Talent Awakening: Draconic Overlord Of The Apocalypse

386  A Night at the Amusement Park

The entrance to the amusement park stood like a gateway to another world, a swirl of vibrant colors, flashing lights, and laughter echoing in the background. Crowds of people bustled past, families, couples, and groups of friends. Alister led the group through the gates. Miyu skipped beside him, her energy boundless. Miyu spun around, walking backward so she could face everyone. “Alright, everyone! What’s first? Rides, games, or food?”

“Pfft. Games, obviously,” Anzo said immediately, his gaze moving to Alister with a confident smirk. “I’ve got a laser tag score to settle.”

Blitz groaned, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “Seriously, can’t we just enjoy the park without you two turning it into a competition? Let’s at least warm up with something fun before you start going all ‘battle royale’ on each other.”

Axel grinned, nudging her. “Come on, Blitz, you know it’ll be entertaining. Besides, I’m betting Anzo gets wiped out in the first five minutes.”

Anzo scoffed. “As if. You’ll be eating those words when I’m the last one standing.”

Lila, trailing slightly behind, hesitantly spoke up. “Um… maybe we could do something everyone can enjoy first? Like bumper cars or a ferris wheel?”

Beatrice smiled, patting Lila on the shoulder. “That’s a lovely idea, Lila. But let’s let the boys get their egos out of the way first. Then we can enjoy the park properly.”

Alister, who had been quietly observing the, finally spoke. “Fine. We’ll do the laser tag first. But after that, no more competitions for the rest of the day.”

Miyu grinned mischievously. “Oh? And what happens if you lose, big brother? Will you finally admit Anzo’s better than you?”

Alister gave her a flat look. “I’m not losing.”

With their minds made up, the group made their way to the laser tag arena. It was a neon-lit space, with darkened corridors, glowing barriers, and the sound of energetic music filling the air. The group arrived at the registration desk for the laser tag arena. The area was bustling with energy—people chatting excitedly as they signed in, neon lights glowing softly around the booth. Anzo stepped forward confidently, ready to claim their spots.

“Hey, we’re here for laser tag,” Anzo said, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. “Sign us up.”

The employee behind the desk, a young man wearing a glowing vest, offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, but we’re currently full. All slots for this session are already booked.”

Anzo blinked, the confident smirk on his face quickly fading. “What do you mean it’s full?”

“I mean,” the employee said, scratching the back of his neck, “there’s no room. You’ll have to wait for the next session, but the line is already long. You might not get in for at least an hour or two.”

Anzo looked genuinely shocked. “An hour or two? Are you serious?”

Axel shrugged, hands in his pockets. “Well, that’s a bummer. Guess we’ll have to find something else to do.”

Blitz, on the other hand, broke into laughter, throwing her head back dramatically. “Oh, this is hilarious. Looks like your grand competition will have to wait, Anzo. Or better yet, it might not happen at all! Guess we’ll have to try another game instead.”

Anzo turned to Blitz with a frown, his pride clearly stung. “Hold on, hold on! I’ve got another idea.”

Beatrice arched an eyebrow, her arms crossed. “Wait, are you telling me you’re so desperate to beat Alister that you actually have a backup plan?”

Anzo smirked, pointing a finger in her direction. “Of course! What kind of man doesn’t have a backup plan? Always be prepared. That’s what I say.”

Beatrice rolled her eyes. “Or maybe you just can’t handle the idea of not showing off.”

Alister, who had been quietly observing the exchange with his arms crossed, finally spoke up. “Alright, Anzo. Let’s hear it. What’s this backup plan of yours?”

Anzo stepped forward, turning to address the group like he was announcing a grand event. “Alright, if we can’t do laser tag, I propose… go-kart racing!” His grin widened. “Think about it. It’s the ultimate test of skill and reflexes. Plus, we’ll see who really has the guts to take the lead.”

Miyu’s eyes lit up. “Ooh! That sounds fun! I’ve always wanted to try go-karting.”

Axel leaned back slightly, hands still stuffed in his pockets, and gave a skeptical look. “Go-kart racing? Seriously, Anzo? Aren’t we a little too old for that stuff?”

Blitz immediately smacked his arm. “Too old? Speak for yourself, Grandpa. Go-karting is a classic. You don’t outgrow it.”

Miyu nodded enthusiastically, her excitement bubbling over. “Exactly! If anything, the older you are, the better you are at it. Right, Alister?” She glanced at her brother with bright, expectant eyes.

