Chapter 96: A Gathering of Power
The air inside the Grand Council Chamber of Eldoria was thick with tension.
For the first time in 2 years, the highest-ranking nobles of the empire sat at the same table—each representing one of Eldoria's Great Houses.
At the head of the table sat Emperor Adrian Eldoria, his golden eyes unreadable, his very presence commanding the room. To his right, Headmaster Varian Drakos Eldoria stood with arms crossed, his sharp gaze scanning the room.
Seated around the table were the empire's most powerful Dukes and Marquises:
Duke Alistair Veyrin—his silver hair tied back, crimson eyes calm and calculating.
Duke Varian Duskbane—his presence cold, always three steps ahead of everyone.
Duke Ragnor Grimthorne—his sheer size alone exuding raw power and intimidation.
Duke Garrick Zephyrion—stormy-eyed, always direct and to the point.
Marquis Magnus Faelwyn—the quiet tactician, head of Eldoria's beast tamers.
Marquis Sebastian Nocturne—a shadow among men, his expression unreadable.
At the far end of the room, the Vanguard stood at attention.
Kael and the others had fought in wars, faced calamities, and survived the impossible.
But today?
They were not warriors.
They were soldiers awaiting orders.
The Emperor leaned forward. "Let's not waste time. Xelthar is moving again. And this time, we will not allow another disaster to unfold."
Varian flicked his wrist, summoning a detailed projection of Eldoria's western border.
"This is the Krevos Region—a land that was once abandoned." His voice darkened. "But it is no longer empty."
The projection shifted, revealing a hidden underground fortress within the mountains.
Duke Grimthorne scoffed. "Hiding beneath our noses. Cowards."
Duke Zephyrion nodded. "A fortress that deep underground isn't built overnight. They've been planning this for years."
Marquis Nocturne finally spoke, his voice low and unsettling. "The real question is… what exactly are they planning?"
Varian exhaled. "Our scout didn't make it back alive. But before he died, he sent a single message—'They're breeding something new.'"
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Kael clenched his fists. Not again.
Two years of peace. Two years of waiting. And now—Xelthar was ready to strike.
The Emperor's gaze was unwavering. "I want that fortress destroyed."
Duke Veyrin's crimson eyes flickered. "Are we expecting another Calamity-Class Beast?"
Varian's lips thinned. "We don't know. But we will not take that risk."
Duke Duskbane tapped his fingers against the table. "A full-scale assault would take too long to prepare."
Duke Faelthorne nodded. "And if Xelthar realizes we know, they'll accelerate whatever they're doing."
The Emperor's gaze shifted. "Then we need a strike team."
Varian spoke without hesitation. "The Vanguard."
Kael and the others stiffened.
The nobles turned their gazes toward them.
Duke Grimthorne raised a brow. "You're sending them into enemy territory alone?"
Varian's eyes narrowed. "They are stronger than most of your knights. Or are you doubting them?"
Duke Grimthorne smirked. "Not at all. Just wanted to hear you say it."
Duke Zephyrion exhaled. "They'll need backup. Even if they can handle themselves, Xelthar won't play fair."
Duke Veyrin finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "I will send Rheon."
Kael's eyes widened slightly.
His brother?
Duke Grimthorne nodded. "Magnus will go as well."
Duke Duskbane smirked. "Cassian and Selene are already part of the mission, so I assume they'll make me proud."
Duke Zephyrion crossed his arms. "Darius will handle himself. But I'll send two of my best men to keep the escape routes clear."
Marquis Faelwyn, who had remained silent, finally murmured, "I will send Leonel. He will not sit idle while his comrades fight."
Kael glanced at Leonel, who stood with a serious expression. He had changed since their first years—no longer hesitant, no longer running.
Marquis Nocturne was the last to speak. "I will not send my men. If my presence is needed, I will act myself."
Kael felt a chill at those words.
Sending a Marquis to the battlefield was no small thing.
The Emperor nodded, satisfied. "Then it's settled." His gaze turned back to the Vanguard. "This will not be like your past missions. This is war."
Varian locked eyes with Kael. "You will lead them."
Kael exhaled. He had been expecting that.
"I understand."
The Emperor rose to his feet. "Then prepare yourselves. You leave at dawn."
The meeting was over.
But the war?
The war was just beginning.