Selun'Thael, the crown jewel of the Zyreon Celestial Kingdom, stood as a testament to divine artistry and cosmic grandeur. Nestled amidst rolling emerald hills, the city was a harmonious blend of nature and celestial architecture. Lush gardens, teeming with exotic flora, intertwined seamlessly with structures that shimmered with ethereal light. Towering spires, adorned with intricate runes, pierced the heavens, while cascading waterfalls flowed through marble channels, singing melodies of serenity.
Access to this sanctified city was a privilege reserved for the elite. Civilians and lower-ranked houses were barred entry, their aspirations halted at the city's formidable gates. These gates, guarded by elite sentinels wielding astral arms, pulsed with energy. Their skin bore mist-like lines, a manifestation of their Level 2 Veinkind Initiate powers, signifying their mastery over celestial energies.
Within the city's heart lay the Grand Conclave Hall, a structure of paradoxical beauty. From the outside, it appeared as a monolithic bronze edifice, austere and imposing. Yet, stepping inside revealed a realm of opulence. Vast halls bathed in soft bluish-white luminescence stretched endlessly, their vaulted ceilings alive with flickering torchlight. Towering pillars, inlaid with multicolored gems, stood as silent witnesses to the events unfolding within.
On one side of the hall stood the delegation from the Saevereth Estate. Two elders, their forms obscured by golden fire cloaks—Grade 6 astral armaments—flanked a young maiden of ethereal beauty. Lady Enira, the 17-year-old heiress, exuded an aura of grace and authority. Her golden silk fire dress, intricately embroidered, shimmered with every movement, revealing glimpses of her graceful form. Her long black hair, streaked with golden lines, cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night and stars.
Beside her stood Lady Vaelserine, an enigmatic figure of commanding elegance. Rumored to be a Level 3 Veinforged Disciple, her presence was both alluring and intimidating. Her origins remained a mystery, but her loyalty to the Saevereth Estate was unquestionable. Accompanying them was a middle-aged man, unassuming in appearance but renowned for his expertise in ancient texts and techniques. A Level 3 Veinforged intiate, his knowledge was a weapon as formidable as any blade.
Whispers among the attendees hinted at even greater powers supporting the Saevereth Estate, possibly from realms beyond the known celestial kingdoms. Such speculations added layers of intrigue to their already enigmatic presence.
Opposite them, the nobles of the Zyreon Celestial Kingdom indulged in revelry. Clad in garments adorned with runic sigils, they feasted on celestial delicacies and sipped divine wines. Courtesans attended to their whims, and laughter echoed as they exchanged tales of conquest and ambition. Their demeanor exuded arrogance, dismissing the Saevereth delegation with disdain.
One corpulent noble, emboldened by drink, leered at Lady Enira and Lady Vaelserine, making lewd comments about claiming them. Before he could continue, a sudden, overwhelming pain seized him. He collapsed, convulsing, as his companions looked on in horror. One by one, they too succumbed to the mysterious affliction, their bodies writhing in agony.
A Zyreon noble, enraged, accused the Saevereth Estate of foul play. Lady Vaelserine, unfazed, responded with a chilling calmness. "Why should I waste words on spoiled brats?" Her aura flared, silencing further dissent.
Before tensions could escalate, a figure emerged—a muscular, bearded man clad in battle-worn attire emitting a soulless greenish light. His presence was otherworldly, as if he straddled the boundary between realms. He introduced himself as an elder of the Thaleon Guild, a powerhouse rivaling the combined might of all nine celestial kingdoms. His name was Drevir the fourteenth who is direct descendant to Drevir house but many simple called him by Drevir a name passed to each leader of Drevir house itself which began as a sidelined branched clan to Zyreon celestial kingdom with no influence nor power but thanks to the now current leader who has position of power within Thaleon guild,Drevir house has now grown to be grand low ranked house.
Drevir apologized to Lady Vaelserine for the nobles' behavior, attributing it to their lack of discipline. His words, though conciliatory, carried an undercurrent of authority that silenced the room. He then addressed the assembly, revealing that the Zyreon King was currently in seclusion, attempting to ascend to Level 4—a feat that had not been achieved in generations. This revelation sent ripples of shock through the hall.
Drevir continued, discussing the recent annihilation of the Mhaerun House. He spoke of the mysterious circumstances surrounding their demise—no survivors, no witnesses, and no traces left behind. Such precision hinted at a power equal to that of a celestial kingdom. His gaze briefly settled on the Saevereth delegation, implying suspicion.
The hall grew tense, the air thick with unspoken accusations and veiled threats. Whispers spread among the nobles about Lord Enma, who had been found in a destitute state, his memories erased, and his once-mighty form reduced to that of a cripple. Fear gripped their hearts as they contemplated the force capable of such devastation.
As the assembly concluded, a proverb echoed through the hall:
"No matter one's position at the pinnacle, a single misstep on a treacherous path can lead to a fall from grace. Fate, ever capricious, spares none who tread carelessly."
The words lingered, a haunting reminder of the fragile nature of power and the ever-present specter of downfall.