Chapter 943 — The Measure of Kings
The Hollow's council chamber was filled with the sound of planning—parchment sliding, quills scratching, and the low murmur of minds at work. Kael stood at the center, facing his council: Lyria, Selina, Varik, Zerathis, and Fenrik—all gathered around the wide obsidian table now cluttered with maps, prototypes, and blueprints.
The Hollow was quiet outside, but within these walls, the air vibrated with purpose.
"Alright," Kael began, his voice steady, commanding. "The summit will take place in five days' time. The other leaders are already moving their delegations here, and the moment they arrive, we'll have one chance—one—to convince them that this isn't just another alliance of convenience."
He let that hang in the air before continuing.
"I don't just want peace. I want progress. I want the Hollow—and every kingdom in the Coalition—to become so strong, so unified, that war itself becomes pointless."
Varik leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "You're talking deterrence."
Kael nodded. "Exactly. If every nation is a fortress of knowledge, power, and innovation—no one will want to light the first match."
Selina adjusted her glasses, her sharp amber eyes narrowing. "And how do you propose we achieve this balance of power? Even now, each nation operates under vastly different systems of governance and development. The Hollow's science division is the most advanced, yes—but we can't simply hand over decades of progress and expect equality overnight."
Kael gave a small smile. "Which is why we don't hand it over. We share it—selectively, strategically. The Coalition's goal will be mutual advancement under shared standards. Our scholars will collaborate with theirs. We'll provide access to technology that promotes sustainability, medicine, and defense—nothing that could be used to start another arms race."
Fenrik leaned forward, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "You're suggesting an academic alliance under the Coalition banner?"
Kael nodded. "Yes. Science, industry, magic, and spirit studies. The Hollow's divisions—especially the spirit project—will serve as the foundation. In return, the other nations will contribute what they do best. Ironside's metallurgy, Greystone's architecture, the Ocean Kingdom's energy conversion and maritime networks. Each of them brings something essential to the table."
Zerathis rumbled lowly, folding his arms. "And what if they don't see it that way? Kings are proud. Kingdoms are selfish. Not all of them will bow to reason."
Kael turned to him, his tone measured but firm. "Then I won't ask them to bow. I'll show them that unity serves them more than pride ever will. That strength isn't measured by who can destroy the fastest, but by who can build the longest-lasting peace."
There was silence for a moment—Kael's words hanging heavy in the still air.
Lyria broke it first, smiling faintly. "It's bold. Idealistic, even. But it sounds like you."
Kael smirked slightly. "Bold plans are the only kind worth making."
Selina looked up from her notes. "You're calling this test run for a reason. I assume you want feedback?"
Kael nodded. "If I can't convince this council—the ones who know me best—then the kings will eat me alive."
He straightened, taking a deep breath, and began again, this time speaking as if addressing the Coalition itself. His tone shifted—measured, diplomatic, but burning with conviction.
"Our world has known centuries of fear—kingdoms rising and falling, all in the name of pride, faith, or vengeance. The Hollow was born from that fear, but we learned something that no other nation dared to: survival demands adaptation."
"Through our science and our unity, we've built a place where knowledge is stronger than superstition. Now, we have the chance to extend that philosophy beyond our borders. To create a network of power—a Coalition—that no single enemy could ever hope to divide."
"Imagine a world where Ironside's forges build peace, not war. Where Greystone's towers reach toward enlightenment, not conquest. Where the Ocean Kingdom's energy fuels innovation instead of destruction. And where the Hollow's spirit research gives form to a new age of understanding—of what it truly means to be alive."
Kael's voice grew stronger, steadier.
"We do not seek dominance. We seek balance. Together, we can ensure that no empire rises high enough to cast its shadow over another."
When he finished, silence blanketed the room.
Varik was the first to speak, letting out a low whistle. "Well, damn. If I didn't already follow you, I'd be ready to sign up after that speech."
Lyria smirked softly. "You still sound like the soldier who saved the Hollow from its knees."
Selina scribbled a note before saying, "It's compelling. Philosophical, but grounded. You'll need to supplement it with clear logistics when you address the kings—charts, projections, maybe a timeline. If you can show them how it works, they'll listen."
Kael nodded thoughtfully. "You'll have it ready before the summit?"
She inclined her head. "Of course."
Zerathis grunted. "It's a good plan, Kael. But be careful. Kings who fear losing their power will see cooperation as a leash."
Kael's expression hardened. "Then I'll remind them that even kings can fall. But together, they can build something that never will."
The council exchanged glances, a shared sense of purpose flickering through them like embers taking flame.
As the meeting adjourned and the others filed out, Kael lingered by the window, watching the faint mist that rolled through the Hollow streets below.
Eris approached quietly, her movements light and measured. "You spoke well," she said.
Kael gave a tired smile. "It's easier to sound confident when you don't have to believe every word yet."
Her head tilted slightly. "But you do believe it, don't you?"
He sighed, eyes distant. "I want to. I want a world where words can build peace instead of weapons. But history doesn't like men like me. It likes conquerors, not dreamers."
Eris's gaze softened, her voice low. "Then maybe it's time history learned to like both."
Kael looked at her for a long moment, a faint smile breaking through. "You're getting good at that, you know."
"At what?"
"Sounding human."
Eris blinked, unsure whether to take it as a compliment or something more. But for the first time, she smiled—a small, uncertain thing that somehow made the chamber feel a little warmer.