Long lashes fluttered slightly while the slumbering body on the bed shifted, causing the once neat blankets to crumple. He stretched, long limbs showing pale skin, reddening as they scraped against the fabric. Silvery strands curled and spiraled beneath his head, laid over the large pillows. The white nymph finally stopped. His breathing steadied as his pupils finally peeked through his lashes.
He waited as the persistent drowsiness left his body before he forced himself to sit up. Consequently, a certain snowy furball rolled from his stomach, landing on the mattress with a soft thud. The ball uncurled himself, revealing sluggish, beady eyes and droopy ears. Snow whined as he dragged his lethargic little body closer to his master.
Blinking, Moulin drew his eyebrows together, glancing at the dim windows. 'How long was I asleep?'
"Ao..." Snow blinked slowly at him before he turned towards the doors of the bedroom.
"Why didn't they wake up?" Moulin wondered as he gathered Snow into his arms before unhurriedly removing himself from the bed. He didn't know how long he had slept, but he was certain he had wasted several hours of work.
The events from the assembly slowly returned to him as he walked towards the doors. Not that he was too concerned about it. What mattered was that he obtained a satisfying outco.
Before he could pull the knob open, he heard a mix of familiar voices. Lady Calanthe? What is she arguing about?
Confused, Moulin pulled the doors open. The sight of four familiar people welcod his vision. Lady Calanthe was facing Na'El and Lady Celeste, who both wore perplexed expressions. Leaning by his desk was none other than a certain Golden-eyed lord, who imdiately noticed the youth's arrival.
The Lynari's three prominent ntors turned to the youth with a look of surprise.
"Are you feeling tired?" Hadrian's deep voice imdiately assaulted Moulin's ears.
Moulin resisted a smile. Honestly, the man's face was a sight for sore eyes. He couldn't help but feel even more comforted. He rolled his shoulders while carrying Snow, "A little bit. But I feel much better than before. I didn't realize how tired I was."
Golden eyes narrowed, exuding a cold aura, but it did little to intimidate Moulin. "You have overworked yourself."
"I am well." Moulin stepped closer to his embrace and showed a serene smile. He had to lift his head to et Hadrian's gaze. "Don't worry."
Hadrian stared at him for a few seconds before he sighed, shoulders relaxing.
"Ahem..."
Moulin withdrew his gaze, noticing Na'El clearing his throat while awkwardly eting his eyes. The elven oracle was always dressed refreshingly as usual. The youth greeted each of them respectfully. It seems they were discussing sothing important. Did he interrupt them?
"Young master... it's a relief to know you are well." Na'El began. "Lady Calanthe has confided in us about the changes of the Arcan Chamber..."
The mont his words ended, Moulin's brows furrowed. "I see. By changes... you an..."
Lady Calathe nodded once she t Moulin's gaze. "I figured it is necessary to explain to rid us of future complications. I trust the lady and lord Na'El. Furthermore, Lord Hadrian..."
Her voice trailed off as she glanced at the prominent young lord among them. She revealed a soft smile. "I'm sure the young master doesn't mind sharing the secret with him. His Excellency's worries are quite difficult to appease."
"Of course..." Moulin shook his head, answering gratefully. He had wondered how to tell Hadrian, but fortunately, Lady Calanthe handled it for him.
Not long after, Hadrian spoke. "Then... is it true?"
Moulin held his gaze for a mont before finally nodding. "Yes..."
"Then would we trouble you to request an audience with the Holy One?" Lady Celeste's eyes are wide with anticipation. Even a prominent priestess with a strict upbringing could reveal such excitent in her eyes.
"He... wouldn't mind..." Moulin answered. 'Hopefully...'
.....
The runes sizzled with life as potent magic heavily filled the air. Energy thrumd vigorously. The Arcan chamber had never felt so lively. Both Na'El and Celeste were surprised, processing the thickness of the ethereal energy around them.
It was also the first ti he brought Hadrian into the chamber. Moulin held Hadrian's hand, feeling it tighten around his. Inwardly, he hoped the vibrant, pure mana around them could help ease the corruption inside Hadrian, even if it was just a little.
The group approached the center of the Arcan chamber where the core was located. Moulin noticed sensed his ntors' unease the closer they got to the pedestal. Even Hadrian didn't seem as composed as before, warily eyeing the powerful oppressive energy centering around the pedestal.
The crystal remained as it was the last ti Moulin saw it, blindingly bright and domineering.
'You have brought guests...'
