Alice stood near the grand bookshelves, her delicate fingers brushing the spines of ancient tomes, her eyes alight with curiosity. She resembled a child wandering through a library for the first time, discovering the world hidden in ink and parchment.
Rosalind, standing nearby, couldn't help but smile faintly at the sight, though the weight of the room's atmosphere dulled its warmth. Sylvia sat quietly in her chair, her posture straight and patient, waiting for the Emperor's arrival with the calm poise she always maintained. Meanwhile, Hannah had retreated into her own thoughts, staring out of the window at the serene garden view. Her cheek rested on her hand as her fingers nervously picked at her nails, betraying her inner turmoil.
The silence of the room stretched until Kaelan broke it with an unexpected question. His voice was steady yet laced with curiosity.
"You know, I have a question for you... Alice," he said, his tone careful but direct.
Startled, Alice turned to face him, closing the book she had been leafing through with evident interest. For a moment, she hesitated. It wasn't often that Kaelan spoke voluntarily, especially to her. Sylvia, catching the shift in tone, leaned forward slightly. It seemed even she was curious; after all, Frostwynd's heir had left an impression of being quiet and reserved.
"Uh... sure, you can ask, Kaelan," Alice replied, the hesitancy in her voice clear. She briefly considered whether to address him formally but remembered how he had dismissed such formalities when they first met at the Mizuhara house.
"The scene you saw... during the corruption," Kaelan began, his gaze fixed on her. "Have you ever seen anything like it before?"
The question hung heavily in the air. Alice's expression faltered. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she shifted her gaze downward. The images she had seen—the black skeletons, the twisted, otherworldly face—still haunted her, lurking at the edges of her thoughts no matter how hard she tried to suppress them.
"No..." she said at last, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was... otherworldly. Terrifying, even." Her breath hitched slightly, the memories clawing at her composure.
Hannah turned away from the window, her worried gaze fixed on her friend. She had seen Alice put on a brave front before, but this was different.
"The Emperor concluded Kai's presence in the Unknown Sea based on your explanation," Kaelan continued, his tone measured but insistent. "It's clear that the incident with the 'Almighty Devil' ties back to what you saw. Don't you feel the same?"
Hannah blinked in surprise, her eyes darting to Kaelan. It was rare for him to show this side of himself, the sharp, perceptive thinker she always suspected lurked beneath his quiet demeanor.
Sylvia raised a brow at his observation, intrigued. Rosalind, too, couldn't help but glance at him, her expression softening with mild surprise.
"Care to elaborate, young one?" Sylvia asked, her voice smooth but carrying the weight of authority.
Kaelan nodded slightly. "Alice's divination only gave us vague clues—useless ones, honestly. But the Emperor purged the corruption from her body and the Mizuhara house. And we've confirmed that Kai left behind traces of his own corruption there. What I'm saying is..."
"...That the same force which corrupted Kai attempted to do the same to me," Alice interrupted, finishing his thought. Her voice trembled slightly as she gripped the edges of the brown coat she wore, her knuckles whitening. Her face was hidden, but the tension in her shoulders betrayed her struggle.
Rosalind's expression softened into one of concern as her eyes rested on Alice.
It was Hannah who broke the silence, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Alice, are you really willing to get involved in this...?"
Sylvia and Rosalind exchanged glances. This was not the path they had expected their work to take.
"With all due respect," Rosalind interjected carefully, "our role was merely to assist with divination. Matters of this magnitude fall under the Emperor's jurisdiction or Lycran's investigation department. We weren't meant to tread this far. It is only because of the Emperor's order, that we are here."
Hannah clenched her jaw, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "What you've done for the Mizuhara family already means more than words can express, Ms. Monroe. And I don't want to see you dragged into something so terrible either." Her gaze shifted to Alice. "But..."
Alice, pretending to leaf through another book, refused to meet anyone's eyes. Her face was calm, but her fingers trembled slightly as she turned a page.
Before anyone could say more, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. It was an unmistakable rhythm—calculated, purposeful. The Emperor had arrived.
As he entered, the room seemed to shift. His majestic cape swept behind him, and Draven followed close on his heels, his presence as imposing as ever. Alice quickly returned to her place at the circular table, her movements hurried but deliberate. The others followed suit, each taking their seat as the air grew heavy with anticipation.
"Well where should I even begin?" The emperor clearly sighed. What he was about to say was strictly confidential and shouldn't be a knowledge to public of any kind.
Sylvia raised an eyebrow over Emperor's question.
"The clear reasons on why you are so sure that Kai is in the Unknown Sea? And how this missing case of Kai aligns with whatever incident occurred during the storm last week?"
Alice intently listened, she was very curious about it all. Kai is somehow related to her and is the reason why she saw that place earlier. Kaelan only chimed in with a hint of curiousity in his eyes.
"And how Alice could probably be related to Kai?"
Rosalind stiffened at the mention of that. Hannah could only sigh at Kaelan's sudden rise in the topic. Draven looking indifferent looked authoratively towards everyone.
"Whatever you hear after this is strictly confidential. The only one who can know about this is the Mizuhara family, but we recommend not to tell them. As they are already in a state of worry and panick, telling them the details would just worsen their situation. In the scenario you tell them, bear the responsibilities of how they react."
