The double doors of pitch-black wood opened without a sound, welcoming Elara's still-hesitant footsteps.
As she stepped inside, cold air laden with overwhelming mana pressure immediately washed over her.
Yet instead of the stiff atmosphere she had feared, Elara was greeted by a sight that warmed her heart.
At the far end of the vast obsidian round table stood Grandmaster Vaelion Elaris in his gleaming white robes.
He offered her a warm smile, a wordless acknowledgment that Elara was now one of them.
To her right, Gorion was already seated in his chair, giving her a firm nod and a fatherly smile that eased her breathing slightly.
Several Wizards and Sages who had arrived earlier—such as Maevira Thorneleaf and Seraphiel Lux—also greeted her with friendly expressions and faint smiles, understanding the weight resting upon the young woman who had inherited the position of a legend like Ardan.
Elara walked toward her seat, a black-and-silver chair engraved with three concentric eyes, positioned between the seats of Thamuz Ironvein and Neravos.
Sylveras moved swiftly behind her, taking his place among the guards with one hand never far from the hilt of his weapon, his eyes constantly scanning the room with the vigilance of a protector.
One by one, the great seats began to fill.
The room, once silent, slowly filled with low conversations and the rustle of expensive robes.
The large clock on the wall continued moving forward.
Five minutes before the meeting began, ten seats were occupied.
Three minutes later, three more seats were filled as the Sages from the border regions arrived.
However, one minute before the bell marking the beginning of the meeting, one chair on the Master Wizard side remained empty.
It belonged to the Arcane Rogue, Zorzax.
Just as the clock's hand reached twelve and the palace bell rang once, the chamber doors opened again with a precise push.
Zorzax stepped inside casually, his robe slightly dusty as though he had just returned from a long journey, yet the faint smile on his face suggested that he had intentionally arrived at the last possible moment simply to enjoy the atmosphere.
Without a word, he took his seat, completing the circle of fourteen.
Grandmaster Vaelion Elaris raised his crystal staff and tapped it once against the marble floor.
A gentle pulse of mana swept through the room, silencing every voice.
"My apologies for calling this emergency meeting, brothers and sisters of the Circle," the Grandmaster said in a heavy and authoritative voice.
"Be at ease. This is not a report concerning a major demonic attack such as the appearance of a Hydra on the border, nor is it about the chaos we experienced in the Colosseum last week."
"This concerns something far more hidden."
"However, before we discuss the findings from VON, I believe today is a very special day. For the first time in many years, our circle is whole once again."
The Grandmaster looked toward Elara for a moment.
"Since we have a new member, I ask all of you to formally introduce yourselves according to council tradition, so that harmony among us may be preserved. We will begin with the Master Wizards, followed by the Sages."
One by one, the powerful mages rose from their seats.
Darak Stoneclad (Dwarf)
"Master Wizard Darak Stoneclad, Bulwark of the Last Gate. My defense belongs to Urtz."
Lurelya (Sky-Eye Clan)
The young woman stood, her silver eyes shining sharply.
"Lurelya of the Sky-Eye Clan, Seer of the High Circle. What is hidden, I shall see."
Seraphiel Lux (Human)
"Seraphiel Lux, Celestial Blade of Dawn. My light shall eradicate darkness."
Urog Thundermane (Beastkin)
The massive figure let out a low growl.
"Urog Thundermane, Warlord of the Stormwall. My strength is the kingdom's shield."
Vaendros Larethain (Earth Elf)
"Vaendros Larethain, Bladecaster of the Eastern Reach."
Fenrath Moongrim (Lycan)
He stood, his wild aura pressing upon the room.
"Fenrath Moongrim, Beast of the North. My instincts are those of a demon hunter."
Zorzax (Human)
He merely raised a hand lazily.
"Zorzax. The Arcane Rogue. You know who I am."
After the Wizards finished, it was the Sages' turn.
Izhari (Earth Elf)
Dim golden flames danced around his robes.
"Izhari, Sage of Eternal Flame. This fire shall never fade for those who remain loyal."
Neravos (Dragonkin)
"Neravos, Sage of Time and Echoes. The past and the future are my witnesses."
Thamuz Ironvein (Dwarf)
"Thamuz Ironvein, Sage of Runes and Relics. Ancient knowledge is my strength."
Maevira Thorneleaf (Human)
"Maevira Thorneleaf, Sage of Scent and Resonance. I can manipulate scents, and I am a master of resonance."
Helmir (Earth Elf)
"Helmir, Sage of Mind. No secret can hide from me."
Gorion (Human)
"Gorion, Sage of Stability. Protector of those who walk the righteous path."
Finally, Elara stood.
Her heart pounded rapidly, but she remembered Gorion's advice to stand tall.
"I am Elara... Sage of Celestial Harmony. I am here as the new Sage succeeding Ardan."
Grandmaster Vaelion nodded with satisfaction.
"Welcome. Now that you know everyone, Elara, let us continue this meeting."
The atmosphere suddenly became much more serious as the Grandmaster unfurled a parchment sealed with the purple emblem of VON.
"VON has discovered traces of highly organized demonic activity originating from the Colosseum. These traces do not lead toward civilian settlements or vassal cities. Instead, they point directly toward one of the kingdom's blind spots: Mavet Valley."
The moment the name "Mavet Valley" was spoken, an oppressive silence filled the room.
Gorion, Zorzax, and Fenrath instinctively exchanged meaningful glances.
Only the three of them knew that deep within that cursed valley, Zorzax had hidden a secret laboratory in his attempt to save his sibling from a demonic curse.
For a brief moment, fear appeared in Zorzax's eyes at the thought that his secret might be exposed.
Yet he remained silent, while Fenrath let out a low growl, remembering the scent of demon blood he had once discovered there.
"That valley is a place beyond the reach of the gods' eyes," the Grandmaster continued.
"VON requires council protection in order to conduct a deeper investigation there. Considering that the senior Sages bear major responsibilities along the borders after yesterday's attack at the Colosseum, as Grandmaster and Chairman of the Council, I propose that Elara assist VON as her first official mission."
"If anyone objects, speak now."
Everyone remained serious and in agreement.
The Grandmaster turned his gaze toward Elara.
"Elara, as your first assignment, you will escort a VON team to Mavet Valley. The Council believes this mission should not be overly difficult as a first step, yet it is extremely important for confirming whether this threat is real and what the demons are doing there."
Elara was momentarily stunned, but she saw support in Gorion's eyes.
She knew this was more than simply a first mission.
It was her first step toward proving that she deserved the title of Sage, while also searching for answers about what had truly happened to her village.
"I accept this mission, Grandmaster," Elara replied firmly.
The palace bell rang once again, signaling the beginning of a new journey for the young Sage toward the most feared place in all of Urtz.
As the other members gradually left the chamber, Elara approached the Grandmaster with the intention of asking about her village that had vanished from the map.