A voice, young and clear, resounding in their minds like loud echoing sounds within a deep cave. The mana within the air seed to vibrate, caressing their skin faintly. One would wish to kneel before the overbearing aura of the voice. Na'El and Lady Celeste froze once they heard the deity's words. Their hearts were pounding against their chest as astonishnt filled their fair countenances.
Lady Calanthe didn't look that surprised anymore. However, Hadrian had paused in his steps. His long fingers tightened around Moulin's as his eyes narrowed cautiously toward the pedestal. His aura didn't seem much less imperious than the Chrysolite, which was a complete shock to Moulin.
"I brought them to confirm their doubts..." Moulin spoke, glancing towards his ntors. "They are of great help to ."
'I see... their talent, I can sense...' The crystal pulsed brighter. 'Now... have I laid your doubts to rest?'
Na'El stilled. He lowered his gaze in reverence, placing a hand on his chest. "I am humbled. It is an honor beyond words to stand before your presence, Your Radiance..."
Lady Celeste perford a traditional bow, kneeling in reverence. Her gaze is lowered, and her hands shake. Her mind flashed to when she used her powers against the divine at the Holy Pool. Her voice trembled. "Y-Your Holy One..."
Concern filled Moulin's expression. He was about to speak when Morhas interrupted.
'Your actions were just, child... you have protected Moulin...' The voice rippled. 'If it is gratitude... It is I who should owe you...'
Lady Celeste froze, unable to accept his words. She shook her head with clasped hands, attempting to speak, but all that ca out were anxious stutters. It looked as though she had lost all her years of training.
Sighing, Moulin shook his head helplessly. "Alright, stop... they're already as nervous as cornered mice... Let's move on..."
The mont his words fell, everyone in the chamber aside from Moulin stilled. It was only when Moulin noticed the unsettling silence did he turned to them in confusion.
'What?'
"Haa..." Lady Celeste stepped forward. "Forgive, my student. He is too... unfamiliar with the works of the land..."
Huh? A crease appeared on Moulin's forehead. Hadrian only raised a brow towards Moulin.
'I understand more than anyone... Moulin is very special...'
Why are they talking about all of a sudden?
"You Radiance... If I may ask... How are you able to take this form?" Na'El asked, gesturing towards the crystal floating above its crystal rest.
'It is an arduous tale that shall be told at the right ti...' The Chrysolite pulsed slowly. 'For now... I am certain you have more important questions...'
Moulin and Hadrian exchanged gazes. The lord's golden eyes deepened significantly. Moulin knew there were things Hadrian wanted to know as the person burdened with the task of leading the Silver Scepter to war with the Malifecs. Moulin, through his eyes, urged Hadrian to continue and seek the answers he wanted.
Lord Hercullio raised his determined gaze towards the pedestal. "Our war with your sire, will you aid us?"
His question was a strike without a sense of hesitation. Even Moulin was surprised... but he was as curious as well of the god's response.
There was a brief silence setting within as though the deity pondered on the right answer. Not long after, he spoke.
'I will help you... However... there is only much I can do in this form.'
Moulin and the rest sighed in relief.
Hadrian took advantage of the pause. "Gohtel. Is there a way we can invade?"
'There is... the key lies within your friend's mind, created by Urdehl's puppet.'
It's true. Moulin swallowed. His eyes brightened in mirth. As though sensing the youth's satisfaction, Morhas continued.
'However, breaking through its malevolent walls will be a difficult task. The island's life is poison. One will fall into corruption the mont they enter its waters.'
Moulin's expression sombered slightly. "Your vessel shall be the mother of our artifacts. A reservoir. We will use it's energy against them."
A hint of hesitation filled the crystal's voice. 'A decisive approach... your work will ultimately aid you to many accomplishnts. However, be warned, you are a significant target. Your enemies will do everything to capture you and draw your essence. The visions are just the start. The more you expose yourself to them, the more desperate they will be. At each passing second, more danger lurks, ready to strike at the right mont.'
Heaviness filled his voice, laced with deep worry and warning. Moulin felt Hadrian's hand tighten around his unconscious. The youth smiled, responding with a brief squeeze.
"I am already aware of the risks." There was a strange calmness present within his clear eyes as he spoke. "I shall rely on my supporters and my strength for protection. All we ask of you is your aid... help us empower our weapons to use against them and grace us with your knowledge, help us to victory. Leave the execution to us. We will ensure Corhan shall be free once more... you shall be free..."
Moulin felt the faint falter of the energy around them.
'Ever since the first ti... I have always stayed by you...' A tone of pure helplessness. It made Moulin's heart ache as he reminisced the guidance.
'That has never changed...'
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