The atmosphere in the Council Citadel was heavy with anticipation. Sunset drew nearer, and the sprawling halls were filled with hurried whispers and tense movements. Couriers darted back and forth, scholars exchanged hurried notes, and council guards stood at rigid attention. All eyes and ears seemed trained on the impending speech, the weight of the event pressing down on everyone within the Citadel's ancient walls.
In a smaller, private chamber, Rui, Kovar, Fenrir, Elira, and Caelren had gathered for one final meeting before the speech. The room was quiet save for the faint hum of mana-infused crystals embedded in the walls. A single table stood at the center, its polished surface reflecting the dim glow of the room's enchanted lighting.
Rui stood at the head of the table, his silver eyes sharp as they scanned the faces of those present. The golden cracks across his collarbone and forearms pulsed faintly, a quiet reminder of the power and fragility contained within him.
---
Caelren cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Rui," he began, his tone measured but firm, "this is your moment to reassure the people. They've felt the Abyss, they've endured days of silence, and they've seen the fallout of what happened. Tonight, you need to give them clarity."
Elira, standing with her arms crossed and her emerald eyes fixed on Rui, nodded. "Stick to the essential points. Acknowledge the event, frame it as a victory, and emphasize that steps are being taken to ensure their safety. Reassurance is key."
Fenrir let out a low, wolfish chuckle from his place leaning against the wall. "In other words, don't scare them into a frenzy. Not that subtlety has ever been your strong suit."
Rui arched a silver eyebrow at Fenrir but said nothing. Instead, his gaze shifted back to Caelren.
"And if I stray from your script?" Rui asked, his voice calm but edged with defiance.
Caelren sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Then you'll do what you've always done—make things complicated for us. But this time, Rui… please. The stakes are higher than ever. The city is on edge, and if this speech doesn't go well, we'll be dealing with panic across the entire Central Continent."
Elira stepped forward, her emerald robes flowing softly. "We're not asking you to lie, Rui. Just to be… diplomatic. Speak as a leader. Show them strength, but also wisdom."
Kovar, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. His amber-lit dome flickered faintly as he adjusted the crystalline shard Fenrir had brought earlier. "The speech isn't just about addressing the Abyss, Rui. It's about you. The people need to see that you're more than just a survivor. They need to see a leader who can shoulder their fears and guide them through the unknown."
Rui's silver eyes flicked between the faces of those gathered. He could feel the weight of their words, the expectations they carried. For a brief moment, the golden glow in his chest pulsed faintly, and his Runic Eyes flickered as if echoing his inner resolve.
"I understand," Rui said finally, his voice steady. "But I'll say what needs to be said—not just what's convenient."
---
As the meeting adjourned, Rui lingered in the room, his hands resting on the edge of the table. The others filtered out, each moving to attend to their roles in the evening's events.
Kovar paused at the door, turning back to Rui. "Are you ready for this?" he asked quietly.
Rui glanced at him, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I've faced worse things than public speaking, Kovar."
Kovar's amber-lit dome flickered with faint amusement. "True. But try not to destroy the platform while you're at it."
As Kovar left, Rui straightened and exhaled slowly, the golden threads beneath his skin glimmering faintly. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing against him, but he didn't falter. He wouldn't.
---
Rui stepped forward, the golden glow of the obelisks catching on the faint cracks threading across his skin. His silver eyes swept over the crowd, and for a brief moment, the plaza fell into utter silence.
The weight of the moment pressed against him, but he stood tall, his eyes glimmering faintly as he exhaled slowly.
This was it.
As the last rays of sunlight faded, Rui stepped fully into the light of the obelisks. His voice, calm and unshaking, broke the silence.
And the world listened.