Everyone gave a single and hesitant nod. This didn't seem like a normal missing case investigation at all. They were messing with constant corruption, mysteries and a highly likely possibility of no way to bring back Kai.
"Let us begin with what we know about this case. Kai Mizuhara has went missing, there was a mysterious dried black liquid substance on the ground of his room with a revolver with his fingerprints on it. Kai is an awakened individual, confirmed to have gone missing in the past. Kael Duskborne was the person he was allegedly with according to Hannah and Kaelan, Kai's friends. There were clear signs of corruption in the Mizuhara house, a corrupted being even affected Alice there. Meaning, there is a very clear possibility that Kai was corrupted."
Everyone listened as the Emperor went over everything they knew till now.
"Now there are many ways to go from this information. A very good possibility would be that the black liquid could very well be blood and Kai shot himself because of the corruption. But..."
This statement was heavy. It affected Alice very negatively, even if she didn't know Kai at all the mere thought of a little girl losing her brother, that little girl being Yuki, is a very sorrowful thought to bare.
Hannah only looked down as she clutched her dress, hiding her inner turmoil over the statement. Kaelan seemed indifferent. Rosalind chimed in subconsciously interrupting the Emperor and completing what the Emperor was about to say.
"But Kai's location was still divined somehow and there are no clear signs of a dead body. We can debunk this possibility, your majesty."
When Rosalind said that, a sense of little relief took over Hannah and Alice. Everyone already knew this but saying it again just makes them feel better.
"Yes Ms. Monroe. But this possibility gives a very big foundation for my speculation."
Sylvia only sighed at the Emperor's words.
"Reynaldor we do not need to waste time on speculations, just state why you think Kai is in the Unknown sea and if you have a solution to get him back. We'll get our answers directly from him—"
"Sylvia!" Rosalind covered her mouth as she awkwardly looked at the Emperor.
"Sorry your majesty, she's just out of it today and is quite frustrated and tired with today's events!"
"Mmhmn!!" Sylvia's muffled noises to speak were ignored as the Emperor just chuckled in amusement. Whilst what Sylvia said is the truth, there are some things which need to be addressed.
"Just bare with me for a while, Sylvia. It shouldn't take long."
Hearing that Rosalind slowly removed her hand as Sylvia gasped for air, glaring at Rosalind. Alice silently giggled to herself as she saw two of her mother figures.
After a moment of silence, Reynaldor continued once again. The atmosphere thickening again, the very fact of Kai having a revolver made everyone feel uneasy.
"It's very clear that whether Kai be alive or dead, he used the revolver. My speculation is that, he shot himself because he didn't want the corruption to spread out of his body. But seeing that didn't work and black blood dropped instead of red, he hurriedly left to avoid spreading the corruption."
Kaelan raised an eyebrow.
"Even in that likely outcome, there are still many mysteries. Why did Kai go to unknown sea instead of seeking help? How did he get there overnight? Kai may be an awakened being and no normal human, but it's still very much impossible to cover that much distance in mere hours. Not to be disrespectful, your majesty. We have no definite answer and whatever Ms. Sylvia said was indeed correct. We don't need to dwelve upon why or how, instead we should think about getting him back somehow."
"You do indeed raise perfect questions Kaelan, yes there are indeed many mysteries surrounding this matter but I'll only say this. You do not possess the knowledge I possess to come to any conclusion. So please just hear me out..."
Hannah glared at Kaelan telling him not to interrupt the Emperor. Everyone listened intently...
"Yes it's indeed true that we do not know how Kai got to the unknown sea in such a short time. But what I know is, Kai is fighting the corruption internally. He still has his consciousness, the reason he has gone to the unknown sea is just that. Tell me, what better place to go if you're corrupted? An already corrupted place. Kai's corruption has no real solution, he's already too deep in it for me to purge it."
The Emperor took a pause.
"Even in the unlikely outcome we somehow save him and bring him back from the unknown sea..."
Everyone were taken aback by this. Hannah couldn't hide her sorrow anymore as her breath became heavy and her lips trembled, she was on the verge of breaking down. Alice noticed this and looked down. Kaelan however only processed everything, his inner turmoil evident on his face.
Sylvia sighed.
"Well that ends it then, the brat's good as dead. We should close the case."
Draven glared at Sylvia.
"Respectfully, you are just a mere divinator. The only reason you are here is because of the things you already know about this case. The ones to decide investigating is us and the Lycran investigation department."
"You said it yourself Draven, our job's already done. Reynaldor trusts me enough to know that I won't tell this confidential matter to anyone, Rosalind and Alice will do the same. Come on you two—"
Sylvia was cut off by Rosalind who perked up to ask the question ignoring the tension in the room.
"How do you know this, your majesty?"
A question which slipped by everyone's mind after they heard that Kai is beyond saving.
"I was waiting for someone to ask that. It's related to the event I mentioned before. The one that occurred during the storm last week."
Everyone grew silent once more. They had no choice but to listen. A hope in Hannah's mind that the Emperor may know something to save Kai.
"Solaryn, as you may know him. The deity which looks over Lycran and many nations of the Northern Continent through its blessings. I am an naturally awakened being by the blessings of Solaryn, I am at the third stage of the awakening."
