The grand hall was cloaked in rare stones that prevented the natural flow of time, making the place seem untouched by its passage. The dark magical stones decorating the walls and columns absorbed every pulse of time, creating an atmosphere of eternal stillness. The large table in the center was surrounded by chairs made of black metal adorned with gold, and the place itself was surrounded by intricate magical elements that gave it an aura of endless power. The faint scent of perfumes from magical trees planted in the corners added a strange calmness to the space, but the tension of the guardians was palpable in every corner.
The guardians were in their places, dressed in dark, finely crafted cloaks, yet there was an uncomfortable feeling in the air. Everyone was waiting for the new guardian, who had been delayed for an unjustifiable reason.
Zalthar Corvinus, who sat in the far corner of the hall, remained in his usual silence. His violet eyes never ceased contemplating the shadows that filled the hall. His long white hair flowed around his face like a part of the darkness itself, as if the years that had passed had not affected him. But despite his outward calm, there was clear tension in his posture and the way his fingers traced the edges of the ancient magical book he always carried. His anxious gaze sometimes turned toward the door, as if trying to read what lay beyond their silence. His mind was still clouded by recent events. The moment he met "Andrian," the former king of the Nightspeak region, and the appearance of that mysterious figure who claimed to be a guardian, that confrontation still troubled him, and the questions surrounding it wouldn't leave him. How had he not felt this person's presence at the time? Why was this encounter different?
Eizinar Volkro, sitting opposite, seemed unaffected by the delay. His fiery, shimmering hair reflected light in a chaotic way, and his eyes glowed like volcanic lava on his hardened face. However, even he, who usually seemed indifferent, occasionally glanced at the door. "He's delayed more than expected..." he murmured to himself before returning to his silence, crossing his arms in front of him.
Rilian Nox, who had been enjoying the view of the stars through a high window, suddenly lifted his head. His eyes, glowing like stars, never left the door, as if his heart felt what his mind couldn't analyze. "Will his delay affect our evaluation?" he asked in a calm voice, but it carried a hint of curiosity and concern.
Amora Sylvan, seated on the opposite side, appeared more relaxed than everyone else. Her glowing green hair cascaded around her as if she were a part of nature itself. Though calm, it was clear she was watching the situation. "We'll deal with it when he arrives. There's no need to worry too much," she whispered, as if trying to calm everyone, though deep down, she knew this delay might have consequences.
Thyron Darkreef, seated in the shadows, was deep in thought. He didn't need much to understand everything. His face, half-covered by a bone mask, had eyes that burned with hatred for anything that deviated from order. "If he's delayed further, I'll be the first to go meet him," he said in a low tone, carrying a veiled threat.
Ilara Verith, always carrying a glow of light around her, lifted her gaze from her hands, which were playing with threads of light. "We must be patient. We don't know yet what might be delaying him," she said in a gentle tone, though there was an underlying worry that she tried to hide.
Sepharius Drakoth, standing by one of the columns, watched everyone in the hall with his piercing gaze. "If he doesn't arrive in time, we'll have to make the decision ourselves," he said with a half-hearted smile, his overwhelming presence and physical power giving him confidence, though inside, he knew this delay raised doubts.
They were all highly experienced, especially since their ages ranged from 55 to 70, despite their youthful appearances, which gave them decades of hard work in their fields. In a short time, they became some of the strongest in the empire and attained the position of guardians due to their exceptional skills in magic and control over magical houses. Each one of them had reached the fifth level of magic, and if these beings called "guardians" ever decided to rebel, it would be difficult to stop them.
But at that moment, as if time had completely halted, an elderly man slowly entered through the massive doors of the hall. The atmosphere around him changed suddenly; it was as though the attendees had felt something strange enveloping them. It was the elder guardian, Valinor Draxos, the man who had lived for over 250 years. His gray hair, tinged with white, was long and loose around his wrinkled face, and his blue eyes seemed like deep pools, holding centuries of wisdom. His body was thin, but his presence was unmatched; as soon as he entered, a deadly stillness enveloped the hall.
The elder guardian took his seat at the opposite end of the table, prompting everyone to stand and bow slightly before returning to their places by unspoken orders.
"Be patient for a moment," Valinor said in his deep, calm voice, which seemed to emanate from the depths of time itself. "The situation is larger than just a delay. There's no need to worry now," he added with a tone full of confidence and reassurance, forcing everyone into silence.
"I know you're all worried about the new guardian's delay, but this delay is not ordinary," Valinor continued, pointing to Zalthar Vernox, who was anxiously watching the door. "One of the guardians might be on an expedition in the ancient structure to the east. It's Orn Val, as you know. There are things in the structure that can't be predicted, and it may take longer than expected. Two others are in deep meditation within their magical houses, dealing with forces that could change the course of things. One is Mordaan, and the other is Ilav Verthin. As for the last one, he's busy in his lab, working on a discovery he hasn't shared with me, which might be useful to us all. It's Lorenz Powell... as for Arfin Solarex, it doesn't matter where he is."
