A sudden ripple of light shimmered in the air, and in an instant, four figures appeared in the dimly lit room. The intricate lines of a teleportation array glowed beneath their feet, fading quickly as the magic completed its purpose.
Great Elder White Fang, standing tall with his piercing eyes and a commanding presence, glanced around briefly to ensure the successful arrival of his companions.
Beside him stood Lord Terrace, Lord Ashbourne, and Lady Leah—each emanating an air of authority befitting the heads of their respective Fated Families. All four were here for a purpose that weighed heavily on their shoulders.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to teleportation.” Lord Acheon said with a frown. He genuinely felt like throwing up but with a little manipulation of mana, he regained himself.
“You’ll have to adapt or travel through flight or land. Whichever you end up choosing if you fail to adapt,” Lord Terrace replied, patting Lord Acheon’s shoulder warmly, “I’ll be sure to support you.”
Clan Leader Hina stepped forward from their group, her movements sure and graceful. She had led them through different paths after their arrival and then took them through a teleportation array to reach this place.
“Well, what are we waiting for?” She turned to the others with a smile before leading them down a narrow corridor.
The path twisted and turned, lined with stone walls etched in runes and adorned with torches flickering with blue flames that seemed like they could burn through one’s soul.
“How come it’s dark here when it’s daytime? Even the windows reveal darkness.” Lord Leah asked.
“Because this place is located hundreds of feet beneath ground level.” Clan Leader Hina answered and turned to Lord Leah. “Now, let’s skip the talking and get there faster, shall we?”
“Sure.” Lord Leah nodded without another word.
There was no idle conversation after it as they wanted to get done with their job and return; every step they took was heavy with the knowledge of why they had come.
At the end of their walk, they arrived at an imposing set of double doors carved from dark wood, inlaid with intricate patterns depicting scenes of battle and triumph.
Crrinng…
Before any of them could knock, the doors creaked open, responding to a silent command.
The warm glow from within spilled out, revealing a vast chamber where twelve figures sat in a semi-circle.
The Twelve Great Elders of the Northern Ireleone Continent watched their approach with expressions ranging from solemnity to mild curiosity. Their robes, a mix of deep blues and silvers, denoted their high status and power.
Clan Leader Hina stepped inside first, her composure calm despite the intensity of the gazes fixed upon her. She bowed gracefully and greeted them. “Honored Great Elders, I bring greetings from the Eastern Shirefort Continent.” Her tone softened slightly, becoming more familiar. “I trust you are all well?”
Several of the elders smiled, and the tension in the room lightened briefly. One, Elder Fael, a man with a long beard and kind eyes, chuckled. “Hina, it is always a pleasure to see you. How fares your clan?”
Hina’s eyes sparkled as she responded to the old man’s question. “They’re doing very well, Elder Fael. Thank you for asking.”
Another, Elder Raith, stroked his chin as he too posed a question. “And how’s that troublesome daughter of yours? I see she didn’t come with you this time.”
“Haha… She was left behind to tend to clan needs while I came here.” Clan Leader Hina answered with a smile.
“Do tell her to visit soon. I got a new magic scroll and I’m pretty sure she’d be interested.” The ender said again with another smile.
“I will. Thank you, Elder Raith, for offering to tutor Mirai despite being so busy.” Clan Leader Hina bowed before him. He was one of the few people who had taken Mirai as his own after her father’s demise.
She exchanged a few more pleasantries with the elders, answering questions about her health and that of her people.
They spoke with a fondness that suggested a long-standing relationship, but soon the conversation shifted. “I have brought representatives from the Eastern Shirefort Continent,” Hina announced, stepping aside and gesturing toward her companions. “There are grave matters to discuss regarding the approaching Demon War.”
With practiced formality, she introduced the four representatives. “This is my eldest brother and the leader of our group, Great Elder White Fang.” She spoke his title with pride, but there was also a hint of familial warmth.
“And here are the esteemed Lords Terrace, Acheon, and Leah, each head of their Fated Families and well-regarded leaders.” she added and as she introduced them, the Family Lords politely bowed toward the Elders.
The Twelve Great Elders rose in acknowledgment, their respect evident. Elder Fael spoke again, this time addressing White Fang directly. “Great Elder White Fang, you honor us with your return. Much has been spoken of your deeds, and it seems destiny has brought you back to your home continent at a pivotal time.”
White Fang inclined his head, his expression unreadable. “Honored Elders, the honor is mine. But time is pressing, and we have much to discuss.”
The elders nodded, sensing his urgency. They gestured for the four representatives and Clan Leader Hina to be seated.
As everyone settled into their places, the atmosphere grew heavy once more. White Fang leaned forward, his hands resting on the table before him. “We have two years,” he began, his voice calm but commanding. “At most.”
The room fell silent, each elder and representative absorbing the weight of his words. “We had hoped for two years and four months,” White Fang continued, “but due to the accelerated pace of the Bloodied Sky Transformation, our timeline has shortened. We must maximize every moment we have.”
The Twelve Great Elders exchanged glances. One of them, a stern-faced woman known as Elder Iridia, nodded in agreement. “What do you propose, Great Elder?”
White Fang’s gaze swept across the room. “Our preparations must be divided into four phases, each addressing a critical aspect of our defense. We cannot afford to be reactive; we must be prepared for every possible scenario.”
He stood, projecting an image of a timeline into the air using a small burst of magic. “Phase one: intelligence and research.”