Aethercrest // FayeYoko, LingOrm, MilkLove

Chapter 14

Third Person's POV

The grand hall of Aethercrest was suffused with an air of unease. The towering crystal pillars, usually symbols of unyielding strength, seemed to hum with anxiety. Couriers rushed in and out, delivering urgent messages to the officials of the stronghold. Whispers filled the space like an unrelenting storm, fueled by the devastating news that had just reached their ears.

Master Kaito and Hoshi, two of the four pillars of Aethecrest’s strength, were gone—taken by the Noxians in the dead of night. The officials wasted no time reporting the matter to the Aetherion Council. A meeting was called, an emergency session meant to determine their next steps.

Inside the council chamber, a circular table of luminous white stone was surrounded by grim faces. The Officials of Aethercrest and elders of the council sat at its head, their robes embroidered with golden sigils of light and wisdom.

Their voices clashed as they debated their next move, echoing off the walls of the hall.

"It was calculated," one official muttered, his voice trembling. "The Noxians knew exactly when to strike and how to bypass the barrier."

"This is not just a raid. This is an act of war," a council member declared, slamming a hand on the table.

"The Noxians grow bolder by the day. We cannot sit idly by." said one of the younger officials, his voice laced with anger.

"We must retaliate before they gain the upper hand. Kung bigla silang lumusob ulit, we're vulnerable. The Noxians are unpredictable—they could strike again at any moment!"

"At the cost of what? The Masters’ lives!?" another countered, his expression strained.

"How do we act without knowing their motives?" countered another, her voice measured but laced with worry. "If we move too soon, we risk walking into their trap."

"We don’t have time for hesitations," another voice interjected. "If they have the Masters, they might already be extracting information!"

Amidst the growing cacophony of arguments, the High Chancellor raised his hand, silencing the room. His voice was calm but resolute. "Enough! This is not a time for arguments. We must focus on solutions. The Masters are important—not just as leaders, but as symbols of Aethercrest and Aetherion’s strength. If we lose them…" He trailed off, his expression grim.

"Prepare our defenses in case of an attack, but first, we must ask the King to consult the Twilight Seer. She may shed light on what lies ahead."

News of the abduction traveled swiftly, reaching even the king himself. High atop the Aetherion Citadel, King Hinokami Sora, known as the Sun God of the Sky, stood before a grand window. His usually serene expression was darkened by worry as he processed the report.

The vast kingdom stretched before him, its beauty now overshadowed by the looming threat of war.

"Call Zorythia," he commanded.

Moments later, the Twilight Seer entered the chamber. Draped in shimmering silver robes, her blindfolded eyes glowed faintly, a mark of her unique sight. Her presence commanded attention, her aura exuding wisdom and mystery. She knelt before the king, her voice ethereal as she spoke. "You seek the threads of destiny, my king."

"I seek guidance, Zorythia," the King said. "Tell me what you see. Is there a path to save the Masters? Or a warning of what’s to come? Do the threads of fate offer any answers in this dark hour?"

Zorythia raised her hands, her fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air. A faint glow surrounded her as she began to chant softly, the room growing colder with each word.