The Tower of Caelumreach burned with light once more.

  All seven members of the council gathered again within its heights, seated together after the Silver Chair and the long sessions that followed. It had been a long while since they had all faced one another in the same chamber. New policies waited to be shaped. New decisions hovered, unspoken, in the air.

  Cygnus Spellbane opened a portal beside his seat while stirring tea with a silver spoon. The fragrance rose at once, floral and subtle, drifting toward the vaulted ceiling. Steam curled upward in gentle spirals. For a moment, the room held peace.

  Then it broke.

  “Why did you erase those news records?” Elysius shouted, his face tight with fury.

  “I told you already,” Bjorn replied, cigarette pinched between his fingers. “I threw them out by accident at the Forger factory.”

  Cygnus only shook his head. He sat, blew gently across the surface of his tea, and drank without a word. Either the two had not noticed his presence, or their tempers had decided to ignore the Sorcerer Supreme entirely.

  “I worked two nights on that,” Elysius snapped, stepping closer to Bjorn. “Two nights.”

  “Relax,” Bjorn said, laughing as if it were nothing. “You can just remake it. You still remember the topic, don’t you?”

  “I hate you,” Elysius shouted.

  Cygnus chuckled under his breath. Before he could speak, the transmitter hidden beneath his robes pulsed. Lucretius was calling.

  “Cygnus,” the Fallen Knight’s voice echoed from afar, “open a portal.”

  Cygnus lifted one hand. The air folded.

  Lucretius stepped through.

  He looked nothing like his usual self. No heavy armor. No blade at his side. He wore black garments trimmed with dark wolf fur, a necklace of bone resting against his chest. In his hand, he held a bouquet of Midnight Roses.

  The argument died at once.

  Cygnus, Bjorn, and Elysius stared. Confusion, disbelief, and something close to amusement crossed their faces. This was not the Lucretius they knew.

  “You’re still… you, right?” Bjorn asked, pointing at him.

  Lucretius ignored the question.

  Elysius, clearly unwilling to endure whatever this was, rose and left the chamber to prepare the meeting agenda. With four council members now present, the room felt suddenly heavier.

  Moments later, Starmist entered.

  Her smile had returned. She walked in with calm confidence, greeting the others. The moment she stepped inside, Lucretius stood abruptly and crossed the distance between them. He offered her the bouquet with both hands.

  “Starmist,” he said, lowering his gaze. “About what I did at the colosseum. I never meant to—”

  He swallowed.

  “I’m sorry.”

  He did not look up.

  Starmist accepted the flowers. The scent of Midnight Rose was sharp and sweet, almost intoxicating. She smiled at him, gentle and unguarded.

  “Don’t dwell on it,” she said. “I forgive you. What matters is that we, the council, remain united.”

  A faint blue hue touched her cheeks.

  Lucretius smiled, relief visible even as he said nothing more. He returned to his seat. Starmist placed the bouquet beside her.

  Bjorn and Cygnus exchanged a long look. Neither said a word. Some events did not require commentary.

  Then fire streaked across the sky.

  A blazing shape like a tailed meteor slammed onto the tower balcony. Flames scattered as Amaterasu arrived, landing without ceremony. She never bothered with the main entrance. As always, she threw open the window and stepped inside, heat rolling off her like breath.

  “What did I miss?” she asked loudly.

  “Everything,” Bjorn said with a grin. “We were just about to leave.”

  Amaterasu shot him an annoyed look and sat beside Starmist. The two immediately fell into easy conversation, voices low, familiar.

  “Amaterasu,” Cygnus asked in his deep, steady voice, “has the Shogun returned?”

  “Not yet,” Amaterasu replied, irritation clear on her face. “His transmitter is unreachable. As always.”

  “He’s been like that for as long as I can remember,” Starmist said, lightly holding Amaterasu’s arm as they shared a quiet laugh. “Seems he hasn’t changed at all.”

  The doors of the chamber opened again. Leroy and Elysius entered, carrying a crate filled with documents. At last, everyone was present.

  “Good to see you all,” Leroy said. “It’s been a while. How have you been?”

