Soulbound: Dual Cultivation

Lucas spent the entire following day immersed in the art of alchemy. His chamber had been transformed into a quiet laboratory, faint with the smell of crushed herbs, mineral dust, and spiritual essences. He had drawn out old scrolls and brewing instructions, some belonging to the Alden's family, others copied from royal archives. Though he possessed the knowledge of the future, Lucas understood all too well that alchemy was a craft sharpened not through memory alone, but through patient refinement, steady hands, and countless failures. He needed to reacquaint himself with the tools, the feel of spiritual ingredients under his fingers, the way certain powders responded to Qi, and how the color of a mixture could signal perfection or disaster.

He ground spirit root petals into a fine powder using a crystal mortar, watching how the granules shimmered when exposed to the faintest trace of Yang energy. He tested ratios of frost lotus sap to phoenix plume, noting the reactions in both heat and cold. Vials exploded once or twice, and glass cracked under unexpected pressure, but with each mistake, he adjusted. His expression remained calm throughout, focused and methodical.

From time to time, he would send Lira off with instructions, treating her as both his assistant and his eyes outside the chamber. She would take messages to Henrietta and return with brief updates, what decisions the elders were making, who had requested an audience with the king, and how the court buzzed with speculations surrounding the possibility of war. Sometimes, he would send her on errands for herbs or instruments. Other times, he would stop her before she left, correcting her posture or the way she held a container, explaining that even the smallest detail mattered in cultivation and alchemy alike. She listened carefully, always eager to learn more.

When the morning of the Alchemic Assembly finally arrived, Lucas was ready.

He stood before a polished silver mirror, adjusting the edges of his robe with care. The deep blue robes he wore bore the sigil of House Alden, modest, but dignified. His eyes, calm yet sharp, held the quiet weight of someone who had prepared for what lay ahead.

Before setting out, he made his way to Princess Henrietta's chamber. A pair of guards bowed and let him through without question, and he stepped into the familiar elegance of her room, which was bathed in the soft glow of early light pouring through the high windows.

Henrietta stood near her desk, sorting through scrolls. When she turned to see him, she smiled faintly.

"You're leaving?" she asked, already sensing the answer.

Lucas gave a nod, his tone respectful but warm. "Yes. I wanted to let you know I'm heading out for the meeting now."

Henrietta walked over, her gaze studying him closely. "Be careful, Xavier. This meeting isn't just about alchemy. You know how the court can be. They'll be watching, all of them."

Lucas offered a small smile. "I'm counting on that. I'll be fine."

She narrowed her eyes slightly, as if reading beyond his words, then gave a quiet sigh and nodded. "Good. Make sure you don't stir too many flames… unless you mean to burn something down."

He let out a low chuckle and bowed his head respectfully before taking his leave.

From there, he made his way through the corridors of the palace, arriving soon after at the grand chamber where the king had convened a few trusted officials. The King of Valerion was seated upon his throne, robed in black and gold, his presence as heavy as ever, even without speaking.

Lucas approached and bowed low, his voice clear and unwavering.

"Your Majesty. I leave now for the Alchemic Assembly."

The king raised a hand slowly, and his voice, though calm, bore the undeniable authority of a man who expected results.

"You represent this kingdom, Xavier Alden. Do us proud, do your family proud."

Lucas held his bow a moment longer, the corners of his lips curving just slightly into a determined smile.

"I will."

The he turned and walked away.

Before leaving, Lucas took a final detour through the hallway that led to the eastern wing of the palace, Lira had been waiting for him there. She looked up at him, her eyes bright but tinged with concern.

"I'll be gone for three days," Lucas said quietly, his voice low and reassuring. "You'll be safe, Ok?"

Lira gave a small nod, folding her hands before her. "I know. But still... be careful, alright?"

Lucas leaned down gently, brushing his lips against her forehead in a moment of affection. "Goodbye, Lira," he said softly. "Get some rest. I'll be back before you know it."

He turned and left.

Outside, the royal court carriage stood waiting beneath the archway of the main palace gate, flanked by two palace guards in polished armor. The light gleamed off the carriage's obsidian black frame, trimmed with gold and bearing the unmistakable crest of Kingdom of Valerion on its side. This was no ordinary transport; it was a symbol, a statement. The King was sending him not as a minor court scholar, but as a representative of Valerion's growing ambition.

Lucas approached and stepped into the carriage without hesitation. As he settled into the velvet-lined interior, he reached into a compartment beside him and retrieved a small ornamental case. Inside lay an intricately crafted emblem, polished silver forged into the shape of a flame-wreathed sword, the insignia of the High Council of Valerion. It was newly given, a mark of recognition and rising influence.

He pinned the emblem to the front of his robe, just above his heart, securing it with care. The weight of it wasn't much in the physical sense, but the meaning behind it settled deeply within him. He gazed at it for a moment, then leaned back in his seat as the carriage began to roll forward through the palace gates.

He understood the subtle message behind the royal treatment. The King of Valerion wasn't just acknowledging his progress; he was grooming him for something greater. Every gesture, the emblem, the royal carriage, the access to the Assembly, was a step higher in the unspoken ladder of power. Lucas was no longer just Xavier Alden, the once-forgotten noble youth. He was becoming something more, something formidable.

A faint smile pulled at the corner of his lips as he sat in thought, his mind already several steps ahead.