Everyone's eyes widened to the last statement except Sylvia and Draven. Emperor Reynaldor might as well be the next human ascending to godhood, no wonder he was able to purge the corruption in the Mizuhara family with such minimal effort.
"My ties with Solaryn go back to my birth. But we are not here discuss that. Upon the day when crimson moon of this year was to arrive, Solaryn gave me a prophecy."
Hannah's inner turmoil was growing stronger. Kaelan was intently listening to avoid any thoughts about his dear friend. Alice curiously perked up at this, a God giving a prophecy?
"The prophecy was very unclear. It just consisted the words that..."
The pause made the atmosphere fill with suspense, Hannah merely was trying to listen keeping up a straight face. The only reason she can handle this is because of the acceptance beforehand that Kai might be dead, she had dwelved upon that possibility right after she heard the news of his disappearance. It helped her keep quiet for now, but her breath were still heavy and she still was clutching her clothes, trying her best to keep her sanity together.
"On the day of the Crimson Moon this year will take place the awakening of 'him'. 'He' who shall judge—"
"Everything he said afterwards was cut off. Solaryn, communicates with me through my dreams. I woke up abruptly after that. After which, I called Draven and a few guards to keep an eye on everything in the city and informed our forces all around the Verdentia Kingdom to keep a close eye on every small things which seems suspicious."
"Isn't that a bit overboard?" Sylvia interjected.
"Yes, it is. But Solaryn's voice was trembling during this...you can only imagine the fear that could cause me."
Reynaldor wore a smile, a smile which spoke volumes. There was a long moment of silence, this was a lot to process, the topics kept on getting heavier. First, Kai is good as dead and second there's something or rather someone who Solaryn, the almighty God of Verdentia scared of? And it could also be related to Kai as it was previously mentioned he is indeed involved in this incident.
"Then it arrived..."
A dramatic pause took over the room. Everyone listened intently, half-scared.
"The storm had taken over the skies of Lycran, it was very certain that Solaryn's prophecy was talking about this event. I and the few chosen guards alongside Draven, awaited something unnatural to happen. And then, it striked. Crimson lightning which illuminated the sky red for a brief moment. I urgently sent out the guards, getting ready to accompany them right after..."
Draven then slid a file on the table. Sylvia took it without hesitation as there were many photographs of the uncanny event. Sylvia's eyes widen as she saw the first photograph. She immediately closed the file and put it in the centre of the table.
The reaction of Sylvia only made others curious about the content in the file. Sylvia looked at the Emperor, demanding a proper explanation.
The Emperor sighed as he picked up the file as he took out the first photograph.
"As I arrived on the scene and reached the entrance of the gate of the forest, I was greeted by the sight of one of the five guards I sent. He was completely knocked out. At that moment I knew something was wrong and hurried my way to the sight..."
"As my feet slowed, I saw something strange and terrifying..."
Reynaldor put the photo in his hand on the table, everyone now able to see the photo clearly. There it layed, four black human skeletons and one...one singular small skeleton, likely a rabbit one.
As dark as coal, the grass resembled the colour of the skeletons. Everyone's eyes widened at the sight in the photograph. Alice could not help but recall the events of the time when she was corrupted. She closed her eyes as she put her hand on the side of her head.
Hannah gently pat her friend's back, her gaze shifted to worry for her friend. Kaelan reviewed the photograph as he tried to analyse.
"Are these the remaining guards you sent out...?"
He looked at the Emperor. The emperor just nodded as he put the photograph back into the file and looked at everyone. Rosalind sat silently. She doesn't want Alice or even herself to be involved in this matter, but they need answers as Alice is related to this topic and the Emperor is the only person who can help them find the answers or already knows the truth.
"The temperature of these skeletons was off charts, the mere presence of them was enough to make me sweat from the heat. They were burned alive, and it seems like a rabbit was caught into this. There also was one of the horse of the guard I found unconscious wandering in the woods. As I went a little forward straight there was..."
He put another photograph in the middle of the table for everyone to see.
"A big circle without any sign of life, the grass all burnt and coal black. A black flower in the middle of it all. The area of this circle has a radius of one kilometre."
Alice was puzzled, this wasn't related to what she saw. The only thing resembling was the grass being red instead of black and same with the flowers. Her mind had a mild pain but she fought with it as she tried to recall the memories from the terrifying event. She clutched the brown overcoat she was wearing once again.
"The black flower, didn't we see a similar one in Kai's room..?"
Sylvia analysed the photograph. This was another lead, it was now very certain that Kai was indeed involved in all this.
"Not only that, the black skeletons here resembles the one you saw when you went unconscious, right Alice?"
Kaelan turned to Alice. Alice only nodded once.
"The red flowers I saw also resemble the black one in this photograph, the only difference is the colour..."
She said. The room fell silent for a second, waiting for the Emperor to say something.
"This incident resulted in the death of four royal guards and their horses alongside a wild animal, multiple trees and a horse going wild. The unconscious guard said he has no memory whatsoever of why he was unconscious. The only thing he remembers before going unconscious is that the group of five guards split up whereas two of them stayed behind and the rest went on inside, and then he recalled seeing a red light going through sky and it crashing on the ground a bit far from where him and another guard stood. He said that the other guard went to investigate whereas he stayed behind wanting to make sure no-one would get past the gate of the forest. The next thing he knows he blacked out."
