Absolute Cheater

As the music shifted once again—this time into a livelier, more playful tune—the flow of dancers naturally evolved. Couples gently separated and rejoined with new partners, a tradition among long-form banquets that encouraged interaction, understanding… and sometimes subtle challenges.

Asher found himself spinning away from Shae-Luren, who gave him a mysterious wink before vanishing into the crowd. Before he could fully turn, a soft hand reached for his, and he was suddenly paired with Veyra.

She blinked up at him, slightly surprised. "You again?"

"I don't remember leaving," he said with a crooked grin, guiding her into the next movement.

Veyra wasn't a master of formal dances, but she had grace—and with Asher leading, she easily found her rhythm. "You're actually good at this," she murmured.

"Military galas. Nobility lessons. I hated all of it, but the skills stuck."

Meanwhile, Valeris parted from Lior and came face to face with the nature-bound Vaen. His presence was serene, almost weightless, and he danced with slow precision.

"You're lighter than air," Valeris commented, curious.

"I don't press against the world," he said softly. "I move with it."

She arched a brow. "And here I thought I was the one being poetic."

Across the floor, Shae-Luren now danced with one of the Mirrorfolk, their faces constantly shifting—one moment a youthful elf, the next a smiling human, then a blank slate. She didn't seem fazed. In fact, she laughed like it was all a game. "I don't need to see your face," she said playfully. "I just follow your rhythm."

Soon, Asher was exchanged again—this time with a stern woman clad in black robes etched with starlight. "Yana of the Stellar Vault," she said with quiet formality. "You are the one who calls himself Asher?"

"That's me."

"Your aura does not feel settled."

"It never is," he said, his hand resting lightly on hers. "Keeps things interesting."

Yana's expression didn't change, but her grip tightened slightly. "Good."

Elsewhere, Veyra was spun into the arms of a tall, flame-haired man with golden eyes. "Ah, the young Varnis prodigy," he said smoothly. "We've heard whispers of you."

Veyra tensed slightly. "You've heard wrong."

He chuckled. "Possibly. Or maybe not. My name is Zareth, from the Pyrelight Consortium. We watch the stars for prophecy… and blood."

She gave him a warning look. "Watch all you want. Just don't touch."

Zareth laughed and spun her once before releasing her back into the current.

By now, the music was peaking, building to a near-orchestral storm of strings, flutes, and thudding rhythm. Dozens danced in a great sweeping circuit, cloaks trailing, feet sliding with trained finesse or instinctive grace.

Lior returned to Valeris at one point and whispered, "You do know half the guests here are trying to size up who to ally with… or eliminate?"

Valeris smirked. "Let them try."

Asher rejoined her as the final round of the dance wound down, his steps slowing until they came to a full, centered halt in the middle of the hall.

He looked around—at Veyra catching her breath, at Shae-Luren raising a glass from afar, at Vaen now speaking with some scholar in a corner, and even at the cloaked emissary from Hollow Sanctuary still standing silently at the far wall.

A hall of monsters. Of stars. Of secrets.

But for a moment, they had all simply danced.

Valeris leaned closer. "I didn't hate that."

"I know," Asher said.

And above, the Spiremaster raised his goblet again. "To those who danced tonight… and to those who will still stand when the music ends."

The hall echoed with clinks of crystal and silent meaning.

The music faded into stillness, leaving behind only the soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses. The hall shimmered beneath the lantern-lit crystal domes, and the crowd began to settle back into clusters—until the Spiremaster's voice rose again, clear and warm.

"Well now," he said, stepping to the center of the hall. "We've mingled, we've danced… but what better way to truly understand one another than a little friendly contest?"

The crowd stirred with interest.

"A duel?" someone asked from the side, half-expectant, half-joking.

"Of course," the Spiremaster replied, smiling. "Not to the death. Not even to submission. A spar—controlled, respectful, and illuminating. After all, our gathering is not just for pleasantries. It is for recognition."

He raised a hand, and with a flick of his finger, a section of the banquet floor shimmered. The tiles shifted, rippling like water before solidifying into a wide, perfectly smooth dueling platform made of interlocked obsidian and silverstone.

"Anyone who wishes to volunteer," he continued, "step forward. Let us see how you shine… under pressure."

Several guests whispered among themselves. A few stepped back, clearly not interested. But others leaned forward with interest, exchanging subtle glances.

Valeris arched a brow, her arms still folded. "You interested?" she asked Asher quietly.

He smirked. "Might be fun."

"I'll join too," Veyra added, her voice low but confident. "If only to stretch a little."

One by one, contenders began to step forward. Shae-Luren appeared without a sound, her violet hair floating faintly behind her like silk in water. Vaen joined her, calm as ever, his leafy cloak rustling faintly though there was no breeze.

A few more figures followed—a monk in copper armor from the Stellar Vault, and a twin-bladed woman from the Ember Call faction.

Then the Spiremaster turned slightly and gestured. "To make it more engaging… team battles. Pairs. Not random, of course—choose your partners."

Asher didn't hesitate. He turned toward Valeris and Veyra.

Valeris raised a brow. "Which one of us are you picking?"

He smiled slyly. "I'll pick the one who doesn't set me on fire for getting knocked around."

Veyra laughed softly and stepped forward beside him. "Guess that's me."

Valeris simply smiled. "I'll take whoever volunteers next."

And indeed, the monk from Stellar Vault Sect bowed to her and offered his partnership.

Soon the first match was called: Asher and Veyra vs. Vaen and Shae-Luren.

The crowd murmured with approval. Two unknowns against two curious heavyweights.