The Northern Magic Tower rose from the snow-dusted peaks like a shard of crystal piercing the sky. Its walls shimmered faintly with embedded runes, pulsing with layers of arcane energy.
Kael and Brown arrived at the gates on a brisk morning. Snow swirled gently, but the air was alive with magic — not the cold bite of winter, but the warmth of ancient enchantments.
Kael adjusted his cloak and glanced at Brown. "She requested us here personally?"
Brown smirked, one hand brushing through the shadow cloak that always clung to him. "Yep. Marielle Eldrath. Special-class beast tamer. Your aunt. And… let's say, very persuasive."
Kael groaned softly. "I know she likes to tease."
Brown's grin widened. "Oh, you have no idea. Brace yourself."
They were greeted by the tower's guardian constructs — elegant, shimmering guardians that scanned Kael and Brown before allowing entry. As they walked through the marble halls, the scent of rare herbs and magical reagents filled the air.
At the topmost level, a balcony opened into a circular chamber. Kael's breath caught.
Marielle Eldrath stood there. Her golden hair cascaded like molten sunlight, and her emerald eyes sparkled with a playful glint. Even in the flowing robes of a high mage, her presence radiated both beauty and authority.
"Kael," she said, voice smooth and teasing, "you made it. I wondered if you'd find time for your old aunt."
Kael bowed lightly, trying not to flinch under her gaze. "I… I would never miss your invitation, Aunt Marielle."
Marielle smiled knowingly, stepping closer. "Yet somehow, I doubt you'll admit that you're enjoying being here."
Brown muttered under his breath, "Enjoy? He's already dead inside… from embarrassment."
Marielle shot him a playful glare. "Quiet, shadow boy. You've been gone too long from these halls."
Kael rolled his eyes but felt a strange warmth. Marielle's teasing wasn't malicious — it carried a sense of familiarity, the kind of confidence only someone who truly knows you can display.
"Why did you summon us?" Kael asked, finally.
Marielle's gaze softened as she gestured toward a floating crystal orb in the center of the chamber. Light spiraled from it, casting soft luminescence across the room.
"I need you to speak with Queen Seraphelle," Marielle said. "Your spirit contract. It concerns the rising disturbances in the continent."
Kael's heart skipped. Queen Seraphelle, the ethereal dragon spirit he had bound to his essence months ago, was one of the most powerful entities in the system. Normally, communications were rare, and the summons always carried weight.
Brown folded his arms, scanning the room. "I smell energy. Lots of it. Dangerous? Maybe. Fun? Absolutely."
Marielle's lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Brown, you worry too much. Let the boy face his dragons. Literally."
Kael stepped forward to the crystal orb. He activated his System interface, his HUD-like display shimmering into existence before his eyes.
Spirit Contract: Queen Seraphelle — Active
Communication Mode: Ritual Summon — Ready
Mana Level: 98%
Soul Resonance: 91%
He felt the familiar hum of his system aligning with the spirit's energy. A soft, feminine voice echoed within his mind.
> Kael Eldrath… you summon me in urgency. Speak.
Kael knelt slightly, bowing his head. "Queen Seraphelle, I seek guidance. Strange mana surges are appearing in the southern regions — near REF's borders. And I need clarity on the noble manipulations. Marielle guided me here."
A warm, glowing presence expanded from the orb, coalescing into the ethereal form of Queen Seraphelle. Her wings, translucent and shimmering like liquid crystal, unfurled slowly. Her eyes were deep pools of wisdom, reflecting both compassion and severity.
> The nobles' schemes are shallow shadows of their ambition. But the mana disturbances… those are something older, darker. A force tied to the ley lines, awakening slowly. You must prepare, Kael. Your strength alone will not suffice.
Kael's system immediately highlighted a new quest marker: Investigate Southern Leyline Surge.
Objective: Identify source of mana anomalies.
Difficulty: Legendary
Reward: Mana synchronization bonus with Queen Seraphelle +10%
Kael frowned, noting the weight of the task. "Understood. I'll investigate immediately."
> You cannot act alone. Assemble allies. Each of your friends' systems can harmonize with my essence to mitigate the dangers.
He glanced at Marielle. She nodded approvingly. "She is correct. That is why you were brought here — for counsel and preparation. I, too, can lend my strength. A special-class beast tamer can harmonize with spirits, Kael. You'll need more than steel or spells."
Brown, as always, added commentary. "Spirits, systems, mana storms… sounds like a Tuesday for us."
Marielle rolled her eyes, hiding a smile. "Try not to speak while summoning ancient forces."
Queen Seraphelle's presence shimmered around Kael, enveloping him like a gentle storm.
> Your blade must be prepared, your companions aligned, and your resolve unbroken. Soon, REF will face more than nobles. Beware what stirs in the shadows beyond men's understanding.
Kael nodded, feeling the surge of energy strengthening his system interface.
Mana Synchronization with Spirit: +15%
Critical Magic Amplification: Active
Soul Resonance with System: +10%
Lyra's hand brushed his arm. "Kael… are you okay?"
He smiled faintly. "Better than ever. This is exactly why we came."
Marielle chuckled, walking behind him, her hand lightly touching his shoulder. "You always take things so seriously, Kael. Even the spirits think you're dour."
Kael groaned. "Aunt…"
Marielle leaned closer, whispering playfully, "But I know you like it."
Kael turned bright red. Lyra pinched his arm lightly, trying not to laugh.
Brown muttered from the side, "I swear, family reunions with Eldraths should come with a hazard warning."
Marielle's expression softened. "Enough teasing. You've got work ahead. Go, investigate the southern anomalies, harmonize with your friends, and prepare your city. REF has survived storms before, but this… this will be different."
Kael nodded firmly, stepping back. "Thank you, Aunt Marielle. Your guidance means more than words."
She smiled, playful and warm. "Just don't get yourself eaten by spirits. And try not to sulk in front of me again — I'm married, Kael, not blind."
Kael blinked, heart pounding — half from the aura of power, half from her teasing.
Brown clapped him on the back. "Come on, boss. Time to prep for chaos. Southern leyline anomalies don't wait for etiquette lessons."
Kael laughed softly. "Let's go."
---
As they departed the tower, Kael's system pinged repeatedly.
System Update: Leyline Disturbance detected — southern border.
Suggested Team: Lyra, Vex, Pallas, Brown.
Probability of Success: 74% (with Spirit Synchronization)
New Objective: Investigate, stabilize, and harmonize leyline anomalies.
Kael felt a surge of determination. REF had survived politics, nobles, and monsters. The next challenge would require everything — systems, spirit contracts, and allies united.
Above the clouds, the Northern Magic Tower faded behind them, Marielle's laughter echoing faintly in the wind.
Kael smiled. "Let's make sure she's proud."
Brown grinned. "And terrified."