After Emperor's words settled the Draven continued.
"Not only that, the guard which went to investigate that red light matter was found to be one of these skeletons. Our guess is that after investigating the red light and it's landing, he went directly to the sight of the main incident...he might've had some answers but he was caught up in the same fate as others..."
Rosalind was now getting confused with all the information being thrown at them. What was Kai's role in all of this? How does this even related to Kai being in the Unknown Sea? Her doubts growing.
"T-that's horrible." Alice was slightly taken aback by all the deaths. Sylvia only grumbled, she was annoyed of the fact that they were discussing serious matters such as this with a bunch of sixteen year old's.
Hannah only clutched her coat. All of this was messed up, and there's a good chance that, Kai may never come back. The Emperor analysed the room atmosphere. Kaelan was deeply thinking, trying to connect dots whilst ignoring his inner turmoil for Kai. Hannah was just sitting with her neck down, Alice was terrified, Rosalind was confused and Sylvia was indifferent and annoyed.
"My speculation is, Kai used this red stone as a distraction."
He put the red gem in the middle of the circular table. It was the one he found at the Mizuhara house and is one of the most crucial evidence that Kai is indeed involved in all of this. Everyone perked up at this and listened to what the Emperor said.
"This red gem clearly has elemental marks on it. Kai used this to create the distraction for the two guards at the gate and knocked one unconscious. What happened after that is unknown to me, but a very good possibility is that Kai was consumed by corruption and...killed the three guards, as the fourth one arrived he killed him too."
"That's not tru-" Hannah was interrupted by Kaelan as he put his hand in front of her telling her not to speak.
"That is a very good possibility but I don't think it's true, your majesty."
Kaelan calmly said. The Emperor only raised his eyebrow at the young Frostwynd's words and bravery to doubt the Emperor's wisdom.
"What do you have to say then, Kaelan?"
"The guards may have died before Kai arrived. If Kai truly was consumed by corruption to a point that he killed people, he wouldn't go back to his house. This incident happened a week before Kai's disappearance, as you previously mentioned. So the chances are very slim. We do not know the unknown forces involved in this corruption. The guards may have died due to these unknown forces trying to corrupt them. As we already know, Alice was also almost a victim to this corruption."
As Kaelan's words settled, the Emperor sighed.
"You're right. But we cannot also debunk this possibility, we have to move forward considering the worst. Because if the possibility I proposed is true, even if we somehow managed to get near Kai, he'll try to kill us."
Kaelan nodded understandingly as Hannah only looked down. Rosalind slightly raised her hand, sweat on her forehead as she tried to gain attention of the Emperor.
"You may speak, Ms. Monroe." He said turning his attention towards her.
"Your majesty I..." Rosalind has had a lot on her mind. This is beyond their job, they shouldn't be involved in all this yet because of Alice they somehow are.
"I think this is beyond for what me, Sylvia and Alice have signed for. We are mere divinators and only present in this meeting because you insisted us. We are no investigators, yes Alice may have a mysterious connection because of the corruption she was affected with but that isn't enough reason for us to get involved in this...messed up matter."
Sylvia sighed at Rosalind's words. The conversation has now shifted to an entire different one. The Emperor knew this. It was the truth, this is beyond the capability of mere divinators.
"I am aware, Ms. Monroe. I have merely invited you three because you possess clues. It was purely for investigation purposes, I do not wish to involve you ladies further than that. But please understand that, we need your co-operation at least for a while."
Sylvia added her own point of view.
"Besides Rosalind, after this meeting our job here would be done. We'll leave after that. You don't have to be involved in all this."
Hearing Sylvia's words Alice just huffed to herself. She was not okay with it at all, she wanted to learn more about this investigation. She wanted herself to be involved.
"Now back at the matter in hand...how does this all relate to Kai being in the unknown sea? Very simple answer... Alice and Kai are corrupted by the same being. We have already established that fact. The things Alice saw, gave me all the clues I needed."
Everyone was confused at this revelation. Alice intently listened as Hannah's inner turmoil grew larger and larger each second. Kaelan could feel a pang of sorrow, his emotions hidden behind a cool and composed demeanour.
"Alice can you describe the symbol you saw on the ship again...?" The Emperor said as he took out a page from the file, he had just put it in the file before this meeting and after the urgent matter from before.
"An eclipse symbol, the ship had a presence like a living being...it was a very ancient ship from what I can recall. But it was no normal ship, that is for sure."
Alice vividly tried to recall the events. The Emperor hearing this only put a page in the middle, it was a drawing. A drawing of a ship which had an Eclipse symbol on it's sails. Alice's eyes widened.
"T-that's the ship! That's exactly the ship I saw...!"
It reminded her of the figure she has seen, the memory made her tremble as Rosalind who was sitting right besides her tried to confort Alice. Sylvia gave a worried glance to Alice. But what was the meaning of this? They both wondered.
"This ship belongs to the Regnar Aurelion. The last known ruler of the Kingdom Avarinthia. It had a very famous name, The Ebone Tide..."
