The Whisper Before the Storm
The moon hung high over the distant peaks, its pale light trickling through the dense canopy of the forest that surrounded the academy grounds. Within the Hidden Crown's secret underground chamber beneath the dormitories—veiled from detection by layers of magic and misdirection—a hushed energy filled the air.
Kieran stood before the fifteen girls—the Fifteen Crowns. His expression was calm, unreadable, but his amber eyes shimmered with something unspoken. Determination. Vision. Something only they could understand.
On the marble table in front of them, an illusionary map of the continent hovered in the air, glowing faintly. The northwest quadrant pulsed in a deep red—a place untouched by civilization. Uncharted. Unclaimed. The name etched across its center was simple, ominous.
"Hidden Valley."
"This is where it begins," Kieran finally said, his voice low, thoughtful. "Our true home. Not just another base to hide in... but a kingdom beneath shadows. A city ruled by no one but us."
The room fell into an eerie silence. Even the soft hum of mana circuits built into the chamber seemed to quiet in reverence.
Elira Virelle stepped forward, arms folded, her silver-blonde hair gleaming like snow in the arcane light. "The Hidden Valley… that region is marked forbidden in every known archive. A natural stronghold infested with monsters, magical distortions, and unending storms. No one's returned alive in centuries."
Kieran smiled faintly. "Exactly."
Sylvie gave a quiet whistle. "You want to set up shop there? That's basically monster paradise. Sounds like you're planning a death march."
Rhea grinned and cracked her knuckles, practically vibrating with anticipation. "Sounds like my kinda vacation."
Luma, who was balancing a flower crown on one of Vell's skeletal minions, blinked innocently. "So… it's like a nature preserve, but deadly?"
"It's the perfect place," Kieran said, walking around the projection. "No noble house would dare venture into it. No king, no church, no inquisitor will follow us there. It's a blank slate."
Mira fidgeted nervously, adjusting her tea-set shaped brooch. "But… if it's that dangerous, should we really…?"
Kieran looked at her, his voice softening. "We won't force anyone. But I'll be going regardless. And if I succeed—" He waved a hand, and the projection zoomed in, showing a massive, mountainous basin wreathed in mist and stormclouds. "—then we'll have something no one else in this world does. A sovereign shadow kingdom. A place where we write the laws."
Talia leaned closer, eyes glowing behind her soot-smeared goggles. "If you can clear the monsters and fortify it… I could design the infrastructure. Runes, forges, mana grids. Maybe even floating citadels…"
Nyssa, perched on a rafter above them, tilted her head upside down. "How many monsters we talkin'? I need to pack snacks."
Yui sighed, flipping a page in her worn romance novel. "I suppose I should tag along. Someone has to record your reckless death march."
Elira narrowed her eyes, tone clipped. "He's not bringing us. Not yet, at least."
Kieran nodded in confirmation. "I'll go alone. First. Scout. Cleanse the area. Establish the nucleus of our headquarters. If I fall, none of you will be dragged down with me."
"No," Elira said immediately.
He turned to her, mildly surprised.
"I won't allow that," she said, stepping closer. "This isn't just your burden anymore. We chose you. Followed you. We're not your shadows only in safety."
Yui muttered, "Romantic. Foolish. Typical."
Sylvie gave a slight smile. "Still… I agree."
Rhea grinned. "Let's crash a few monster parties."
But Kieran raised a hand, quieting the storm of voices. "Later. I promise, when the time comes, I'll call for all of you. But for this… I need to go alone."
He turned away slightly, voice lower. "There are things I need to test. Things I haven't even tried yet. I can't afford distractions or risks while I learn what I'm truly capable of."
His eyes glinted with a godlike glow. "Besides... the valley holds something ancient. I can feel it."
A hush settled once again.
Eventually, Vell stepped forward, her expression serene. "Very well. But you must return. Or I'll raise your skeleton and drag you back."
Mira gasped. "Vell!"
"It's a compliment."
Rhea handed him a small package. "Rations. Spicy meat rolls. You'll cry in battle and not know why."
Yui slid something into his coat pocket without a word—a small enchanted locket. Kieran touched it curiously, but she'd already stepped back into the shadows.
Luma clapped her hands. "Group hug?"
"No," half the room answered at once.
Still… they all gathered, in their own awkward way, around him. Their supreme leader. Their idol. Their light and shadow.
Elira looked up into his face, serious. "When you come back… we'll be ready. For the real beginning."
"I know," he said.
And then, without another word, Kieran turned and vanished into the night—slipping through space and distance with his Void Step, leaving only a soft shimmer of mana behind.