The next few days became unexpectedly strange for the Thousand Races.
It began with the Nephralis and Varkhaal Sects appearing in public again.
That alone was enough to make people wary.
For generations, both names had carried the weight of conquest, arrogance, and fear. Whenever their experts appeared somewhere in force, people usually assumed that they will cause chaos.
This time, however, they did not bring armies.
They brought apologies.
•••
Lucien was reviewing the preparations for the first arrivals when he received another unexpected report.
Two Eternals had entered Lootwell and requested to meet him personally.
Lucien recognized the names immediately.
One belonged to the Nephralis Sect.
The other belonged to the Varkhaal Sect.
He expected an uncomfortable conversation.
He did not expect both Eternals to kneel the moment they entered the room.
Lucien stared at them.
For a brief moment, he genuinely wondered whether someone had tampered with the formations.
