""""Thus, we the Four Monarchs, declare an equal alliance between the Kingdom of Void from the Alpha Centauri Planetary System, the Shadow race from the Circumstellar Habitable Zone and the Human Race from the Solar System.""""
The Four Monarchs spoke simultaneously.
Orn and the Envoy bowed their heads as they left the room.
-Swish-
Once they left, the Seven Sages arrived from behind the Four Monarchs.
The Four Monarchs greeted them by joining their hands, in response the Seven Sages nodded.
Seven seats alighted from the grounds. Once everyone was seated, a proper discussion ensued.
"Why did the Seven Sages agree with the alliance from the Shadow Race?" One of the Four asked.
-Sigh-
"The Shadow Race is one proud race, unlike those beasts their race is highly advanced in researching the mysteries of the Universe. It can be seen from how their race has been able to avoid the treacherous pursuit of our enemies. Their science of craft is one that highly rivals that of the enemies. Considering this, the Council has come to the decision." One of the Sages spoke.
"But First Elder, you know very well their race looks down on us and think of us as no more than uncivilized barbarians." Another of the Four spoke.
"This was the Council's decision and the Monarch does not need to bring in one's personal emotion. The only thing that matters is the survivability of our Human Race." The First Elder cleared the doubt in a cold voice.
"At the rate the war is proceeding, it might not be long before we are crushed internally and externally. The state of the planet is already a lot worse. We cannot be egoistic about our position. I do not intend to boast but if not for us Seven and the Four Artifacts power, the Human Race would have already lost ages ago. And recently we haven't made any progress with regards to our craft or what you four call 'Technology'. Meanwhile, who knows how far the enemy's research has progressed in developing weapons which might suppress the power of Artifacts or even kill us."
Silence descended the room as Old Seven spoke his mind.
The faces of the Four Monarchs turned grim all of a sudden.
"Seventh Elder you cannot say it like that. Our cadets have been waging wars with the enemies at the frontlines. Although the results have not been spectacular, the enemies have suffered a lot." This time another one of the Monarchs exploded with his opinions.
-Om-
A surge of killing intent blasted the face of this Monarch making his face turn pale.
"The audacity to claim the glory of the Academy and the cadets bravery for your own. Don't think we are all blind here. We choose to close our eyes only because your actions have not yet crossed our limits." Old Seven said once again, this time his voice contained a surge of killing intent mixed with his aura, which made the air in the room vibrate.
Just then, another aura spiked from one of the Four Monarchs which canceled Old Seven's.
"You have made your point clear, Seventh Elder. I apologize on behalf of my brother." The Monarch with the symbol of 'ऋ' said. The aura belonged to him, the other Six Sages were surprised by the power behind it, which could disperse the aura of Old Seven.
A flash of surprise passed by Old Seven's eyes and then he nodded.
"You may leave now. The Council has some important things to talk about." The First Elder said.
The Four Monarchs nodded and started moving towards the same route as the Seven Sages entered. Before they could leave, one of the Monarchs turned back and looked at Old Seven as he said with a plain tone.
"By the way, Seventh Elder, I heard your disciple that was injured has recovered and will be admitted to the Academy from tomorrow. Don't worry our descendants will take proper care of him."
Saying so the Four Monarchs left.
"Old Seven you were too harsh. We do not want our conflict to impact the Academy in a harsh way. And you know we have little to none power in the Academy." One of the Six Sages said.
"Me being harsh had nothing to do with their decision. These four idiots have become too drunk on their power. I have no idea how long we will be able to hold those bastards. My injuries last time were too heavy and I haven't recovered yet." Old Seven justified his actions.
"Let's get over it. What about your new disciple Old Seven?" Another Sage asked.
"He gained some fortune on the planet and was able to successfully reach Level-2 after his injuries were healed. So I admitted him along with that lass, Jasmine, into the Academy. They will begin their lessons tomorrow. Since he has reached Level-2 he will be promoted to Major according to the rules. After their graduation from the Academy, I plan to send them to the planet along with their teams to curb the internal dispute and weed out the traitors, spies, alike." Old Seven explained his plan.
"Alright then, that will be it for today." First Elder said and the Seven Sages left.
************
Orn and the Envoy had left the palace when they were greeted by a woman dressed in military uniform with a symbol of 'A' made in the shape of a star on the right hand side with a crimson collar patch adorned with four golden stars.
She saluted them with the common Academic salute of placing the palm of the left hand on the symbol of the Academy, the right hand behind and legs in attention.
After the salute she introduced herself.
"Welcome, guests from afar. You can address me as Lieutenant Sara. I am responsible for guiding you in the Academy. So, please follow my instructions."
Her tone was soft yet domineering, befitting of her image as a Lieutenant.
But the opposite party did not pay much attention to her. Orn just lazily nodded their head, totally unbothered by her hidden warning. As for the Envoy it did not say anything.
Sara squinted her eyes and thought.
'Ah General, why did you punish me with these things? This birdbrain, it doesn't look hard to control, but this black ghost will be tough.'
She controlled her thoughts and said smilingly.
"This way please, I will bring you to your quarters."