24: Dark Gathering
A gleaming quest notification materialized before Leonis:
*Quest: Elemental Synergy*
*Objective:* Comprehend all 7 elements within 7 days
*Elements:* Fire, Water, Lightning, Darkness, Earth, Light, Wind
*Time Limit:* 7 days
*Rewards:*
Elemental Balance (permanent passive skill)
Enhanced Magical Affinity
Omni System's hidden knowledge
*Consequences of Failure:*
Elemental Imbalance (temporary debuff)
Reduced Magical Capacity
Weakened state [Temporary Debuff]
Leonis's heart quickened. Seven elements in seven days?
"Omni System, is this possible?" he wondered.
The orbs began to orbit around him, pulsing with anticipation.
The countdown began.
6 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes…
Meanwhile in a Dark Gathering
A dimly lit room hid the faces of cloaked figures gathered around a circular table, their features obscured by shadows.
Candles flickered, casting eerie silhouettes on walls.
The air was thick with hidden agendas, heavy with unspoken tensions.
Soft murmurs broke the silence, hushed whispers exchanged between hooded heads.
Eyes gleamed in the darkness, their intentions masked.
Seated figures leaned in, their postures conveying secrecy.
No sound penetrated from outside, as if the room itself was shielded.
The atmosphere felt ominous, weighed down by unseen purposes.
Shadows danced upon the walls, like dark specters witnessing the clandestine gathering.
This shadowy meeting seemed to be plotting something, its outcome shrouded in uncertainty.
"After three years of delays, we are finally ready to proceed with the invasion of the Silver Household.
Another figure leaned forward, its voice dripping with anticipation:
"This invasion will boost our research tremendously.
"The Silver Household's ancient archives and Aria's expertise will unlock new dimensions for our mana studies".A creepy smile formed on his face.
"We will finally grasp the secrets of celestial manipulation" .
He nodded, his hooded gaze sweeping the room.
"Very well. Let us proceed. Report your mission status, starting from the first row."
He gestured to the figure seated directly to his right.
"Begin."
The man in the middle nodded, his hooded gaze sweeping the room.
"Very well. Let us proceed. Report your mission status, starting from the first row."
He gestured to the figure seated directly to his right.
"You, first."
The man stood, his tall frame unfolding from the shadows.
"Okay, Lord Ravenswood." He said referring to the one who spoke.
He bowed slightly before beginning his report.
"I have successfully recruited the Dark Adventurers' most notorious Summoner, Xandros 'The Devourer', and Necromancer, Lyra 'The Shadow Weaver'. Both have pledged their allegiance to our cause."
He paused, his eyes scanning the room.
"Xandros has agreed to provide his legion of dark entities, while Lyra has promised that she will unlock the secrets of the ancient dead, granting us unimaginable power."
The man's voice dripped with satisfaction.
"With these two on our side, our invasion of the Silver Household is all but assured."
The man's gaze shifted to the next figure.
"Dark Flame."
The figure, shrouded in shadows, rose from its seat.
"Report," Ravenswood commanded.
Dark Flame's low, gravelly voice sent shivers through the air.
"Preparations for the ritual are complete, Lord Ravenswood."
"We have acquired the required artifacts: the Starheart Crystal, the Tome of Eldrid, and the Sacrificial Dagger."
"The circle of conjuration is drawn, the bloodlines are prepared, and the catalysts are in place."
"All awaits the signal to unleash the Dark Convergence."
The man's gaze skipped the third figure, settling on the fourth. "Korvus."
Korvus, clad in black armor, stood rigidly.
"Lord Ravenswood."
"Report on the mobilization of the Dark Knights."
"The Dark Knights are assembled, Lord. Five hundred strong, armed and armored, awaiting your command." Korvus's deep voice echoed through the chamber.
"Our scouts have identified the Silver Household's vulnerabilities. We will strike at the eastern gate, where their defenses are weakest."
"All stands ready for the signal to march."
He then pointed to the last figure.
"Riven," Lord Ravenswood said, "report on your infiltration of the nobles' gathering."
Riven's sly smile spread across his face.
"It was successful, Lord. I gained the trust of several key nobles and gathered valuable information."
Lord Ravenswood's interest piqued. "And the Silver Household's heir?"
Riven's eyes gleamed. "I found the White-Haired boy, His name is Leonis. The one we've been searching for."
Dark Flame leaned forward, intrigued.
Riven continued, "It's likely he's the one who Awakened three years ago".
"His presence could hold the key to unlocking the ancient powers."
The room fell silent, the weight of Riven's words sinking in.
"And I deem that brat interesting"
Riven then stood up removing his cloak .
He had crimson hair and scarlet eyes while having ear accessories and wearing a black robe.
He then grinned sadistically.
"Very Interesting" .