Legend of Keys: Huntik's Adventure In Paradise

Chapter 8: The meeting

A pristine blanket of snow enveloped the capital as the meeting unfolded, and the teams reconvened in a nearby dining hall. Ueman, the leader, took the initiative in addressing the assembly, "I'm afraid we're all facing a significant threat. There's a looming monster over our realms, identifying itself as the Zodiacs. We currently have two of them in our custody with valuable information to share."

However, Rosemary Tiamat, the water empress, couldn't suppress herself from rolling her intimidating storming ocean colored eyes. "Is this the sole reason for summoning us? To exchange information? You could have conveyed this through a simple letter."

The Lightning Leader, Adhira Hadad, interjected with a thoughtful perspective, "While a letter could have sufficed, we shouldn't underestimate the importance of a face-to-face discussion when dealing with such a grave matter. We all need a comprehensive plan. Earlier this year, there were small-scale attacks that caught national attention, and trails suggest the involvement of a terrorist group that has eluded our containment efforts."

Rosemary shared her concerns about a terrorist group disrupting trading routes in the northern seas, an activity that paradoxically seemed to favor the poorer islands, possibly to stoke rebellion. She expressed additional worry, stating, "I suspect they are the ones attacking my soldiers in the rebellious Kingdom of Riveria."

When the Earth Empress, Tula Elil, demanded information from the warlock in the room, Ueman complied with a smile, "Fair enough. We have captured three individuals—twin witches and a warlock are in our custody. Unfortunately, one managed to escape," he added with distaste. "These Zodiacs are after the Twelve Divine Keys to enforce their version of world peace."

The Wind Queen, Aella Enlil, commented, "While attempts to seize the Twelve Divine Keys for their vision of world peace aren't new, what's alarming is their recent success. Mages have caught wind that the new realms are left with only one key each."

Amidst the gravity of the situation, Rosemary and Tula couldn't help but share a moment of laughter. Tula quipped, "I always knew entrusting the new nations with the most powerful magical weapons would be a mistake." Rosemary concurred, "It just slipped right through their fingers."

Ueman's warning echoed through the room, emphasizing the urgent need for well-thought-out plans; otherwise, they risked becoming akin to the Zodiacs themselves. Adhira urged for a revitalization of the International Council Force (I.C.F), emphasizing its accelerated decline over the years.

Flare Gibil, the Fire leader, concurred, shedding light on the fragile nature of the information housed in the Arcanum Division Force (A.D.F). She threw a pointed glare at the Wind Queen, addressing the trust issues that had prompted some leaders to resort to espionage.

Ueman emphasized the importance of transparency, advocating for the open sharing of information among the realms to combat the looming threat. Flare Gibil supported the idea of implementing kill-on-sight orders, and Adhira proposed collaborative missions to impede the Zodiacs' progress.

Rosemary contemplated these suggestions, recognizing the potential benefits of joint missions despite the formidable strength of her empire.

Suddenly, the same masked warlock who had previously clashed with Ueman materialized on the table, catching everyone off guard. While others stood up, ready to cast spells, the warlock teased, "Well, well, is this how you leaders treat a guest?" accompanied by a mischievous giggle telepathically transmitted to them all.

Rosemary's voice cut through the tension, declaring that discussions could wait; their priority was to capture the warlock. However, Ueman intervened with a spell that froze time momentarily, preventing a chaotic confrontation. The warlock casually announced his declaration of war upon the great five realms, leaving a cryptic message about the difficulties he faced in reaching their capital.

As he vanished, breaking Ueman's time-freezing spell, the Tula accused Ueman of collaborating with the warlock, suspecting corruption in the leadership of a warlock. Aella pressed Ueman for an explanation, their weapons aimed at him.

In response, Ueman's rage flared as he defended his decision not to engage in a futile battle that could decimate the capital. He criticized the other leaders for their incompetence and inability to see the bigger picture. Tula scorned him as a coward, while Flare and others agreed that staying vigilant against future attacks was crucial.

Ueman, with a steely gaze, revealed their biggest weapon – the national youth team, the next generation. The revelation shocked and puzzled the leaders, prompting Rosemary to burst into laughter, dismissing the idea as a joke. Ueman, unamused, reminded them of his unique insight into the future through the A.D.F's future division.

Adhira, urging respect for Ueman's plans, acknowledged the need to listen and hoped that their time wasn't being wasted.