SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 579: After the Chamber

Seraphiel departed after tucking the coin into his pocket. Armand left without a backward glance at anyone present. Gradually, the Council Chamber emptied, until only two figures remained within its opulent walls. Eldric and Elowen.

A heavy silence settled between them, enduring for a considerable time. The obsidian chamber seemed to absorb the quiet, much like it had absorbed every decree, every sentencing, and every decision that had echoed through its space over countless years.

Elowen finally broke the quiet, her gaze meeting Eldric's with a composure that belied the tension of the earlier meeting. "Honestly, you performed better than I had anticipated," she admitted. "I had reason to believe the pressure might overwhelm you, but you managed them with more skill than many seasoned commanders would possess."

With Elowen as the sole companion, Eldric's posture relaxed slightly. His voice lost some of its formal edge, replaced by a more confident tone. "They are not soldiers, Elowen. Dealing with soldiers would present a far simpler challenge." He swept his gaze across the vacant seats. "Every individual in this chamber has lived for centuries, overthinks matters incessantly, and still harbors the naive belief that the world can be restored to order despite the persistent chaos wrought by its inhabitants."

A soft laugh escaped Elowen.

The elf, who invariably carried an air of solemnity during all formal proceedings, actually laughed in Eldric's presence.

"I concede your point," she stated. "Those of us comprising the Council of Sages are indeed far from ordinary. None of the ten who occupy these seats are. " Her smile lingered briefly. "However, neither are you. Only a truly audacious individual would accept such a demanding role at my request."

Eldric met her gaze directly and took a seat on the edge of the obsidian table, seemingly unconcerned by the fact that such casual disregard for the chamber's sanctity would be unthinkable for most.

"I believe you were already aware of my answer some time ago," he responded. "And you are privy to my motivations for undertaking this."

Elowen offered no denial.

"Have all preparations been finalized?" she inquired. "When will the Wardens commence their deployment? And what of your own contingent?"

Her expression grew notably more serious.

"Of late, there has been an unsettling amount of activity in specific regions that I find concerning. One particular territory, situated approximately a thousand kilometers (roughly six hundred twenty miles) from both the Vaelion and Nocthar borders, occupies an unfortunate nexus between these two powers. It lies sufficiently distant that neither feels directly responsible, yet close enough that each would ascribe blame to the other should it collapse."

Eldric extended a hand.

A rectangular crystal materialized above his palm. As he channeled mana into it, faint images and intricate lines bloomed within the glass, cycling through maps, written correspondence, and overlaid markings that resembled scars upon the land rather than mere thoroughfares.

"At your signal for permission, Elowen," Eldric stated. "The sooner I can initiate movement, the more advantageous. I am eager to observe my people's performance in the field. They require practical experience together, an understanding of each other's tactical flow, and the cultivation of sufficient synergy needed to endure when directives no longer provide perfect guidance." His eyes remained fixed on the crystal. "The First Concord possesses considerable potential, but untapped potential is a rapid path to demise if not rigorously honed."

Elowen studied the map displayed within the crystal.

"I have reviewed the dossiers of the selected candidates. To be candid, certain individuals were unexpected inclusions." Her gaze returned to him. "They hail from diverse origins, including Velkaris. A young woman from that locale particularly captured my attention, despite her record showing no overtly exceptional qualities."

Eldric emitted a soft hum.

"Ah, her. Garrika. She participated in the war as a supporter of the Morgains."

Elowen's countenance grew serious once more.

"You comprehend that this force must maintain strict neutrality."

"I am aware of that."

"We offer no allegiance to any particular family."

"Nor does she," Eldric countered. "From our conversation, her allegiance was to a single individual: Trafalgar du Morgain. That was her sole reason for engaging in the conflict." A subtle, dry amusement flickered across his features. "The influence of love often impairs one's capacity for rational judgment."

Elowen released a quiet exhalation.

"Trafalgar du Morgain." She spoke the name deliberately, as if evaluating its weight. "The emerging SSS talent. He has become the catalyst for numerous recent complications, though the public remains largely unaware of these. A significant number of families have initiated more thorough investigations into his activities."

"That eventuality was inevitable."

"Indeed, yet it remains an inconvenient development." Elowen turned slightly towards the imposing chamber doors. "For the present, his presence within the Academy's confines should serve to maintain a degree of containment."

Eldric closed his hand around the crystal, causing the images to dissipate.

"You need harbor no concerns on that front, Elowen. My accountability is to you before it is to the Council of Sages. You are aware of this."

"I am," she affirmed.

Eldric's gaze drifted towards the seats formerly occupied by Seraphiel and Armand.

"What transpired between those two individuals?"

Elowen followed his line of sight.

"Armand and Seraphiel?"

"That exchange suggested a conflict predating today's proceedings."

"That wasn't the case," Elowen's expression softened, taking on a more aged quality. "It's a long story. They never saw eye-to-eye. Before they even took their seats here, both carried the burdens of their families in distinct ways. With the passage of time, the rift between them only widened. Seraphiel, as you witnessed, even altered his surname after departing from the Vaelion lineage."

Eldric remained silent, awaiting further explanation.

Elowen continued her account.

"There are various tales circulating about the reasons behind it. The public explanation is far too vague to be of any real use. The truth, however, is far more unpleasant. It appears his own son initiated an assassination attempt, although the plot never reached its intended conclusion."

Eldric's gaze intensified slightly.

"And now he dedicates himself to the world."

"That is a path some men choose after surviving betrayal from their own kin."

Eldric let out a quiet, understanding hum.

"I comprehend."

A brief period of silence descended, now carrying a gentler atmosphere than before.

"Speaking of which," Eldric interjected, "when do you plan to make it public knowledge?"

"Tomorrow. The official decree will be disseminated through newspapers, public announcements, academy bulletins, Gate administration offices, neutral city councils, and by sealed correspondence to the esteemed houses that require immediate notification." Elowen clasped her hands behind her back. "Following that, you are free to commence at your earliest convenience."

"Understood."

Elowen observed him thoughtfully for a moment.

"Are you prepared for what's to come?"

Eldric looked towards her, a hint of a smile touching his lips.

"Prepared? Not in the slightest. We shall have to see where this journey leads us." He cast another glance at the vacant chamber. "No one is truly ready for the ordeals we will inevitably face. One must adapt swiftly, or they will not endure."

Elowen accepted his response.

As dawn broke, the proclamation was set to depart from the celestial palace, bearing the imposing seal of the Council of Sages. By the time night fell, every neutral city would be acquainted with the designation of the Wardens, and somewhere far below the clouds, the world would begin to adjust to the notion that the Council had finally discovered the means to take action.

Eldric moved away from the table, turning his attention towards the grand doors.

"I'll see you."

Elowen watched his departure, her voice resonating through the tranquil chamber as she followed him.

"Be cautious, my child."