Chapter 7: Countdown To Awakening (2)

Chapter 7: Countdown To Awakening (2) 『 1 Day Left Until the Awakening Ceremony. 』 The daybreak in the North was rather a splendid event to behold. The snow faintly glowed beneath the rising sun, and although it didn’t melt, it brought a sense of comfort knowing that they would have some source of warmth. However, the doors of Arcain Castle were shut today, and everything appeared composed. This was because the most anticipated event of the year was finally approaching. To others, it might have seemed like a normal awakening ceremony, but to the heads and vice-heads, it was a political war. The higher the rank of their newly awakened’s talent, the more power they would hold in the North, and the more assured they could be that their clan wouldn’t fall. That was why the awakening ceremony was held in such high regard, not just in the North but in all other regions of power. "Let the meeting begin," the undoubtedly gentle voice of Alica rang through a rather dimly lit room. Within this very obsidian council chamber, lit by silver chandeliers and lined with demonic dragon relics, the discussion of the Tether Ceremony’s final logistics had begun. At the head of the curved table sat Alica Arcain, the matriarch of the Arcain Clan. Her presence was just as dominating, if not more so, than the other heads of the northern region. Her white hair hung over her shoulder, and her crimson eyes shone brightly, causing the breath of the servants in the room to hitch. "As I said last year, I think we should take extra precautions so as not to repeat the events of last year," the voice of the head of the House Snowveil of the Northern Elf Clan rang out. He was a rather fit young man, with long blonde hair and emerald green eyes. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table as his gaze turned to his wife. "Don’t you think so, Tessia?" Helric Snowveil asked his wife. Mira Goldvein, the matriarch of the Northern Dwarf Clan, slammed her hand on the table. "Can you shut up, Helric? This is a meeting between different races, not a stupid self-game." Helric’s face contorted. "What did you say, you lowly dwarf?" Mira smirked, as if inviting him to attack. "You heard me, long ears. Do your worst." Reynold Roderic Valtor, the northern duke of humanity, released an oppressive yet subtle aura upon the two, his eyes glowing ever so brightly. "We are in a meeting between races. Do you have no shame?" Both Mira and Helric shrank back, then glared at each other the moment he retracted his aura. Alica, who had been watching the entire drama unfold, sighed, her fingers rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Thank you, Reynold." Reynold nodded, then said, "However, Queen Alica, I agree with what Helric said. We need to recheck security, so..." Alica’s expression darkened. She knew exactly where the other heads were heading. The awakening ceremony wasn’t just an opportunity to gain new awakened but a chance to eliminate new prospects. That was the reason the ceremony was randomly rotated and why most families tried to monopolize it. And since this year the Arcain Family, which was hosting it, had one of the largest numbers of high prospects, as when Selena and Thyra had awakened. The other clan heads must have been afraid of another monster like the twin sisters appearing in the demonic dragon clan again. Alica also knew this was the reason for the recent attacks from the northern border by the mana beast delegates and why a certain noblewoman decided to attack that day. Alica nodded her head firmly. "The Arcain Clan will forfeit their rights this year, but next year we will take charge regardless of location." The faces of the other clan heads lit up. Reynold slicked his waxed black and grey hair back, then smiled. "Then House Valtor will take it upon themselves to guide the awakening ceremony." The other clan heads began objecting and arguing while the three ladies of the Arcain Clan sat at the very edge, watching them. ’Looks like the youngest’s plan was a success,’ Selena thought, shifting her gaze to her twin sister Thyra. Thyra was the complete opposite of Selena’s calm nature. She was the fiery lion of the icy Arcain Clan. Thyra looked at Selena, then grinned. ’Fools,’ she thought, leaning her face on her palm. ’Seems I haven’t been spending enough time with little brother. To think he could think this far ahead.’ The three ladies shared the same thoughts on the matter. After Arthur had initially told them that he suspected the noblewoman would attack on the day of the awakening, since their strength would be divided and it would be the perfect chance for the other clans to remove a competitor, they were dumbfounded but still found it reasonable. Arthur had also told them to withdraw the forces stationed in the Hollow Mountain region, where the Tether Ceremony would take place, and launch a full assault on the noble lady’s army when she least expected it. Since none of the nobles knew this, they would naturally assume that House Arcain had simply pulled back to send their forces later. That would mean their forces could wipe out the enemy and return within a day, which would give them enough time to prevent both the enemy attack and any deaths during the awakening ceremony. And added to the fact that the other great clans would argue among themselves about who should take the lead and ultimately end up sending different assassins into the Hollow Mountain who would kill each other, that alone reduced a lot of risks. But for that plan to work, Arthur needed to bring together all the unawakened of the Arcain Family and protect them before the main forces arrived while also trying to complete their awakening. Alica smiled. ’My baby has grown so much.’ The sudden urge to embrace him came over her, but she quickly held it in. After a minute or two more of arguing, the meeting hall went tranquil. It seemed they had decided to let House Valtor take the lead, but only from their expressions, anyone could tell that the others weren’t pleased and would definitely interfere. Thyra spoke, placing her hand on the table as it shone with a bright blue light that seemed to clash with her red glowing eyes. Floating at the center of the table and extending to its edges was a holographic map of the Hollow Mountains, where the ceremony would be held. "All clan heads agree on this format, right?" Thyra asked. "The kids will hunt, gather mana stones, and form tethers as usual." "Each group will enter from different sectors of the mountain range," she added. "And after they place the collected mana stones on the altar and get their tether, they will have to make their way to the temple’s gateway." The room fell quiet. After the pause, everyone agreed. Alica nodded at Thyra’s words. "With that out of the way, let’s talk about the missing clans who didn’t show up." Mira scoffed. "I bet those Snowmane Mana Beasts are desperate for a fight with the other clans. Why else would they form a contract with those stinking Western midgets?" Helric agreed quickly with her words. "I agree. Those stinking beasts and even the demons must be plotting another scheme to upturn the continent." "Even if you say that about the beast and demonic clans, what about the dragons then?" Reynold’s words made all eyes turn to him. The hall seemed to freeze for a moment before Selena spoke up. "They will join us on the day of the ceremony. It seems the demons attacked their borders." The clans agreed with her words. The Dragon Clan and the Arcain’s Demonic Dragon Clan were two clans no one wanted to provoke, so speaking ill of them was out of the question. The meeting drew to a close almost immediately. There was nothing else to say, and if the clan heads remained in one place, it was sure to cause trouble, especially between the Elves and Dwarves. The day was coming to an end, and the children of the great clans all gathered in a single room. The prologue to the awakening ceremony was beginning. ─── ✦ End of Chapter ───