It felt as if his mana core had leaped out of him and joined with the tree. It was just a sensation, nothing physically painful. After resting for the night, the following day, getting refreshed, after bathing in the giant marble bathrooms, they were summoned to the throne room. Damian held Toph in his hands as Sam and Einar followed at his sides. Although the summons was specifically for Damian, he had been instructed to bring Sam and Einar with him. Nothing was mentioned about the cousins, who respectfully chose not to tag along.
The hallway to the inner castle was lined with exquisite and expensive artworks and paintings, decorations of all kinds displayed with harmonious elegance. As they finally entered the vast throne room, Damian already sensed who awaited them inside. Vidalia, the queen, and a few of her royal guards and another presence—a weaker, first-ranker mana signature.
