Crystal dew drops, plump and round, hung on the fragile spider web. Sunshine illuminated the drops like golden orbs on a silvery thread. Moulin sat on the chair, gazing calmly as the web shook once a breeze brushed past it.
His silver eyes deepened as he turned away.
In the heart of Falowright lies the Mother Crystal, housed within the fortified Arcan chamber. Now that the Arcan relics tests have sowhat completed, it was ti to create the network, connecting the weakened lands. Like a web, with the Mother crystal as its core, its light will be drawn out and threaded into the veins of corrupted territories.
"A spiritual web," Moulin muttered.
Settlents would beco Arcan Nodes, anchoring themselves to the heartbeat of the Mother Crystal, providing them power. The soldiers will use the relics as dew drops, serving as radiant mana-channeling vessels connecting across the web.
It has been two days since he told Lady Calanthe of their next goal. Currently, Moulin worked at the rune-inscribed table to draw a network of refined threads; rather than forceful solutions, he opted for protecting through peaceful thods without luring the mana-hungry creatures of the lands. A living weave of magic, precise and resilient. Consuming dark energy as its sustenance to produce purified mana.
The finger slid across the map, tapping towards the nearest settlent where the corruption was stronger.
"A weave..."
A voice spoke as another hand, larger and rougher, stroked the translucent parchnt of the web drawing upon the detailed map. Lord Hercullio drew near to the youth, assessing the plan. "These nodes or towers could be constructed at the core of each settlent."
Moulin nodded, "Beacons hidden and powered by a condensed shard of the Mother Crystal. It will ensure continuous transmission of the relics as well as create safe zones."
Moulin took out another piece of paper and sketched out a quick drawing of the Mother Crystal and the relics. He connected each to the core crystal with ease as he spoke. "With the Mother Crystal at its peak power, the relics will act as receivers much like the towers. Like miniature anchors imbued to a link rune."
"Won't the tower construction attract a horde of malibreeds and demons?..."
Moulin paused, "Regarding that... it cannot be helped. The man of the core crystal for the nodes would be too concentrated. Thus, it will need to be protected."
Hadrian nodded in understanding. "Perhaps a prototype should be created first."
"Yes, Lady Calanthe and I have already begun the preparations for the core crystal. And... Morhas will be cooperating with us. The Arcan Sector will carry out its tests. Where do you think would be best to establish the first arcan node?"
The Lord pointed at a certain location in the map, surrounded by thick forests and towering land formations. "Ralor..."
Lady Klaria's ho settlent, Moulin recognized. He had heard of the dire situation there. Where malibreeds had began prowling at the edge of the borders and demons infiltrating barriers causing havoc and death. The situation was deadly enough to call the High Lord back. Furthermore, reinforcents from neighboring guilds had a difficult ti crossing the terrain.
Moulin nodded. "Lady Klaria needs our help... killing two birds with one stone...."
Hadrian lifted his gaze, eting Moulin's expectant eyes. "Then it is decided... I shall gather soldier wards for this mission."
Both nature and life forms suffered continuously in the farthest regions as the Kron corrupted the lands and transford the living. The web requires a cleansing course as its path would link across the land for possible survival. All relics and towers must use their divine essence to fight against the siphoning hunger of evil and protect the survivors.
Moulin smiled, eyes curving. His youthful face looked more ethereal than ever, basking against the gentle sunlight.
.....
"What do you think?" His Highness Prince Archaen propped an elbow on the table surface while assessing the formal letter in his hand. His words were directed to the calm young woman sitting on the nearby sofa as well as the solemn older man standing before the prince's desk.
"It's... "Lord Magan began as he took the letter to read it himself. His pupils shook uncontrollably. "This... What in the world..."
"I think it is quite a good proposal." Lady Celeste interrupted, lowering her cup of tea. Her deep blue eyes are calm and determined. "Hasn't Your Highness longed to unite the remaining settlents in the land? I believe this will be a good opportunity. Futhermore... it will convey that we will not stand idly anymore."
"You're still siding with that boy?" Lord Magan snorted. "I admit it's a clever strategy. However, It will only promote the Lynari's influence throughout the land. It is possible to say that his actions lack hidden agendas."
"Lord Magan... please..." Lady Celeste sighed, shaking her head. "The young lord only seeks to end the far and free himself. Do you not think we already have enough conflicts with him? How are we able to defeat our common enemy when we, ourselves, do not trust our allies? Also... do you really wish to defy his most loyal supporter?"
Lord Magan stiffened, recalling a certain golden-haired man's murderous gaze. He narrowed his eyes and turned away from the priestess, mumbling. "There's just sothing about him that gets on my nerves."
A corner of the prince's lips lifted as he observed the pair's interaction. Once more, he took one long look at the letter. His eyes slowly read over several significant words.
'...A divine web to tether the broken land. Through its breath, the crystal forms a luminous link which descends to protect the fading earth...'
Prince Archaen lightly tapped the chair's armrest while he continued to read Moulin's written words. His eyes read sincerity and solemnity into the words, but his senses detected that underneath these qualities were bright visions along with courage that brought dangerous consequences.
He stated finally "Their ambition is not without foundation." Ambition without limits possesses the power to destroy any strong foundation.
Lady Celeste's expression softened. "Perhaps we might require this change to move forward."
