there is always such a side to it,’ Aiden thought to himself, tossing bread to everyone he met along the way.

As he was walking, he suddenly paused. He had come across an orphanage in the slump area, but it wasn’t the orphanage itself that caught his attention; it was one of the kids there. Intrigued, he walked towards the orphanage. The children who had been playing outside quickly hid behind a young girl upon seeing him approach.

She was a simple girl with average looks, but the kids trusted her as they huddled behind her, casting wary glances at Aiden.

“Umm… do you need anything?” the caretaker, or perhaps a worker at the orphanage, asked, looking at Aiden with cautious curiosity.

Aiden removed his hood and gave a reassuring smile. “Forgive me if I startled you. My name is Aiden.”

Lia, momentarily dazed by Aiden’s striking appearance, blinked. She had seen many handsome men in the market, but none as captivating as Aiden.

“My name is Lia. What can I do for you?” she asked, coming out of her stupor and regaining her composure.

” hmm, actually I came here because I took a liking to his talent ” Aiden said pointing at a kid hiding behind Lia.

Along with this black blue haur and golden eye kid there are total of 13 kids of various ages behind Lia.

” do you mean? Alfred, forgive me but I think you are mistaken as his spirit is only a pen of grade one” Lia looked at the kid and shook her head as she said.

Alfred who was happy at firat, turned gloomy as he head Lia.

Aiden smiled and said ” Dont worry I know what I am seeing, he is just injured thats why he cant manifest his whole spirit”

Aiden said as he looked at Alfred with Akashic Insight.

******

Name : Alfred

Race : Human

Age : 10 years

Spirit : Brush that can paint the sky (partially awakened)

Description : a very talented kid but wasn’t able to utilize his talent as his mother didnt have enough spirit energy to properly give birth to him, resulting him being born with broken meridians.

********

“Let’s talk inside, and then I’ll explain,” Aiden suggested. Lia nodded, and together they entered the large, dilapidated mansion.

“Was this a noble’s house?” Aiden asked, glancing around at the remnants of grandeur.

“Yes, it was. Count Bert used to live here, but he moved to the inner area of the city. He left this mansion for orphans and is also the reason why no one attacks this place despite it being in the slump area,” Lia explained, introducing Count Bert as a good man who liked to help those in need.

Aiden nodded appreciatively. Lia led him to a hall, and they sat down. “Can you explain what you meant earlier?” she asked.

Aiden nodded and then motioned for a boy named Alfred to come closer.

Alfred hesitated, looking to Lia for approval. Lia glanced at Aiden questioningly.

“It’s better to show you,” Aiden said. Lia, after a moment’s consideration, told Alfred to go to Aiden.

Alfred nodded and approached Aiden. “Don’t be afraid,” Aiden reassured him with a smile. He took out a golden crystal and used its energy to cast a divine spell.

“Perfect Heal,” Aiden said, and a bright light enveloped Alfred. Lia frowned with concern but seeing no malicious intent in Aiden’s eyes, she remained calm.

As the light subsided, Alfred stood revealed as a completely transformed boy. His hair and eyes had turned golden, his previously pale skin now smooth and milky, and his malnourished body appeared perfectly healthy and strong, as if sculpted by a god of beauty.

Alfred looked at himself in the mirror, unable to believe that the reflection was his own. He exclaimed in amazement, his eyes wide with disbelief and joy.

Alfred then jumped and hugged Lia tightly, tears streaming down his face. “Big sis, it doesn’t hurt anymore… waaaahhhh,” he cried.

Lia smiled warmly, patting Alfred’s head gently. She then looked at Aiden and said, “Thank you.”

Aiden waved his hand dismissively. “It’s okay. Even I didn’t expect such a transformation. Anyway, let’s check his spirit now.”

Lia nodded, and after calming Alfred, she instructed him to show his spirit. Alfred, still sniffling, nodded and closed his eyes, extending his hand in front of him.

A simple-looking brush with white bristles and a black handle appeared in his hand. But it waant as simple as it looked, Lia covered her mouth in surprise. “It feels more powerful than mine,” she mumbled in awe.