Reivrt Sulgres walked through the underground corridor with firm steps, maintaining a controlled expression while his mind occupied itself with thoughts that had been repeating for some time. Among the seven traitorous councilors, he was one of the strongest and also one of the first to secretly ally himself with Leon, believing that decision would place him in a privileged position once the plan was finally completed. His goal had always been clear—to reach the position of the most important councilor in the kingdom, a position that had remained out of his reach because of a single man.
The king's chief councilor was someone constantly favored, not only due to his proximity to the monarch but also because of his abilities. He was considered the best of his generation, someone difficult to surpass in both strength and influence. Even so, Reivrt never accepted that gap as something definitive. To him, it was only a matter of opportunity, and when it arose, he would not hesitate to act. Changing kings was not a problem if it brought him closer to what he wanted.
In addition, there was something that gave him confidence. He possessed information about Leon's past actions, details that could be used at the right moment. It wasn't something he intended to use immediately, but it served as insurance so he wouldn't be at a disadvantage if the situation changed.
'He called us a day after returning, so it must be important'
The meeting summons came at an unexpected moment. The seven councilors were called to gather with Leon at their usual location, and as he advanced through the tunnels connected to the underground, Reivrt already anticipated that this meeting could signal an important step forward in the plan.
'I hope we make progress, I don't want to wait any longer'
When he reached the entrance, he found the other six already gathered. Some maintained more relaxed postures, while others remained alert, analyzing the surroundings out of habit. Among them, two possessed strength comparable to his, both rank 9, although not at the same level. The other four did not have the same raw power, but still held relevant positions within the kingdom's structure.
"It's been a while since we've gathered like this"
"I think it's been a year, Lord Reivrt"
Without much formality, they entered the hidden room together. The space was protected by concealment magic and connected to various points of the kingdom, allowing direct access without raising suspicion. It was a creation of Leon, something that always reinforced the idea that they were dealing with someone far above average.
"We were called too early today"
"If he called us, it's because there was progress, Councilor Gine"
"Or some problem, Councilor Bastião"
The two who spoke were Bastião and Gine, the rank 9 councilors among the seven. Reivrt remained silent for a moment before speaking, without hurry.
"If it were a problem, we wouldn't all be called together. He doesn't make that kind of mistake"
"So you think he secured the last support?"
"That's the most likely"
Bastião tapped his fingers on the table as he watched the interaction between the other councilors and Reivrt. He let out a light sigh before speaking, as he was somewhat impatient and cautious in situations like this that required years of preparation to seize power.
"It's already taken long enough. The longer this takes, the greater the risk"
"Risk always existed. The difference is that now we're close to the result"
"Lord Reivrt is right… and as long as no one here makes a mistake, nothing will stop us"
Gine narrowed her eyes, directing a subtle threat toward the weaker councilors in a very direct way. That comment created a brief silence, but no one responded. Trust among them had never been absolute, even while working together. After that, the conversation continued for a few more moments, discussing possibilities and minor adjustments to the plan, until all of them noticed the same thing at the same time.
'He arrived'
Leon's presence stood at the doorway, with that look only he had. Without needing any announcement, all seven stood up almost simultaneously, adjusting their posture as a sign of respect. Reivrt was the first to prepare to speak, ready to question directly about the progress of the plan, but before any words could be said, a sharp sound cut through the room. One of the councilors' heads rolled across the floor before stopping right in front of Bastião.
For a brief moment, the body remained standing before collapsing, and in that short interval, those with greater experience reacted instinctively. Reivrt and the stronger ones moved immediately, leaving their positions at the exact moment mana began to gather where they had been standing.
"Wind Explosion"
A burst of green energy filled the area, striking directly at the councilors who couldn't react in time. The structure around them was partially destroyed, and those closest were swallowed by the shockwave. As the energy began to dissipate, only one of the weaker ones remained standing, visibly affected by the pressure.
"So you really are traitors"
Reivrt stabilized himself a few meters away, quickly assessing the situation. His gaze immediately turned to the source of the attack, and what he found was not Leon, but another councilor. The one who had attacked was precisely the one who held the position he desired—Normero Ventaril, the strongest councilor.
The mana around him was still active, indicating he had been responsible for the explosion. His posture showed no hesitation, as if that action had been decided long ago. Before any organized response could happen, Leon moved. His approach was direct, without hesitation. In his hand, mana quickly condensed, forming a spear enveloped in fire.
"Flame Spear"
He advanced toward one of the councilors who was still trying to recover from the explosion, striking him from behind. The impact pierced his defense and launched him with enough force to break through the wall of the room. Reivrt was hit immediately after by the body, being pushed along with it out of the main space. The structure collapsed at the point of impact, and both were thrown into the adjacent tunnel.
'What is happening?'
Even with the force of the impact, Reivrt recovered quickly, pushing the other councilor away as he regained his balance. The damage was clear, but not enough to incapacitate them. When he raised his gaze, he saw Leon standing at the center of the destruction, surrounded by the residual effects of the mana released, and there was no longer any doubt about what was happening. Leon took a step forward, adjusting the spear in his hand before taking his stance.
"As I thought, you won't be easy"