In the royal chamber of Aurelia, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Around the circular table sat the current four heads of noble families: Lord Lambert Apollo, Lady Casseia Ignis, Lord Caesar Lumius, and Lord Gilbert Verdant, with King Chris Elysionsonn at the center. To Chris' right, Rena Lumius and Neil of Edalyn sat, their expressions grim, the weight of the unfolding disaster evident in their silence.

Chris broke the uneasy quiet, his piercing blue eyes briefly glancing at Lord Lambert’s bandaged arm. “Lord Lambert, I’m relieved your injury is not fatal. Your presence here is invaluable,” he said, his voice calm but laced with concern.

Lord Lambert nodded, his face pale, but the resolve in his eyes remained firm. Before he could reply, Lady Casseia Ignis, seated next to him, slammed her fist on the table, her fiery temper as fierce as the flames her family was known for.

“How did this happen?” she demanded, her sharp voice cutting through the tension. “How could they infiltrate a heavily guarded Keep? And the chain—haven’t we been reinforcing it for years?”

The room fell into an uneasy silence, the echoes of her outburst lingering. All eyes turned to Rena, who had been quietly observing, her sharp violet eyes betraying her growing unease. She cleared her throat and spoke, her voice steady but tinged with apprehension.

“It seems that whoever orchestrated the breaking of Coeus’ chain has infiltrated our ranks,” Rena began. Her words hung heavily in the air before she continued, her gaze sweeping across the room. “And I’m afraid…”

Her father, Lord Caesar Lumius, the eldest and most seasoned of the advisors, leaned forward, his gaze fixed on his daughter. His deep voice broke the silence. “Afraid of what, Rena?”

Neil, seated beside her, took the cue to speak. He placed a stack of dossiers on the table and slid them toward the noble heads. “This is what’s been happening within the academy,” Neil explained.

Each of the noble heads took a dossier and began flipping through the reports. Their expressions darkened as they read about the deaths of students, the sacrificial rune markings, the Cult of Cerberus, and the unsettling profile of Lorenzo Mazco.

Lord Verdant, who had been silent until now, frowned as he lingered on a specific name. “Lorenzo Mazco…” he muttered, his voice low. “Wasn’t he in the same year as my daughter?” His mind briefly wandered to Marge, who could have easily been a target had circumstances been different.

Neil interjected, his tone measured but firm. “We can’t yet confirm that Mazco is the mastermind behind all of this. We’ve placed him under heightened surveillance since the last incident, and at the time the chain broke, our records confirm he was in his room.”

Lady Casseia leaned forward, her intense gaze fixed on Chris. “Your Majesty,” she said sharply, “what is our next step? The Keep’s defenses have already been breached once. Who’s to say it won’t happen again? And with Coeus at large, the kingdom is hurtling toward ruin.”

Chris stood abruptly, his hands resting on the table as he surveyed the room. His presence commanded attention, and the murmurs ceased immediately. “I won’t let this kingdom fall,” he declared, his voice resolute. “We still have a chance—Coeus has only just broken free. If we act swiftly, we can prevent him from regaining his full strength.”

Turning to Rena, he issued his orders. “Dispatch the Phantom Shadows. Their expertise will be crucial in tracking Coeus. We need to know his every move before he becomes unstoppable.”

Rena nodded, already calculating the logistics in her mind. “I’ll have the order mobilized immediately,” she said.

Chris’ gaze swept across the table. “This is not the time for hesitation. The Cult of Cerberus is planning more than just chaos—they’re aiming to dismantle everything we’ve built. We must be united and vigilant.”

Lady Casseia, her fiery temper now subdued, leaned back in her chair, her expression grave. “And what of the Keep? If another chain breaks…”

“We’ll reinforce it,” Chris replied. “I’ll personally oversee the next stage of fortifications. Lord Lambert, I trust you’ll coordinate with the Keep’s defenders once you’ve recovered.”

Lambert nodded, his injured arm resting on the table. “You have my word, Your Majesty.”

The meeting ended with grim resolve, the noble heads departing to their respective tasks. As Chris watched them leave, his Thunder Crown pulsed faintly, a reminder of the immense weight he bore. The battle against the unleashed primordial had only begun, and the cost of failure was one he refused to bear.

——

The dimly lit hall of the academy buzzed with an electric energy as 16 third-year students stood shoulder to shoulder, eyes fixed on the giant screen before them. The faint hum of the screen filled the silence, broken only by the occasional murmur or a sharp intake of breath. The tension was palpable, a living, breathing force that seemed to coil around the room. Some students clutched their throats as if their excitement or fear was choking them, while others stood rigid, fists clenched or shoulders squared, their gazes widening as the image of Aetheris—the site of their final mission—flickered into view.

