"What are you doing here?" Varian raised an eyebrow in surprise as he sat on the couch in front of hers.
'Did Kyle allow her the access or was it given to her by Richard?' He thought but didn't bother.
"Guess?" Sarah leaned forward and snickered, her expression half naughty and half serious.
Varian put on an expression as if he was in serious thought and answered. "…so you missed me."
The expression he put on while he said those words…it seemed like Varian really meant what he said.
"Pfft." Sarah chuckled and rolled her eyes. "You were out for 3 days and 6 hours, you think I'm missing you?"
Inside her mind, she couldn't help but add. '34 minutes.'
"Alright. alright. I almost didn't recognize you just now. You're dressed…differently today." Varian scanned her from head to toe and said.
Sarah stiffened when he brought up the topic and finally relaxed.
She was clad in a black one piece dress that ended just at her knees. It was by no means a skimpy dress, but Varian almost felt it was someone else.
It was his first time seeing her in a normal dress. He usually saw her in military uniforms, her black suit—when she trained in the house, her white suit—when she sparred with him.
'Thanks, Aunt Anna.' Sarah said in her heart and got up, prompting Varian to follow.
"You'll have to attend Solar Banquet." She said, handing over a golden envelope.
Varian tore it open and saw the letter contents inside.
>> Invitee: Varian Konstant
Inviter: High General Evander
Venue: Space City 'Infini'
Begins at 16:00, 30/02/520 YAB
"…that's it?" Varian raised his head and asked Sarah, who at some point was standing next to him. The sweet scent from her body slowly assaulted his nose and Varian took a deep breath.
'Jasmine.'
"…more do you expect? Don't tell me you haven't heard of Solar Banquet?" Sarah answered and shot a question of her own.
Varian slapped himself mentally for spacing out. He missed a few of her words, but understood her response more or less.
"I know Solar Banquet. Haha, how can I not?" Varian answered rubbing the back of his neck.
"…but you forgot and want me to give you a quick intro, right?" Sarah rolled her eyes.
Varian felt that his face was burning up, but he nodded. "Yes."
Kyle was also saying something about Solar Banquet, but he dismissed it. Now he wished he asked him.
'Kyle, it's your fault!' Thus, an innocent young man was thrown under the boss.
*** *** *** ***
"H-aachi!" Kyle sneezed suddenly.
"Did you catch a cold?" Beside him, Maya asked.
"No matter what level, I am an awakener anyway. How can I catch a cold?" Kyle shook his head.
Then his eyes narrowed. "It must be some ungrateful fellow cursing me."
Maya ignored his comment and asked with worry. "Do you think they…?"
Kyle laughed out loud. "I'm looking forward to how things will turn out."
Then he grabbed Maya's hand as they headed for their date.
In researcher outfits.
To "Scientific Observation Center".
Nuff said.
*** *** *** ***
"Solar Banquet is a semi-formal gathering of the top powerhouses and promising awakeners.
Only 5000 people are invited to the banquet. That's a one in ten million chance.
Not even all level 8s are eligible.
The inviters are basically top Level 9s and strong in level 8.
Other than that, outstanding young people are invited. It's a rare chance to meet and interact with the top geniuses of the Human Federation.
Basically, it's the meet up of current pillars and future pillars of the human race."
It sounded exciting and all, but for some reason, the more she said, the less enthusiastic Sarah's voice became.
Varian saw her sulking face and tentatively asked. "How many times did you attend?"
Sarah clutched her forehead and cried out. "Seven times. This will be the eighth time.
The previous six times were solely due to my status. But last time and this time, it's because of my strength."
'Fuck! Seven times!' Varian wondered if those level 7s and weak level 8s would vomit blood if they knew this.
For many, attending Solar Banquet must be the absolute pinnacle of their life. A culmination representing their strength and connections.
"So you just invite all geniuses and what do we do fight?" Varian asked as Sarah guided him out of the house.
"Well, we compete. Kinda." She explained as she entered the large hover car.
Varian looked at the sky blue monster and entered it with a sigh. This car was a Level 6 Star Treasure.
"And we get rewards?" He asked, adjusting himself in the large seat. The interior looked like a luxurious room rather than a car cabin with all sorts of facilities.
Despite being currently wealthy, Varian wasn't used to such luxuries.
"The rewards are good, actually." Sarah paused and said. "If you can get the first place, you can easily break a sub realm or two without any side effects."
Varian was surprised.
There was always news about some special herb that someone found in a dungeon which helped them improve.
But the more you take those herbs raw, the greater the risk of backlash—which ranged from large injuries to regression.
After all, items without side effects like Ambrosia were too rare.
Thus, to advance by a sub realm or two without side effects was very tempting.
"The materials to create the prize have to be won from multiple Ruins. This is by far the best potion to those below level 7." She explained.
"It's not as simple as more Aura. You get enlightenment of sorts which allows you to comprehend the capabilities of the current level in the Divine Path."
Varian sighed in amazement.
He needed to go.
Now that he knew Sia existed, the higher his strength, the better.
Besides, he was slowly growing anxious about the Xanders.
"And where are we going?" By the time he asked, the hover car already landed in the parking space of a floating estate.
"…You don't plan to attend the banquet in camouflage, right?" Sarah said, causing him to flinch.
Varian stiffly nodded.
Sarah raised her head to the sky and sighed deeply. "I knew it."
Then she grabbed his arm, "That's why! We'll get you clothes! Mr.No Fashion."
