Meanwhile, inside a grand palace located at the center of the [Awakener District], the [Awakener Lord] remained seated on his massive throne-like chair, his posture relaxed as though nothing in the world could possibly threaten him.
The enormous hall around him was silent except for the faint crackling of magical flames burning across the pillars, their blue light illuminating the dark chamber while countless ancient symbols glowed across the walls.
On his lap rested a giant wolf-like creature with crimson fur, its eyes glowing faintly as it lazily wagged its tail while the lord scratched behind its ears.
Despite the adorable appearance of the beast, the aura surrounding it was terrifying enough that an ordinary player would collapse just from standing near it.
Several floating panels hovered before the awakener lord, each one connected to another guardian stationed across the district.
Mathilde's face appeared inside one of them while the others listened carefully.
