The grand court of Aethrion was silent now. The Queen's presence had left the chamber like a storm retreating, yet its pressure still lingered in the marble floors and towering walls. Guards lined the corridor as Ariv, Neel, Vaishnavi, and Rohit stood beside Rudraen, their hearts pounding after what felt like a lifetime compressed into minutes.
The Queen's command still echoed in Ariv's mind: "Control your aura… before it consumes everything." He clenched his fists unconsciously, the shattered pieces of his old locket burning like a memory against his chest.
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Scene 1: The Court Empties
The massive double doors closed behind the last council member. Ariv took a long breath and looked at Rudraen.
Ariv: "So… what now?"
Rudraen's golden eyes studied him for a moment before shifting to the others.
Rudraen: "Now… you all need to understand why you're here. The truth you've been chasing starts now."
They followed him down a quiet corridor that opened into an ancient chamber, walls engraved with glowing sigils. At its center, a round table shimmered with blue energy, projecting faint images of three interconnected spheres.
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Scene 2: The Veil System Revealed
Rudraen placed his hand on the table. The spheres brightened into clarity.
Rudraen:
"Everything begins and ends with the Veil System. It's the order that keeps the universe from collapsing into chaos. There are Three Realms:
Aethrion – Realm of Creation. The heart of the veil bearers, where we stand now.
Abyss – Domain of the Noxians. A world drenched in hunger and shadows.
Trivara – The Mortal World. Your home… fragile, yet essential."
The floating orbs pulsed as Rudraen continued.
Rudraen:
"To maintain balance, the Veil System created warriors – those who wield elemental veils. There are Seven Elemental Veils, forming the pillars of existence:
1. Pyra Veil – Fire
2. Hydros Veil – Water
3. Terran Veil – Earth
4. Aeris Veil – Air
5. Volt Veil – Lightning
6. Umbra Veil – Shadow
7. Lucent Veil – Light
These are called the Prime Veils. But…"
He paused, his voice lowering, gaze locking on Ariv.
Rudraen:
"…beyond these, there exist anomalies. Veils so rare they were considered myths—Zenith Veils. Galaxy Zenith and Starlight Zenith… creations from a time before even the Three Realms were divided."
Ariv felt his chest tighten. His thoughts screamed questions, but his lips stayed sealed.
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Scene 3: The Man Who Knows Ariv
Before anyone could speak, the great chamber doors creaked open. A chill swept through the hall as footsteps echoed steadily.
A tall figure entered—a man draped in flowing silver robes, hair like threads of frost, eyes glowing faintly like stars at dusk. The weight of his presence made even Rudraen straighten sharply before dropping to one knee.
Rudraen (bowing): "Grand Keeper… Kaelor Veyric."
The name hung heavy in the air. Vaishnavi and Rohit stared in awe. Neel froze, his jaw tight.
The old man walked slowly toward them, his expression unreadable, until his gaze fell upon Ariv. For a moment, time itself seemed to pause. Then, he smiled gently.
Kaelor: "How are you, Ariv?"
The boy blinked. "I… I'm fine… but…" His throat tightened as he stammered, "How do you know my name?"
Kaelor didn't answer. Instead, he placed a firm, almost fatherly hand on Neel's shoulder.
Kaelor: "Neel… you've grown. Just like your father once did."
Ariv and the others exchanged looks of pure confusion. Neel lowered his gaze, fists clenched, lips sealed as if trapping a storm inside.
Kaelor straightened, his calm eyes sweeping over them one last time before turning away.
Kaelor: "Prepare them well, Rudraen. The tides are shifting."
With that, he vanished through the great doors, leaving an almost suffocating silence in his wake.
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Scene 4: The Truth Strikes
Ariv spun toward Rudraen, voice hard with demand.
Ariv: "Who was that man? Why did he… why did he know my name?"
Rudraen rose slowly, his face solemn as stone.
Rudraen: "That was Kaelor Veyric… the Grand Keeper of the Eternal Veil."
Ariv's breath hitched. "And Neel…?"
Rudraen's eyes shifted to Neel. His words were quiet, yet they struck like thunder.
Rudraen: "Neel… is his grandson."
The room froze. Rohit's jaw dropped. Vaishnavi's eyes widened. Ariv felt something sharp twist in his chest.
Ariv (to Neel): "You… you knew this?"
Neel turned away, shadows veiling his expression. Silence was his only answer.
Rudraen: "From this point forward, your lives are bound to truths far heavier than you imagine."
Ariv clenched his fists tighter than ever. For every answer, there came a thousand more questions.