Chapter 68: Stormborne in Style
ZRRROOOMMM!
A deep, thunderous hum tore through the air as a sleek black car glided down the mana-infused expressway. Its obsidian body gleamed like a mirror, catching reflections of floating lanterns and streaks of technomagic light. Below, the ancient stone road pulsed with glowing runes, funneling mana through intricate circuits beneath the surface.
Volaris City rose in the distance.
Skyscrapers lined with glowing vines of mana light stretched into the sky. Floating districts hovered like islands in the clouds, and between them, massive holo-ads flickered—projecting scenes of spellcasters clashing midair, armored hunters riding wyverns, and chefs flipping flaming pans of levitating cuisine.
New ads blinked into view by the second—rune shops, ArcaneTech weapon vendors, enchanted pet stalls, elite scroll boutiques—each flashing vibrant sigils that painted the sky in colors of arcane fire.
In the backseat, Lei Feng leaned forward slightly, eyes scanning the dazzling skyline.
"…I'm back," he muttered. "No matter how many times I see it, it still feels like stepping into a myth wrapped in chrome."
His fingers tapped lightly on his knee, obsidian ring catching passing glimmers of light. The Storm Dragon Robes draped over his frame still pulsed faintly with leftover lightning essence—powerful, unmistakable, even beneath their elegant design.
He glanced toward the driver, the elf wearing a shadow-grey cap, posture rigid and professional. The man had barely said a word since the ride began.
"Hey," Lei Feng called, "take me to the best fashion store in the city."
"I was supposed to drop you off at the Transit Nexus Main Branch Terminal," the driver replied, voice smooth and calm. "But... I'll make an exception for you, young master."
Lei Feng smirked. "Appreciate it."
The vehicle descended into a lower lane, slipping into a current of traffic moving toward the heart of the city. Arcane street signs floated midair, displaying directions in multiple languages—Common, High Elvish, Celestian, Dragonscript, Beasttongue, and Dwarvish.
As they traveled deeper, the city grew more surreal.
Sky-bridges etched with mana glyphs. Floating gardens suspended by gravitational runes. Street performers juggling miniature meteorites. Sentient paintbrushes painting portraits midair. The city's core pulsed with life—a metropolis of spell and steel.
VROOOM.
The car slowed and curved into a crystal-paved district lined with tall, sleek plazas. It stopped in front of a towering boutique that looked more like a royal palace than a store.
Above the entrance, a gold-sigil sign shimmered in midair:
House of AetherSilk – Fashion for the Gifted
The boutique stretched twelve stories high. Its outer walls were made of transparent spellglass and flowing veils of enchanted fabric that shifted colors with every passing breeze. Mana sigils floated lazily across its surface, reacting to approaching mana signatures.
Lei Feng stepped out of the car, stretching slightly as he looked up.
He turned to the driver. "Give me your account number. I'll send you a tip."
The elf blinked in surprise. "Truly? Thank you, young master! One moment." He handed over a tiny, neatly folded paper slip—like he had it ready in case the opportunity arose.
Lei Feng chuckled to himself. "He definitely keeps that ready at all times."
He flicked open his phone screen and sent the transfer.
Beep. Beep.
> 5,000 Credits transferred.
Balance: 995,000 Credits
Bank: Celestial Credit Union
Status: Registered
"I sent it. Drive safe," he said with a grin.
"Thank you, young master!" The elf bowed deeply, practically glowing with gratitude.
Lei Feng checked the time. 1:25 PM.
"Still got time," he muttered. Then glanced at his robes, which sparkled faintly with lightning.
"…Yeah, I'm definitely not blending in like this."
Turning toward the boutique, he exhaled. "Let's dress like I belong here."
---
The moment Lei Feng stepped through the boutique's mana-screened doors, a wave of cool, fragrant air washed over him.
Inside was a world of luxury and charm.
Silver pillars rose like cathedral spires, etched with glowing house sigils. Levitating mannequins spun slowly in the air, modeling garments laced with runes and enchanted threads. Soft music played from invisible glyphs, weaving gentle melodies through the space.
