In a well lit hall, nine shadows cast an overwhelming presence around three figures at their centre; Mr Gremzor, Nathan and Logan stood patiently in the chamber of the Supreme Order of Nava.

The Supreme Order have multiple chambers located in prominent regions and countries around the world. Each chamber is named in accordance with the function that it may serve; although all chambers are used for audiences with the Nava, the topics and personnel allowed in each chamber is strictly controlled.

Due to the severity of the events and the implications that it may have for Altherion and the people of Earth, they were summoned to the Grand chamber located in the largest capital city in Altherion, Mylselum.

When they arrived in Mylselum, Logan did not have the same enthusiasm for the architecture as he had in Lanexia. The enormous bustling city indeed had larger buildings, and a vast number more than Lanexia, however, he could not bring himself to enjoy their cutting-edge and elaborate designs.

Having noticed Logan’s reaction, Mr Gremzor instructed for a portal to be opened, leading them to the front steps of the Grand chamber.

Once inside, they were greeted by all nine Elders, however, not all of them had welcoming expressions. Logan was left baffled by their appearance, although he had seen Elder Zhaan prior to that day, he assumed that he was an exception, however, that assumption was betrayed.

Contrary to their titles, all of the Elders appeared to be middle aged, at least by human standards. Furthermore, their posture and presence exuded youth and unquestionable authority.

After the formal greetings, they gave their account of the events that unfolded on the evening of graduation. They described their attackers as having beast like characteristics, with distinct outward appearances from each other. Their size, muscle mass and intelligence further indicated that they were a unique race unknown to Altherion records.

Nathan mentioned that although their appearance and size were vastly different, he felt that the ashen giant that appeared in the Soato region and these beasts were connected, in more ways than one. That suspicion gained further merit with Mr Gremzor's report. He informed the Nava that he and Mrs Gremzor eliminated more than forty ashen creatures, who appeared to be strategically placed to prevent interference at the barn. Mr Gremzor mentioned that an additional thirty appeared at the barn when he arrived, further delaying him.

Then, they informed the Nava about Valtyre. His confession startled them greatly. Many Altherians died by his orders, however, countless more lost their lives as a result of his actions in Kingsford. Not to mention, all of that destruction and death had merely been an experiment to awaken dormant Reaper genes.

The Elders' seats were positioned two levels above the trio, encompassing nearly half of the circular chamber. They wore purple robes, each a different style and design as per that particular Elder's preference. However, their overcoats were all the same. Knee length, loose fitting and made from a silk-like fabric. For this particular audience, their overcoats were emerald green in colour. Three silver orbs hovered above them, spread evenly among the nine Elders. A single orb was positioned above Mr Gremzor and the young men below, allowing for clear communication between all present in the chamber.

Directly above the trio, resting his chin on his knuckles, Elder Zhaan sighed. He glanced at his fellow Elders, then down to Mr Gremzor and the two young men. He lifted his chin, and placed his arms on the dark wooden surface in front of him.

"First, I want to commend your bravery and resolve. Circumstances aside, to knowingly face an overwhelming opponent is not a simple feat to accomplish. Yet in spite of the insurmountable obstacle placed in front of you, the two of you charged ahead where others would have succumbed to despair." he said with a warm gaze.

A few of the Elders nodded in agreement to his statement.

"That being said, the situation that we face is more dire than we initially thought. Although we have yet to determine his motives, we cannot deny that his actions thus far would indicate a grand scheme against our people." he said.

"And for an unknown reason, these two young men appear to be at it's centre." Elder Moriah, seated beside him, said. Her sympathetic violet eyes glanced at them before being interrupted.

"I warned you that the Reaper would bring misfortune to us!" an Elder said from across the chamber.

"Elder Riviz, would you kindly refrain from spouting slanderous conjecture." Elder Moriah said.

The silver haired Elder scowled.

"Am I not a member of this esteemed order? Am I to be silenced for presenting a well founded concern?" he said.

"Well founded? On what grounds?" Elder Kylom, seated on his far right, said. She directed a sharp gaze towards him, her ruby red eyes stared at him intently.

"Elder Riviz holds the most knowledge of the races, more than any of us. It would be foolish to question his wisdom." Elder Prex, seated beside Elder Riviz, said.

"Being the eldest and the wisest are not always interchangeable." Elder Kylom said.

"My fellow Elders, your insensitivity in this matter is unbefitting.” Elder Xylem, seated directly opposite Elder Prex, said.

The chamber fell silent.

The dark haired Elder's expression softened.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"Logan, on behalf of everyone present, I offer you my deepest sympathy." the Elder said.

Logan turned to his left; he glanced up at Elder Xylem, then bowed his head. As per Mr Gremzor's instruction, he kept his head lowered while the Elders spoke, though he had other reasons for hiding his face.

"I would imagine that given the nature of events, you wish to avenge the death of your parents. It would be an acceptable decision for you to make at this point in time." the Elder said. "Is that what you wish for?"

"Please raise your head, I wish for you to convey an honest response.”

Logan raised his head at Elder Xylem's request, however, he looked at one of the three carved pillars beside him. The intricate symbols engraved into the wood captured his attention, he smiled then turned his gaze towards Elder Xylem.

"All I want is to live my life, for myself and for the sake of my parents. Avenging their death will not bring them back, instead, it would lead me down a path of disappointment. They would not want that, so I won't dishonour their memory." he said.

Elder Xylem, Zhaan, Moriah and Kylom smiled.

"However...”

Their expressions changed immediately upon hearing that remark.

"I don't intend to be a pawn in someone else's game. I will not stand idle while he hurts more people. If he dares to show himself again, I won't hesitate to crush him with all of my strength!"

