The chilling final images transmitted by the message hawk reverberated through the room, leaving a heavy silence in their wake. The bird itself, exhausted from the spell and the urgency of its mission, collapsed onto the table, its magical essence spent.
King Drago's fury was palpable. His shout rattled the room, causing cracks to spiderweb along the ancient stone walls of the council chamber. The council members flinched, not merely from the physical reverberations but from the raw emotion in their king's voice. "So much useless death… FOR WHAT!!!" His voice echoed, a fierce indictment of the failed mission and the needless sacrifice.
Kane, standing rigid, felt a sharp sting as his nails dug into his palm, drawing blood—a physical manifestation of his internal struggle. His thoughts were a tumult of disdain and ambition. 'Why does this man cater so to the lower classes? He holds the most power in the Kingdom, yet he squanders it on those who are beneath us,' he seethed internally.
Even Servious, usually the epitome of calm and control, was visibly shaken by the horrors they had just witnessed. King Drago, his usual composed demeanor now a solemn mask, voiced his concerns. "Servious, this is progressing faster than we anticipated. Who would have thought it had reached these levels already?" He stood, a commanding figure, worry etching his features.
"Prepare things; we have no choice," King Drago continued, his voice heavy with reluctant resolve. "I wish I wouldn't have to resort to these methods, but even I cannot alter the path now. Servious… is this the right way?" The informality and directness of his question underscored the gravity of their situation.
Servious, taken aback by the King's direct appeal, responded, "My lord, this was only one black site. We must assume they all are experiencing these effects. To prevent further loss of life, we must act." The King nodded grimly, "I agree. Kane, give the word to Serena. We're initiating her Plan B."
"Right away, my King," Kane responded, bowing deeply before departing with a smirk playing on his lips, his thoughts dark with ruthless anticipation.
Meanwhile, back in the plaza, Haruto and Sylvie arrived at the vast test grounds, awestruck by its scale. Towering walls enclosed the area, with entry restricted to those possessing official scrolls. They noted the unusual tight security and the higher-than-normal number of participants, around 700, including many from other kingdoms. A buzz of excitement and nervous energy filled the air as participants showed off their newly purchased gear.
Sylvie's gaze drifted to an elevated viewing section where, unusually, nearly all the Vanguards were present. "That's odd. Usually, only about half show up, the rest too busy or indifferent. Something must've happened," she murmured, sensing the undercurrent of tension.
Their observations were abruptly interrupted by Gram and his entourage. "Well if it isn't the witch bitch and the peasant. Stay the f*** outta the way, or you will get run over," Gram sneered as he approached.
A deep voice countered, "You should mind your manners when in the presence of a lady."
Gram spun around to face a tall, muscular man with dark skin, whose presence commanded immediate attention. Startled, Gram quickly spat, "Just stay out of the way, or else!"
The man simply shook his head and turned to Sylvie, "I see you've noticed it too?" His question was directed at the unusual tension in the air. "Excuse my manners, I am Prince Bane from the Algoro Kingdom," he introduced himself, his voice carrying a strong accent. Sylvie nodded, making the connection to the earlier sighting of this imposing figure. "I'm Sylvie, this is dimwit is Kage."
"Pleasure," Bane said as he shook hands with Haruto and Sylvie. Haruto, always quick to engage, chimed in, "So, notice what exactly?"
Their conversation was cut short as the area began to buzz with trumpets signaling the Initiation was about to begin. The participants sensing that something significant was about to unfold, setting the stage for an Initiation that would be unlike any other.