Lord Haneul leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Mutstushiro. "Your Highness," he said, his voice measured and calm, "I must admit, despite my... personal feelings towards Mutstushiro's tone, his proposal holds merit. A structured approach to anomaly exploration could indeed be beneficial." His words were like a cool breeze in the stifling tension of the room, and the fae nodded in agreement.

Lady Luna nodded solemnly. "I believe the Ranker system has potential," she said, her eyes meeting those of Lady Somin. "If we can train our people to handle these gate portals responsibly, we may find the answers we seek within them."

Lady Somin's gaze was thoughtful as she studied the siblings. "Indeed," she agreed, her voice carrying the same gravity as Lady Luna's. "The Rankers could serve as guardians, protecting Yohen, and would be a great asset to the military family."

Minho nodded, his arms folded across his chest. "I concede that the idea has potential," he said, his eyes never leaving Mutstushiro. "But the training must be rigorous. The gate portals and dungeons are no place for the unprepared."

King Morey's gaze settled on the siblings. "Your training under Minho has been exemplary, but this is a new challenge," he said. "One that requires a different set of skills."

Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them. They had always known that their destinies were intertwined with the fate of Ondur. Now, it seemed, they were being given the chance to play a more active role in shaping that fate.

"Very well," King Morey said, rising from his throne. "The meeting is concluded. Each of you has much to consider and prepare for. The Ranker system will be implemented immediately, and I expect full cooperation from all families. This is the Golden Age of Ondur."

Minho and Princess Deane escorted Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon out of the grand hall, their footsteps echoing in the corridor. The siblings exchanged nervous glances, the weight of what they had just heard sinking in. As they walked away from the council members, Si-Woo couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his spine as he looked back and saw Mutstushiro's cold gaze meet his, a smile playing on his lips that seemed to hold a hint of mockery.

"What do you think?" Ha-Yoon whispered to Si-Woo, her eyes searching his. "Could we really be part of the Rankers?"

Si-Woo's gaze remained fixed on the retreating figure of Mutstushiro, his thoughts racing. "I'm not sure," he replied, his voice tight with a mix of excitement and doubt. "But it's definitely something we should consider."

While Princess Deane and Minho were engaged in a hushed conversation, Ha-Yoon took the opportunity to pull Si-Woo aside. "Brother," she began, her voice low and urgent, "do you think we're ready for this?"

Si-Woo took a moment to process her question, his eyes still on Mutstushiro's retreating back. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice a mix of excitement and nerves. "But if this is what it takes to protect our new home and learn more about the world we lost, then we have to try."

Minho, noticing the siblings' conversation, called out to them, his voice echoing through the grand hall. "Let's not waste any more time," he said, gesturing towards the exit. "You two have to get ready for our training session today,"

The siblings nodded in unison, their heads still swimming with the revelations from the council meeting. As the siblings exited the grand hall, the cool evening air hit them like a welcome embrace, carrying with it the faint scent of distant lands and grasslands. They took a moment to gather their thoughts, the weight of the council meeting still pressing on their minds.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

In the courtyard, Lemmy, the majestic black Wyvern, lay curled up, his scales glinting in the morning light. Just as they approached, a towering figure emerged from the shadows near the palace entrance—Quorge.

Standing at eight feet tall, Quorge’s sleek black fur shimmered in the light, muscles bulging beneath its surface. Its piercing green eyes locked onto theirs, emanating an intensity that felt both intimidating and reassuring. The sprits claws were formidable, looking as if they could tear through steel with ease.

“Ah, there you are,” Quorge said, his deep voice resonating through the air. He turned to Minho first, nodding respectfully. “Head of the Military Family, it is good to see you again. Your guidance will be invaluable in the days to come.”

Minho returned the nod, his expression serious yet appreciative. “Thank you, Quorge. Your wisdom is always welcome among us.”

Quorge then shifted his gaze to Princess Deane, a warm glimmer in his eyes. “Princess, your connection to the realms of light is a beacon for many. May your strength guide them as well.”

Deane smiled softly, her eyes reflecting admiration. “Thank you, Quorge. I hope to bring harmony to our efforts.”

Turning to Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon, Quorge’s demeanor softened slightly. “And you two—Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon. Your journey is just beginning, but I sense great potential within you. I hope my apprentice can work with you both in the future.”

Ha-Yoon felt a thrill of excitement. “Your apprentice? What can we expect?”

Quorge leaned down slightly, his gaze steady and encouraging. “With dedication and an open heart, you will learn to navigate the energies of this land. Remember, understanding is as vital as strength.”

Si-Woo stepped forward, determination gleaming in his eyes. “We’re ready to face whatever comes our way. If it helps protect Yohen and understand these foreign energies, we’ll do it.”

Quorge regarded them with a measured gaze, a hint of approval in his piercing eyes. “Your resolve is commendable. Just remember, the path is fraught with uncertainty, but together, you have the strength to forge your destiny.”

With a final nod, Quorge stepped back, allowing them a moment to collect themselves before their training session. The path ahead was uncertain, but with allies like Quorge, they felt a flicker of hope ignite within them.

As they prepared to climb onto Lemmy’s back, the siblings could sense the adventure awaiting them—a journey intertwined with the fate of their new home.

Princess Deane approached, her eyes shimmering with a motherly warmth that seemed to envelop them both. She wrapped her arms around Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon, hugging them tightly. "Remember," she whispered, her voice a gentle breeze, "your hearts are pure, and your bond with your spirit creatures is strong. Use it wisely." Her words lingered in the air as she released them, a silent benediction that resonated within their chests.

Minho, ever the stoic figure, offered a rare smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'll see you both soon," Princess Deane said, before turning to the majestic black Wyvern, Lemmy. He leaped onto the creature's back with an ease that belied his age and size. The creature's scales were warm and surprisingly comfortable, and as he took to the sky, they felt the familiar rush of wind and the exhilaration of flight. As they soared over the new city of Yohen, the siblings couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of their new home.

"Minho," Si-Woo called out over the wind, "who is Mutstushiro Amreen?"

Minho's expression grew serious. "Mutstushiro is a prodigy of the Amreen family," he said, his voice carrying over the rush of the wind. "He's known for his exceptional all-around knowledge, his knowledge of serein and now the anomalies of this world. However," he added with a warning tone, "his intentions are often shrouded in ambition."

The siblings exchanged a worried look as they descended toward their house, Ha-Yoon clung tightly to Lemmy, her mind racing with questions and fears. "What do you mean by that?" she called out to Minho, the wind whipping her hair into a frenzy.

Minho looked back at them, his expression unreadable. "Just focus on your training," he yelled over the wind. "I'll handle any...complications." His eyes flickered towards the distant horizon.