Aetheris sprawled like a jewel hidden within the embrace of two towering mountain ranges, their jagged peaks clawing at the sky. The town was built along a narrow valley, where a crystalline river carved its way through the heart of the settlement. The river, a lifeline of the town, cascaded in gentle steps, creating natural waterfalls that glimmered like liquid silver under the sun. The homes and buildings of Aetheris clung to the rocky slopes, their architecture a blend of sturdy timber and stone, designed to withstand the rugged environment.

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Rem stood near the center of the room, her posture brimming with confidence. She had grown into her strength over the years, no longer the timid girl who once doubted her place among the academy’s best. Now, her presence radiated a quiet assurance that set her apart. She allowed herself a small smile, the corner of her lips twitching upward, as she surveyed her peers.

To her right stood Marge Verdant, Hans Nimbersonn, and Flo Rozenberg. The trio stood close together, their expressions a mix of resolve and concentration as they absorbed the details on the screen. Marge’s green eyes glimmered with intensity, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a sharp focus. Hans, had his arms crossed, his gaze unwavering. Flo, with her signature streak of red hair pulled into a tight braid, shifted her weight forward slightly, her stance ready, as though the battle were already upon them. Their shared experiences—the victories, the failures, and the near-death encounters—had forged a bond stronger than words, an unspoken camaraderie that needed no affirmation.

Turning to her left, Rem spotted Martin Apollo and Ika Honohara in hushed conversation. Despite their casual tone, both exuded a quiet readiness. Martin’s blonde hair seemed to catch the dim light, his confident grin masking the intensity of his thoughts. Beside him, Ika’s calm expression belied her precision and efficiency. Though they spoke softly, the occasional glance toward the screen revealed the anticipation that flickered in their eyes.

Behind her, the remaining students stood scattered, each bearing the weight of their own burdens and reputations. Lorenzo Mazco leaned against the wall, his ember eyes hooded and expression unreadable. Whispers still trailed him like shadows, rumors of his involvement in the deaths of eight fallen students during a past mission refusing to fade. Nova, on the other hand, stood apart with arms crossed and a steady, unwavering gaze. Having recently joined Rem and Martin on an expedition to the ruins of the Ethereal Glade, she carried herself with the quiet confidence of someone who had proven herself time and again.

Paupau, the force-palm martial artist, stretched her fingers methodically, her movements precise and deliberate as though preparing for the physical demands ahead. Lenny, cracked her knuckles with a low, menacing sound. Her raw power rivaled Flo’s, and her mere presence was enough to command attention. Shierra, meanwhile, stood poised and composed, her brunette hair framing a serene face that betrayed no hint of fear. Renowned for her exceptional healing abilities, she embodied calm amidst the storm.

Toward the back of the room, Drake shifted nervously, his ring faintly glowing with energy. His control over lizards often set him apart from his peers, and though his oddity drew quiet judgment, his abilities had proved invaluable in the past. Beside him was Kurt, his thin, wiry frame deceptively fragile at first glance. His unique ability to manipulate his own bones into weapons often unnerved his classmates, but he stood with a quiet intensity that hinted at the danger he could unleash.

Seraphine stood near the edge of the group, her radiance almost literal. Her mastery over light art had earned her the admiration of her peers, and her stoic expression only reinforced her calm confidence. Alexander, nicknamed the "slime boy" for his ability to produce and manipulate a gelatinous substance, fidgeted impatiently. His unease was offset by Andrez, the class representative, who stood tall and resolute. Andrez’s defensive abilities were legendary, and his reassuring presence seemed to steady even the most anxious students.

Each student in the hall carried their own story, their own weight, and their own determination to prove themselves. Together, they would soon face the ultimate test—not just of their skill, but of their courage and their will to survive.

The room quieted as Master Khan stepped forward, his authoritative presence commanding instant respect. His voice was calm but resolute as he addressed the students.

“This year’s final mission will take place in Aetheris,” he began, his words carrying a weight that silenced even the faintest whispers. “Aetheris has become a breeding ground for the greater titan known as Motherglare. This draconic titan’s power lies in its ability to produce titan offspring, turning the town into a nest of relentless danger. Motherglare is no ordinary foe—it represents one of the most dangerous threats we’ve faced in recent years. It is a test of both skill and survival.”

A hushed murmur rippled through the hall as the students exchanged uneasy glances. The mention of a Motherglare was enough to send shivers through even the most confident among them.

