Multiple footsteps echoed endlessly as a few figures erged from the gigantic doorway, the only source of light within the dark hall. Gradually, they proceeded toward the austere stone seats, positioned a short distance from the expansive crystal table around which they gathered. The stone surface beneath felt slightly damp, markedly less comfortable than the plush chairs they typically enjoyed.
Nonetheless, they persevered, withholding any grievances.
The doorway was bright like a portal leading to the heavens. And the people who erged from the light appeared like shadows.
The crystal table emitted a faint cold blue light. It is as weak as a flickering candle fla struggling against a capable breeze. One second it brightens and the next second it fades.
This is the Cradle.
A strongly fortified hall situated on the highest floor of Helios' right tower. Deliberately positioned at a considerable height above ground to elude the keen senses of powerful malibreeds. The table, a rare and powerful communication device, is crafted from the mana mine within ancient dwarven ruins.
Following malefics' purging of cities, only a few identical copies of this device remain, as most were destroyed in the upheaval.
The few lords of Helios gathered and waited patiently while observing the faint light of the crystal table.
The octagonal table seed like a diamond hidden in the night.
"Been so long since I've seen one of those..." A curious voice spoke among those seated.
The royal maeruthan prince's nuclear eyes shone a strange lighy as he assessed the crystal table. His voice is soft when he spoke to his companion.
Lady Klaria briefly closed her eyes with a smile. She looked as elegant as usual, garbed in light blue silks. "Lord Hercullio did well in salvaging one of the last of its copies. The drawven clan would have shed a thousand more tears if it was lost."
"One could sell it and be rich in a fortnight." Huffed another voice.
It was Lord Hyantor, seated languidly with a greedy eyes upon the crystal treasure located at the center of the room. "Imagine the royal long-eared folks in Artheia scrambling for it."
"Is money all you ever talk about, old man?" Graceful Lady Klaria revealed an insincere smile.
Hyantor narrowed his eyes at her, "In this world, how could one not think about money, My Lady? It could buy you a pretty pony."
A wrathful fire blazed within the Lady's eyes. "Why? How thoughtful of you."
Prince Vascilicus furrowed his brows and shook his head helplessly, "You two..."
This gathering was hastily arranged. Vascilicus had anticipated waiting a few additional days for responses from other leaders. Unexpectedly, their replies arrived promptly after Lord Hadrian agreed to his brother's proposal.
They even dispatched their personal crystal mana for direct communication in the eting. Fortunately, he had his brother's crystal in his possession.
Suddenly, a wave of silence engulfed the hall. Several eyes turned as the last person to step into the doorway revealed himself. Behind him, the doorway closed, swallowed by darkness.
Deep golden eyes swept throughout the hall making everyone plunge into silence. They felt a chill climb up their backs when his gaze passed by them. Although they are renowned leaders, they could not help but feel intimidated.
He is accompanied by his trusted aid, Lord Varick who followed a few steps behind him.
The Lord's footsteps echoed eerily, resounding in each of their ears. Before their eyes, Lord Hadrian Hercullio expressionlessly approached precious crystal table. He reaches out a clenched gloved fist hover above the gaping hole at the center of the table and loosens his hold after a few seconds, letting the contents within his hand drop.
Crisp sounds of glass echoes as they hit the surfaces within the hole. The mont the communication stones are fed, the table hums, activating the slumbering spells within.
In an instant, a beam of blue light shoots from the hole and towards the ceiling. It splits into nine glittering rays and fell upon the stone floor, slowly materializing into nine hovering figures.
Lord Hadrian watches and waits as the light completes the projections. The rest of the esteed audience waits in anticipation.
All nine figures eventually beca clear before their eyes. Five n and four won stood bearing domineering auras. They are shrouded with a light blue glaze. Despite the hardships they have experience for several years under the plundering force of the Kron and its offspring, determination and ferocity burned in their eyes.
Varick bowed and announced the new guests of the assembly.
"Lord Zanarin of the Gurd forest, His Highness Prince Piol of the West Skilis lands, Lady lgaine of Morning Birth City..." The sentinel continuously introduced each participant. His voice is heightened with a special device for all to hear.
Each person's expression within the hall turned solemn and respectful. These guests ca from the far corners of Corhan and they are here to voluntarily aid them.
Finally, Varick respectfully introduced the last person of the nine people.
"... His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Archaen Drakus Aurona."
The person who was introduced stood just beside Lord Hadrian Hercullio. He stands as a lofty individual in his middle years, donning dark hair and piercing light eyes, adorned in surprisingly unadorned attire. Nonetheless, his appearance is both tidy and distinguished. Save for the ruby brooch displaying the royal emblem on his collar, his ensemble bears no excessive extravagance.
