The High Council's chamber was colder than death.
Lucien stood in the center of a circular hall made of obsidian stone. The ceiling was enchanted to mimic the night sky — stars slowly drifting above, like trapped souls searching for escape. Around him sat twelve masked figures, robed in black and gold, each radiating a presence heavier than mountains.
Each mask was different — serpent, lion, crow, spider, wolf — symbols of their Houses, their secrets, and their power.
Lucien didn't bow. He didn't even blink.
He simply looked up at them… and smiled.
A low murmuring echoed through the chamber.
"He's too calm."
"Too young to be this defiant."
"Or too dangerous."
Finally, the wolf-masked councilor spoke, voice sharp and cold.
"Lucien Vale. You trespassed into the Forbidden Wing. You unlocked a cursed relic. And you've awakened a power not seen in centuries. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Lucien tilted his head, his silver collar glinting faintly.
"Only that your security is disappointing. A blind squirrel could sneak into that library."
Murmurs again. This time louder.
The crow-mask leaned forward. "You mock us?"
"I mock the idea that you expected someone like me to follow rules written by people weaker than I am."
A beat of silence.
Then, the lion-mask slammed his fist on the stone railing.
"Arrogant worm! You stand before the Twelve! We decide if you rise or die!"
Lucien's smile sharpened.
"I already died once. It didn't stick."
[System Notice: Soul Pressure Detected – Council Seal Active][Warning: Host is under passive suppression field][Suggestion: Engage only with wit, not magic]
Lucien felt the weight — a crushing force on his soul, designed to break confidence.
He stepped forward instead.
"I know why I'm here. It's not about the relic. It's about fear."
The spider-mask shifted. "Explain."
"You're afraid of what I might become."
The lion-mask growled. "You're nothing but a slave!"
Lucien's voice was soft, but it cut like a blade.
"No. I was a slave. You made a mistake. You gave me power… and now you're asking if you should kill me before I use it."
The council fell silent.
The serpent-mask spoke at last — her voice smooth and dangerous.
"What do you want, Lucien Vale?"
He didn't hesitate.
"I want access to the Upper Arcane Vault. I want advanced training materials. And I want my collar removed."
The entire council reacted as if he'd spit in their faces.
The crow-mask hissed, "You dare make demands?!"
Lucien folded his arms. "Let's be honest — you either kill me now… or invest in me."
"Why would we ever trust you?"
"Because" Lucien said, eyes glowing with dragonlight, "I don't want to destroy Hollowspire. Not yet."
[System Trigger: Ultimatum Challenge][Success Condition: Force the Council to acknowledge you without kneeling][Reward: Prestige +1 | Hidden Faction Access][Penalty: Execution]
For several long seconds, no one moved.
Then, the serpent-mask raised her hand.
"I propose a trial."
The others turned to her.
"Let him prove himself in the Veil Rift Expedition. If he survives… we reconsider."
The wolf-mask nodded. "Agreed."
The lion-mask growled. "He'll die."
Lucien shrugged. "If I do… you won't be my problem."
After the meeting, Lucien walked out with Elira by his side. She had been waiting at the edge of the hall, expression unreadable.
"You survived," she said softly.
He looked at her. "Was there ever a doubt?"
"Yes," she replied, honest as ever. "But now I'm more curious than scared."
"Dangerous words," he said.
She didn't look away. "So are you."
Later, back in his chamber, Lucien opened the black codex once again. The dragon's whisper was louder now, clearer.
"The Veil Rift will test more than your magic. It will test your heart."
He stared at the words for a long time.
[New Quest Activated: Enter the Veil Rift Expedition]Objective: Survive. Conquer. Bind a Riftbeast.Time Limit: 3 DaysOptional Bonus: Establish your own Shadow Circle.]
Lucien stood, staring out at the stars through his window.
"Let them test me. Let them throw me into the Rift."
His voice dropped low, almost reverent.
"I'll walk through it… and return with fire."