The journey to the Harad Regional Hall had been uneventful but tense as the group of five—Great Elder White Fang, Lord Terrace, Lord Leah, Lord Acheon, and General Saph—neared their destination.
The grand hall, perched at the center of a heavily fortified compound, came into view just as twilight gave way to evening. Glowing lanterns illuminated the area, their light casting long shadows across the cobbled pathways and imposing walls.
The carriage slowed as they approached the gates, the rhythmic clatter of the Ghost Rides’ hooves fading into a soft echo. Guards were stationed at every visible corner—on the walls, along the path, and in front of the massive gates.
Their presence was dense and deliberate, a testament to the importance of protecting the dignitaries inside the Harad Regional Hall.
As their carriage rolled to a stop, a group of guards stepped forward, raising their hands to halt them.
One of the guards, clad in armor that bore the insignia of the Soulor Empire, took charge. “Halt!” he commanded. His sharp gaze scanned the carriage as he approached the driver. “State your purpose and the identity of your passengers.”
The driver hesitated for a moment, looking toward the occupants of the carriage as though uncertain how much to reveal. Before he could respond, the door to the carriage opened, and General Saph stepped out with practiced authority.
The guards immediately stiffened at the sight of him. Recognition dawned on the lead guard’s face, and he quickly saluted. “General Saph! I wasn’t informed you’d be arriving tonight.”
Saph returned the salute with a sharp nod, his voice calm but commanding. “We’ve just arrived. I’m escorting representatives from the Eastern Shirefort Continent. They’re here to join the emperor’s council.”
The guard’s expression shifted to one of deference, and he stepped back, signaling for the others to clear the path. “Understood, sir. You may proceed.”
Saph turned back toward the carriage. “Move forward,” he instructed the driver, who immediately urged the Ghost Rides into motion.
“That was easy.” Lord Leah said with a subtle grin. She had expected them to at least ask for the identity of the others in the carriage but that didn’t happen.
“The fact that the general’s present coupled with the way he addressed us was enough to grant us an easy entry.” Elder White Fang replied to Lord Leah before turning to the general.
“Thank you.” Elder White Fang nodded at the general.
“It was nothing. I’m glad I could be of help.” General Saph rubbed the back of his head.
The carriage rolled past the gates and into the fortified grounds. The area was teeming with activity—guards patrolled the walls, and messengers hurried between smaller buildings that surrounded the main hall.
Despite the commotion, the environment felt controlled and orderly, a testament to the disciplined nature of the empire’s military.
The carriage came to a stop near the main entrance of the Harad Regional Hall. The group disembarked, their footsteps crunching softly against the stone path as General Saph led them toward the building. “We’ll be there soon enough. Just a few minutes of walking.”
The others nodded without verbal responses, following behind him. They went left and right through winding paths until they spotted an end with doors.
The massive double doors loomed ahead, the faint sound of voices leaking through the thick wooden barrier.
Saph stopped just before the doors, turning to address the group. “Wait here,” he instructed. “I’ll announce your arrival and ensure everything is in order.”
Great Elder White Fang gave a small nod, his calm demeanor unshaken. “We’ll wait,” he said simply.
Saph pushed open one of the doors and stepped inside, the low murmur of voices momentarily growing louder before the door swung shut behind him.
Outside, the remaining four stood silently, their gazes fixed on the doors. After a moment, Lord Terrace closed his eyes and tilted his head slightly, focusing his heightened senses.
The voices beyond the door were muffled, but his Fated heritage granted him a sharpness that allowed him to hear fragments of the conversation.
“They’ve arrived?” one voice asked, its tone inquisitive but neutral.
“Yes,” Saph replied firmly. “Representatives from the Eastern Shirefort Continent. Among them is the Great Elder White Fang.”
There was a brief pause, followed by another voice speaking up, this one carrying a tone of authority. “Their presence is timely. Let them in.”
Terrace opened his eyes and turned to the others. “They’ve approved our entry,” he said, his voice steady but deliberate. “They’re expecting us.”
Lord Leah tilted her head curiously. “You can hear that clearly?”
Terrace offered a faint smile. “Clearly enough.”
Before anyone could respond further, the doors creaked open once again. General Saph stepped out, his expression calm but purposeful. “You may come in now,” he said, motioning for them to follow.
The four exchanged brief glances, and after a small nod from Elder White Fang, they moved forward as one. The double doors swung open fully, and the group stepped into the grand hall.
The interior was nothing short of magnificent. The high ceilings were adorned with intricate carvings, and golden chandeliers bathed the room in a warm light. At the center of the hall was a massive circular table, its surface covered with maps, documents, and markers. Around the table sat an assembly of dignitaries, each exuding an air of authority.
Among them was the emperor himself, seated at the head of the table. His presence was commanding, his piercing gaze immediately locking onto the newcomers. The conversations that had filled the room moments before came to an abrupt halt as every pair of eyes turned toward the group.
Great Elder White Fang stepped forward, bowing his head slightly in respect. “We thank you for allowing us to join this important gathering,” he said, his voice steady and confident.
The emperor regarded him for a moment before nodding. “Your presence is most welcome. Please, take your places. We have much to discuss.”
With that, the group moved to their seats, ready to join the conversation about the impending Demon War and the fate of their world.
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A/N: Today, there shall be a mass release of chapters and I would like your support, dear readers. Golden Tickets, power stones and gifts!
Do support the book with reviews too. The second arc will be coming to an end very soon. Thank you all for sticking with the book. I love you all!