Völundr stood at his alchemy desk in the heart of the castle's immense library, surrounded by shelves towering high with ancient tomes and mysterious artifacts. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the room, adding an air of mystique to his surroundings. His fingers deftly moved over the rings belonging to Leo, Anna, Bietka, and Ravi, as he murmured some spell. With each touch of his fingers on the ring’s surface, a small dot of blue light would appear on a map of the world spread on the desk in front of him.
Völundr sought to harness the unique Aether signals of the rings, a signature that resonated with each individual's essence. Every person would emit a unique Aether pulse that he aimed to track down Leo and Anna, unraveling the threads of fate that bound them together.
Beside him, Lowe stood sentinel, his keen eyes following Völundr’s every movement with unwavering attention. Hatta on the other hand brewed a pot of coffee a few tables away, the rich aroma mingling with the faint scent of parchment and dust that permeated the library.
Aran, seated a few tables behind Hatta, was engrossed in a book, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. The young man had devoured nearly fifty titles in less than a week, his thirst for knowledge evident in the way he absorbed every word.
Meanwhile, Dämon and Steve huddled around an Eikóna device, tuned to a news channel that crackled with static. The screen displayed scenes of chaos and destruction, a grim reminder of the turmoil that gripped the world outside the castle walls.
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Reports of cities ravaged by Zak's terrorist attack flashed across the screen, each image a stark testament to the havoc wreaked upon unsuspecting civilians. Paris, once a beacon of culture and beauty, now lay in ruins, its iconic landmarks reduced to rubble. The new but iconic Eiffel Tower had been toppled down, some residents, however, were actually happy as they believed the tower was a horrendous addition to the city, and some politicians agreed that it wouldn’t be missed.
In Paasilinna, the aftermath of the Habondia’s disappearance had plunged the city into chaos. Streets once bustling with life now lay deserted, the echoes of a bloody disaster still lingering in the air.
Völundr's voice cut through the tension, his tone grave yet resolute. "I've found them," he announced. "Leo seems to be in Argentina, his presence unchanged for weeks. Anna, however, is on the move, her path leading her across Russia, with Moscow as her likely destination."
“What about Bietka and Ravi?” Steve asked as he approached.
“Somewhere in the South Pacific. I haven’t been able to pinpoint where exactly, but they’re on the move which means they’re still alive.”
As he spoke, a sense of urgency filled the room, each member of the group keenly aware of the stakes at hand. With a final flourish of his hand, Völundr completed the ritual, the rings glowing faintly in response. The now-visible traces of Aether hummed with energy.
Aran stepped forward, as he frowned. "We must act swiftly," he urged. "Time is of the essence if we are to find Leo, Anna, and the kids."
Völundr nodded in agreement, “I will get in contact with Alouqua and Naga.”