Without hesitation, one soldier pressed his palm to a crystal orb hanging from his belt. The orb flickered, and within moments, a voice echoed through the air.
“Storm Knight,” the soldier reported, “we’ve located Kent. He is on top of a golden castle and it is descending just beyond the eastern ridge of the desert.”
“Hold your position,” the Storm Knight’s voice responded through the orb, calm yet commanding. “Do not engage. I will arrive shortly.”
As the connection cut, the soldiers exhaled in relief. “Finally,” one muttered, “the search ends today.”
Moments later, a silver streak tore through the sky, descending rapidly toward the music hall. The very air seemed to ripple in its wake. In less than a minute, the Storm Knight landed gracefully at the base of the palace. His cape billowed behind him as he walked forward, exuding an aura of calm power.
Kent had just stepped out onto the music hall’s front terrace, the breeze tugging gently at his hair. His eyes narrowed as he caught sight of the approaching figure. Jean and Gunji stood close behind him, their expressions tense.
“Young Master Kent,” the Storm Knight called, halting at a respectful distance. His voice carried authority, but there was no hostility. “We’ve been searching for you.”
Kent raised an eyebrow. “Who are you? How do you know me?” Kent asked with a questioning look.
The Storm Knight lowered his head, bowing deeply. “Forgive the intrusion, but I bring word directly from the Storm God. I’m a storm knight, loyal servant to storm god. He requests your presence at his castle.”
Gunji exchanged a glance with Jean. “The Storm God? What does he want with Kent?” she whispered.
Kent folded his arms, his gaze steady. “Is there any urgency?”
The Storm Knight lifted his head, meeting Kent’s eyes with unwavering respect. “The Storm God has made it clear that he wishes you no harm. I have been instructed to ensure your safety. However, this request carries the weight of the gods. I would strongly advise against refusing.”
Kent considered the words carefully, feeling the weight behind them. After a pause, he gave a slight nod. “Very well. I will meet with the Storm God.”
The Storm Knight placed his hand over his chest and bowed once more. “I shall inform him immediately.” He retrieved a jade slip from his robe, pressing his thumb into its surface. A faint ripple of energy passed through the slip before it vanished in a soft pulse of light.
Moments later, a response echoed back in the Storm Knight’s mind. The Storm God’s voice, calm yet commanding, resonated through the jade slip. “Bring him at once. Ensure no harm befalls him.”
The Storm Knight lowered the jade slip, tucking it carefully away. “The Storm God is expecting us. We shall leave at once.”
Jean stepped forward. “Wherever Kent goes, we go,” she said firmly.
The Storm Knight smiled faintly. “That will not be an issue. You can follow us on this golden hall. The Storm God is awaiting.”
Kent cast one last glance at the vast desert stretching beyond the horizon. His journey had been long, but it seemed fate was not yet done weaving his path.
–
Meanwhile…
As the communication with the Storm Knight ended, the Storm God exhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing with thought. The name ‘Kent’ echoed in his mind, stirring a mixture of curiosity and unease.
He reached for the jade slip resting on the armrest of his throne, its translucent surface pulsing faintly with divine energy. Without hesitation, he activated it, connecting directly to the War God.
The ethereal projection of the War God flickered into existence before him. Cloaked in golden armor that seemed to shimmer with every heartbeat, the War God radiated an aura of unmatched authority. His piercing gaze met the Storm God’s immediately.
“Storm God,” the War God began, his voice steady and commanding. “I trust this communication holds significance.”
The Storm God bowed slightly in respect. “It does, Sovereign. I bring news of Kent. He has been located by my soldiers, and the Storm Knight is en route to escort him to my castle as we speak.” Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, the War God’s expression shifted, a rare hint of urgency flashing in his eyes. “This is no trivial matter. I want you to arrange a grand gathering. Lavish, respectful, and worthy like myself.”
The Storm God furrowed his brow. “A lavish gathering, my lord? Is such an extravagant display necessary for one individual, even if it is Kent?”
The War God stepped forward in his projection, his golden armor faintly illuminating the chamber. “You underestimate his value. Kent holds the key to future prospects – not just for you or me but for the balance of realms. Hisfate still hangs in suspense, and there is a significant danger he may refuse the title of demi-god. Such an outcome cannot be risked.”
The Storm God straightened, processing the weight of the War God’s words. “I see. You believe presenting him as an equal will sway him to accept the title?”
The War God’s gaze softened, but his tone remained firm. “Precisely. He must feel honored and valued. We must treat him not as a candidate but as an equal to us – as though he were already a god. Anything less, and we risk alienating him. His rejection could shift the course of events we cannot yet foresee.”
The Storm God nodded in understanding. “Then I will ensure the preparations reflect your wishes. Kent will be received with the honor befitting an emperor. His arrival will be heralded, and all demi-gods will be present to witness his ascension.”
A small smile played on the War God’s lips, though his expression remained contemplative. “Good. Let this be the grandest ceremony our realm has witnessed in an age. Kent must not leave without accepting his new role.”
The projection began to fade, but just before it fully dissipated, the War God’s voice echoed one final time. “Remember, Storm God – respect and equality. Treat him as you would treat me.”
As the connection severed, the Storm God leaned back in his throne, tapping his fingers thoughtfully on the armrest. Already, he could envision the grandeur required – banners unfurling across the skies, celestial musicians playing harmonies that resonated through the heavens, and the grand hall of his castle gleaming with divine luster.
He rose, his steps echoing through the chamber as he summoned his advisors. “Prepare the castle for Sovereign guest arrival. The War God has spoken – this shall be an event unmatched by anything in history. Understand?!”
“Yes, master, we will send invitations to all demi-gods and put banners over all spirit world, Master.”