Sylvia's eyes widened. She knew where this was going, everyone else was confused. Avarinthia? The lost ancient kingdom which subsided in the Unknown Sea before the global corruption in the Fourth Holy Period? The prosperous kingdom lost in the waves of corruption, the pride of humanity.
"Avarinthia, a kingdom which wasn't backed by any God. The kingdom purely built by humans, specifically the Aurelion Family. King Regnar was their last known ruler. We have very few information of the events before the global corruption, yet this ship was very famous."
"The Ebone Tide was a spiritual ship, created by King Regnar himself. It was said to have a consciousness of it's own. Avarinthia was a kingdom isolated by water by all sides, The Ebone Tide was a military yet transport ship between the Avarinthia and the Northern Kingdom of that time. In other words, the ship you saw Alice...was The Ebone Tide."
Alice's eyes widened as she slowly picked up the page with the drawing, reviewing the ship carefully. It was certain it had the same symbol and design as the ship she saw, there was no doubt about it.
Sylvia only raised an eyebrow.
"The Ebone Tide, what's that got to do with Kai being in the Unknown Sea?"
"A way to go into the Unknown Sea besides all the corruption could be, The Ebone Tide. If Kai still has his consciousness, he'd go for it. It ties back to my previous assumption."
Everyone's eyes widened at the sentence. It made sense, but Sylvia was still not satisfied with the answer.
"You do know that The Ebone Tide was limited to the Royal Family of Avarinthia, right? It is no normal ship. It doesn't start sailing in the waters no matter what anyone will do. As it is a spiritual ship with it's own spiritual consciousness, designed to follow whoever knows the chants made by King Regnar, Kai has no possible way of knowing these."
Kaelan processed this information and Sylvia's words as his eyes widened.
"Unless..."
He looked at the Emperor as the Emperor wore a faint smile. Alice, Rosalind and Hannah looked up at Kaelan and Sylvia too was intrigued.
"Kai was corrupted by a member of Royal family, Aurelion. It won't be farfetched to assume that if that is indeed the case, Kai knows the secret chants to access the Ebone Tide."
Kaelan said still trying to think deeply. The possibility was one they could not easily be ignored, there are many secret cases of corruption happening because of the remnants of Global Corruption during fourth Holy Period. Many corrupted spirits and curses belong to that era.
"But then what about this 'Almighty Crimson Devil'?"
Hannah raised a question. Alice also was intrigued as she pondered on the question asked by Hannah.
"And this 'Almighty Crimson Devil' being 'him' which Lord Solaryn fears? There are many ways to go from this. Reynaldor, I think you should be more clearer with the information you are dumping. It's already too hard to comprehend and you're making it more complicated. Besides this is just making us doubt that Kai is really not in the Unknown Sea."
Sylvia glared at Reynaldor.
"... Everything we go from now on isn't really backed by any logical proof. The matter involving such things are never certain and you can only go on with assumptions."
The Emperor silenced everyone.
"Kai is in the Unknown Sea. Tell me, the same being which corrupted Kai, showed Alice the Ebone Tide? He's leading us on. Or may be that's Kai's consciousness trying to connect us through the remnants of Corruption in the Mizuhara House. It's all way too aligned."
The Emperor said calmly.
"But we cannot go off some damn assumptions Reynaldor. I hate to admit it, but I think you're wrong on this one."
"Sylvia, from the information we know this is our best lead. The clue Arthynn gave through Divination is similar to Unknown Sea, the appearance of Ebone Tide in Alice's vision, and the possibility which Kaelan raised is a very good possibility. The Almighty Crimson Devil is just a chant which Alice heard during her corruption, I believe the same happened with Kai. We do not know who these chants refer to."
"Kai going to the Unknown Sea would make great sense if he was corrupted by someone from Fourth Holy Period, because remember the Global Corruption started from Avarinthia. That means there is more to this...all we know is shards of truth."
Everyone went silent. They could see where the Emperor was coming from, but if Kai really is in the Unknown Sea how are they even going to bring him back?
"Solaryn frightenedly mentioned 'him' being awakened. One thing I know about Solaryn, he fears corruption more than anything else. 'Him' is related to Kai's corruption, the scenes Alice saw had the Ebone Tide which possibly can be the only way through the Unknown Sea. If I had to theorise, Kai's headed for the ruins of Avarinthia Kingdom."
Kaelan added his own thoughts after hearing that.
"It could very well be that Kai may have noticed Alice being corrupted as Kai's spirit is now one with that of the corrupted soul, maybe showing her The Ebone Tide was him telling where he's headed..."
"That is exactly what I'm trying to say, Frostwynd's heir."
The Emperor smiled. They may not know the exact details but with everything they know, Kai being in the Unknown Sea is...not a farfetched possibility. In fact, it seems as if that's the only possibility.
"Your majesty, if...Kai really showed The Ebone Tide to Alice, that must mean he knows the risks and doesn't want us to follow him."
Rosalind said. Everyone once again fell silent, that's been the case since the start. Kai Mizuhara is missing and is corrupted, him going to the Unknown Sea is the best possible outcome.
Hannah's eyes widened at something when she thought that Kai left to avoid corrupting his surroundings, she had just realised that there is indeed a way to confirm if Kai is in the Unknown Sea.
"Your majesty, am I allowed to say something?"