The floor shimmered like glass—but it wasn't glass. Beneath his feet swirled illusory galaxies of mana and starlight, flowing like rivers through a dreamscape.
Around him, holo-panels displayed high-end ArcanaWear: armored coats, mana-resistant travel gear, stylish robes with embedded glyphs for stealth, speed, or defense.
The boutique was sectioned into elegant zones—men's wear, women's fashion, fitting lounges, mana-scanning stations.
Staff moved gracefully through the space—most of them striking rabbitkin and bunnykin women wearing sleek, spell-threaded uniforms. Each outfit blended fashion and magic, clinging tastefully to their forms while accentuating soft curves with glowing filigree and arcane sigils. With their long ears, delicate steps, and subtle charm spells woven into their scent, it was hard not to stare.
Lei Feng blinked. "…This place feels like a luxury magic academy crossed with a dreamworld."
"Welcome to House of AetherSilk," came a gentle voice.
He turned—and paused.
Standing before him was a tall bunnykin woman, her silver-white hair cascading past her shoulders in soft waves. Her crimson eyes sparkled with confidence. A playful smile curved her lips. Her tailored uniform gleamed with silver and blue trims, modest yet graceful.
"I'm Lira," she said with a small bow. "Will I be assisting you today, young master?"
Lei Feng smiled. "Yeah. I'm looking for something more low-key… but still stylish."
She giggled. "You want to blend in. That might be hard with a face like yours, but I'll do my best."
The next few minutes passed in a blur—private lounge fittings, floating mirrors, and mana-scanning diagnostics. Lei Feng stored away his old gear with a flick of his fingers.
> Storm Dragon Robes stored.
Stormsurge Boots stored.
When he stepped out, he was wearing something entirely new.
---
[Outfit: Azure Drift – A-Class ArcanaWear Set]
A deep navy hoodie lined with soft silver runes, enchanted with Phaseweave to resist minor elemental attacks.
Slim-fit black trousers woven with Kinetic Mesh, offering high mobility and subtle impact absorption.
A dark leather belt etched with micro capacitors, storing tiny bursts of mana for emergency use.
The look was clean. Stylish. Subtle. With just enough edge to hint at the power underneath.
His Luckweaver Echo Earring pulsed softly. The Ring of Power hid under his sleeve, and the Aetherlace Bracelet shimmered faintly against his wrist—elegant, mysterious, and undeniably cool.
Lei Feng turned to the mirror.
And froze.
"…Damn."
Staring back at him was a man transformed.
Sleek black hair with soft silver at the ends. Eyes crystalline blue deeper than oceans. Skin like polished jade. Chiseled features. Lean, athletic muscle. He looked like someone out of a high-tier fantasy poster—or maybe the frontman of a legendary guild.
"Never thought I'd look like this," he muttered, brushing a hand through his hair.
Lira appeared beside him, eyes bright. "You wear it better than the mannequin. You look amazing, young master."
He laughed. "You're good at your job."
After grabbing a few more outfits—combat sets, travelwear, layered light armor—the total rang in.
> Transaction Complete: 192,000 Credits Debited
Remaining Balance: 803,000 Credits
Before leaving, Lei Feng flicked one more transfer.
> 3,000 Credit Tip sent to Lira.
She blinked, then her smile lit up like sunlight through stained glass. "I hope we meet again, young master."
"Oh, I'm sure we will," he replied with a wink.
Just then, a private levicar drifted into place—a sleek, hovering vehicle with gold-lined rims and velvet seats.
Lei Feng paused, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips.
"Ling Chen always wanted to ride in one of these. Can't believe I'm living his dream…"
He climbed in, settling into the plush seat.
"Destination, sir?" the driver asked.
Lei Feng leaned back, eyes glinting.
"HealthApex Hospital. Let's go."
As the car lifted into the air, Volaris City sparkled behind him like a crown of stars.
He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.
"…I'm living the life."