Alister shrugged. “I wouldn’t say it’s about age. It’s more about whether you have the skill or not.” His calm tone seemed to challenge everyone at once.

Anzo smirked and crossed his arms, leaning closer to Axel. “What’s the matter, scared you’ll embarrass yourself? I mean, I get it. Not everyone can handle the pressure.”

Axel scoffed, waving him off. “Please, I’m not scared of anything. I’m just saying it’s a bit… I don’t know, childish? But if you’re so desperate to lose, fine, I’ll join in.”

Blitz grinned mischievously, elbowing him again. “Childish, huh? Don’t cry when you spin out on the first turn.”

Axel shot her a look, feigning offense. “As if. I’ll leave you eating dust.”

Beatrice sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Honestly, you boys are ridiculous. This isn’t a tournament, you know. It’s supposed to be fun.”

Anzo pointed a finger at her, grinning. “Hey, fun and competition can go hand in hand. Besides, if you’re so sure it’s not a tournament, maybe you should join us and prove it’s all about fun.”

Lila hesitated, looking between everyone. “Um… I don’t know. Go-karts sound kind of fast. Are they really safe?”

Miyu laughed and draped an arm around Lila’s shoulders. “Safe? Come on, Lila! Live a little! It’s not like we’re racing real cars or anything.”

Anzo chuckled. “Don’t worry, Lila. I’ll go easy on you—maybe let you cross the finish line after I do.”

Lila blinked with a disappointed look on her face. “That’s… that’s not very reassuring.”

Blitz smirked. “Don’t worry, Lila. If Anzo gets too cocky, I’ll make sure to spin him out myself.”

Axel pointed at her, grinning. “Oh, I’m holding you to that. Watching him eat his words might just be the highlight of the day.”

Alister sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Alright, if we’re doing this, let’s get moving before Anzo comes up with another backup plan.”

Anzo raised his hands in mock offense. “Hey! My backup plans are gold, thank you very much.”

Miyu tugged at Alister’s sleeve. “Come on, big bro, let’s go already! I want the fastest kart!” …. …. The heavy doors to the luxurious bar swung open with a soft creak, and the dim, moody lights cast a golden glow on the patrons inside. Anya stepped through the entrance, the plush black fur of her coat sweeping behind her as she confidently made her way to the counter. The bar was a blend of sleek modern and old-world charm, with a polished wood counter that reflected the ambient light and plush leather stools lining the edges.

She strode up to the bar with an air of someone who was used to being noticed, her black crop top and form-fitting pants catching the eye of a few lingering gazes. Without so much as a glance at the bartender, she took a seat and ordered in a cool, detached tone, “Pour me something strong.”

The bartender, an older man with a salt-and-pepper beard, nodded and went to work, reaching for a bottle behind the counter. As Anya reached for her phone, ready to zone out and ignore the world around her, a voice called out from across the room.

“What are the odds of running into you here?” The voice was smooth, confident, and distinctly familiar.

Anya didn’t need to look to know who it was. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes scanning the room before they landed on the figure approaching from a corner booth. It was Aria, the vice Guild branch Master of the Blue Seals. Aria’s sharp gaze met hers with a knowing smirk, the kind that only someone who was always a step ahead could pull off.

Anya raised an eyebrow and gave her a cool, measured look. “Well, well, if it isn’t the infamous Aria of the blue seals. I thought you were often level headed, what brings you here?”

Aria leaned casually against the counter. “What brings anyone to a bar?” she asked rhetorically. “To clear their head, I suppose. A drink or two never hurt anyone.”

Anya chuckled softly, her lips curling into a smirk. “Right,” she said, her gaze flicking back to the bartender, who was just finishing her drink.

“And what are you drinking to, Aria?” Anya asked, resting her elbow on the counter, her face on her palm. Aria raised an eyebrow, a flash of amusement in her eyes. “Nothing much this time, but it’s good to relax like this, once in a while. And you, Anya? What brings you to such a… civilized place?”

Before Anya could respond, the bartender slid her drink over to her. “I made it light this time,” he said. “Don’t want you breaking something like last time, right?” His voice was teasing, but there was a hint of genuine concern behind it.

Anya took the drink without a word, eyeing the bartender with a raised brow. She took a sip, the smooth, slightly bitter taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue. “Hah, very funny, Dorian.” She gave him a pointed look before turning her attention back to Aria.

“Yeah, yeah I broke some stuff last time, but I paid. He can’t keep treating me like I’m some out-of-control force of nature,” she muttered, her forehead twitching with irritation.