ONLINE: Blades of Eternity - Chapter 99

Chapter 99: THE GREY FAMILY

Morris and Ethan led Kaelen down the academy’s main path, passing the familiar student lounges where they would usually gather. But today was different. Morris, with a confident stride, took them past the gates of the academy, and out toward the bustling city beyond.

“We’re heading to my family estate,” Morris said, his tone carrying a mix of pride and hesitation.

Kaelen raised an eyebrow. “The Grey family? So it’s now you are really willing to take me to your family huh?”

Morris chuckled, his hands sliding into his pockets. “Am sorry but my family likes to keep things low-key so they don’t really welcome unwanted visitors. But trust me, it’ll be worth the trip.”

Ethan nodded, keeping pace beside them. “And just so you know, we informed them about bringing you to their residence and they hurriedly agreed”

“Really?” Kaelen hurriedly asked with a surprised look on his face, but Ethan gave him a reply by giving him a simple nod.

‘I wonder if they have something in store for me’ Kaelen eventually thought with a curious look now on his face.

As they walked further, the atmosphere gradually shifted from the lively energy of the academy to the quieter, more refined aura of the upper district. The streets were lined with elegant mansions, towering structures with lush gardens and stone walls, exuding power and prestige.

Soon, they arrived at an imposing iron gate, with the emblem of a silver wolf engraved on it— the crest of the Grey family. A pair of guards opened the gates without question, recognizing Morris instantly. Kaelen could feel the weight of the family’s influence pressing down on him.

“Good day Second Young Master” The guards at the gate quickly greeted Morris as he walked into the gate with Kaelen and Ethan.

“You ready?” But Morris simply ignored them as he asked, turning to Kaelen with a smirk. “Welcome to my home.”

Kaelen could only nod, curious about what lay ahead.

As Kaelen stepped past the towering iron gates, emblazoned with the silver wolf crest of the Grey family, he immediately felt a shift in the air. The estate was vast, far more extensive than he had anticipated, a sprawling expanse of wealth and legacy. A cobblestone path stretched out before him, lined with perfectly manicured hedges and tall cypress trees that swayed gently in the breeze. It was as if every blade of grass and every stone in the path had been meticulously placed for both aesthetic beauty and to exude an aura of power.

The main house loomed in the distance, a grand, imposing structure of stone and dark wood. It was at least four stories high, with arched windows and slate roofs that gleamed in the afternoon sun. Ivy crawled artfully up the sides of the house, giving it an old-world charm while maintaining an air of indomitable strength. The stone walls, though weathered, bore the marks of age-old fortification, hinting at the family’s historical ties to power and perhaps even combat.

To the left, Kaelen noticed a series of smaller buildings—likely servant quarters or guest lodges, each designed with the same attention to detail. They were elegant in their simplicity, but still hinted at luxury, with carved wooden doors and iron-wrought balconies. In the distance, behind the main house, he could see the outline of what looked like a private garden or perhaps even a training ground, the faint clinks of steel on steel suggesting sparring or practice.

Fountains dotted the grounds, their clear waters catching the light, while statues of wolves—symbols of the Grey family’s power and vigilance—stood proudly on marble pedestals, each one intricately carved with snarling expressions and sharp features. The wolves appeared almost alive, as if they were silently watching every step Kaelen took.

His gaze shifted upward toward the towering mansion again, where a grand staircase led to the entrance, flanked by more statues of wolves. Massive oak doors stood at the top, adorned with silver knockers shaped like snarling wolves’ heads. Above the doorway, the family crest of the silver wolf was engraved in stone, overlooking the entire estate like a sentinel.

Kaelen couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe mixed with discomfort. The Grey family had clearly amassed a fortune, but the weight of their history and presence was palpable, almost suffocating. It was a residence designed to remind visitors of the family’s legacy, to assert dominance without a word being spoken.

As he continued walking, flanked by Morris and Ethan, Kaelen felt small in comparison to the grandeur around him. Yet, there was also a sense of unease, as if beneath all the elegance and wealth, something more dangerous and unseen lay waiting, watching.

