The grand hall of the Alliance Citadel buzzed with tension as representatives of the seven kingdoms gathered for an emergency council. The opulent chamber, adorned with banners and symbols of each kingdom, was filled with heated voices and accusatory glares.
King Borius of the Blue Rose stood at the head of the table, his regal presence commanding attention. To his right, Queen Elara of the Silver Moon maintained a calm yet steely demeanor. The other five rulers—King Aric of the Crimson Shield, Queen Lysandra of the Golden Plains, King Theron of the Jade Forest, Queen Selene of the Onyx Sea, and King Harrod of the Obsidian Peaks—watched with varying degrees of interest and suspicion.
"Queen Elara," King Aric began, his voice edged with accusation, "explain why a boy of unknown origins, potentially the prophesied Red Rising, was found in your territory. What is the meaning of this?"
Queen Elara's eyes narrowed slightly. "Nathaniel Albrich is a boy from the Blue Rose, not the Silver Moon. He was seeking answers about his past, which led him to our kingdom. This matter does not solely concern us."
King Theron leaned forward, his green eyes piercing. "And what of the attack by the Tunga Tribe? They revere him as 'Kamihomi,' the fire-bringer. It is clear this boy has a significant role to play in the prophecy."
King Borius interjected, his voice calm but firm. "Nathaniel is unaware of his true identity. He has been raised in my kingdom, under my protection. He poses no immediate threat to the balance of our lands."
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Queen Lysandra's golden eyes flashed with impatience. "Balance is precisely what we risk losing! The prophecy speaks of a force that will either renew or destroy our world. We cannot afford to be complacent."
The room fell silent as Doctor Carel, the lead researcher of Project Morning Star, entered the chamber. She bowed respectfully before addressing the assembly. "Your Majesties, I bring news of MS-08's progress."
Queen Selene gestured for her to continue. "Proceed, Doctor Carel."
"MS-08, whom we call Irmin, has demonstrated exceptional abilities. His control over blue flames is unmatched, and his combat skills are formidable. However, there is a... complication with his transformation into Surtur. He cannot fully manifest the god's form yet."
King Harrod frowned. "And what of our plan to introduce him to society? To convince the people that he is the true Red Rising?"
Doctor Carel nodded. "We believe that by showcasing his powers and carefully managing his public appearances, we can solidify his position as the true prophesied one. This will allow us to expose the boy, Nathaniel, as an imposter and capture him."
Queen Elara's eyes glinted with intrigue. "And how do you propose we handle Nathaniel once he is captured?"
Doctor Carel's voice was steady. "We use him to our advantage. His powers, if properly harnessed, can be a valuable asset to our cause."
King Borius' expression turned grim. "This plan is fraught with danger. Nathaniel is not a mere pawn to be manipulated. He is a young man, unaware of the destiny imposed upon him."
King Aric smirked. "Destiny does not wait for the unprepared. If we do not act, the boy's powers could fall into the wrong hands and bring about the very destruction we seek to avoid."
The rulers fell into a contentious debate, each voicing their concerns and strategies. The future of the seven kingdoms hung in the balance, with the fate of Nathaniel Albrich and MS-08 at the heart of their deliberations.
As the discussion raged on, it became clear that the path forward was shrouded in uncertainty and peril. The council was divided, each ruler grappling with the weight of the prophecy and the role they would play in shaping its outcome. The stakes had never been higher, and the choices made in that chamber would echo throughout Taeloria for generations to come.