Shun Village had never been a place of great significance in the grand tapestry of kingdoms and empires. Nestled deep within the Valley of Day, it was a remote, unremarkable settlement known only to traders and those seeking refuge from the outside world. Even the recent mission there hadn't raised any additional concerns. It was a D-Ranked Mission. But tonight, under the cover of a moonless sky, the village had become the stage for a gathering that would shape the fate of nations.
The air was thick with tension, the kind that preceded great and terrible events. The villagers were unaware, huddled in their homes, oblivious to the momentous meeting taking place in the heart of their village. A figure cloaked in darkness moved silently through the narrow streets, his footsteps soundless against the cobblestones. As he walked a giant figure landed in front of him, an Alpha Slorde that had been prowling. It was wary of the figure sensing something off about the figure but it's drive for prey overriding it's own self preservation especially after the recent massive loss of numbers."Move, I don't have time to play with you." The figure swiped his hand as the Slorde ran past. It slowly stumbled to a stop then fell to the ground as its head rolled in the opposite direction. "What a waste."
He reached the entrance of an old, seemingly abandoned tavern—a place long forgotten by the villagers. The wooden sign above the door creaked in the wind, the name "The Broken Oath" barely visible beneath years of neglect.
The figure paused for a moment, glancing around to ensure he was not followed. Satisfied, he reached out a gloved hand and knocked on the door in a pattern only a select few would recognize: three sharp raps, followed by a pause, then two more.
The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit interior. The figure stepped inside, and the door closed silently behind him, shutting out the world beyond. Inside, the tavern was filled with shadows, the only light coming from a few flickering candles placed strategically around the room. The air was heavy with the scent of aged wood and dust, but beneath it all, there was a faint, almost imperceptible hum of magic.
At the center of the room stood a long, weathered table, around which sat six figures, each cloaked in darkness, their faces hidden beneath deep hoods. They were the members of a secretive and powerful magical group known as The Veil. A secretive order of mages who had existed for centuries, manipulating events from the shadows. Their power was only rivalled by their influence stretching across kingdoms, unseen and unheard, but always present.
The figure who had entered removed his hood, revealing a sharp, tan, angular face framed by black spiky hair. His eyes were a piercing blue, cold and calculating. The recognizable crescent moon tattoo under his eye and his presence commanded respect. Around him sat six others, each as powerful and enigmatic as the next.
"The Architect: Byron... Or is it GuildMaster now?" one of the hooded figures intoned, their voice echoing softly through the chamber. "We are surprised you could join us on such short notice."
Byron nodded, his expression grave. "The situation demanded it. Recent events have shaken things quite a bit. We must decide if we are to act to prevent further chaos."
The figure at the head of the table leaned forward, their voice laced with curiosity. "You speak of the inquiry? The fall of Gram Ageton?"
"Yes," Byron replied, his voice steady. "And more. The noble families are stirring, plotting. Their ambitions are slowly growing bolder, and the lines between loyalty and betrayal blur. Kane Ageton's influence within the Warlords runs deeper than anticipated and it is now spreading, corrupting even those who once stood firm. The inquiry against Gram was merely a spark. A fire is about to ignite. I believe we must at least make be prepared."
Another figure, their voice smooth as silk, spoke from the shadows. A tall woman with silver hair that glinted even in the darkness, leaned forward. Her name was The Enchantress: Elara, a sorceress of unparalleled power. "It seems the Dark Guild is beginning to outlive its usefulness," she said, her voice cold and calculating. "They have played their part, but they are now spreading discord and weakening the kingdoms from within. Becoming too bold. Their ambitions threaten to unravel the careful balance we have maintained. Ants barking like dogs pretending to be Dragons. It's actually quite absurd."
Byron's eyes narrowed. "Indeed. The Dark Guild's leader believes he is in control, but he is nothing more than a pawn in our game. We have allowed him to rise in power, to believe that he is untouchable, but his time is nearing its end. I believe they will try to have Kane influence the Vanguard but they may soon realize that is much easier said than done. "
A third figure, this one shorter and stockier, spoke up. He was The Whisperer: Varus. "We should crush them," he said, his voice a growl. "Their usefulness has waned. And what of the OrionsHeart and Infinite Light guilds? Their involvement in the inquiry was unexpected, yet it has garnered the the attention of the Dark Guild."
Byron shook his head. "No. Destroying them outright would draw too much attention. The last thing we need is the kingdoms uniting against a common enemy. It would only prove to be more troublesome than its worth. We must dismantle them from within, piece by piece, until they collapse under the weight of their own ambition. As for the other two, they acted out of necessity, not ambition. But their actions have set them on a collision course with the forces of the dark guild. It will be hard to lead some assistance without revealing our hands and goals."
The figure at the head of the table known as the Prophet nodded slowly. "Hmm I have seen many outcomes, yet the actions we take will for certainly change them. Do we reveal ourselves? Or do we allow them to navigate the storm on their own?"
The room fell silent as the members of The Veil considered their options. For centuries, they had remained hidden never revealing their true nature. To do so now would be a risk, but it might also be necessary.
A figure at the far end of the table, their voice deep and resonant, broke the silence. "The nobles have forgotten the lessons of the past. They have become arrogant, believing themselves untouchable. We must remind them that there are forces in this world far greater than they can comprehend."
Byron nodded in agreement. "We will weaken the Dark Guild, but not destroy them—at least not yet. Their presence is still useful in keeping the nobles in check. However, we must begin to shift our focus elsewhere. There is a new player in the game, one who could prove to be a valuable ally, or a dangerous enemy."
The figure at the head of the table, who had remained silent for much of the discussion, finally spoke, their voice carrying a weight of authority. " His name is Haruto, a young Warlord who has already shown immense potential. He is an elemental wielder, capable of using multiple elements with surprising proficiency. Such power is rare, even in this age. More importantly, he is one of us"
A murmur of surprise rippled through the group. Varus frowned. "Another? Is he here for us?"
Byron shook his head, a sense of purpose settling over him. "No it does not seem so. He is completely unaware of our existence. I do find the timing stange. I will keep watch of him and when the time is right, I will recruit him. If he can be turned to our cause, he could become one of our greatest assets. If not... we may have to deal with him as we have dealt with others who have stood in our way. The Warlords must be united or they will ultimately be destroyed. Even as we speak the darkness is spreading much faster than anticipated. Naruto may only hasten it. When the time comes, I will speak with Jack and Melody—they may be of use if we are to stop it."
The figure at the head of the table gave a final nod. " The others nodded in agreement, understanding what Byron had proposed. Haruto could tip the balance of power in their favor, or he could become a formidable obstacle. Either way, he was now a part of their plans. We will reconvene when the time is right. Until then, continue with your tasks and monitor your post. The world will change, and we must ensure that it changes in our favor."
With that, the meeting came to an end. One by one, the figures rose from the table, their forms blending into the shadows, disappearing into the night. Byron was the last to leave, his mind already racing with plans and strategies. The world was on the brink of chaos, and only they knew about it.
As Byron stepped out into the cool night air, he pulled his hood up once more, obscuring his features. The village of Shun was quiet, its inhabitants blissfully unaware of the monumental decisions that had just been made within their midst. But soon, the shadows that had protected the Veil for so long would be forced into the light.