Meeting.

Step by step, Cassian walked forward, his gaze fixed on the floor, the gentle breeze brushing against his skin. His heart pounded in his chest, nerves gripping him tighter with each step. The thought of meeting such powerful individuals terrified him. What could they possibly want from him? He had nothing of value to offer. And yet, there was an opportunity in this—perhaps a chance for a better position, a higher standing. Yes, that must be it. A new job, maybe something greater. He could only hope.

He wove through the crowd, passing countless people. The warm scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the distant hum of chatter and the soft clinking of metal. Above him, the golden light of the heavens bathed the city in otherworldly hues, making the grand structures shimmer like something out of a dream. The view was breathtaking, but it paled in comparison to his destination.

The cathedral loomed before him, a monolithic structure that stood above all else. The largest in the world—or so the Emperor claimed. Its multicolored ceiling, a masterpiece of crystal, shimmered brilliantly under the light. The walls, stark white and made from an unknown material, gleamed with an unnatural luster. The surface reflected light in ways that made it seem almost otherworldly, as though it did not belong to this world at all.

As Cassian approached, a silent call resonated in his mind. He obeyed, following the pull toward an area few had access to—a vast indoor garden, the very heart of the Cathedral. It was as if he had stepped into another world. Colors shifted unpredictably as light refracted through the crystalline ceiling, painting the space in a mesmerizing spectrum. The scent of flowers filled the humid air, overwhelming his senses. For a moment, it was too much, but he pressed on, his pace quickening.

At last, he reached the one who had summoned him.

An old man knelt before a dark blue flower, his frail hands trembling as they traced its delicate petals. Though bent with age, his presence was undeniable. Cassian knew who he was—everyone in the city did.

"You haven't visited us in the past two Sections, Cassian." The old man's voice carried a weight of countless emotions.

"Sorry, Grandfather. I've been busy... and I have a wife now. I don't have much time."

"Much time…" The old man sighed. "You're right. We don't have much of it."

Cassian couldn't meet his gaze. Guilt gnawed at him, but he couldn't bring himself to feel sorrow. The man before him was no longer the one he had once loved, the one he had called Grandfather. That man had died long ago. What remained was merely a shell bearing his likeness.

"Look at me, Cassian. Always look at us when we speak. We have something important to discuss."

Summoning his courage, Cassian lifted his gaze. The moment his golden eyes met the old man's, a crushing fear consumed him. The old man's eyes—gold, like his own—held something different. Not just the iris, but the sclera, completely gold, giving him an inhuman presence. And then—

Pain.

An immense flood of information crashed into Cassian's mind. He staggered, his knees buckling as his body rebelled. Blood streamed from his nose, his ears, his eyes, his mouth. His skull felt as if it would split open, his brain desperate to claw its way out. He had never felt anything like it.

The old man's voice anchored him. "Memories. They will be useful in the future. What we give you will prepare you for what is to come."

Cassian couldn't reply—the pain made it impossible. His vision swam, the world a blur of agony and flickering images.

"You should go now," the old man continued. "We will be there when the Emperor arrives."

With what little strength he had left, Cassian forced himself to bow before turning away. He stumbled through the cathedral corridors, his face streaked with blood. People whispered, their anxious gazes following him. Some recoiled, startled by his ghastly appearance.

When he entered the meeting room, those already gathered barely acknowledged him. A brief glance, nothing more. They knew. They had all experienced the same ordeal before.

Every single person in the room—except the guards—had golden eyes. Apostles, as they were called. The Apostles of the Eyes of God.

Minutes passed before another figure entered. This time, however, everyone rose from their seats, bowing in deference. Bishop Victoria. An influential figure in the Church. Behind her were three men, their presence almost as striking as her own. Their pale skin contrasted starkly against their attire. Two had white hair, but the third stood out—an imposing man with a mane of brilliant red. Their blue eyes burned with a quiet intensity.

Cassian's gaze settled on the bodyguards flanking Victoria, his chest tightening. It wasn't their appearance that unnerved him. It was what they could do. Each possessed multiple elemental abilities. And the red-haired one—Lucien—was the strongest man in Stering. Master of all elements. Six Unique Abilities. A monster in human form. And yet, what disturbed Cassian the most was the knowledge that there were fifty-five more like him. The reason Stering had risen to such power.

They were all created and controlled by the Church. Thousands of them serving and protecting as mere bodyguards.

His wife had been assigned to guard Cassian, but instead, they had fallen in love and married. That had made the other Apostles furious, but Cassian didn't care. He had found happiness.

But now, something was happening. Something significant. Victoria's presence confirmed it. And by the looks exchanged around the room, everyone had some idea of what it was.

Would she inherit the Eyes? Or would someone else?

Cassian felt like an outlier in this room of esteemed figures. He was nobody in the Church's grand hierarchy. And yet, he had been invited here.

A thought crept into his mind—an impossible, absurd thought. It couldn't be… could it?

The doors opened once more, and a voice echoed through the chamber.

"Welcome to the ruler and light of the Empire, Emperor Amadeus De Lux the Third. And the All-Knowing, Lord Olfred De Lux, the Eyes of God."

The answer would soon be revealed. And with it, their fates.