Alistair stood in the dimly lit chamber of the Magic Tower, his gaze fixed on the floating magical projection before him. The ruins—ancient, cracked stone structures covered in faint golden sigils—looked like they had been abandoned for centuries.
But the grim expression on Eldrin Faustus' face told him otherwise.
Aurion had discovered something.
Something dangerous.
Alistair exhaled slowly, adjusting the cuffs of his coat. "I assume you have more than just a blurry image to show me, High Magus."
Eldrin's lips curled into a faint smile. "Of course."
With a flick of his fingers, the projection shifted, revealing a series of old records and encrypted notes—all bearing Aurion's royal seal.
"These documents were intercepted by one of our informants within Aurion's borders," Eldrin explained, his golden eyes gleaming with intelligence. "They suggest that the ruin predates the founding of the Empire itself."
Alistair's fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his chair. "And why does that matter?"
Eldrin's smile faded. "Because whatever Aurion has uncovered… was sealed away intentionally."
A sharp silence filled the room.
Alistair's gaze darkened. "By who?"
Eldrin leaned forward. "By the First Emperor."
The weight of those words settled heavily between them.
The First Emperor, a legendary figure, had built the foundation of the modern Empire over a thousand years ago. If he had gone through the trouble of sealing something away…
Then it was never meant to be unearthed.
Alistair exhaled through his nose, his mind already calculating the political consequences. "Do we know what it is?"
Eldrin shook his head. "Not yet. But we do know this—Aurion has already begun moving key figures toward the ruins. High-ranking nobles, elite knights… even members of their royal family."
Alistair frowned. "Then they aren't just investigating it. They're protecting something."
Eldrin nodded gravely. "Which means we must act. Immediately."
Alistair rose from his seat, moving toward the tower's vast window, which overlooked the sprawling capital below. The evening sky was a deep blue, tinged with the golden glow of lanterns lining the streets.
The city was calm. Peaceful.
But for how much longer?
He turned back to Eldrin. "And what exactly do you expect me to do?"
Eldrin studied him carefully. "We need Imperial intervention. A direct operation to uncover what Aurion is hiding before it's too late."
Alistair arched an eyebrow. "You want the Empire to march into Aurion's territory over a hunch?"
Eldrin's expression remained unwavering. "I want you to ensure that our future isn't decided by secrets from the past."
Alistair clicked his tongue, thinking. If he acted too aggressively, it could trigger a war. If he moved too late, Aurion might secure a devastating advantage.
This was a delicate game, one that required precision.
"…No military intervention," he finally said. "Not yet."
Eldrin nodded, expecting that response. "Then what do you propose?"
Alistair smirked slightly. "I'll go myself."
The High Magus' eyes narrowed. "You can't be serious."
Alistair crossed his arms. "I'll assemble a small group—trusted individuals who won't draw attention. No armies. No public declarations. We go in, gather intelligence, and then decide on our next move."
Eldrin tapped his fingers against the table. "That's reckless."
Alistair smirked. "That's necessary."
For a long moment, Eldrin studied him, golden eyes flickering with contemplation. Then, slowly, he exhaled.
"…Very well."
He flicked his wrist, and a faint pulse of mana rippled through the air. A moment later, a sealed scroll materialized before him.
"This will grant you access to the Tower's restricted archives," Eldrin said, handing it over. "If you're truly going, you'll need to be prepared."
Alistair took the scroll, feeling the faint hum of magic in his fingers.
"Don't get yourself killed, Lord Ashencrest."
Alistair smirked. "No promises."
End of Chapter 13