Hannah formally asked, clutching her dress while wearing a forced smile. The Emperor gave her a signal to continue.
"If Kai is headed towards the unknown sea, then he must've gone through Verdentia's land to get to the shore. Don't you think he must've left behind trails of corruption along the way? Even against his own wishes? I mean we saw how his presence affected the Mizuhara house. If we can somehow find these trails we can definitely get to Kai...and can confirm if he's really at the Unknown Sea."
Draven could not feel anything but impressed at the sound of the method Hannah was trying to tell them. Kaelan had a faint grin, he believes that this can work.
Alice looked at her friend.
Kai really means a lot to you if you're thinking this deep into this matter, Hannah.
Sylvia was astonished and Rosalind too. The Emperor only thought deeply, there was only one thing which makes the method not being able to be fully implemented.
"That's...a profound way to go with. But Hannah, you do realise we have no way to track these trails he must've left behind, right? If Kai really has covered such distance in such a short amount of time, the traces would be almost untraceable."
Hannah pursed her lips. It is indeed true that the signs of corruption will be very hard to trace.
"We can still try..." She said in a lower voice.
Draven who was quietly observing Hannah's reaction understood her desperation. He was quite fond of the method she had proposed.
"Ms. Hannah, we will still try to go through your method. We appreciate your co-operation in this."
Hannah's eyes lit up a bit as she gave a single nod. Kaelan only sighed as he clasped his fingers together.
"But the question is, even if Kai is in the Unknown Sea and has the Ebone Tide at his disposal, how are we going to reach there? As we previously mentioned, even a second in that sea can corrupt us."
Everyone looked at the Emperor, he was the only one who could have an answer to this question.
"It's simple. We build our own Ebone Tide."
The Emperor said with a ridiculous smile. Kaelan grew a sweat on his forehead.
Is he serious? He's more... different than I thought. Building a literal consciousness is not as easy as it sounds even with the resources we have today, Avarinthia was very ahead of it's time. Is he really the very great and capable Emperor Reynaldor I have heard about?
Sylvia scoffed as she slammed her hand on the desk.
"Reynaldor. We both know how ridiculous that sounds! You're willing to take the risk of building something like The Ebone Tide which you can't even guarantee will take you through the waves of corruption in the Unknown Sea!"
Rosalind flinched a bit at Sylvia's sudden change in voice but backed her.
"Your majesty, I think the same. Even if Kai has some connection with 'him', Solaryn mentioned. But risking your very own life isn't the best possible way."
Of course everyone thought that. Emperor Reynaldor was the beloved young Emperor of Verdentia Kingdom, him setting off to the Unknown Sea with a risky gamble is completely ridiculous to them as they are all fond of their Emperor.
Draven spoke up.
"I believe we should all trust his majesty's decision. We are no-one to judge a person who's above us in any imaginable way."
This made everyone silent. It was true, Emperor Reynaldor was indeed way above them in terms of both Authority and Power. The blood of the Reynaldor family runs through his royal veins and not to mention he's a third staged awakened being.
With a thinking pose, the emperor sighed for the thousand time.
"Truth be told, it's not only because of Kai. Avarinthia was way ahead of it's time in terms of technological advancements and resource management. If we can get hand on some valuable technology which could be revolutionary in this time, we might as well gain an upper-hand above all the nations. You shall take into account that we are the heart of the peace treaty which stands in the Northern Continent, if some other nation somehow gets hand on the Avarinthia Kingdom's technology, it may lead to conflict and war. But if us, the heart recieves such a technology, we can use it to maintain peace for a longer time. Remember the Unknown Sea is a place filled with mysteries from past, who may know we might stumble upon some ancient texts, deepening our understanding about our own world and the rich history it holds."
Everyone was impressed by the Emperor's insight on this matter. There was no doubt that the Emperor had thought deeply about this matter and it's not only about Kai and the answer he holds, but also the mysteries of the Unknown Sea. Yet, they were still uncertain about this decision.
"Besides a project like the Ebone Tide is already in progress for the very reasons I mentioned."
Everyone's eyes widened. To think the Emperor was already planning to go to the Unknown Sea beforehand is unexpected. Hannah perked up with a question.
"Wait...in the sacred valley guarded by my family which has a direct river connecting to the Unknown Sea's water through a big underground cave...is that where the Royalty is currently working on this project?"
The Emperor just nodded.
"The Sacred Valley is a very mystical place, it's the perfect place to carry out this project."
So that's why the Sacred valley's entrance was shut off to only the Royal Family and the Valehart family...they have been doing this for more than a year!
Sylvia clicked her tongue but kept silent. Rosalind only looked at the Emperor before speaking.
"So it has already been decided. His majesty will go to the Unknown Sea regardless of Kai, I think we have no space to object his decision."
Kaelan gave out a frustrated sigh as he looked at Hannah with a cheeky smirk.
"So to the Unknown Sea it is, Hannah."
Hannah only nodded. The Emperor and everyone present into the room was confused.
"Hannah and Kaelan, you two do understand that I will not allow mere teenagers to embark on a dangerous journey with me, right?"
"His majesty is correct. You two are very young and inexperienced, not to mention both of you belong to two of the most important families in the Verdentia Kingdom. I hardly believe your elders will allow you even if you somehow convince us."