  For the next half hour, the council spoke freely, exchanging updates and small jokes before the meeting formally began. Cygnus spoke of his activities with his faction. Lucretius mentioned training Samartian and Morrigan. Starmist summarized her meetings with the Extraterrestrial faction. Leroy spoke of skirmishes and negotiations alongside the weapon masters. Amaterasu recounted monster hunts with Susanoo. Bjorn proudly described his latest inventions. Even Elysius shared stories from his travels across the All Realm during rare moments of leisure.

  “How was the Silver Chair meeting?” Starmist asked.

  “You’ve likely heard it from Leroy already,” Bjorn said. The tone of his voice made both Leroy and Starmist stiffen. “But I’ll say it again.”

  “Everything went as expected,” Bjorn continued. “Even without several faction leaders present, we made it clear to the commonfolk kings and queens who they should follow.”

  His booming laughter echoed through the chamber.

  Amaterasu, Cygnus, and Lucretius laughed with him. Leroy and Elysius remained neutral. Starmist lowered her gaze.

  “Elysius,” Amaterasu said, changing the subject, “your experience must have been enlightening. Council meetings are more interesting than Silver Chair, aren’t they?”

  “What surprised me most,” Elysius replied, still organizing his papers, “was their perception of you, General Lucretius, and Master Spellbane.”

  “That’s hardly a secret,” Amaterasu said, rolling her eyes. “Let it be.”

  “When there is nothing left to fear,” Cygnus added calmly as he sipped his tea, “commonfolk will always find ways to seize power. It has been so for centuries.”

  “They also asked about young soldiers,” Bjorn said, turning to Cygnus. “Many are more eager to join your faction, mine, or the weapon masters.”

  “And what did they demand?” Cygnus asked.

  “Stricter regulations,” Leroy answered. “But what they truly want is to close the path for commonfolk to become superhuman.”

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  Cygnus shifted his gaze from Bjorn to Leroy. “We have already tightened control and oversight. Their request is impossible. Regeneration is necessary, in every faction.”

  “I told them the same,” Leroy said.

  “From the Vanguard and the military,” Lucretius asked evenly, “were there any objections?”

  “A few,” Leroy replied, raising his thumb. “All resolved.”

  Lucretius nodded once.

  Elysius then distributed a set of documents for their signatures. They concerned funding for several small kingdoms and for the Sevenstar Foundation, as previously agreed. Only Leroy, Starmist, Cygnus, and Bjorn reread the papers carefully. The others signed without hesitation, unwilling to dwell on details.

  The ink dried as the council settled into silence, the weight of their decisions spreading quietly through Caelumreach.

  More documents were placed on the table. Final decisions, each bearing a different seal and subject. Once all seven signatures were set upon them, the papers would become untouchable, absolute under the law of the All Realm.

  “I heard the Cryon Battery trade is set to expand,” Starmist said as she laid her pen down. “Have we all agreed to this?”

  “Cygnus. Amaterasu,” Bjorn said, turning toward them. “Regarding that matter, I’ve already spoken with the Cogworks professor. This resource is essential if we want to accelerate development.”

  “Proceed,” Cygnus replied, summoning a teapot through a small portal to refill his empty cup. “But your lower members must be kept under control.”

  “And remember,” Amaterasu added, pointing at Bjorn, “if they damage sacred sites or disturb elemental creatures, I will intervene personally.”

  “Relax,” Bjorn said with a laugh. “I’ll handle it. They’ll listen if it comes from me.”

  Silence returned as Leroy distributed a thick summary of the Silver Chair meeting. Bjorn fell asleep in his chair almost immediately. Leroy leaned toward Elysius, speaking in low tones. The others who had attended read page after page. Amaterasu flipped through quickly, skimming only the core points. Lucretius did not open the report at all.

  “After the colosseum incident,” Starmist said, “many have begun to question the council. Especially since we haven’t convened here in some time.”

  “What are you proposing?” Leroy asked.

  “Would it be possible,” Starmist said softly, “to hold a philanthropic conference, with all seven of us present?”

  The council fell quiet. Each considered the idea in their own way. Cygnus tapped Bjorn’s shoulder until he stirred awake.

  Seeing their hesitation, Starmist continued. “The All Realm is growing. The number of nobles is increasing as well. This may be the right moment to invite them to contribute.”

