With a calm expression, he began to focus his mind, visualizing the form he wanted the silver armor to take.
After a few moments, the silver light of the armor began to shift and change, until it had taken on the form of a sleek silver bracelet that hid his AI watch on his wrist.
"Perfect," he said with a satisfied smile, admiring his creativity.
But soon his gaze fell on his face, realizing that he should make something that would hide his facial appearance from the Asuras. He couldn't risk being recognized, even if he used a different hair color with the help of [Asura Transformation].
He closed his eyes and focused his mind on his silver armor, imagining the transformation he wanted it to undergo. He commanded the gift of the phantom to obey his will and alter its shape.
Slowly, he felt the energy flow from his wrist, moving towards his face, causing it to shudder and shift.
As he opened his eyes, he was met with a breathtaking sight. Reflected in the mirror was a face - no longer empty, but adorned with a striking masquerade of color and form.
The outermost layer was cloaked in deep, rich black, while the center portion shone pure white. The contrast between the two hues was a thing of beauty, and he couldn't help but feel delighted inside.
'This is better.'
The gift of the phantom was now covering two different body parts at the same time, in the form of the new masquerade and also as the bracelet.
He turned around, removed the mask from his face, and went towards his bed as he thought to sleep until Lia and others came back.
***
The day had finally arrived - Future Empress Lia's birthday. The preparations had been underway for weeks, and as the sun began to set, the outside of the castle was packed with carriages belonging to the various clans and sects invited to the grand celebration.
The grand entrance of the guests was a spectacle to behold.
Among them, the Mistblade clan arrived in their sleek, black carriages, renowned for their water elemental affinity. The Rainheart clan, with their mastery of thunder elemental powers, came in carriages adorned with sparkling blue crystals.
The Strongblaze clan, feared for their control over fire, arrived in carriages that blazed like miniature suns, while the Cliffdane clan, known for their defensive earth elemental battle art techniques, came in carriages made of precious stones.
The Spirit Heart Sect, a sect filled with maidens who enjoyed the support and protection of the royal family, arrived in carriages decorated with delicate pink flowers.
The Ancient Society Palace, steeped in history and knowledge, arrived in a procession of ornate, golden carriages. And the Wolf Mountain Sect, known for their savage warriors and neutral standing, arrived in carriages adorned with wolf fur and teeth.
The guests were escorted into a grand hall, adorned with gold and silver accents, and an enormous chandelier hanging from the ceiling, casting a dazzling display of light throughout the room.
The air was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter as the guests mingled with one another, exchanging pleasantries and admiring each other's attire. The festive atmosphere was contagious, and the guests were eager to celebrate the birthday of the future Empress.
As the evening wore on and the night sky grew darker, the banquet began in earnest. The guests took their seats, and the feast began, with the most succulent dishes and delicacies from all corners of the empire.
In a corner of the hall, the Emperor stood surrounded by the leaders of the top clans. He held a glass of deep red wine, occasionally taking a sip as he engaged in conversation with his esteemed guests. Their voices blend with the sound of music that filled the hall, creating a lively atmosphere.
The rhythmic beat of the drums and the gentle strains of the lute created a hypnotic effect, causing some of the guests to sway in time with the music and the clinking of glasses could be heard as toasts were made to honor the occasion.
Suddenly, the music came to a halt, as if a switch had been flipped, and all eyes turned toward the entrance.
A beam of light shone from the entrance, illuminating the figure of a young woman.
Lia, the future empress, had arrived. Her dress was a masterpiece of elegance and beauty, a work of art that had taken months to create. It was adorned with pearls and precious stones, which glimmered in the light.
Her silky white hair was styled in an intricate braid, with delicate rose flowers woven into it. She was the epitome of grace and beauty, a true empress in her own right.
Along with her sisters, Lia was accompanied by a young man whose hand was interlocked with hers. His shoulder-length white hair framed his handsome face, and his striking masquerade mask added an air of mystery to his appearance.
Nyla and Helia walked at the duo's side, their dresses swishing softly as they moved. The duo also were wearing masquerades, perhaps to add a touch of mystery to their appearance. It was clear they wanted to make sure the boy didn't stand out too much on this occasion.
Helia, with her flowing blonde hair, looked stunning in a floor-length gown that sparkled in the light. She had forgone her warrior getup for the night, opting for a more feminine look.
Nyla, with her vibrant black hair, was also dressed up for the occasion. Her dress was a lovely shade of purple, which was her favorite color.
The hushed whispers of the guests filled the grand hall as Lia made her way towards the Emperor, hand in hand with the mysterious boy with the white hair. All eyes were on them as they walked past the guests, their gazes filled with curiosity and intrigue.
The environment was charged with suspense as everyone tried to figure out who the boy was and how he had come to be accompanying the Empress in such an intimate manner.
No one knew who he was, and everyone was desperate for answers.
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Edited By: TheWhiteSnow