The morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson as it rose over Eryndor. The sprawling capital buzzed with anticipation—streets filled with people preparing for the grand speech to be held at sunset. Merchants hawked wares in hushed tones, families whispered rumors over breakfast, and every eye turned occasionally toward the towering Council Citadel where Rui Kirean would soon address the world.
Within the Citadel's private landing terrace, a faint ripple of mana shimmered in the air as a streak of silver light descended from the skies, fast as a falling star. The light landed gracefully, and from its fading glow stepped Fenrir—a towering figure clad in dark wolf-fur armor, his piercing sapphire eyes sharp as ever.
His boots hit the polished stone with a dull thud, and his presence filled the air like a winter storm—quiet, heavy, undeniable. Draped across his back was his massive greatsword, Moonshade, its edge glinting faintly in the morning light.
Fenrir had returned.
---
Rui stood at the edge of the landing platform, his silver eyes glinting softly under the rising sun. His posture was straight, his presence calm but unyielding. Behind him, Kovar lingered in the shadow of an archway, his glass dome flickering with faint amber light.
As Fenrir approached, Rui's lips twitched into a faint smile—a rare expression that only a few could draw out of him.
"You took your time, Fenrir," Rui said, his voice carrying across the platform.
Fenrir stopped a few paces away, his sharp sapphire eyes scanning Rui from head to toe. His gaze lingered briefly on the faint golden cracks visible across Rui's collarbone before he spoke.
"The North keeps its secrets close, Rui. But I bring answers—and more questions."
Rui stepped forward, extending a hand. Fenrir grasped it firmly, their forearms locking in a warrior's handshake.
"You're just in time," Rui said, his voice quieter now. "Today's important."
Fenrir's lips twitched into a wolfish grin. "Seems like I returned just in time for the fireworks."
Behind them, Kovar cleared his throat softly, stepping forward.
"Fenrir," Kovar said, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment. "It's good to see you back in one piece."
Fenrir gave a faint nod in return. "And you, Kovar. I trust you've been keeping our friend here from doing anything reckless?"
Kovar's glass dome flickered slightly. "I've tried."
Rui's smirk returned briefly before fading into something more serious.
"Come," Rui said, turning toward the archway. "We have much to discuss before sunset."
---
The three gathered in Rui's private chamber. Maps of the Northern Territories were spread across a heavy oak table, marked with runes and faint traces of mana. Fenrir leaned over the table, tracing a gloved finger across a particular region marked in deep red.
"The Northern Warlords are restless," Fenrir began. "Skara Drayk—the Titan of the North—has been watching the Central Continent closely. I didn't cross his borders, but his patrols were everywhere. He's preparing for something."
Rui's silver eyes narrowed slightly. "Preparing for what?"
Fenrir straightened, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "War, most likely. Skara's not one to sit idle, and his silence feels more like a drawn bowstring than peace. But there's more."
He reached into his satchel and retrieved a faintly glowing crystal shard. Its surface pulsed softly with icy blue light.
"I intercepted one of their couriers," Fenrir said. "This shard carries a sealed message. I couldn't crack it open without alerting whoever it was meant for, but it's encrypted in a high-level northern cipher. Whatever this message contains—it's important."
Kovar stepped closer, his amber glow intensifying as he peered at the shard.
"I'll need time to study this," Kovar said. "But if it's as secure as you suggest, Fenrir, then it likely involves the highest-ranking figures in the North."
Rui's gaze lingered on the shard before he spoke again. "We'll deal with it after the speech. Right now, the city—and the people—are our priority."
Fenrir nodded once. "Understood."
---
The trio dispersed briefly, each preparing in their own way. Fenrir sharpened Moonshade on a whetstone, the faint scrape of metal echoing through the armory. Kovar disappeared into his laboratory, the faint glow of alchemical lights flickering behind closed doors.
And Rui…
Rui stood on an open balcony overlooking Eryndor, his silver eyes reflecting the sprawling city below. His Runic Eyes flickered faintly as he exhaled slowly, the faint golden glow in his chest steady and warm.
He was ready.
Sunset approached on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of crimson and gold.
And with it came the weight of the world's gaze.