  “That was common during the era of commonfolk rule,” Cygnus said.

  “Yes,” Amaterasu replied, “but do we all have to attend? I’m not fond of being surrounded by crowds for long.”

  “That’s because commonfolk are afraid of you,” Bjorn joked. “Try being less terrifying.”

  “Shut up,” Amaterasu snapped.

  After a moment, Amaterasu nodded. Leroy agreed. Bjorn and Elysius followed.

  “I’ll attend,” Cygnus said, lifting the report, “but only briefly. That’s acceptable?”

  “Of course,” Starmist replied with a smile. “What matters is that Cognisource can document all of us together.”

  Cygnus then turned his gaze to the silent general. “And you, Lucretius?”

  Lucretius nodded once and offered Starmist a faint smile.

  “Then it’s settled,” Starmist said. “I’ll inform you of the next steps.”

  The council members nodded in agreement, the decision woven quietly into the fabric of the All Realm.

  “I’ve been thinking about something from our earlier discussion,” Leroy said. Every gaze turned toward him.

  “Why don’t we recruit those who wish to join the Sorcerers, Cogworks, or Weapon Masters and place them directly under the council as soldiers?”

  Amaterasu laughed. “In times of peace, I sometimes forget they even exist. And if we barely make use of them ourselves, I doubt serving as council troops would appeal to anyone.”

  “They’re treated more like attendants than soldiers,” Lucretius added flatly.

  “What confuses me,” Leroy said, frowning at his own thought, “is whether they seek to become superhuman for money, or for pride.”

  “From yesterday’s discussion,” Elysius said, standing beside him, “it leans more toward pride.”

  Cygnus stirred sugar into his tea. “There’s been a shift in priorities. I’ve noticed the same within my own faction.”

  All eyes turned to him.

  “With our dominance established,” Cygnus continued, “commonfolk now seek meaning before wealth. The All Realm is rising, and many faction offer them something to believe in.”

  “So what are you suggesting?” Amaterasu asked.

  “Our regulations and controls are already correct,” Cygnus said, meeting Leroy’s eyes. “Your proposal may have merit, but it’s better suited for the future.”

  He set his cup down. “Every era demands a different response. Not every demand must be fulfilled.”

  The room nodded as one. Silence followed. Even Elysius paused, absorbing the weight of the Sorcerer Supreme’s words.

  Bjorn, meanwhile, blinked, then spoke in a drowsy voice. “I don’t know what else to add, but could we take a break?”

  Starmist laughed softly behind her hand. Leroy, Amaterasu, and Elysius exchanged tired looks. The meeting was adjourned for several hours.

  They took lunch together in the same chamber.

  Afterward, Leroy descended the Tower of Caelumreach to meet Rufus White, the Thousand Fist.

  Rufus sat with several subordinates in the courtyard below. When he saw Leroy approach, he stood and dismissed them at once.

  “Here you go, First Brother,” Rufus said, handing over a stack of reports. “Mainland security. Make sure the whole council sees this. Not just Lucretius.”

  Leroy flipped through the pages. “Good work. This is your second year guarding the Mainland, isn’t it?”

  “That’s right,” Rufus said, removing his round cap. “Without this post, I’d probably be an idle Vanguard.”

  “And the fight in District Three?” Rufus asked. “How was it?”

  “Crowded,” Leroy replied with a smile. “Felt like old times.”

  Rufus smiled back. “You know, you’re respected there. They look forward to seeing you. Not like me.”

  “You could be,” Leroy said firmly. “When I spoke with Lisa, Cheng, and the others, they didn’t dislike you. They disliked how harshly you treated their member.”

  Rufus folded his arms and smirked. “They’re chaotic. Talking doesn’t work. If I didn’t use force, your report wouldn’t look half as good.”

  “Have you tried speaking with the leaders to find common ground?” Leroy asked, folding his arms as well.

  “No need,” Rufus snapped. “They’re as chaotic as their crews.”

  “They’re part of our faction,” Leroy said sharply.

  Rufus looked away. “Maybe I’m not suited to this role. People behind desks always find it easy to criticize those in the field.”

