"Young Miss, Councilman Archimedes is here to see you," Mavis said with a respectful bow.
"Let him in," Cynthia replied, her gaze still fixed on the scenic view outside. The estate's pond shimmered in the afternoon light, and beyond it, towering mountains stretched across the horizon, their peaks veiled in mist. The view was serene, yet imposing a perfect backdrop for her thoughts.
The heavy doors creaked open, and a commanding voice filled the room.
"You're the newest council member."
Cynthia turned to face the man who had just entered. He was tall and lean, draped in an indigo cloak threaded with silver. His long, silver hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his piercing azure eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom. His voice, though calm, resonated with quiet authority. In his grasp, he held a staff carved from what seemed to be an ancient tree, its surface etched with glowing runes. Around his neck, a pendant shimmered a crystal prism that refracted light into an ever-shifting spectrum, a symbol of his mastery over cosmic magic. The shifting patterns on his robes hinted at a deep connection to the very fabric of the universe.
"It is good to finally welcome a new member into the fold," the man continued. "I am Councilman Archimedes, and my trait is Cosmic Magic." He extended a hand in greeting.
Without hesitation, Cynthia shook his hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Councilman Archimedes. I am Cynthia… though I am not yet certain of my trait." She gestured toward the sitting area, inviting him to sit.
Archimedes lowered himself into the plush sofa, leaning back with an air of casual authority. His staff, released from his grasp, remained upright in the air, slowly rotating on its own.
"You seem to be adapting to this life rather quickly," he observed, watching her carefully.
"In what way do you mean?" Cynthia asked, settling into her seat.
"You don't seem distressed or disheartened by the fact that you cannot return to where you grew up. Most would find such a sudden change unsettling," Archimedes pointed out.
Cynthia considered his words before answering. "Ah, you meant it in that manner. Yes, I suppose it is true. However, I do not find my situation distressing in the slightest." Her expression remained unreadable, her tone composed.
At that moment, Charlotte and Clementine entered, carrying refreshments. They placed a tray of delicacies on the table between them. Clementine poured a glass of juice for Archimedes, while Charlotte did the same for Cynthia before stepping back to await further orders.
"Please, Councilman," Cynthia said, gesturing toward the refreshments.
"Thank you," Archimedes replied, selecting a few cookies and placing them on a saucer before taking a sip of his drink.
"So," he began, drawing Cynthia's attention, "when will you be ascertaining your trait?"
Cynthia tapped a finger against the rim of her glass. "May I ask a question first?"
"Of course."
"How does one go about discovering their trait?"
Archimedes smiled knowingly and pointed at his floating staff. "By resonating with your staff reaching complete harmony with it. Your staff is an extension of you. When you align with it fully, your trait will reveal itself." He paused, then encouraged, "Why don't you give it a try?"
Cynthia nodded and extended her hand. In an instant, her scepter materialized in her grasp, humming with latent power.
"Excellent," Archimedes said. "Now, close your eyes. Feel its energy, harmonize with it."
Cynthia took a deep breath, allowing her mind to quiet. The scepter pulsed in her hand, its warmth spreading through her fingertips. Slowly, the runes engraved upon it began to glow, intensifying with each passing second.
"You're on the right path."
Cynthia's eyes remained shut, yet she heard his voice clearly as though it resonated inside her very mind.
"Be at ease," Archimedes continued. "Now, repeat this phrase: Secrets that lie in waiting, reveal to me the path of truth."
Cynthia whispered the chant, her voice steady. The moment she spoke the final word, a surge of energy coursed through her, enveloping her in a radiant aura. The scepter's head blazed with brilliant light, casting an ethereal glow across the room. Her eyes snapped open, now glowing with the same luminescent energy as the scepter.
A deep, instinctual understanding settled over her. She felt it the power flowing through her, entwining with her very essence.
"Congratulations, Master," Vesaran's voice echoed in her mind. "You have unlocked the trait of Temporal Vision."
Cynthia slowly retracted her power, the light fading as she lowered her scepter. She met Archimedes' gaze, her expression calm yet resolute.
"Well?" he asked, his curiosity evident.
"Yes," she affirmed. "I have unlocked the trait of Temporal Vision."
Archimedes' expression shifted, his once composed demeanor briefly betraying his surprise. After a moment, he chuckled. "It seems yet another reality-altering trait has manifested within the Draethon Council." He rose from his seat, smoothing his robes.
"In any case," he continued, "a council meeting is held once a week. You may sit out this week's meeting, as per instruction, but next week, you will be required to attend."
Cynthia nodded.
Archimedes strode toward the door. "I will be seeing myself out. There is research I must continue." He paused, glancing back. "We will meet again at the next council gathering, Councilwoman Cynthia."
She inclined her head slightly. "Yes, we shall."
With that, he departed.
Feeling slightly drained, Cynthia rose from her seat and made her way toward the door, with Clementine and Charlotte following closely behind. She walked with measured steps, the weight of her newfound trait settling in her mind. Reaching her bedroom door, she turned to face her attendants.
"Your work is finished here. Return to your other tasks I will be fine," she instructed.
With a synchronized bow, the two attendants acknowledged her command before departing. Once she was certain they were gone, Cynthia stepped into her room, closing the door softly behind her. The quiet embrace of her personal space brought a sense of solitude.
She approached her bed, her gaze settling on the peacefully resting figure of herself. It was a surreal sight, one that would have unsettled a less composed mind.
"Vesaran," she called.
"Yes, Master," came the familiar voice, smooth and steady.
"Have you completed the analysis I requested?" Cynthia asked, her tone calm yet expectant.
"Yes, Master," Vesaran replied. "The results indicate that it would yield minimal outcomes under the current parameters. However, there is a possibility of success if certain tests are conducted."
A small, knowing smile played on Cynthia's lips. "Good. Tell me everything you've discovered," she commanded.
"As you wish, Master," Vesaran responded, its voice unwavering.