AEGIS OF THE DAWN
At the Angelic race's headquarters, golden light radiated from the stained-glass windows depicting the Archangels. In the center of the main hall, nine figures with white wings stood surrounding a giant mirror that reflected the duel training in the courtyard below.
The Leader of the Nine, Shalara, stood beside a figure with broader, more luminous wings—the First Leader of the angelic race.
"Watching them train is always impressive," murmured the First Leader, his bright blue eyes fixed on Sylvaine, who was honing her swordsmanship.
"How is the development of her angelic power?"
Shalara bowed respectfully. "She is progressing remarkably fast, Sir. In just a few months, she has nearly matched her mother's progress from back then. But..."
"But?" The First Leader turned, his brow furrowed.
"She still cannot enter Sacra Mode. If she could, her power would increase dramatically."
The First Leader sighed. "It's natural. The demon blood within her is likely hindering it. It will take time to fully purify her."
They fell silent for a moment, watching Sylvaine end her training with a burst of light emanating from her sword.
"How is Bellarion's condition?" asked the First Leader suddenly, his voice low.
Shalara looked down. "Still in rehabilitation, Sir. The wounds left by... that person... are very deep."
The First Leader clenched his fist. "Someone capable of defeating Bellarion is no ordinary enemy. We must find and eliminate them before they become a major threat."
"Our search teams are doing their best to find that person, Sir. We will find them for sure."
After the First Leader left, Shalara approached Sylvaine, who was cleaning her sword.
"Good training today," Shalara praised.
Sylvaine sighed. "It's still not enough, Aunt. I'm still too weak."
Shalara placed a hand on Sylvaine's shoulder. "What about that matter? Have you accepted it?"
Sylvaine looked at her, her eyes glistening with ever-flowing tears. "I don't know yet, Aunt... because I still feel that Leon... he's still alive..." Her voice broke into uncontrollable sobs.
SLAP!
Shalara's slap echoed through the room.
"Do not let yourself be deceived by those memories, Sylvaine! That disgusting demon died by my hand! You must forget him!"
Sylvaine held her reddening cheek, but her eyes were still full of conviction.
"Prepare yourself," Shalara said abruptly, her voice firm again.
"We will be representing the angelic race at the Meeting of the Sacred Races in the city of Drakharys—the city of the dragons."
Sylvaine nodded obediently, but in her heart, her belief in Leon's survival remained unshaken.
---
SCENE SHIFT
In an old warehouse hidden in Nocturne's End City, four figures met in the dim light of a lamp.
Leon was already there with Kazan. Shortly after, Keen Observer and Mysterious X followed.
"You're late," grumbled Kazan.
"Sorry, had to make sure we weren't followed," Leon answered in a hushed tone.
Leon nodded. "Kazan, this is Keen Observer—the person we talked about. And this..."
He pointed at Mysterious X, who removed her hood. Hair of bluish-black and a face resembling Sylvaine's were revealed.
"Sylphine. She is Sylvaine's twin sister, and also the younger sister of Zephyr and Raiden. The one thought to be dead is actually alive."
Kazan gasped. "Princess Sylphine? But..."
"It's a long story," Sylphine interjected.
"What's important is that I want to help you."
Leon continued. "Sylphine is our new member now. And Keen Observer will assist us with his information on the Sacred Races."
Kazan sighed, then nodded. "Very well. Welcome, Sylphine."
They sat around a wooden table littered with maps and documents covered in scribbles.
"Alright, let's begin!" said Leon, his eyes gleaming with determination. This meeting might only consist of four people,but it was the beginning of something much larger.
=== CHAPTER 31 END ===