Elder Xylem narrowed his eyes, directing a sharp stare towards him. Logan did not waver under the Elder's stare. Elder Xylem acknowledged the burning resolve reflected in Logan's steady gaze.

He half smiled and relaxed his expression.

"Very well, I acknowledge that there is no deception in your words. However, a strong will and resolve should never justify recklessness. Understood?" the Elder said.

Logan bowed his head. “Yes sir.”

Elder Xylem glanced at the other Elders then nodded.

"Nyelekai, based on your account, this Valtyre appears to be quite formidable. Logan aside, as an Alum-Magna it is inconceivable that you were overwhelmed to that degree." an imposing blonde haired Elder said.

"I wish to hear your opinion on the matter. How powerful is he in accordance with our ranks?" he said.

"Certainly, Elder Nemus." Nathan said, bowing his head to the Elder seated beside Elder Xylem.

"It is shameful to admit that our combined efforts had no effect on him. I would estimate that he is as powerful as a High Councilman...at the very least."

Immediately, murmurs and whispers ensued above the trio. The Elders appeared deeply troubled by Nathan's statement, the three silver orbs above them were silenced while they discussed the startling news amongst themselves.

"High Councilman Gremzor, I wish to clarify." Elder Tropan, seated to the left of Elder Zhaan, said.

Her amber eyes paused at Nathan, then shifted to Mr Gremzor.

"It is by no means a dispute of Nyelekai's deductive capability, his merits are well known. As you may well comprehend the severity of his statement, I simply wish to validate his claim." she said.

"Understood, Elder Tropan." Mr Gremzor said bowing his head.

"I concur with Nyelekai's statement, although I did not face Valtyre, I have full confidence in my son's judgment. I believe that it is as he stated." Mr Gremzor said.

The silver orbs were silenced once again as they talked among themselves.

"Understood, High Councilman Gremzor. If that indeed is true, then-" Elder Tropan said.

"He is but one man, we have no reason to fear him." Elder Riviz interjected.

"One man indeed, however, he has proven himself capable of mass destruction. Not to mention the beasts and ashen creatures that he is able to summon anywhere he wishes." Elder Kylom said.

"Indeed, we do not have sufficient information about him, nor the amount of subordinates that he has at his disposal. It is quite vexing." Elder Eptbern, seated to the right of Elder Xylem, said. She narrowed her blue eyes in deep thought.

"High Councilman Gremzor, with regards to the ashen creatures, your report said that they were different than the one that appeared in the Soato region. Please elaborate." Elder Nemus said.

"Certainly, Elder Nemus. These were smaller in stature, and they were incapable of regeneration. I believe them to be artificial by nature, however, what troubles me about them is the fact that we do not know how many variations of these creatures exist." Mr Gremzor said.

"Indeed, that truly is troubling. We also have no way of knowing how many he is able to produce, nor the number that has already been manufactured." the Elder said.

"It appears that Nyelekai's observation in Soato was correct, they are conducting experiments. The past events would indicate that they are attempting to gather a force that is capable of matching our fighting power, in great numbers." Elder Moriah said.

"I concur. It is imperative that we investigate this matter, furthermore, we need to establish safeguards against future attacks. We must not allow him to proceed with his plans unobstructed." Elder Xylem said.

"Indeed, let us conclude this audience to better prepare for the coming days. High Councilman Gremzor, Nyelekai and Logan, your report proved to be of great value." Elder Zhaan said.

"You would be wise to prepare as well, though it appears that you have already acknowledged that." Elder Nemus said.

"You may take your leave." Elder Tropan said.

"Thank you for your time." they said in unison and bowed down.

"One moment!" Elder Prex said. The trio stopped and turned towards their right.

"Nyelekai, for such a powerful man with a number of monstrous subordinates at his disposal, to use two youths to enact his plan against Altherion is quite…peculiar. You in particular, would you not agree?" he said.

The Elders glanced at one another, then down at Nathan.

"Indeed, Elder Prex." Nathan said bowing his head.

"It is quite foolish, neither Logan nor I hold any value in such a scheme." he said.

"You are an Alum-Magna, one of the elite Malenta in our world. In addition, you are betrothed to the first Princess of Soato, in line to become their next King. If that has no value, then is there some other reason for his interest in you?" the Elder said.

"If there is sir, I am not aware of it."

After a brief silence, the brown haired Elder sighed. "Very well, that is all. Take your leave." he said.

"Thank you sir." Nathan said, bowing his head.

With that, the three of them left the Grand chamber.

"Excellent work, both of you. The audience concluded better than I expected." Mr Gremzor said as he closed the main door.

Nathan shrugged walking down the steps, Logan nodded beside him.

"I agree with Elder Nemus that you should prepare for the coming days, however, I shall not be able to assist in your training, at least not for a few days." Mr Gremzor said.

"Logan, what shall you do?" he said.

"I want to go to Lanexia and continue my training under High Councilman Greinier." he said.

Mr Gremzor nodded. "Excellent, I shall arrange for a portal to be opened once I have settled matters here."

"Father I shall accompany him." Nathan said.

"No, you shall go back to Bracken."

"For what reason Father?"

"Your mother is awaiting you there, you shall commence training under her until I am able to take her place.”

"No, that is all right. I shall wait for your return, I shall train by myself in the mean while." Nathan said hurriedly.

Logan tilted his head in surprise to Nathan's strange reaction.

"No, that will not be sufficient. Besides, do you wish to break your mother's heart by refusing to train with her?"

‘You say that even though you are aware of her habits.’

He sighed. "Very well, I shall go back to Bracken.”

Mr Gremzor grinned. "Then it is decided. Your mother will be delighted to hear that."

‘I am certain that she will.’