  “I’m telling you this because I stood where you stand now,” Leroy said, pointing at Rufus’s chest.

  “Then why don’t you handle them yourself?” Rufus shot back, eyes locked on Leroy’s hand.

  Leroy withdrew his hand and stepped away. “You want my position,” he said quietly.

  Rufus said nothing, but his expression was defiant.

  “That won’t happen while you remain like this,” Leroy continued. “I won’t promote you as the Weapon Master faction’s successor on the council.”

  “Then who?” Rufus snapped. “One of those barbaric gang leaders?”

  Leroy had no time for wounded pride. He turned and headed back toward the tower.

  “No one rules forever,” Rufus shouted after him. “You’re human too. You should start thinking about your replacement, First Brother.”

  Leroy did not look back.

  Rufus replaced his cap, jaw tight, and walked away from Caelumreach, leaving the tower looming in silence behind him.

  Leroy returned to the chamber with irritation written across his face and took his seat at once.

  “Are you all right?” Starmist asked.

  “Everything is under control,” the Green Wraith replied.

  “Rufus again, I presume,” Bjorn said, exhaling a stream of smoke.

  “That man,” Amaterasu muttered. “Lucretius, can you silence that power starved fool?”

  Before Lucretius could answer, Leroy cut in.

  “Let’s not exaggerate, Amaterasu,” he said with a short laugh. “People from my faction are rough by nature.”

  Starmist smiled faintly at that.

  “But this is serious,” Amaterasu continued. “Aside from my unruly brother, what exactly is wrong with the Vanguard’s behavior these days?”

  “Remini, Raidbones, and several others from our generation understood restraint,” Bjorn said. “But the newer ones, Sigurd, Rufus, D’Hertz, they seem to have their own worldview.”

  “In our time, we wouldn’t dare confront our seniors openly,” Starmist added. “They do it without hesitation.”

  “As long as it remains personal, consider it a trial,” Cygnus said. “But if such defiance is displayed publicly, the council must respond with strength.”

  “We understand,” Amaterasu replied. “Still, Vanguard has always been the closest path to the council.”

  “That was true for our generation,” Leroy said, opening Rufus’s report. “Perhaps it’s time to revise the selection criteria.”

  “And where does that leave me?” Elysius asked.

  “You can see the future with those eyes of yours,” Bjorn said. “Figure it out yourself.”

  Laughter filled the chamber.

  “If I could see that far ahead, I wouldn’t be asking,” Elysius snapped.

  “You should consider yourself lucky,” Amaterasu said. “You have no internal competition within your faction.”

  “What matters most,” Starmist said gently, “is that you continue doing your best. When the next generation arrives, you’ll be the example they follow.”

  “So I’m being groomed as the future council leader?” Elysius asked, his smile growing.

  “No,” Bjorn said, laughing as he pounded the table. “Your job sorting letters is permanent.”

  The room erupted in laughter again.

  “You’re unbeliveable,” Elysius shouted.

  The meeting resumed. Leroy presented the Mainland security report. Cygnus began to relay intelligence from the Cryptic Associates, but Bjorn interrupted.

  “Cygnus,” he said, tapping ash into the tray, “the death of King Dayrand has become a major topic at the Silver Chair. Is there anything we should know?”

  “I presented him with evidence gathered by the Cryptic,” Cygnus replied calmly. “I allowed him time to reflect and told him I would return after the tournament. Beyond that, I did nothing.”

  “Your presence alone may have intimidated him,” Lucretius said.

  “Should I change who I am, then?” Cygnus replied.

  “Cygnus,” Leroy said, “I suggest sending one of your sorcerer representatives to Alvoria. At least it would show that you weren’t responsible.”

  “A gesture of goodwill might calm their crown prince,” Starmist added.

  “I understand,” Cygnus said, raising a finger. “But I will continue to watch that kingdom closely. Dayrand was indeed planning rebellion.”

  “We only want to be certain you’re clear of blame,” Bjorn said. “If rumors rise again, Cognisource can shape the narrative.”

  Amaterasu appeared indifferent to the discussion. Elysius likewise showed little interest. Cygnus returned to his reading, the council moving on as the weight of quiet power settled once more over Caelumreach.