Lord Magan showed his discomfort by keeping silent while the tension in his shoulders provided evidence of his anxiety. The battlefield scents from his frontline years remained strong in his presence, leading him to see war even during peaceful tis. But this... this ti, it felt different.
"What shall we do, then?" Celeste asked, resuming to enjoy her tea. "How will the court respond?"
With utmost care, Prince Archaen creased the letter. "Yes," he said. "Send word to the council. The creation of the first Arcan Conduit Tower will receive our support."
He stood up from his chair with his hands resting behind him while he watched through the tall glass pane. From below, the thriving stronghold displayed its splendor, unaware of the approaching storm that settled outside its boundaries.
.....
Moulin was surprised that the prince approved his plan so quickly. Even Lady Calanthe didn't expect a quick response. It was almost suspicious. Moulin expected so grand assembly requiring all to attend and share their opinions. He had even already thought of a defense. Sitting at his desk, he blinked confusingly.
However, with his swift approval, they could now initiate the plan.
Moulin and Lady Calanthe spent a few days in their sacred workroom, revising the lattice formation of the enhanced relics, fortifying it to resist and destroy corruption while consuming its dark energy. With Morhas as their guide, they were able to overco most challenges swiftly. The only thing they could not defy was their body's limits.
While Lady Calanthe often left to rest, Moulin kept working. Until such ti, the exhaustion almost knocked Moulin unconscious. But although his mana was depleted, his goal burned in front of him, motivating him significantly.
He sighed against his palms, resting against the couch. It's for the greater good...
Silver eyes closed drearily.
anwhile, Colahn, one of the leaders of the Arcan sector, conveyed their most significant project yet. The foundation of the Arcan Conduit would be the dawn of a new beginning in Corhan, transforming everyone's livelihood and restoring balance.
Tearful joy filled his subordinate's faces. Their hands trembled as they could barely resist sharing the news with the rest of the stronghold. They were thankful for their blessed savior and his patron god. Unfortunately, they could do nothing to show their deepest sincerity. The only thing they could do to express their gratitude was work hard and present satisfying results.
.....
"The shrine, housing the Conduit crystal, will be situated at the peak of the tower to protect it from any complications." Lady Calanthe relayed the Arcan Sector's reports while Moulin carried the Conduit Crystal in his palms.
It emitted a white glow and was smaller than the Mother Crystal, but it exuded the sa essence. The trapped link rune within pulsed simultaneously with the Mother Crystal's pulses. Like a heartbeat...
Moulin brought the crystal closer to the Arcan Pedestal, observing their connection.
"They propose that skilled mages trained by the Arcan Sector shall join the expedition, carrying the crystal and ensuring no issues would occur during the journey." The sorceress surmised before tucking the report into her cloak and approaching the youth. "Satisfied?"
Moulin helplessly smiled. "As long as they are willing to offer aid. We shall bless them for security and safety."
Suddenly, he raised his gaze. Silvery pupils glistened brightly. He looked like a child showing his precious treasure to his parents, hoping for so complints.
"Do you feel it?" The youth questioned as anticipation filled his eyes.
'I do...'
Moulin's expression brightened. The exhaustion seed to vanish the mont those words were said. He lowered his head with a smile, tenderly staring at the cubic crystal on his palms. With this, the most challenging part of their goal has been completed.
All of a sudden, the Chrysolite pulsed. Morhas's voice echoed. 'I sensed the golden bond shared between you and your beloved has grown...'
Moulin abruptly stiffened and snapped his gaze towards the pedestal. He waited for Lady Calanthe to check the sigils on the walls before he whispered. 'Ah... He... he has agreed to removing his suppression and welcoming the legacy..."
'I see...'
Strangely, Morhas whispered back. His voice was no longer strong and resonating; instead, it sounded youthful and soft. Moulin almost thought he was right there whispering in his ear. If he was back in his ho realm, one would think they were close friends sharing so gossip.
'He ca to last night... we spoke briefly.'
The youth's slender brows rows. Hadrian did return late last night. "What did you talk about?..."
'He questioned his own bloodline and sought guidance. The blessing of the Golden Dragon makes one arrogant and greedy. Yet, he possessed none of those traits... Possessing such great intelligence yet filled with uncertainty. I only gave him answers he wished to hear.'
Listening to the God's voice, Moulin had the urge to squat and hear more about Hadrian. His hands clenched around the conduit crystal carefully. Although accepting the decision to open himself to the golden blessing, it seems Hadrian was still uneasy.
Too busy with their duties, they haven't truly discussed how to overco these spiritual challenges. Moulin decided to make the first move tonight.
.....
Night ca, and darkness engulfed the illusion of the sky in the hidden realm. Moulin finished the last of his work for the day, ate dinner, and took a bath. Refreshed, he sat on his working desk, playing with Snow, who tried to nibble on Moulin's slender fingers.
"Grr!..."
The little brat huffed, angrily biting on his master's sleeve when he realized Moulin was just toying with him.
Creak!
Out of the blue, the bedroom door suddenly opened, revealing a certain tall and handso lord. The mont Lord Hadrian entered, the room instantly looked cramped. Warm light blanketed his features, sharpening his edges and making his magnetic eyes glow in the dimness. One look was enough to make one's soul swoon.
Moulin and Snow both stopped to stare at him. Their identical eyes blinked dazedly.
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