He paused, as if to ensure everyone had fully grasped his words. "But the delay of the new guardian seems different. Let's wait a little longer. The fate is greater than just a delay."
None of the guardians dared respond, but their expressions showed that they had fully understood his words. The new guardian's delay meant something extraordinary, but with Valinor present, there was no need for fear or concern.
After a few heavy moments of silence, the ground began to tremble lightly beneath their feet, signaling that something unusual was about to happen. The massive doors of the hall opened with a loud bang, as if the wind had swept through to announce the arrival of the newcomer. A tall man entered, carrying a black spear with confident steps; his mere presence was enough to stir a strange feeling among the guardians... It was Claudius.
Everyone's breath caught for a moment, not because of his delay, but because of something much deeper. He seemed to belong to a different time altogether, not this moment.
"Apologies for my delay," he said in a calm voice, but one filled with confidence, as if his apology were merely a passing courtesy. He showed no sign of embarrassment or concern over the delay; on the contrary, his tone suggested that he expected to be forgiven for anything.
Zalthar, who was the most anxious, felt a jarring shock when his eyes fell on the man. "This...!" he muttered quietly, and his mind returned to that moment when he met him in Andrian's dungeon.
"You!" Zalthar said a little louder, ignoring the gazes of the attendees.
But before he could say more, Valinor interrupted with a wave of his hand. "Sit, Zalthar. It seems we have much to discuss."
Claudius smiled slightly, that smile carrying a hidden sarcasm. "Ah, the elder guardian. Always fond of drama," he said nonchalantly before heading to an empty seat at the other end of the table.
Eizinar Volkro, who tended to stir trouble, couldn't hold his tongue. "You're the new guardian? You seem too young for this position."
Claudius chuckled lightly, his voice cold and sharp as a sword's edge. "New? What a funny word."
"What do you mean?" Eizinar asked, tightening his grip on the table.
"I mean I'm not as new as you think," Claudius said sarcastically, his eyes gleaming with a hint of challenge.
"In fact, the last time I was in this hall was exactly thirty years ago."
"Thirty years?" Eizinar said, staring at Claudius with burning eyes. "That's impossible. You barely look thirty."
"Oh, that's because I am," Claudius said with a provocative smile. Then he turned to Valinor and said, "But I think you're the only one here who knows my full story, aren't you, Valinor?"
Valinor nodded slowly before speaking in a deep voice: "Yes. Claudius was a guardian before any of you were born. He disappeared for decades, and now he returns, but he's not an ordinary guardian. Claudius is at level six."
Silence fell over the hall, as if someone had thrown stones into a still lake. Everyone was stunned, unable to believe that this seemingly young man was, in reality, older than all of them except for Valinor. On top of that, he was at level six. No one dared to even imagine the possibility of someone with such power being among the Guardians.
Since the establishment of this council, there had only been two sorcerers at the Ultima level who accepted the title of Imperial Guardian, excluding the original founders. Sorcerers at this level are extremely rare, often seeing themselves above such positions and titles. The idea of Cloudius joining was a mystery that was hard to grasp—what could possibly compel someone with so much power to be among them?
"Impressive... level six, then," said Izinar in a low voice, crossing his arms as if trying to comprehend what was happening.
Cloudius, sitting in his chair casually, observed the expressions of the attendees with a mysterious smile. "I see the astonishment on your faces, but I don't blame you. This council was never meant for someone of my level... or for anyone who has reached such a level."
Amora turned to him, her eyes shining with curiosity that was impossible to hide. "So... why are you here, then?"
Cloudius skillfully ignored the question and glanced at Valinor. "And where is the other Guardian? I mean... the lazy one."
Valinor chuckled softly, and the echo of his laugh heightened the tension in the air. "Ah, you mean Arvin? Don't expect him to show up, he's asleep as usual. You know, even for a level six, he's the laziest of us all."
"Arvin?" Izinar muttered, furrowing his brow. "So, there are two at the Ultima level among us now?"
Cloudius gave a faint smile, his eyes gleaming. "Indeed, but we remain mysteries to you, don't we?"
Silence reigned once again for a moment, but was soon broken by Valinor's deep, firm voice. "This is not why we have gathered." His tone was enough to refocus everyone's attention. "Cloudius and Arvin, regardless of their level, are now part of this council, and we will deal with them as necessary. But now is not the time to waste on speculations."
The Guardians exchanged glances, but no one dared to object. Valinor's authority was enough to silence any doubts or questions.
"Now, let's focus on what matters. There are events on the horizon that may threaten the balance we have fought to maintain for decades. Cloudius' presence here is no accident, and Arvin's sleep is not mere laziness." He paused for a moment, then continued in a quieter, yet more forceful tone. "What is coming is greater than any of us. So, let us set aside the questions and prepare for what awaits us."
Cloudius, who had been watching everyone with a faint, mocking gaze, smiled slightly. "You always love speaking in riddles, Valinor. But it's fine. I'll stay and watch. Let's see if what you fear is truly worth all this worry."
Valinor didn't reply, but looked at Cloudius with a deep gaze, as if telling him: "You will understand soon enough."