Holograms flickered into existence around him. They orbited him before he began to operate them.
"Veneri, it's literally bowing to you."
Sylveira placed a hand to her chest.
"It recognizes your bloodline, Esteemed Highness. As expected of the heir of the Mage Nexus."
He raised his hand. The holographic interface expanded instantly. His father had been merciless with his seven year training as a mage. He came here to learn about the controls at the age of eleven and twelve so this was no surprise to him.
"Alright, let's wake you up."
The Core answered with a thunderous pulse. A resonant boom rippled outward and in that moment, every mage in the chamber stooped instinctively as the core responded. From the floating palace's underside, a pillar of pure cerulean light shot downward like a spear piercing the sky beneath the island.
Across Amaniya, past its valleys, buildings and great cities, Divine Energy unfurled like glowing threads.
Strings of sapphire light arced gracefully across the kingdom's skyline, weaving from one horizon to the other.
They connected city to city. The Barrier Pillars—tall crystalline obelisks marking each major settlement—trembled as the strings touched them. The hemispherical barriers, once faint like fog, became stronger. Every single one turned a brilliant, protective blue.
Rise Borough's barrier turned into a miniature star. Remote Cities gleamed like gems suddenly remembering their purpose.
Phaenora's jaw dropped.
"Holy… Veneri, that is so pretty."
Sylveira was more composed, but even she was stunned.
"The defensive layets… this is beyond anything recorded in our archives…"
Vastarael didn't smile. He simply kept working. The Core's once-overflowing levels drained steadily, stabilizing degree by degree. Within minutes, the towering crystal structure resumed its usual rhythm. He took a step back.
"It's done."
The holograms faded, disappearing back into the Core's memory.
"Since we're still getting eleven times more Divine Energy, we'll fill all the storage sources of Amaniya's Barrier Beacons first. Once the kingdom's reserves are topped, we'll distribute the excess across the continent, starting with Anqerise's Boroughs, then the other three Boroughs. By then, it will take a few months."
Sylveira nodded sharply.
"Understood. You wish to secure the local pillars before moving outward. A logical priority."
"It's not just logic. If the flood continues, we need the closest stabilizers saturated first."
Phaenora poked him in the shoulder.
"And you want to keep Amaniya from imploding."
"That too."
"Your Highness, aside from the Energy Core, all other issues have been handled. Grand Duchess Adelasta managed everything flawlessly during your ten-day absence."
Phaenora snorted.
"Of course she did. Adelasta could run this entire dynasty in her sleep."
"She probably lectured the House members and scared them while she was at it."
"No doubt," Sylveira replied. "Her presence alone keeps half the nobility from making foolish decisions."
Vastarael rubbed his temples.
"I owe her a break."
Phaenora scoffed. "She'll deny it, then quietly enjoy it. Classic."
Sylveira asked politely. "Do you have other orders, Your Highness?"
Vastarael looked over the stabilized Core with his arms crossed.
"Yes. With the barriers reinforced, Krepsunas won't attempt an attack anytime soon. With that breathing room, summon all subordinates from across Richinaria. Bring them to the floating island for intensive retraining."
Sylveira nodded.
"To adjust to the permanent debuff of losing half their Divinities?"
"I don't want anyone caught off-guard. Richinaria stands because we adapt faster than anyone else."
Phaenora flicked her hair. "And because we hit harder than anyone else."
"That too."
Sylveira tapped her holograms, already issuing the orders.
"It will be done."
"In the meantime," Vastarael continued, "I'll be going on a tour of the Four Boroughs."
Phaenora blinked.
"You're gonna make them freak out with surprise inspections."
"They need reassurance. The Sovereigns of Anqerise lost their Divinity completely. Their nations are vulnerable."
"And you're the one person they'll actually listen to," Phaenora said.
"Your leadership will bolster their morale, Your Highness."
"Maybe," Vastarael said softly. "Or maybe they'll yell at me. Either way, we need unity right now."
Vastarael placed a hand on Sylveira's shoulder, which was a rare gesture from him.
"You're doing well. Keep working efficiently and try to relax more. That's an order."
Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second before she bowed deeply again.
"As you command, Your Esteemed Highness."
Phaenora waved cheerfully.
"Don't explode from stress while we're gone!"
Sylveira sighed.
"I make no promises, Lady Phaenora."
Vastarael walked toward the exit with Phaenora at his side.