The Cheat Seed

"It's just that ... Master Raka has asked for your time"

"AND?" ~ Marcus

"And he seemed serious about it..."

.....

The road they were on was unrecognizable as the golden carriage zoomed through it with the wind horses leashed at the front. They had taken a sharp right from the road after they passed the Capital Circle and had resumed their travel for about an hour.

But even though the road was a new one for Marcus, the region itself was not desolate at all. It was embellished with synthetic pine trees which had a few naturals between them and all of them were lighted by LED bulbs. They were a cluster of twinkling trees in the dusk.

It felt like they were traveling through an abandoned forest which was attended very well by the residents. But the weirdest thing Marcus caught sight of was that the area was entirely person-free.

If the forest was being tended then there should have been some official personals or people living around looking after them right?.

Sean spotted Marcus's fretting face as he glanced at the rearview reflector.

"Ah, Sir Marcus I might just know what you are thinking"

Sean Guster halted his words and peeped at the rearview mirror yet again to ensure that the visitor was observing his words.

Sean saw Marcus remain silent after which Marcus dwindled his watch through the small opening. Sean's voice broke the continuous wagon clatter as he talked again.

"Sir Marcus might be perhaps speculating number one, where the hell is this place or number 2, how this road is competently managed"

Marcus nodded, impressed at the driver's almost accurate guess.

"Hmm, I was thinking about the latter, where the hell did the population go??"

Marcus interrogated with a quizzical pout on his face.

"Ah, Sir Marcus this road and the trees are managed by the servants"

came Sean's reply.

"What do you mean"

His quizzical pout extended with his eyebrows touching each other.

"Sir Marcus"

*Pause*

"This whole piece of land is owned by Sir Raka"

....

The horse carriage was slowing down. The night breeze which was rattling the sheets had calmed down as well. They wondered why they were slowing down and looked outside.

Marcus and his family gawked and stared in awe at the enormous castle-like edifice come into view as they neared it. It was humongous!!. One could bet that it was bigger than the king's castle.

The edifice was lighted up pretty well that one could see it from the Capital Centre. The passenger carriage was covered by a black polyester sheet which benefited the travelers from the wind as well as forbids them a clear view of what transpired outside.

The only view the travelers could get was through the window on the right side and the entrance.

"Hey, Sean... Is that Raka's?"

Marcus raised a question. His lips were bent at the corners as he bobbed his head which carried wonder in its bounce.

"Yes, that is Raka sir's office as well as his home."

Sean chuckled looking at him through the side rearview mirror. Marcus's face exhibited how mighty astounded he was.

Albert and Reiren, both were agape and at the same time mighty proud when they realized that their son had been invited by the 'Prodigy Of The year'.

(It's an award given to youngsters who accomplish outstanding feats and achievements. It's a yearly award granted to the winner based on global votes)

Right after a minute, they were stationed in the allotted place for the carriage. Marcus got out first and assisted his sisters down before supporting his Mom. His dad jumped right after his mom exited carefully.

The building was much bigger up close. It somehow gave fear to his parents but Marcus wasn't surprised anymore, this was the result of Raka's hard work anyway. It should have been obvious... It was obvious.

An old man in his late sixties was waiting for them at the foyer. The man, who might have been the Butler appeared kind and serene. A broad and warm smile unraveled across his face when his eyes found them settle down from the golden carriage.

Sean was behind the family of five, tending to his new carriage and wind horses. The horses seemed to like their new rider as well.

The man was donned in black butler pants which went all the way past his waist to his jutting belly which was struggling to remain in place with the belt strapped on top. His torso was covered with a vintage evening shirt, a black-tie donned on his neck. His hands were gloved and his feet were booted.

"Welcome Mr. Marcus Welcome, Master Raka has been waiting for you. My name is Jeffrey."

The butler clasped his gloved hands together and greeted them with a smile wider than before.

"Ah, it's pleasure to meet you too Mr. Jeffrey"

Marcus bowed down in respect.

"Could you arrange my family someplace to sit?"

Marcus smiled.

"Yes Mr. Marcus, please follow me"

Jeffrey gestured towards the carpeted hallway. The hallway or the path was 5 meters wide. Pictures of Krozon legends were hanged on the walls on either side.

Marcus smiled when he saw The Flame Emperor's huge portrait hang right on top of the wall before the conference room entrance. From the looks of it, Raka prioritized work before anything.

Jeffrey held the glass door wide open for the family of five. His skin tingled as Marcus entered inside. It was an Air-Conditioned room.

No...The whole building was Air Conditioned.

(Not your casual AC, The one's run by Runestones. Runestones could be charged with elements for use, Here the ice element as used to make the room cool)

It wasn't an easy task. Getting runestones was hard as it was and using them for Air conditioning was taking it to next level. Only rich households could afford them. The higher the runestone rank, the higher the efficiency.

The conference room had a huge table surrounded by rotating, cushioned chairs. A Whiteboard hanged on the wall, the marker and duster on the shelf beside it.

An array of windows were attached to the room through which the LED lights from the outside glared inside.

The Butler gestured towards a huge door right after they passed the conference room. A signboard was mended on the door on which glaring words were etched in silver.

'RAKA RILES'

"I request the family to relax on the sofa"

The Butler helped his family towards a huge cushioned sofa bed, where they sat relaxingly.

Albert shot Marcus a reassuring glance and nodded gleefully at his son.

The butler thanked them and returned to where Marcus was standing.

"Please enter"

Jeffrey gave Marcus a warm smile before pushing the door open. A posh and cool light buzzed at his face, making him wince because of the bright light.

The steel door opened to a voice of a young man. The words sent a chill down his spine.

"AHA, Marcus... That Cheat Seed of yours, it's... hella interesting."

.......................