— Confederacy - New York - Hampton —
Hampton Beach on Long Island's eastern coast is a fusion of luxury, wealth, and refreshing sea breezes. Its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters draw sun-seekers and beach lovers alike. Along the waterfront, magnificent mansions command stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, symbolizing opulence, elegance and the wealth of the elitist in the Confederacy society in New York.
These residences blend classic architecture with modern luxuries such as infinity pools and exclusive beach access.
Amidst swaying palm trees and distant yachts on the horizon, vibrant sunsets create a breathtaking backdrop for high-end gatherings and leisurely pursuits. Hampton Beach is more than just a destination; it embodies a lifestyle of affluent living and coastal allure, making it a sought-after haven for the wealthy.
In this sunny paradise, where the vibrant sun and salty sea breeze mingle with the sight of many alluring bikini-clad women, a trio of elegantly dressed gentlemen strolls along the street lining the white beaches. These beaches are flanked by the opulent mansions of numerous wealthy families.
Among them are Daniel, clad in a dark suit and trench coat, Vlad sporting his signature crimson suit and dark shirt, and Hermes dressed in an all-white suit and pants. Daniel's expression remains neutral, bordering on deadpan, as he finds little entertainment in having postponed his date with Koyuki and the others to be here.
In contrast, the other two seem to relish the "beautiful view" of the beach and its bikini-clad inhabitants.
"These women are either blood relatives of those wealthy individuals or mistresses and maids serving to warm their beds," Vlad remarks in an amused tone, clearly enjoying the scenery.
"Ah... Those must be slaves," Hermes, following behind Daniel, observes as he gazes at people dressed like heavy laborers. "It's clear that their blood has been drained just enough not to affect their work performance. I believe we've come to the right place," he concludes.
The slaves Hermes observes are dressed in decent attire, though not as refined as the butlers and maids trained in prestigious schools. They resemble laborers but with slightly better clothing suited for tasks requiring strength, such as moving tables and heavy objects. However, their attire is not as soiled as that of construction workers.
"Do you wish me to start, my lord? I believe my refined demeanor can convince them to..." Vlad began to volunteer.
"Hermes, could you please go and ask them? I don't want things to turn into a bloodbath just yet," Daniel requested.
Vlad: ....
"Yes, my lord," Hermes replied and strolled toward the group of wealthy people in swim trunks and bikinis, who were laughing, drinking, and enjoying the beach party. Some were swimming and playing in the seawater.
Hermes, dressed in all white, arrived without a speck of sand touching his clothes, despite not walking cautiously. It was as if his attire was shielded from anything that could dirty it.
Pierced!
"Arrrrrrrrrrrggghhh!!" The bodyguard cried out in agony as a glass blade suddenly protruded from the sand, piercing his feet and knee.
Blood splattered on the white sand, and the other bodyguards quickly rushed over with their weapons drawn, be it steel batons or knuckle guards—tools meant for subduing someone. They found it strange that a long glass blade had suddenly protruded from the sand, but their primary duty was to protect their employer, so they didn't have time to dwell on the oddity.
Meanwhile, the bald man's eyes registered surprise, which quickly turned to terror. He possessed knowledge that ordinary people wouldn't have, and in that moment, he silently prayed that it was merely a coincidence and that he hadn't unintentionally offended someone he shouldn't have offended.
Hermes turned toward the group of bodyguards and waved his hand in their direction. Suddenly, the sand at their feet surged upward, transforming into high-density glass that spiraled around their bodies, forming vine-like restraints that caged their limbs and restricted their movements.
"You... You..." The bald man stammered in terror, scrambling backward as he toppled from his beach chair to the sand. His women screamed and sought refuge behind him, only to find themselves also ensnared by the glass vines.
"Are you a mage?" he managed to ask as fear gripped him, his limbs now bound by the unexpected magic.
"Technically, I'm not a mage," Hermes replied calmly. "I'm more of an alchemist than a mage. But since you're familiar with mages, you should know where the Alchemont clan is," he continued, his tone carrying a hint of authority.
Just as tension mounted, a commanding voice cut through the scene. "Stop right there!" The voice belonged to a woman, emanating from the direction of the road. The bald man's face lit up with relief at the sound.
"Darling! Darling! Help me!" he cried out pathetically, desperately seeking aid from the woman whose voice he recognized.
Hermes turned to face the voice, observing a woman with masculine features. Her strong jawline, thick lips, sharp eyes, and well-defined brow exuded masculinity, contrasting with her should-be feminine nature as her muscular, almost non-existent chest. Her confident stride portrayed a sense of authority and dominance, embodying the concept of a powerful girlboss.
"Who the hell are you, boy toy? What are you doing with my darling and my trusted bodyguard?" The woman's voice thundered, and flames erupted from her palm, confirming her identity as a mage.
Hermes sighed deeply, his expression turning grave. His calm demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold resolve. He lifted his head to face the formidable woman, his eyes now shining with a divine light, a glow of power that only gods possess. His feet left the sand as he levitated in the air.
"Time and time again, mortals attempt to prove to me that siding with them is wrong, that they should be killed, exterminated! But many mortals have also proven to me that siding with them is the right choice!" Hermes declared, his voice devoid of its previous warmth.
"What? You! Who are you? What are you?" The masculine woman was startled. She was just an insignificant mage who had barely graduated from the Hightower Academy. Of course, she knew about gods, but it was impossible for her to identify one, as she couldn't differentiate between mana and divinity.
Well, considering her less-than-stellar grades in the academy, it's no wonder she struggled with that.