Chapter 124: The Journey to the Convergence
The air in Eldoria's Grand Palace was thick with tension.
Not because of war.
Not because of another looming calamity.
But because for the first time in centuries, the Convergence of Realms would be attended not just by kings and nobles, but by warriors—the Vanguard.
And not everyone was happy about it.
Kael stood beside Lucian, Mira, Selene, Cassian, Darius, Evelyne, and Rael at the base of the imperial palace steps. They had all been summoned at dawn, and now they watched as the Imperial Procession was being prepared.
Massive griffon-drawn carriages, enchanted to fly through the skies, were being loaded with supplies and defensive sigils. Knights clad in Eldoria's gold-and-black armor formed ranks along the palace grounds.
At the center of it all stood Emperor Adrian Eldoria, his golden cloak flowing in the morning wind.
To his right was Grand Duke Alistair Veyrin, his crimson gaze sharp as ever.
And to his left stood Duke Ragnor Grimthorne, arms crossed, his usual smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
The three most powerful men in Eldoria.
And the Vanguard was about to accompany them on a journey that could change history.
"Alright," Cassian sighed dramatically, stretching his arms. "So, how long before someone tries to kill us?"
Selene glanced at him. "Hopefully, not before we even arrive."
Darius scoffed. "You say that like you believe it."
Evelyne cracked her knuckles. "If someone does try, I say we kill them first."
Mira, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, exhaled. "This is different. We're not going to war—we're representing Eldoria. That means we don't get to just fight our way through every problem."
Lucian smirked. "We could."
Mira shot him a look.
"Fine, fine," Lucian chuckled. "We'll behave. Mostly."
Kael sighed. "Let's just survive this without causing an international incident."
Cassian grinned. "Now where's the fun in that?"
Not everyone would be joining them.
Leonel Faelwyn, despite his determination, had been ordered to stay behind. His injuries from the final battle with Xelthar were still too severe, even with advanced healing magic.
Kael had gone to visit him before the departure.
"You're seriously not going?" Kael asked, leaning against the infirmary wall.
Leonel, lying on the bed, let out a slow breath. "Doctor's orders. Apparently, fighting an entire war and nearly dying means I'm not 'fit for diplomatic travel.'"
Kael smirked. "Must be frustrating."
Leonel chuckled. "Beyond belief. But you'll be fine without me. Just don't let Cassian say anything too stupid in front of the other races."
Kael shook his head. "No promises."
As Kael turned to leave, Leonel's voice softened.
"Kael."
Kael paused.
Leonel's violet eyes met his. "Be careful."
Kael nodded. "Always."
The Gift of Death
Before he left Eldoria, Kael had one last visitor.
A cold wind swept through his chambers as a figure materialized before him—Death himself.
But unlike before, there was something different.
His once-glowing crimson eyes had dimmed. His presence, though still powerful, lacked the weight of absolute finality.
"You've changed," Kael murmured.
Death exhaled. "And so have you."
A long silence passed before Death extended his hand.
"Take this."
A rune, dark as the void, pulsed in his palm.
Kael hesitated. "What is it?"
"My last gift," Death said simply. "I do not know what the future holds, Kael Veyrin. But when the time comes, this will protect you."
Kael took the rune. The moment his fingers touched it, his body shuddered—not in pain, but in understanding.
This was no ordinary power.
This was Death itself, given form.
And he had just become its wielder.
After receiving the gift, Kael's stats and abilities surged.
Kael Veyrin – Level 11 Master Sigilist
Core Stats (After the War & Death's Gift):
Strength: 466
Dexterity: 440
Endurance: 470
Mana: 600
Intelligence: 412
Charisma: 615
Abilities (All Master-Level & Beyond):
Arcane Sigil – Level 10 (Master Sigilist): Can store ten active runes for instant casting.
Arcane Resilience (Perfected): Absorbs 60% of mana-based damage.
Berserker's Ascent (Grand Tier): Grants +100 to all stats for ten minutes; usable five times per day.
Crimson Sigil (Blood Runes – Ascended): Can now permanently inscribe runes onto himself, boosting all physical and magical capabilities.
Healing Rune (Divine Tier): Can regenerate fatal wounds almost instantly, including lost limbs.
Arcane Sever (Grand Tier): Can disrupt divine sigils, ancient runes, and even soul-bound magic.
Arcane Chains (Absolute Suppression): Can completely bind an opponent's magic for up to two full minutes.
Arcane Echo (Mana Duplication – Superior): Creates phantom runes that cast spells twice for double effect.
Gravity Sigil – Level 10 (Mastery Achieved): Can manipulate an area of five kilometers, increasing or decreasing gravity at will.
Celecstial Sigil (Divine Rune – Forbidden Magic): Can overwrite the laws of mana for ten seconds, allowing him to nullify even conceptual magic.
Death Sigil (Final Gift): Allows temporary access to the concept of End, enabling him to sever an enemy's existence for a brief moment ( 3 times use).
Kael clenched his fist.
Whatever lay ahead—he was ready.
With final preparations complete, the Imperial Procession took flight.
Their carriages, shielded by runic barriers, soared above Eldoria, crossing mountains and forests as they made their way toward the sacred lands where the Convergence of Realms would be held.
Kael sat across from Lucian, arms crossed.
Lucian raised an eyebrow. "So. Death gave you a present?"
Kael exhaled. "Yeah."
Cassian, sprawled lazily in his seat, smirked. "I swear, you keep collecting more broken abilities. What's next? Time magic?"
Kael groaned. "Please don't jinx it."
Darius chuckled. "At this point, I wouldn't be surprised."
Mira rolled her eyes. "Focus. This isn't a warzone, remember?"
Evelyne cracked her knuckles. "Yet."
Rael sighed. "Gods help us."
As the Imperial Procession disappeared into the sky, Kael closed his eyes.
This wasn't like before.
This wasn't a battlefield.
This was diplomacy.
And somehow—it felt just as dangerous.