whispers of war

Chapter 81: Whispers of War

The moment the Headmaster returned with the students and the captured Xelthar mage, the entire Empire of Eldoria trembled.

Word of the Calamity-Class Beast had already spread.

But the truth behind it?

That was far more dangerous.

The Gathering of Power

Two days after their return, the most powerful figures in Eldoria assembled in a hidden chamber within the Royal Palace.

Seated around a massive obsidian table were the heads of the Seven Great Noble Houses, the Academy's top officials, and Emperor Adrian Eldoria himself.

At the head of the table, Varian Drakos Eldoria, the Headmaster of Eldoria Academy, stood with arms crossed, his golden gaze scanning the room.

Lucian's father, Emperor Adrian Eldoria, leaned forward, his piercing golden eyes glinting with sharp amusement. He was not a man who wasted time with pleasantries.

"So," the Emperor said, his voice carrying through the room like rolling thunder. "Tell me, Headmaster. What exactly have my students uncovered?"

Varian didn't hesitate.

"The Dominion of Xelthar has been experimenting on mana beasts within our borders," he stated plainly. "The beast my students fought was not a natural evolution—it was a weapon."

Murmurs erupted around the table.

Duke Alistair Veyrin, Kael's father, was the first to speak. "Xelthar has never been bold enough to cross into our lands like this. What changed?"

Duke Varian Duskbane leaned forward, his calculating silver eyes narrowing. "They've been quiet for over a decade. If they're moving now, it means they're testing our limits."

"Or," Duke Ragnor Grimthorne growled, his massive arms crossed, "they're preparing for war."

Lady Selene Duskbane, Cassian and Selene's mother, let out a low whistle. "They used children to gather intelligence on us? How underhanded."

Lady Seraphina Grimthorne smirked. "I can respect the tactic. But it won't save them from what comes next."

Across the table, Lord Garrick Zephyrion, Darius's father, scowled. "We need to retaliate. If we let this pass, Xelthar will think we're weak."

The Emperor tapped his fingers against the obsidian table, deep in thought.

"We will not act rashly," he finally said. His golden eyes flicked to Varian. "You have a captured spy?"

Varian nodded. "Alive. For now."

"Good." The Emperor smirked. "I'll have him persuaded to speak."

Everyone at the table knew what that meant.

The rogue mage would not die quickly.

Despite their shared fury, not everyone agreed on the next move.

Duke Alistair Veyrin spoke again. "This could be Xelthar's way of provoking us into attacking first. If we move now, we risk playing into their hands."

Duke Varian Duskbane nodded. "Agreed. We need more information. Their true objective remains unclear."

"But if we wait," Duke Ragnor Grimthorne countered, "they may strike first."

"They won't," Emperor Adrian said calmly.

The room fell silent.

The Emperor smirked. "Because they don't know that we know."

He leaned back, completely at ease. "Right now, Xelthar believes their little test was a success. They think their secret is still safe."

His golden gaze swept the room.

"So, we won't let them know we've discovered them."

Duke Varian Duskbane's lips curled into a smirk. "You want to let them think they still have the upper hand."

"Exactly." The Emperor's smirk widened. "And in the meantime, we prepare."

The Academy's Role – Training for War

Headmaster Varian's voice cut through the discussion.

"If Xelthar is targeting our young elites, we must ensure they are ready for what's to come."

Duchess Seraphina Grimthorne grinned. "Are you suggesting we accelerate their training?"

Varian nodded. "The top ten students have already proven they can handle higher-level threats. We will push them even further."

Duke Garrick Zephyrion crossed his arms. "They're already leagues ahead of their peers. What do you have in mind?"

Varian's eyes gleamed.

"Live combat."

A few nobles raised their brows.

"Explain," the Emperor said.

Varian smirked. "I will personally oversee their next missions. No more simulated training. No more contained trials. We throw them into real battles—against real threats. If Xelthar wants to test us, we'll test our best against the world."

Duke Alistair Veyrin exhaled. "That's extreme."

"But necessary," Duke Ragnor Grimthorne agreed.

The Emperor nodded. "Do it."

His golden eyes glowed.

"And when the time is right… Xelthar will learn what it means to provoke Eldoria."