In the grand hall, where dark fabrics shimmered against ancient walls, the air was thick with tension and strained diplomacy.
The majestic Aaron delegation entered, proud, their eyes hiding intentions unspoken. The delegation wore masks of cold professionalism, yet beneath the surface flickered sparks of spies, watching every movement, every glance, every whisper.
Though Emperor Selios was absent, his presence was felt in every corner—an unseen shadow imposing his authority with silent force. The guards stood motionless, and ministers dared not utter a word louder than the measured footsteps of the official arrival.
In a shivering moment, silence fell like a heavy darkness. The earth shook violently, making hearts tremble.
Suddenly, bodies moved quietly before being crushed one by one, without a touch—an invisible force sweeping through them from afar.
Inside the throne room, Emperor Selios smiled calmly. His hand was raised, eyes focused, as gravity magic swirled around him like a storm.
The sounds of breaking and muffled screams faded swiftly.
In a cold, low voice, the Emperor declared:
"There will be no war… only punishment."
As the smoke cleared, the stern voice summoned Raine to the throne hall.
Raine entered reluctantly, his heart beating with determination, yet he bowed instinctively before absolute authority.
Despite his ingrained stubbornness, this bow confirmed the invincible power of the Emperor.
With absolute control, the Emperor said:
"Kill anyone who threatens Darkol… we do not want trembling hearts when Aaron is bombarded."
This was no mere order, but a blood-soaked brand—a mission that would push Raine toward the abyss.
During mission preparations, Raine sat with one of Darkol's senior shamans, who began explaining the complex power systems governing the empire:
Body powers grow through rigorous training among warriors but gradually exhaust muscles and nerves, leaving lasting wounds.
Spirit powers belong to healers, granting restorative abilities but reducing mental resistance to fear and hallucinations.
Elemental magic is widespread—fire, water, air, earth—each with physical effects; lightning quickens heartbeats, ice slows cells.
Consciousness powers (forbidden), like Raine's, are rare and dangerous, causing neurological breakdowns, visual hallucinations, and devastating impacts on mind and body.
The story of Emperor Selios was recounted as one of "The Five," those who reached the peak of power and mastered the laws of reality itself.
His gravity magic evolved to include:
Turning others' gravity inward, trapping them helplessly.
Disassembling molecules from afar by thought alone.
Temporarily suspending time locally through extreme mass compression, freezing opponents in temporal stasis.
His power made him a living legend, feared openly by no one.
Raine left the hall, moving toward his first internal cleansing mission—the true nightmare beginning.
From the shadows, Arl appeared again, her eyes silently tracking his every move, no words exchanged between them.
Raine's shadow whispered inside him:
"Darkol dies from within… and you will oversee its funeral."