As the moon rose high in the sky, the council members, along with some elders unseen for time immemorial, some of whom had given up advancing further on the path to immortality, began to converge towards the throne room where Ryushin Chi presided.
The tension was palpable, like the air before a storm.
The moon lit their path, their figures moving slowly towards the throne room, as they crossed corridors lit only by torches casting dancing shadows on the walls.
One by one, the councilors crossed the threshold of the throne room, their steps echoing solemnly in the vast room.
Ryushin Chi awaited them, his imposing figure casting a long, dark shadow on the ebony throne.
He said nothing as his councilors took their places in a circle around him.
While their faces were veiled, masked by shadow and the uncertain light of the torches, their eyes shone.
They exchanged several looks, each laden with unspoken questions, every heart beating in unison with the ticking of passing time.
Ryushin Chi watched them from an elevated corner, his gaze scrutinizing every face, searching for signs of loyalty or betrayal.
The tension was palpable; every councilor knew that the emergency meeting would lead to important decisions that could mark a historic turning point.
Silence spread like a veil, broken only by the crackling of torches and the beating of hearts.
Then, with a gesture from the sovereign, the meeting began.
"Welcome," said Ryushin Chi, his voice resonating with authority as he scrutinized the faces gathered around him.
"The situation we face is unprecedented," he said, pausing.
He continued:
"Today, I received a report. And, although it may seem like a simple report on the vitality, activity, and affinity of my son, the kind that is performed every time a member of the Ryushin family and descendants reach a year, but this time it's different."
"As you all know, I have a son, Schadet Oporitorc, and today, he turned 1 year old, and as usual, his nanny, Ryōken, subjected him to the purification process, then subjected him to a test to verify his vitality, activity, and affinity."
After saying this, Ryushin Chi unrolled the scroll with a solemnity that seemed to echo in the depths of the throne room.
"Look," he said, pointing to the lines written with ink as black as night.
"Schadet's vitality is extraordinarily high, a predictable result after the purification process he underwent. But what follows is beyond all expectations."
The councilors approached, their eyes reflecting the light of the torches as they read the results.
"Furthermore, his soul activity levels are unusually high, a phenomenon we cannot currently explain, and is probably due to a mutation."
A murmur of astonishment rose among those present.
Ryushin Chi continued, his voice a mix of pride and caution.
"And finally, the affinities. Schadet has shown to possess not one, nor two, but nine divine-level affinities. This is a sign of unprecedented potential, a promise of greatness for our family, and for the entire sector."
The silence that followed was thick with realization.
The elders exchanged meaningful looks, aware that rarely in history had something similar occurred.
After saying that, Ryushin Chi stood up, his figure dominating the room as he faced the arduous decision.
"We have two paths before us," he said, his voice reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"The first is to allow Schadet to grow up like any other descendant of our family. This approach would not attract much attention to him, allowing him to live life like any family descendant."
The councilors listened attentively, weighing the merits of such a path.
However, Ryushin Chi also highlighted the demerits.
"This would weaken his security, as we would not be able to closely monitor the boy and adequately protect him from dangers that could arise because of his unique affinities."
A thoughtful silence followed his words.
The idea of leaving a child with so many affinities without adequate protection was worrisome.
"On the other hand," continued Ryushin Chi, "we could take Schadet to a safe place, where he could be trained and educated in the ways of our family and his affinities. This would certainly attract attention to him, but it would also guarantee him adequate protection."
The councilors exchanged intense looks, weighing the risks and benefits of both options.
Special training could prepare Schadet to handle his power and play a crucial role in the future of the family, the planet, and eventually the entire sector.
The throne room was now pervaded by an atmosphere of intense deliberation.
Ryushin Chi, after presenting the various options, gave space for debate among the various council members.
"We cannot simply expose the boy to any danger," said one of the oldest councilors, his voice laden with concern.
"His growth among us could be risky without the right precautions."
Another councilor, known for his progressive view, intervened:
"But hiding him would only fuel curiosity and rumors. Schadet must learn to live with his affinities in a natural environment, among his people."
The discussion heated up, with various council members expressing their opinions.
Some feared that attention could put the boy in danger, others argued that excessive protection could stifle his potential.
After hours of debate, Ryushin Chi called for order.
"We have heard every voice, evaluated every possibility. Now we must decide which path is best for Schadet and for the future of our family."
With a vote reflecting the decision was made.
"Schadet will grow up among us," announced Ryushin Chi.
"He will be protected and monitored, but he will also be allowed to live a life that allows him to take on any role he wants in the future."
"I do not expect and do not want you to coddle him or be prejudiced in his favor, he will have to face some difficulties if he wants to become stronger. But I want him to be watched and protected from spies and saboteurs."
The decision was not unanimous, but it was made with the consensus of the majority, a compromise between protection and normality.
The elders nodded respectfully, while the councilors committed to supporting the plan.