“Oh, you have finally arrived Morris with your friends” Not too long after the trio began to climb up the stairs, a thick yet friendly voice suddenly rang out right above their heads which made them to look up.

Whom they saw were two men and a woman as they began to come down the stairs. One of them is the same man who saved them from the hands of the mythical beast which they stalked in the past out of the city but this time he looked completely calm and composed as he followed the man at his left from behind.

The second person is a regal lady who walks down the stairs in an upright manner, dressed in an elegant royal gown woven from fine silks and adorned with intricate golden embroidery. Her gown flows like the gentle wind, with patterns resembling leaves and vines, shimmering in hues of deep emerald and forest green. Her long, flowing hair cascades down her back, entwined with delicate flowers and glowing softly like morning dew. Her eyes hold the calm of an ancient forest, and as she moves, the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers surrounds her. She radiates an aura of pure nature, as though she is the embodiment of life itself, serene yet powerful.

And finally, the person in the middle carries himself with an air of authority and calm. His dark, silver-streaked hair falls neatly to his shoulders, and his sharp, steel-gray eyes reflect both the weight of responsibility and a keen intellect. Dressed in finely tailored robes adorned with the family crest—a wolf howling beneath a crescent moon—he projects an aura of quiet dominance.

“Father, Mother, am back” Morris spoke up as soon as he met up with them with a warm smile on his face.

‘Those are his parents?’ But when Kaelen heard what Morris said, he couldn’t help but have a curious look on his face as he secretly began to observe the man whom Morris refered as his father.

From what Kaelen have heard about this man, His mastery of magic is renowned throughout the city, particularly his affinity for elemental magic, which has kept the Grey family at almost at the pinnacle of Eldoria’s magical society. Despite his imposing presence, Lord Grey is a devoted father to Morris, expecting great things from his son but also offering guidance with a firm yet caring hand. His reputation among the citizens is one of respect and admiration, though those who know him closely understand that his ambitions for the family extend far beyond their current standing in the magical world.

But without warning, while Kaelen was keenly observing Morris father, Uncle Kang’s deep voice thundered right into Kaelen’s ears “What do you think you’re doing, boy!?” His voice echoed, causing conversations to halt abruptly. The fury in his eyes was palpable as he took a step forward, his hand already moving towards the dagger at his side.

Kaelen froze in place, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. He opened his mouth to explain, but before he could speak, Uncle Kang had already lunged forward, his intent clear.

But just as the tension in the stairway spiked, Lord Grey suddenly raised his hand in a swift, commanding gesture. “Kang, that’s enough.” His voice, though soft, carried the weight of undeniable authority. In an instant, Uncle Kang halted mid-step, his eyes still burning with protective anger.

“But my lo–” Uncle Kang tried to explain as while still fixing his eyes on Kaelen and surprisenly Ethan.

Lord Grey’s eyes softened slightly as he turned toward Kaelen, who still stood motionless, caught in the moment. “Kaelen is Morris’s friend, and he is a guest of our family.” He let the words hang in the air, his tone making it clear that no harm was to come to the boy. “Curiosity is not a crime.”

Uncle Kang reluctantly stepped back, though his gaze remained locked on Kaelen with barely concealed distrust. “Forgive me, my lord,” he muttered, “but I’ll be keeping an eye on him.”

Lord Grey’s gaze returned to Kaelen, offering a nod of reassurance. “You’re welcome here, Kaelen. But remember, it’s best not to draw unnecessary attention.”

“Thank you great and I will have that in mind” Kaelen replied in a grateful tone while he nod his head. As for Ethan, he had a confused look on his face as he thought.

‘Why is dad behaving like this?’

“Now then, why don’t we take you to our little party?” Lord Grey suddenly said with a light smile on his face.

“The party is already going on?” Kaelen quickly asked with a surprised look on his face. Morris mother who has been quiet all this time suddenly spoke up in a calm and serene tone.

“Yes, it has been going on for an hour now”