A Stage For Titans

Lying suspended in the vast sky above the Pacific Ocean, the Celestial Ring loomed like a monument to power itself.

This floating fortress of metal and magic was the most secure diplomatic structure ever created, designed to host the most important events on Earth. Here, rulers from both Earth and the SoulRealm gathered to discuss matters that shaped their worlds.

The structure was colossal, stretching across kilometers in a perfect ring, upheld by unseen forces that defied gravity. The rune-etched metal plating shimmered under the daylight, and the protective barriers hummed with a resonance almost musical. It was a marvel of both engineering and soul-infused technology.

But today, this beacon of diplomacy was anything but peaceful.

Today, the fate of an entire family would be decided.

The Council Hall was a vast circular chamber, its walls lined with enchanted glass panels, displaying the endless, abyssal expanse of the ocean below.

At the center stood a grand circular table, vast enough to seat the most powerful figures of this world.

Seated at this table were:

Theron of Arventis – Ruler of Australia, Bearer of the Fragment of the Ocean & Essence

Alexander Drakar – Ruler of Asia, Bearer of the Fragment of War

Seraphina Evern – Ruler of Europe, Bearer of the Fragment of Destiny

Morgana Strathos – Ruler of South America, Bearer of the Fragment of Time

Lucian Vaelstrom – Ruler of Antarctica, Bearer of the Fragment of Creation & Order

Eight Awakeneds of immense power, each bearing 7 Soul Cores, representing the collective interests of humanity rather than the self-serving ambitions of the Five Families.

Among them, four empty seats stood ominously. These belonged to the Four Independents—Awakeneds so powerful that they rivaled the Great Houses themselves.

Unlike the others, they had forsaken the world of Earth and instead lived within the vast, untamed lands of the SoulRealm.

At the head of the chamber, acting as the neutral mediator, sat Selene, the Deity of the Thousand Eyes, and Headmistress of the world's most prestigious Academy.

Her violet gaze was sharp and unblinking, scanning the room like a hawk. She had no personal stake in this battle, only a duty to uphold balance.

This was not just another meeting.

If the talks failed, millions could die.

Once all the attendees were confirmed, the session commenced.

A heavy silence loomed over the room.

The first to break it was Theron of Arventis, for today's case concerned his House.

Theron rose from his seat, his silver hair swaying slightly from the motion. His ocean-blue eyes locked onto Lucian Vaelstrom, gaze brimming with predatory intent.

Lucian Vaelstrom.

The name alone carried weight—an unspoken threat.

"You are responsible for the attempt on my daughter's life." His voice was sharp as steel.

"You sanctioned an assassination attempt on an heir of the Five Great Families."

A low murmur spread through the chamber.

Even among the ruthless Great Houses, an attack against another heir was rare.

There had always been political games, secret power struggles, and underhanded maneuvers.

But an outright assassination?

That was an act of war.

Lucian remained seated, his expression unmoving.

Then, he sighed.

"That's a bold accusation, Theron."

His voice was calm, but there was a flicker of something dangerous behind his golden gaze.

"Do you have proof?"

Selene lifted her hand, and a golden projection appeared above the table—a memory imprint, displaying the attack on Sylis within Avalon's walls.

The footage revealed:

The Tier III beast's unnatural targeting of Sylis.

Intercepted communications linking operatives back to Vaelstrom.

Deployment records of Vaelstrom-controlled SoulRealm beasts.

Theron's fingers dug into the table.

"Deny it now, Vaelstrom."

Lucian watched the recording play without a flicker of emotion.

Then, he closed his eyes.

A slow, measured breath escaped his lips before he finally spoke again.

"You act as if we haven't all played this game before," he said. "As if your family's hands are clean, Theron."

A sharp, cold silence filled the room.

Theron's voice was low and controlled.

"What was your intention, Lucian?"

Lucian parted his lips to answer, and said calmly.

"I know the truth" but before he could continue, other voices rose in anger.

Alexander Drakar, the warlord of Asia, slammed his fist against the table.

"You knew exactly what this would lead to, Vaelstrom!"

Seraphina Evern's voice was edged with steel.

"An attempt on an heir is not something we can overlook."

Morgana Strathos' golden eyes flickered.

"Even you should have known that this was too far."

For the first time, the Global Representatives spoke up.

One of them, a gray-haired man with 7 Soul Cores, leaned forward.

"We have tolerated the internal struggles of the Five Families because they maintain the balance of power in our world. But this?"

His expression hardened.

"This threatens that balance."

Lucian let out a humorless chuckle.

"So what now?" His golden gaze darkened.

"Do you want my head?"

Theron of Arventis exhaled deeply.

"No. We demand reparations."

Selene's gaze flicked toward him, neutral but attentive.

"What do you propose?"

Theron's voice was unshakable.

"The Vaelstrom family must surrender one of their Strongholds in the SoulRealm."

A ripple of shock spread through the room.

Lucian's golden eyes darkened further.

Selene remained calm.

"The Global Government confirms that the Vaelstrom family possesses multiple Strongholds within the SoulRealm. Given the severity of this incident, it is only fitting that one of these strategic locations be forfeited."

Lucian's jaw tightened.

"Which Stronghold?"

Theron's gaze did not waver.

"The Vaelstrom Bastion."

A heavier silence fell upon the room.

The Vaelstrom Bastion was their most fortified outpost, located on the edge of uncharted territory.

Losing it would cripple their SoulRealm influence.

Lucian's fingers dug into the table, his frustration evident.

"This is extortion."

Morgana Strathos tilted her head.

"No, Lucian. This is justice."

The council members one by one voiced their agreement.

Alexander Drakar: "Agreed."

Seraphina Evern: "Agreed."

Morgana Strathos: "Agreed."

Government Representatives: "Agreed."

Lucian let out a slow breath, his golden gaze sharp.

Then, finally, he spoke.

"Fine. The Vaelstrom Bastion will be surrendered."

Theron nodded, victorious.

"Then we have an agreement."

With the judgment passed, the session began its adjournment.

The Vaelstrom Bastion would be transferred under neutral control, managed by the Global Government.

The Five Families had maintained their balance—barely.

Lucian had lost power, but he was far from defeated.

As the attendees began to leave, Theron stood at the center of the room, satisfied.

Selene, watching from afar, thought to herself:

'This won't be the last time we hear from the Vaelstroms.'

And she was right.

The war wasn't over.