The soft glow of the teleportation array began to fade, leaving Lord Terrace and Lord Acheon standing within the Taka Clan’s teleportation chamber. “Phew… I don’t think I’ll ever fully adapt to teleportation.” Lord Acheon shook his head while both Lords remained on the teleportation array that had brought them here.
The room’s floor was lined with ancient runes from the teleportation arrays, their faint light still flickering before dimming completely.
The two Lords barely had a moment to take in their surroundings when the door to the chamber opened. Three figures entered, their movements purposeful and swift. Great Elder White Fang led the way, his expression stern but welcoming. Behind him walked Lord Leah, her eyes assessing, and Clan Leader Hina, whose presence exuded authority.
Without prior notice, Lord Terrace and Lord Acheon reached into their void keys, retrieving the teleportation scrolls they had been given for their return trip. The scrolls had been a precautionary measure from Clan Leader Hina, but Dean Godsthorn’s direct teleportation array had rendered them unnecessary.
Stepping forward, Lord Terrace handed his scroll back to Hina, a faint smile playing at the edges of his lips. “Your foresight is appreciated,” he said, his voice calm. “Though we took a different path.”
Lord Acheon mirrored the gesture, returning his scroll. “Consider them unused, but not unappreciated,” he added, nodding respectfully.
Clan Leader Hina accepted the scrolls; her expression was neutral, but her eyes betrayed a hint of satisfaction. “It was a precaution I’m pleased you didn’t need,” she said simply, tucking the scrolls away. “Welcome back.”
“Thank you,” Lord Terrace replied. “Now, where do we stand?”
Before the conversation could continue, Great Elder White Fang’s gaze sharpened, cutting through the air like a blade. “There will be time for explanations and details later,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “We have pressing matters to attend to.”
Lord Terrace and Lord Acheon exchanged glances. They had known White Fang long enough to understand when urgency took precedence over pleasantries. Both men noted that White Fang and Lord Leah wore the same traveling attire as when they had first arrived—indicating that they were prepared for immediate departure.
“Where are we headed now?” Lord Acheon asked, his tone steady but laced with curiosity.
Clan Leader Hina stepped forward, her voice clear and direct. “The Twelve Great Elders have summoned us,” she explained. “Though the precise reason remains unknown, I suspect it is connected to our next steps. Given the escalating threat, we cannot afford to delay.”
Her words hung in the air for a moment before Great Elder White Fang nodded, a flicker of agreement passing between him and his sister. “Let’s not waste any more time.”
The five of them stepped onto the teleportation array once more. As they settled into position, a guard in the chamber moved quickly, inputting the coordinates for their destination. The runes began to glow, and a pillar of light enveloped the group. Within moments, the light intensified, and then—just as quickly—it vanished, taking them with it.
~~~~~
On the other end, the group reappeared in the familiar teleportation chamber within the Twelve Great Elders’ underground fortress. The air was cool, carrying with it the faint scent of ancient stone and long-burning torches. Lord Terrace and Lord Acheon glanced around, memories of their recent visit still fresh. The room was unchanged, but the weight of expectation pressed down on them all.
Clan Leader Hina led the way through the winding paths of the fortress. The corridors twisted and turned in deliberate patterns, designed to confuse intruders and protect the secrets held within.
Despite the complexity of the route, Hina moved with practiced ease, her footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. The others followed closely, their silence reflective of the gravity of their mission.
After several minutes, they reached the grand entrance leading to the Twelve Great Elders. The massive doors opened without a sound, revealing the circular chamber beyond.
The Elders, seated in a semicircle, awaited their arrival. Their gazes were intense, their presence commanding. Each of them represented centuries of wisdom, power, and responsibility.
“Welcome,” Elder Fael intoned, his voice resonating throughout the chamber. “We have much to discuss.”
The five representatives stepped forward, their expressions respectful but wary. Elder Fael’s eyes swept over them, lingering on Lord Terrace and Lord Acheon before continuing. “Since your last visit, there have been developments that require immediate action. Our scout and research group leader was summoned shortly after your departure.”
Terrace and Acheon exchanged knowing glances. The pieces were falling into place. “Dean Dethrein,” Lord Acheon said, his tone revealing no surprise.
Elder Fael inclined his head. “Indeed. He has long served as our eyes and ears beyond the veil. His knowledge of demonic movements and his dealings in the shadows have proven invaluable.”
Lord Terrace’s jaw tightened, recalling the Dean’s unsettling presence. “So, he’s been orchestrating from the shadows?”
“Not orchestrating,” Elder Fael corrected. “But observing. His insights have given us glimpses into the enemy’s plans.”
A dark glimmer passed through Lord Acheon’s eyes. “And now we know why he visited Elderglow Academy. To flaunt his position before Dean Godsthorn.”
Elder Fael paused, acknowledging the truth of their words. “Perhaps,” he admitted. “But his motives, for now, are secondary. What matters is his report: there have been increased sightings of demons within human territories over the past three weeks. Their movements suggest coordination, not aimless wandering.”
Silence fell over the room, each person digesting the implications. The threat was no longer distant. It was at their doorstep.
“We must act,” Elder Fael continued, his voice resolute. “Our representatives will travel to forge alliances, strengthen defenses, and prepare for what is to come.”
At his signal, three of the Twelve Great Elders stood from their seats. They descended with measured grace, joining the assembled group of representatives.
Elder Raith, one of the three, spoke with a firm voice. “The journey begins now. We will travel to the Western Gerthrig Continent, while those from the Eastern Shirefort Continent,” he nodded toward Lord Terrace and the others, “will journey to the Southern Atholor Continent.”
