Valendor watched the back of Calyx as he exited the Hall. A fist of mixed feelings hung in his throat like bile, but his expression revealed nothing.
Calyx and Valendor were once at the bottleneck of Integrators– a rank that required more meditation than actual killing of Null Creatures of the same level.
It wasn't an epiphany that came easily. In fact, it was once considered impossible until a figure from the Thalessor Republic made it so.
Convergers were often termed Demi-gods, simply because they could create false words.
A plain under their guise.
The journey itself, from one rank to another, was a step in a grander scheme that eventually results in Self-Mastery.
But Self Mastery was impossible, not with humans, at least.
This was the reason gods were thought to be beings beyond the Eclipse rank.
And why Convergers were Demi-gods.
Explorers represented self-discovery. They had merely begun the journey. Discovering their Archetypes.
They've simply stared into the Abyss and seen what was in it– themselves.
Observers represented Self Recognition. This was a stage where flaws through the lens of our Archetypes are revealed. And we choose to accept them.
Reckoners represented Self Awareness. The act of acceptance of not just our assets, but our flaws as well.
Invokers marked a resounding stage of great strength. At this stage, Ego Synchronisation and Null Resistance should fall within the range of fifty per cent.
This was because, with the acceptance of flaws is the discovery of potential. And the harnessing of said potential. It represented Self Harness.
Integrators represented Self Alignment and Convergers represented Self Harmony.
Both meant exactly what they represented.
Integrators aligned their strength. Their Archetypes weren't just mere vessels where they gained their abilities. It was a part of them. Forged by the wisps of the Abyss.
An Egoist begins his journey of emergence. Their Archetypes and Human form become one.
Convergers took that step forward. They had gone halfway through their journey.
At this stage, one could say, they were no longer human.
Humans were naturally flawed, but Convergers had no flaws. It was why it was near-impossible to obtain as one as to find balance in all things.
Accepting and Denying what one must… but in harmony.
It was a stage that didn't just stall many Integrators, it baffled them.
How could one truly harmonise with oneself? How do you even begin to do so?
Of course, one could always go out and fight against Null Creatures.
There were powerful Borns and Buds which would boost their progress, after all, but that had its own difficulties.
Defeating a Null Creature of the same rank was near impossible without the assistance of three to six peers of the same rank. But, this wasn't the main issue, as they could always go in with high numbers.
The problem was progress itself.
Points from killing Null Creatures from the Invoker rank, upwards, were small– nearly less than half of what you would have normally obtained as an Explorer.
And so, the better alternative– though, more difficult– was meditation and epiphanies.
A kind of personal meditation. It was usually termed Self-Cultivation.
The act of cultivating oneself.
Valendor shook the heavy thoughts away.
Footsteps echoed around him as the three others began to head for the exit.
"Coming, Valendor?" Velisse asked with an arched brow as she stopped at the exit.
Caelric and Ravien stepped out without batting an eye.
The prince's ceremony was about to begin and the Emperor Regent had given them their instructions.
There was no point hanging around.
Valendor turned to her as a soft sigh escaped his lips. He walked forward, joining her and exiting the Hall.
Velisse studied the man's expression for a moment. A smile grew from her lips.
"You can always ask the Emperor for pointers. You know he would be more than willing to help an old friend."
Valendor remained silent. His head eased the thoughts that plagued him.
There was nothing that could be done.
The Emperor had found his Epiphany and he had finally risen to the 1st stage of the Converger Rank.
What mattered was that the Federation now had one of the world's strongest beings.
"Hm. You're right." He stated with a hushed tone.
As they walked down the Hallways, their footsteps echoed against its living walls. Invisible pressures twirled and tightened like living serpents around them.
The aura that emitted from them, though, not at the pinnacle, was still remarkable.
They were still powerful beings in their own right.
Velisse looked away from the man's face.
Her arms folded over her sumptuous bosom.
"Aren't you more concerned about our young Thalia?"
Valendor's lips curled into a smile.
"Thalia." He whispered with that husky voice.
His granddaughter was his pride. His sunshine.
In this world, he had vowed to protect her from anything, if not everything.
It was important to note that Egoists from the Invoker rank could resist the urge of their Ego, thus, they're less likely to go rogue.
So delicate emotions and self-sacrifice were still a possible thing for them– however, they're few.
He chuckled at the thought.
"Still always trying to shift the mood, Velisse."
Velisse huffed. "Whose fault do you think it is that I always do so?"
Valendor chuckled once more.
His chest, once heavy from the pressure of abandonment, had now regained a form of peace. He already knew the steps ahead wouldn't be easy.
