Chapter 17 – “Echoes of the Final Vote”

The Great Hall's banners that morning bore fresh scuffs from the Wastes, and the air crackled with urgency. Otoku stepped onto the alabaster dais, Companion in hand, silver eyes steady. Around him, Councilor Kaelis and Damaris flanked the assembled faction leaders—Crimson Fang, Verdant Veil, Obsidian Pact, Azure Ember, Sylvaeris, and the Vesperian envoy—all waiting to cast their final votes on binding loop magic as a joint heritage rather than a guarded secret.

Noctis sat alert at Otoku's side, dark fur rippling in muted anticipation. Beyond the vaulted windows, storm clouds gathered—an unspoken mirror of the tension within these walls.

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Opening the Debate

Otoku raised a hand, and silence fell. "We have together faced betrayal, bound ancient power, and walked through the Veil's edge. Now, we must decide: will loop magic unite our realms, or cleave them further apart?"

From Crimson Fang, Lord Harvun rose first. His red brocade caught the lantern glow. "I vote 'Unite.' Our people need protection against void storms. Shared knowledge means shared defense." He lowered his gaze, words earnest.

Lady Fleurine of Verdant Veil spoke next: "I too vote 'Unite'—for healing corrupted lands and rebuilding what was lost beneath ash and bone."

Provost Seraphine of Obsidian Pact, jade mask unbroken, offered caution. "I vote 'Unite,' provided the Council retains sole authority to approve every student—and that powers remain carefully balanced."

The Sylvaeris envoy bowed. "Our forests prosper when knowledge blossoms like spring. I vote 'Unite.'"

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A Surprise Opposition

Otoku exhaled, counting four. Then Ambassador Seradia of Vesperia stood, expression taut. "I must oppose," she declared, voice echoing. "My empire's scholars drove the rift's resurgence to push the boundaries of knowledge. We cannot bind ourselves to limits when the greatest discoveries await. I vote 'Divide.'"

Murmurs rippled through the hall. The Vesperian sky-knights exchanged glances. Their ambition had spoken, and the alliances trembled.

Otoku's heart tightened. Only one vote remained—Azure Ember. All eyes turned to Lord Randel, his white cloak trimmed with ember-gold. He closed his eyes for a heartbeat, then opened them, silver with resolve. "I vote 'Unite.'"

Six to one. The final tally was clear.

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Sealing the Pact

Otoku stepped forward, Companion raised. As he spoke the True Sigil's final line, golden-violet runes spiraled outward:

> "By star and flame, by shadow reclaimed, we forge one dawn unchained."

The runes entwined the banners above, then the walls, then the hearts of every leader present. A humming warmth spread through the hall, washing away lingering doubts.

Outside, the storm clouds parted. A beam of dawn light pierced the stained glass, painting the marble floor in kaleidoscopes of hope.

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Unforeseen Ripples

As celebration rose, Noctis's ears pricked. Beyond the hall's great doors stood a lone figure—Arthelia's silhouette framed by the courtyard light. Her eyes shone with concern.

Otoku excused himself and followed her outside. Lanterns swung in soft breezes, and students laughed at this new era's promise.

But Arthelia's gaze lifted to the horizon, where distant mountains glowed with unnatural, violet-blue fires.

"The loop's power is shared," she said quietly, "but the rift stirs once more—far to the north. A force not born of mortal magic."**

Otoku's grip tightened on the Companion's cover. "Then our unity will be tested again," he replied, voice low but determined.