Chapter 74: The Hidden Truth – The Noble Gathering
The celebration continued in the ballroom, but elsewhere, in a chamber hidden behind thick, rune-etched walls, a far more important conversation was about to begin.
A large, circular table stood at the center of the room, surrounded by the most powerful figures in the Empire.
The atmosphere was heavy.
Those gathered weren't here to drink or dance.
They were here to discuss the Alpha Mana Beast.
And what it meant for the future of the Empire.
The Gathering of Power
Seated at the head of the table, Emperor Adrian Eldoria rested his chin on his hand, his golden eyes gleaming with uncharacteristic seriousness.
No trace of his usual free-spirited demeanor remained.
Beside him sat Varian Drakos Eldoria, the Headmaster of Eldoria Academy, his piercing gaze unwavering.
To his left sat Duke Alistair Veyrin, Duke Ragnor Grimthorne, and Duke Varian Duskbane.
Opposite them were Lord Garrick Zephyrion and the heads of the other Seven Great Houses from Faelwyn and nocturne.
Also present were Lady Seraphine Eldoria and Professor Selwyn Draeven, both standing at attention.
The tension in the air was suffocating.
Because this wasn't just a noble gathering.
It was a war council.
The first to speak was Alistair Veyrin.
"An Alpha Mana Beast, on the verge of evolution to a King-Class Beast… roaming freely on an island we control."
His voice was calm.
But there was a dangerous undertone.
"This should have been impossible."
Ragnor Grimthorne crossed his arms. "An anomaly. One that nearly wiped out our heirs."
Varian Duskbane's voice was sharp. "If we hadn't arrived in time, the top students of Eldoria—including the Crown Prince—would have been slaughtered."
The Emperor's gaze darkened.
"Which means," he said, his voice slow and deliberate, "someone wanted them dead."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Because that was the only explanation.
Mana Beasts did not evolve so quickly.
Not unless something—or someone—was accelerating them.
Garrick Zephyrion leaned forward. "Are we certain this wasn't just an unfortunate coincidence?"
Seraphine Eldoria scoffed. "You think it's a coincidence that an Alpha-Class Beast—one teetering on the edge of becoming a King-Class—just happened to be waiting for our best students?"
Garrick's jaw tightened.
No.
It wasn't a coincidence.
Varian Drakos Eldoria, the Headmaster, finally spoke.
"It's not just the Alpha," he said. "Throughout the Empire, Mana Beasts are becoming stronger."
The room stilled.
He continued.
"Our scouts have reported unusual sightings. More Greater Beasts. More Alpha-Class threats. And more worryingly…"
He exhaled.
"Some creatures that shouldn't exist at all."
The Emperor's fingers curled.
"Mana doesn't change without a cause," he murmured. "Something—or someone—is interfering."
Alistair Veyrin's voice was cold. "Then we need to find out who."
"And soon," Ragnor Grimthorne added. "Because if this isn't stopped…"
He didn't finish.
Because they all knew what came next.
If King-Class Beasts started appearing more frequently…
Then Calamity-Class Beasts weren't far behind.
And if that happened…
The Empire itself could be in danger.
The Emperor finally sat forward.
"Investigate everything. The island. The surrounding lands. Every mana anomaly in the Empire."
His golden gaze flickered with something dark.
"And if we find the source…"
His voice was cold.
"…we burn it to the ground."