Master Khan continued, his tone steady yet foreboding. “For this mission, you will work under the guidance of some of the best members of the Order. Each of you will be closely observed—not just for your combat abilities but for your teamwork, adaptability, and leadership. The sixteen of you will be divided into four teams of four. Assignments will be randomized, and each team will operate under the leadership of one of our appointed leaders.”

He gestured toward the seats behind him as he began introducing the team leaders. “The leaders for this mission will be myself; Professor Neil; Captain Steven of the Aegis Enforcers; and High Cleric Rena Lumius.” he announced, “we’ll determine the teams. Let the shuffle begin.” The students held their breath as the names on the screen flickered, rearranging rapidly. All eyes were glued to the display, the tension in the room palpable.

The first team materialized: Team One – Master Khan: Margerete Verdant, Paupau Lou, Kurt Young, Andrez Barrleigh. The second team followed: Team Two – Professor Neil: Rem, Hans Nimbersonn, Flover Rozenberg, Martin Apollo. Next came the third: Team Three – Captain Steven: Ichika Honohara, Nova Burst, Seraphine Edsey, Alexander Lovett. Finally, the last team was revealed: Team Four – High Cleric Rena: Lorenzo Mazco, Lenny Javarzskii, Drake, and Shierra Maylionell. A collective exhale swept through the room as the assignments solidified on the screen. Some students nodded in quiet determination, while others exchanged nervous glances with their new teammates.

Master Khan’s piercing gaze swept across the room, ensuring every student understood the weight of his words. “Motherglare’s presence in Aetheris is no accident,” he continued. “For years, the town has served as a nexus for smaller titans due to the abundant crystal deposits in the surrounding mountains. These crystals are highly concentrated sources of aetherial energy—a natural lure for titans. However, the arrival of Motherglare has turned Aetheris into a full-blown nesting ground.”

The air grew heavier as the students absorbed this revelation. The stakes were higher than any of them had anticipated.

“Your objective,” Master Khan stated, “is twofold. First, you must neutralize the titan offspring. They are dangerous but can be defeated with coordinated effort. Second—and most critical—you must locate and weaken Motherglare. Direct confrontation with it is not your mission. Your priority is to destabilize its nesting grounds and force it into retreat. Leave the elimination to the Order’s elite strike force, which will follow your efforts.”

Professor Neil stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. “This mission will not only test your combat skills but also your ability to adapt and survive in hostile environments. Aetheris is no longer a simple town. It’s a war zone. The terrain is treacherous, and the presence of residual aetherial energy can disrupt some of your abilities. Be mindful of your surroundings and your limitations.”

Captain Steven added, his voice gruff but steady, “Remember, this isn’t just about individual prowess. Each team member plays a role, and your survival depends on how well you work together. You’ll be briefed on specific roles and strategies by your team leaders once we arrive at the site.”

Rena Lumius, her violet eyes unflinching, spoke next. “You must also be prepared for unforeseen threats. Titans are not mindless beasts—they are cunning, and Motherglare, as a greater titan, is exceptionally so. It will defend its nest fiercely and may even use its offspring as shields. Compassion will not serve you here. Hesitate, and it will cost you your life or that of your team.”

A ripple of unease spread through the students, but Rena’s words were a necessary reminder of the reality they were about to face.

Master Khan took the floor again, his tone decisive. “We have provided each team with standard equipment. Additionally, team leaders will carry specialized gear designed for this mission. Teams will also be equipped with crystal communicators, though be warned: the aetherial interference may disrupt their functionality at critical moments. Trust in your instincts and your training.”

He turned his gaze toward the door, as though looking beyond it to the looming challenge ahead. “You have two days to prepare—mentally, physically, and strategically. Study the terrain of Aetheris. Review your skillsets. Speak with your team leaders if you have questions or concerns. This is your opportunity to prove yourselves—not only as individuals but as future defenders of the realm.”

The tension in the room was palpable. The reality of the mission was settling in, and each student processed it in their own way. Some whispered quietly among their peers, strategizing or seeking reassurance. Others, like Marge and Flo, exchanged determined nods, while a few, like Lorenzo, remained eerily composed, their expressions unreadable.

“Dismissed,” Master Khan said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. “Make your final preparations wisely. We’ll meet at the academy’s main gate in two days. Until then, stay focused. Your future depends on it.”

The students began to file out of the hall, their minds already racing with plans and fears. Aetheris loomed ahead of them, both a battlefield and a crucible. It was no longer just an exam—it was a reckoning.