Draven added to the Emperor's words. Kaelan only looked at him with a smile.
"You mustn't worry about such small matters, Dreadborn. I have a way with my elders, as for Hannah she'll convince them. I think his majesty knows that it's already too late to stop both of us from joining."
Hannah's eyes twitched.
How the hell am I supposed to convince them?!
The Emperor sighed.
"Very well-"
Sylvia slammed her hand on the desk.
"There's no way you're letting teenagers on this matter Reynaldor!"
Her sudden outburst caused everyone to flinch, even the Dreadborn himself as he fake coughed.
"Ms. Sylvia, let's not cause a commotion. You're just a mere bystander as you have made it clear that you'll not participate in this matter. Who to include is upto his majesty."
"You..." Sylvia glared at Dreadborn but then say back down in defeat. She knew there was no point in arguing.
"I think we'll be fine Ms. Sylvia, no need to worry about us. Thank you though."
Hannah said with a warm smile. A new found determination slowly building up as she now believes that with the help of the new Ebone Tide, they might as well have a good chance on saving Kai after all.
"I must warn you two..." The emperor spoke with a deep voice.
"This matter is beyond from only saving Kai, we are going to investigate the place as much as we can, this might be more than we can imagine as Avarinthia is a place from where the Global Corruption has started. We do not know what subsides in such place, if anything finding Kai would be the least of our worries once we step foot in the Unknown Sea."
After hearing those words, the two young bloods were a bit hesitant yet nodded. They had thought through this beforehand, no matter what they would try their best to bring back Kai. Even if it meant going to hell back and forth.
"We promised him after all, we'll always be by his side no matter what. Even after death. So this is not something which will stop us."
Hannah said with a faint smile. The Emperor looked a bit amused but gave out a rough huff.
"Very well, you two are beyond convincing."
"Such a strong bond you three share, I'll send my prayers that everything turns out well."
Rosalind said with a warm smile. Hannah only returned to her with a smile. Throughout this entire ordeal Alice was silent, looking down and clutching her dress conflicted on whether to speak her mind or not. The event at the Mizuhara house also weighing heavy on her mind.
I...I want to find out! I can't continue living without getting answers I need...I also want to accompany Hannah, Kaelan and the Emperor.
The poor girl thought to herself. Alice loved exploring new things and learning about them the most, that's one of the most important thing in life according to her. But she also knew the bitter reality that it is almost impossible to convince Sylvia and Rosalind to allow her to embark on this new adventure which awaits.
The Emperor noticed the inner conflict by Alice's facial expressions.
"Do you have something on your mind, Alice?"
He asked the young girl which caused her to look up, all the attention shifting to her. She only got more nervous but took a deep breath as she decided to put her fears aside and speak her mind.
"I...I also want to accompany you three on this journey, your majesty."
Reynaldor faintly smiled at her shy words, contrasting to everyone's reaction.
"Wait! Hold on Alice, we both know you absolutely cannot go to such a dangerous place! What happened at the Mizuhara house has already scared me a lot and I think has given you an idea of what you are trying to face, there is no way I'm letting you get involved in this mess any further!"
Rosalind didn't even waste a single second after hearing Alice's words. As someone who really cares about Alice, her worry is understandable.
"I agree with Ms. Monroe Alice, you may be an awakened being but it's still dangerous—"
Hannah decided to talk some sense into Alice but was interrupted by Sylvia.
"I think you should be the last person to explain that to Alice, you are doing the same Hannah."
Hannah pursed her lips at those words, she knew it was the truth after all. She's no different than Alice in this case. Rosalind turned to Sylvia.
"Whose side are you on here?! We cannot let Alice go to that place at all Sylvia!"
Sylvia sighed.
"I never did say that she should did I? Besides Alice is old enough to understand the dangers of the things she's asking for. Please rethink this Alice, hopefully you'll change your outlook after that."
Sylvia said with a stern expression. It was clear that even if Alice doesn't change her outlook after rethinking, Sylvia still won't allow her to go to such a dangerous place.
Kaelan paid no mind. He was rather confused on why Alice would want to accompany them even after knowing the risks, him and Hannah had reasons. But Alice isn't even acquainted with Kai. He see's no point as to why she would want to willingly come to this journey.
Alice who listened with her head down only let her grip on the dress get tighter.
"I think we should let her speak first, shouldn't we?"
The emperor looked at everyone with a small smile as he said those words. They silently agreed with the Emperor as they waited for Alice to speak up.
"I..."
Alice's voice broke with nervousness but she took a deep breath and continued to speak, holding her head high unlike before. She was determined to speak her mind.
"I know it's dangerous to go on this journey, I understand. I have witnessed it firsthand with the corruption but...that gives me more reason to go. All my life, I wanted to have a chance to learn and discover more about this mysterious world. When I first awakened, I was very happy. I thought this was the first step towards my goal...but nothing really changed for me aside from some perks of wielding this power. I felt as though I was straying of my goal. You see...I have always been curious about everything, I just cannot ignore the need of finding answers and I think this is the perfect opportunity to step towards my goal and even use my power for a better benefit than just divination. When I was being corrupted, I wanted to die...I felt immense pain but...I still survived and fought through it. So I know...I'll be alright no matter what or at least I am strong enough to fight against whatever is thrown at me."
