High above the Academy City, where the clouds drifted in thin, silver ribbons against the azure sky, stood the ancient Clocktower.
It was a monumental structure of weathered white stone and brass gears, its massive face ticking with a slow, resonant rhythm that echoed the very heartbeat of the territory.
The apex of this tower housed the grand assembly chamber, a circular room lined with towering arched windows that offered a panoramic view of the bustling city below.
The Ten Sages have gathered here today.
This was a rare occurrence. Usually, these legendary figures, who held the ultimate authority over the Imperial Academy and wielded power that could shatter mountains, only met during times of extreme crisis or grand transitions.
Even during Elder Mu's rampage, only nine of them have gathered, but that was because Ye Hongyan was down below beating the crap out of Elder Mu, but schematics.
