Chapter 148: Shadows of Jealousy

Chapter 148: Shadows of Jealousy

The grand hall of Solara Prime's diplomatic wing was a study in contrasts. Its towering arches and intricate mana-infused designs spoke of The Celestial Imperium's technological and magical dominance. Yet, the tension in the air reminded everyone present of the fragile balance between power and trust.

Jack stood at the head of the chamber, dressed in his standard black military coat adorned with subtle silver accents. His posture was calm, exuding quiet authority, but his piercing gaze betrayed the weight of the moment. Beside him stood Eryndra, the elven leader of the Sylvan Enclave, her silver eyes sharp and observant. Her presence was both reassuring and commanding, a reminder of the Imperium's growing alliances.

Across from them sat Sarah, Derek, and Ryan, members of the Holy Kingdom's hero party, along with Archduke Harland, one of the kingdom's most influential political figures. The Holy Kingdom's delegation exuded formality, their flowing robes embroidered with golden sigils of their gods. Despite their dignified appearance, an undercurrent of unease rippled through their ranks.

This was no ordinary meeting. It was a critical moment of diplomacy, a conversation balancing on the edge of civility and confrontation.

Jealousy and Accusation

Derek's eyes narrowed as they darted between Jack and Eryndra. The closeness between the two was evident—the way they exchanged subtle glances, the effortless synchronization of their movements. It gnawed at Derek, his voice dripping with suspicion as he broke the silence.

"So this is what you've become, Jack," Derek said, leaning forward with a bitter edge in his tone. "Surrounded by elves and machines, ruling from your fortress of steel and magic. Do you even remember who you were?"

Jack's expression didn't falter. "I remember exactly who I was, Derek. And that's why I won't go back to being a pawn for a kingdom that clings to outdated ideals."

Sarah's voice, softer but no less pointed, cut through the air. "We're not here to trade insults. We're here to discuss the rift and the rising demon threat. Yet, all I see is you building a nation that's more interested in showing off its power than protecting humanity."

Eryndra tilted her head, her gaze icy. "The Imperium has done more to protect humanity than the Holy Kingdom ever could. While your armies struggle to hold the line, Jack has built a nation capable of standing against the rifts. Tell me, Lady Sarah, how many of your people died last week in the eastern plains?"

The question hung in the air like a dagger. Sarah's jaw tightened, but she said nothing.

Derek, however, wasn't finished. He turned his glare to Eryndra. "And you," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "What does your kind gain from this alliance? Is Jack just another pawn in your game?"

Eryndra's lips curled into a faint smile, though her eyes remained cold. "You mistake partnership for manipulation, Sir Derek. My people have suffered greatly at the hands of the demons. Jack offers something your Holy Kingdom never could—progress, survival, and a future."

A Clash of Ideals

The conversation shifted as Archduke Harland cleared his throat, his voice steady and measured. "Progress is one thing, but unchecked ambition is another. The Imperium's rapid expansion and militarization have caused... unease among neighboring nations. The Holy Kingdom is concerned about where your loyalties truly lie, Lord Jack."

Jack's gaze locked onto Harland, his voice unwavering. "My loyalty is to the survival of humanity. The Celestial Imperium was built because the Holy Kingdom failed to adapt. You cling to faith while the world burns. My people don't pray for salvation—they build it."

Harland's expression darkened. "And what happens when your technology outpaces your humanity? What happens when you've turned every soldier into a machine, every city into a fortress? Do you intend to lead humanity, or will you rule over it as a god of steel and mana?"

The room fell into an uneasy silence. It was Ryan who finally spoke, his voice quiet but firm. "Jack... is this really what you want? To isolate yourself from everything we believed in? From everyone who cared about you?"

Jack's cold demeanor softened, just for a moment. He met Ryan's gaze, his voice quieter. "I didn't isolate myself, Ryan. I was cast out. And while the Holy Kingdom bickered over traditions and prayers, I built something real. I built a future."

The Rift's Shadow

Maren Aldryn entered the chamber, her arrival breaking the tension. The lead scientist of Project Ascension carried a tablet, its holographic display projecting a map of the eastern continent. Red markers dotted the map, each one representing an active demon rift.

"We have a situation," Maren began, addressing the room. "The eastern rift has expanded. Our scouts report a massive surge of demon activity, including high-tier generals and corrupted mana storms. If left unchecked, it will spill into surrounding regions within weeks."

The severity of her words cut through the animosity, redirecting the room's focus. Eryndra stepped forward, her tone decisive. "The Sylvan Enclave is already preparing its forces. We'll work alongside the Imperium to contain the rift."

Harland frowned. "And what of the Holy Kingdom? Are we to assume you'll handle this alone?"

Jack's voice was sharp. "The Imperium will lead the charge. But if the Holy Kingdom wishes to contribute, your forces are welcome—so long as they follow my command."

Derek bristled. "You expect us to kneel to you?"

"No," Jack replied coolly. "I expect you to survive."

The Rumors of Jack's Humanity

As the meeting concluded, the tension lingered, but the lines of cooperation were drawn. The Holy Kingdom would send a contingent to assist in the eastern rift operation, though their mistrust of Jack and his methods remained evident.

In the quiet corridors outside the chamber, whispers spread among the Holy Kingdom's delegation. Soldiers and attendants exchanged hushed words, their tones laced with awe and unease.

"Did you see his guards? Their armor is like nothing I've ever seen."

"I heard he's been working with the elves to create weapons that rival the gods' power."

"And that elven leader... do you think there's more to their alliance than politics?"

"Jack wasn't like this before. What happened to him?"

Amidst the rumors, Derek and Sarah walked side by side, their expressions grim. Derek clenched his fists. "He's lost his humanity, Sarah. This... Imperium has twisted him into something unrecognizable."

Sarah hesitated, her gaze distant. "Or maybe this is who he always was. And we never truly understood him."