The man gave a sneaky glance at the golden-eyed man beside him and a full grin graced his face.
From afar, Prince Vascilicus shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
The lords and ladies within the halls were introduced next and everyone gave a respectful bow to each nad guest. Once the introductions have ended. One of the projected won spoke.
"Shall we begin?" She is old, holding a heavy-looking staff embellished with carved golden flowers. A solemn air surrounded her.
The Golden Lord nodded. He stands with the nine distinguished people.
"So this 'Soul' sought by our demon enemies... How potent is its essence? My forebears neglected to enlighten on how a single soul could solely resurrect the Demon Creator." Her mysterious eyes narrowed.
Another spoke, "I would like to et him. The individual responsible for unleashing these demons upon a relentless and destructive spree over the past few years."
Observing quietly, Lady Klaria frowned. She whispered, "This does not bode well..."
Prince Vascilicus nodded.
Amidst the relentless questions, Crown Prince Archaen voiced out loudly. His eyes seed to gleam ominously.
"Lord Hercullio shall gave his all to enlighten us."
The mont his words fell, Prince Vascilicus swallowed anxiously.
...
anwhile, located several floors below, a light conversation had barely turned heavy.
Dark-haired and amber-eyed, Tessley Vernalia leaned against the fence as she calmly recounted the events a few years before.
"The Leonile Guild was one known for its strength and Lord Hercullio's presence. It was also well-known for another thing."
Moulin's brows are drawn together.
She continued, "The location of the guild's base."
Lord Moulin rembered the colossal waterfall where the transport platform was positioned on top of it.
"Most guilds could easily be found in Corhan. And beca victims of malefic and calibrated destruction due to their proximity to populous cities. The Kron had already reached the capital and malibreeds began to spread. The lives of the royal family faced imminent danger. Yet, no matter where they sought refuge, the demons tracked them down.
It was then that they sought the protection of Lord Hercullio, and our noble lord graciously welcod them into the Leonile stronghold."
Moulin tilted his head, "Lord Hercullio offered them refuge?"
"He 'generously' did." Tessley repeated. In the next second, her eyes narrowed.
"They were quiet at first. All politeness and grace. 'The base is paradise' they said. I couldn't bla them. The noble Hercullian lands were prosperous and abundant. A safe and and secluded island.
No one would ever dream of leaving."
When her last words fell into his ears, Moulin felt a sense of foreboding. "Lord Hercullio let them stay?"
Tessley raised a brow, "If only they would promise to behave themselves. Which they did not do. Whispers of the King's desire to claim the territory reached the ears of our fellow sentinels and it didn't sit well with us. Matters escalated when they began advocating for the King's dominion over Auronian lands, leading to internal discord within the guild."
Moulin's gaze widened, "What actions did the high lord take?"
Tessley wore a bitter smile, "In consideration of those who chose to remain and to prevent unnecessary conflict, he relinquished control of the stronghold and departed with the most faithful supporters. That marked the inception of Helios. Previously, surviving the desolation that Helios was seed impossible."
A sense of pride adorned her keen countenance. "Yet, look at us now. We stand in one of the most secure and thriving strongholds. I think they are bursting green in envy right now. As they should be. The Leonile stronghold would not be nad so without its rightful owner.
They are not worthy of it."
"How could they be..." Moulin's eyes are bright and sharp, like a blade ready to cut.
"Disgusting lot, the royal family is... " Tessley nodded.
All of a sudden, she paused. "Ah, perhaps except for Prince Vascilicus. He had lived in Ralor and was oblivious of the happenings. When he had heard of what happened, he had fought the crown prince. A man as scrawny as him, I can't believe he'd pick a fight."
"The crown prince?" The silver-eyed youth leaned an inch closer to her. His curious eyes glead strangely.
Tessley arched her eyebrows and gave a regal nod. Wrath ignited in her intense gaze. "Yes. Did you know? If it wasn't for him, The stronghold wouldn't have been-"
"Young master!!!!"
Moulin and Tessley flinched, startled. An abrupt distant shout interrupted the both of them.
From afar, an unfamiliar woman garbed in healer's graceful uniform hastily ran towards them. Ordan did not stop her after sensing no hostility.
She stopped before Moulin, panting heavily while holding her knees. Moulin, surprise and confused, was afraid she would fall in exhaustion and reached out to steady her trembling fra.
However, she stopped him and hurriedly spoke, "H-Her Ladyship! S-She has finally regained consciousness!!"
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