Alice took a pause. Everyone was taken aback by her sudden speech and change in tone. This mattered a lot more to Alice than they initially thought.
"The mysterious connection I feel with Kai, I think after this event...I never will be able to ignore it. Even if I don't want to, I somehow will be involved in this mess no matter what anyone does. It's a bitter truth. I know Ms. Rosalind and Ms. Sylvia, you both care about me but please...I want to do this. I don't want to sit here and regret not speaking about it later on. I want to learn more about this mysterious connection with Kai. I...think it'll be better for me to go rather than staying here no matter how dangerous it is."
Rosalind and Sylvia were speechless.
"Alice..." Rosalind muttered under her breath, she didn't know Alice felt this way. It was clear the events of today weighed heavy on her mind. Sylvia just clicked her tongue before speaking.
"You seem to have really thought this through Alice, you're capable enough to make your own decision. Are you really sure this is what you want?"
After that long speech, I believe that is exactly what she wants.
Kaelan thought to himself. Hannah listened on silently, she knew Alice's behaviour was always like this. Eager to embark on new adventure and learn new things, she would never leave a single opportunity. Hannah only smiled faintly.
"Wait...are we really going to allow her Sylvia?" Rosalind looked at Sylvia with her eyes widened. Even after hearing everything from Alice, she wasn't sure if letting her go was indeed the right decision.
"Haven't you realised Rosalind? No matter what we do, Alice isn't going to listen. It's good if she does what she thinks is right. Besides, this is the first time she has ever asked us to do something willingly. Up until now, we have always suggested her what to do. This is the first time she has independently made her own decision. Are we really going to turn her down?"
"But..." Rosalind still wasn't sure. She let out a frustrated sigh as she continued to speak.
"Very well then, me and Sylvia are also accompanying everyone on this journey!"
"What?!—" Alice gasped as she nearly got up from her seat. Emperor only smiled, this outcome was to be expected.
"You heard Rosalind, Alice. We cannot let you go alone. God knows what you'll do without our supervision."
"But what about the Mystic Loom? Who's going to handle our work?!" Alice didn't want this.
"You needn't worry about that. Our divination business can handle absence for a short period of time." Rosalind said.
Alice couldn't refute anymore. She let out a defeated sigh, she wasn't fond of the idea of them joining but it had to be done. The Emperor waited before speaking.
"If you all are done speaking then may I?"
He waited for a few seconds, after he heard no-one speaking he cleared his throat and looked at everyone.
"Then it's decided. Everyone in this room, along with some capable warriors will accompany me once the new Ebone Tide is built completely. I'll make sure to speed up this process. With that concluded, I think we all deserve a good amount of rest after today's events. Especially you Alice. I'd recommend checking on with the doctor even if nothing's wrong. Such situations can show signs of fever or something similar in your body."
Alice nodded in understanding.
"Very well, if that is done, we shall end this meeting here. I'll contact everyone when I have our next step planned. You are all dismissed."
Everyone rose from their seats, bowing deeply to the Emperor before making their way out. The air in the room was heavy but orderly, the murmurs of low conversation filling the space as they exited.
Suddenly, a faint thud broke through the calm.
Alice stumbled, her shoulder colliding with Hannah's.
"Alice...?" Hannah gasped, instinctively catching her before she could collapse. Her arms trembled under Alice's weight as she steadied her, her voice rising with concern.
The others turned sharply at the sound, their expressions shifting from confusion to alarm.
"Alice, are you alright?" Hannah shook her gently, but Alice's half-lidded eyes barely focused on her. Her breathing was shallow, her skin pale.
"I... don't feel... good..." Alice murmured weakly before her body gave out, slumping into Hannah's arms. Her eyes fluttered closed.
"Alice!" Rosalind cried out, rushing toward them. Hannah, struggling to hold Alice, looked to the others with desperation.
"Help me get her to the couch!" Hannah called, her voice shaking. Together with Rosalind, she carefully laid Alice on the nearest couch as the rest of the room moved in closer, their worried murmurs intensifying.
The Emperor, who had risen abruptly from his seat, crossed the room with long strides. His normally serene expression was clouded with tension as he knelt beside Alice. Without a word, he placed a hand over her forehead and then her wrist, his presence commanding silence.
"Reynaldor, what's wrong with her?!" Sylvia demanded, breaking the stillness. Her voice was sharp, but underneath it was an uncharacteristic tremor.
The Emperor didn't respond immediately, his focus unwavering as he examined Alice. He pressed his hand over her chest, a faint golden glow emanating from his palm. Everyone held their breath, watching his every move.
"Why isn't he saying anything?!" Sylvia muttered, her fists clenched at her sides.
Rosalind turned to Sylvia with a stern look. "He's trying to help her. Let him concentrate."
The room fell silent again, save for the faint hum of the Emperor's power and the shallow sound of Alice's breaths.
Minutes passed, feeling like hours, before Reynaldor finally straightened. His expression was grave, his lips pressed into a tight line.
"Well?!" Sylvia pressed, her patience fraying. "What is it?!"
The Emperor glanced at her briefly before addressing everyone.
"It doesn't look good for her."