Just because the Emperor had done this before him, did not change anything.
His demeanour flipped.
"You speak like my granddaughter was the only one who succeeded in the Trance."
Velisse smirked. "We all have someone. After all, it was the goddess who intended that they shared similar years."
"Hmm…"
Valendor's expression soured a bit.
'The gods of the Abyss… I really don't like them.
And to think such a dark thing would occur at a time like this. Thalia must not get in the middle of this ruffle.'
The Trance wasn't the only thing it brought. Bloodlines, traits and even gods.
Beings that humans now revered as their almighty.
It was expected.
After all, history shows the first appearances of gods as patrons who granted powerful bloodlines which had helped humanity in their first fight.
"I often find myself wondering if their generation will be different."
He spoke calmly, his gaze drifting forward where the two other Ministers came into view.
They still headed in the same direction, but this was information that was privy to only a few.
Velisse shook her head."We will find out, eventually." Then her memory flashed with the news she had obtained through her people.
Someone had been registered that night from one of the lesser districts.
She had immediately put the news under wraps when she received the report.
'100% Null Resistance?' Her eyes narrowed slightly.
'he's not the first, but considering the timing… is it enough to let him walk about unsupervised?'
This had been a rather recurring thought. One that she couldn't immediately find a solution for.
In the grand scheme of things, an increase in their forces, especially in Egoists, will increase their military might.
And may have well put them together with the Eshandor Republic as one of the strongest Strongholds.
'But we don't know this child… and his current relationship with the Federation isn't a good one.'
Not when his parents were supposedly captured.
She shook the thought away.
'What am I overthinking? We watch him as we always do. Then we decide on the long run. After all, the Federation aren't the only ones who require talents.'
A smirk formed on her face.
'The Meridia's will more than welcome him.'
"Do you find it funny, Velisse?"
Valendor's voice broke through her thoughts as she slowly turned to him. She shook her head in response.
"I was just thinking we might find out sooner or later."
Valendor's ears flinched at that statement, but he said nothing.
It had seemed like Velisse was referring to what they had talked about, but clearly, both weren't certain.
Until they confirmed it. Whether or not that prophecy would hold weight or be another scam, as he liked to call it.
For now, they would watch and plan.
Embrace life as it was with the Emperor's protection– without the fear of what was to come.
***
Aurium was alive!
And the Grand Castle? Bustling!
The Grand Castle was a monument of futuristic design meets Victorian architecture.
Tall, sleek, glass walls at the front and back. Long spires that stretched far above the rest of the world.
Fountains that flickered with virtual water. Floating across the large courtyard. Statues and remarkable arts of old didn't just litter the place, it brought spark to it.
Its roofing was a dense material that glowed with neon gold. A light that brought life into the dark clouds.
If one were to gaze at the castle with a common mind, not only would they be taken aback by their inferior expectations, but also mind-blown by the sight.
The structural monument brought life to the world, and its people revelled in that light.
Wide courtyards stretched the floors. Tiled and clean. With food stands and magnetic bots swerving around the growing crowds.
Their chatter was a mix of excitement and intrigue. Some joyous and some even suspicious.
But all partook in the spoils of the Celebration.
Snacks, hot beverages, food and junk food of all kinds were a common sight.
Kids were straddling their father's shoulders. Pointing at the tall spires and the stars that had begun to twinkle under the night sky.
There was another thing which sparkled other than the Moon and stars– a new planetary body and the anchor between the Abyss and Earth Supreme, and this was planet Eidolon.
It was truly a contagious night as everyone enjoyed themselves– Royalty, Nobles and Commoners alike.
Days like this were what reminded the people that contrary to customary beliefs, they were being taken care of.
Above the streets, the large crowd and even the food stands, were the leaders of the Ostaria Federation. Five stacked balconies emerged from the Castle's stone facade like stone ribs.
The first two tiers were occupied by the eight Governors, four each.
Above that was another pair where the four ministers were occupied. Two each.
And finally, at the precipice, the Royal Household– House Aurelith sat with masked expressions.
Emperor Regent Calyx, his wife, Empress Ilith Von Aurelith, and four children, Orinaz Von Aurelith, the first Prince, Calith Von Aurelith, the first Princess, Orvah Von Aurelith, the second Princess and Renar Von Aurelith, the second Prince.
With the leaders finally available, and time far spent, Emperor Calyx signalled to his son.
Orinaz, a young man who was a carbon copy of his father with shorter hair and sharper eyes, stood to his feet and approached the balustrade.
He placed his hands on it as the crowd– noticing this, had begun to hush themselves.
And slowly, silence filled the air as it was finally time for the main event– The Prince's Speech.