Undercurrents

In an undisclosed location in Stargate City.

Inside a big circular room, a huge table could be seen, countless officials were sitting around it. Looking at their badges and demeanor, it could be observed their position wasn't low by any means.

Every one of them held the power to erase a kingdom with a single word. However, the atmosphere was heavy and solemn.

This was the main security council of the Avelon Empire, which held the most power after the Emperor himself.

"Why do you think Grand Marshall summoned us? I thought the council wouldn't open in another day." A high-ranking general asked the minister sitting beside him.

"How would I know? It's a surprise for me too. Everything was fine even a couple of hours earlier." The minister was equally puzzled.

"Let's just wait." The general didn't say anything more.

After waiting another couple of minutes, the biggest door in the room opened and an announcement was heard.

"Grand Marshall Sylvania has entered the council. All rise."

Slowly, a tall and slender figure came out with steady and powerful footsteps. She adorned a unique deep blue and ash-grey armor. Light reflected on the armor and produced a starry pattern on the shiny metallic surface. Her crimson red hair flowed freely and her black eyes reflected a deep hidden shine.

Her presence gave out an oppressive and unfathomable aura.

Everyone hurriedly stood up and bowed. They didn't dare to meet her gaze.

She slowly took her seat and moved her gaze to inspect everyone who was standing with their eyes dropped down.

"Take your seats." An authoritative yet young voice sounded out. "Let the assembly begin."

Everyone took their seats and some started preparing their paperwork.

A senior council member stood up and started talking.

"Thank you for attending the 746th council assembly. This gathering was initiated by the ministry of defense, on behalf of the Grand Marshall. I shall hand over the presentation to the minister of defense, Sir Ronald."

"I've called everyone here due to an unforeseen and dangerous incident that threatens the Avelon Empire as a whole." The minister of defense got up and started speaking.

"An hour ago, a spatial tear was detected. It connected to an unknown place and transported something or someone right inside Stargate city. It was classified as a proper space tunnel capable of transporting live objects. It is definitely man-made and not a natural phenomenon. Someone managed to open a proper space tunnel right inside the capital of the Avelon Empire. The space stabilizers had failed to deter the transportation."

An eerie silence descended into the room before it burst into clamors.

"How is this even possible?? A spatial tunnel inside the space stabilizers?"

"You've got to be joking! How could the stabilizers fail? Did we pay for a bunch of junk??"

"This has to be an analytical error! Not even short-range teleportation is possible within the stabilized space. How could a sustained spatial tunnel connect?"

Everyone was both baffled and horrified. They understood the meaning behind this incident. Being able to open a spatial tunnel directly inside the capital of the empire was the same as ignoring 90% of the empire's military firepower and defense. What would happen if the enemy sent a large and powerful force directly into the capital? It would be absolute chaos. They would be able to tear down the empire right from the inside.

"Silence!" A powerful voice was heard. Everyone immediately shut their mouth. The Grand Marshall glanced at the anxious council members, then return her gaze. "Ronald, continue."

"Thank you, Grand Marshall. As you all understood, the implication of this incident is grave. Someone is indeed capable of breaching our defense directly. However, we've concluded that it was indeed an anomaly. The space stabilizers are perfectly capable. We could not create any spatial tears or tunnels through any means." The minister of defense gave out some optimistic information.

"Very well, whatever that spatial tunnel has transported, I want it in front of me by tomorrow. Close down the city gates. Do not let anyone leave." The Grand Marshall spoke regally.

"And what about the issue with the Church?"

"We are investigating the issue, my lord. It would be taken care of." Ronald spoke softly.

"Excellent. Do not disappoint me."

"The council assembly is hereby dismissed." Sylvania stood up from her chair and left the council hall.

Everyone stood up and bowed in her direction as she got up.

As she left the hall, the atmosphere became much less oppressive. The council members sighed in relief.

"Her gaze is too terrifying. Even my breathing stopped when her glance went past me." A terrified general exclaimed.

"True, I would feel pity even for my enemies if they face her wrath." Another council member joined in.

These council members weren't weak by any means. In a world ruled by power, those who claimed the ranks were geniuses of their right. War hardened generals and cunning, shrewd ministers were aplenty in this council. However, in front of the Grand Marshall, their power only amounts to slightly big ants.

"Do you know how powerful she is?"

"How would I know?? She looks quite young. However, that old fogey Merlin said she's the strongest in our empire."

"Really? Sir Merlin?? I have a hard time believing he said that."

"Shut up. Talking about the Grand Marshall behind her back, you want to die?"

The hushed bickering among some of the council members was still going on.

*******

"So are we taking action? The more we wait, the chances of our success drop." Spoke out a man with regality and confidence. He rested on an armchair as he slowly sipped wine.

"This is not the time to strike. The future is unpredictable, and any variable will cause the results to change. As the Emperor, you're too impatient, Leon." The Grand Marshall reprimanded the Emperor as she called him directly by his name.

The person she was talking to was the Emperor of Avelon, one of the most influential and powerful people in the Western Continent.

Yet, observed by their interaction, it could be seen that their position was equal.

Yes! Despite being the Emperor of the Avelon Empire, he still had to respect her. The Grand Marshall held the power and authority to undermine the Emperor if she wanted to!

Their private interaction would shock anyone.

"You're too cautious. We've created this chance by sacrificing many many things. Do not let it slip." The Emperor spoke out softly, not wishing to continue the conversation any further.

The Grand Marshall got up from her chair and left the room.

"The war against the Divine is nigh. The price of freedom, I wonder if the sacrifice is worth it. But whether this war is won or lost, they will still pay a heavy price.... The price of betrayal."

She muttered to herself as her eyes shone with power.