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Chapter 12 - Undercurrent

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**At the Peak of the Sacred Mountain of the Holy Kingdom of Ruberius**

The wind howled fiercely, ripping through the valleys and sneaking between jagged rocks that separated sky from earth. A thin layer of mist cloaked the mountain's summit, adding an air of mystique and reverence to this sacred place. In the midst of the profound silence, two figures emerged from a mysterious dimensional door woven from arcane magic.

Rain and Misery, envoys dispatched by Demon Lord Guy Crimson, stood humbly yet alert, their gazes steady as they surveyed the surroundings.

Before them stretched a noble figure—an elegant young woman, standing with poise despite the exhaustion etched into her face. She was Luminous Valentine, one of the oldest Demon Lords, renowned for her mesmerizing beauty and formidable magical power.

"Lady Valentine," Rain spoke softly but with utmost respect. "We are here under the command of Lord Guy Crimson. He requests the presence of the entire Demon Lord council for a Walpurgis gathering scheduled a week from now."

Luminous Valentine's eyes sparkled with curiosity and a hint of surprise as she looked at the two messengers.

"Walpurgis? For what purpose, Rain and Misery? The last time we held Walpurgis was after the Tenma War, many centuries ago," she asked, her voice calm yet tinged with intrigue.

"We do not know the specifics," Rain replied courteously. "We only deliver the orders given by our master."

Misery nodded in agreement. "We are simply messengers, Lady Valentine. The details are not ours to reveal."

Luminous Valentine raised an elegant brow, contemplating the gravity of the situation. She understood that this was not a matter to take lightly.

"I see. But why should I attend? I have little interest in such gatherings," she said, her tone cool but thoughtful.

Rain responded with polite firmness, "You wouldn't dare refuse. We're only delivering the command of our master, Lady Valentine."

For a moment, silence settled over them. Luminous Valentine appeared lost in thought, then finally she smiled softly and nodded.

"Very well. I will come. But I want to know what will be discussed. I refuse to be caught in some dangerous game without understanding the stakes," she said, her gaze distant as she looked toward the darkening sky, clouded and heavy.

Rain and Misery exchanged glances before Rain replied, "We can't reveal all the details at this moment, Lady Valentine. However, this gathering will determine the future of the world itself. Your presence is crucial."

Luminous Valentine gazed into the horizon, watching the clouds swirl ominously above.

"I will attend," she declared, "but only on one condition. If my kingdom or I are inconvenienced or threatened, I will not hesitate to refuse to participate."

A respectful nod from Misery. "An equitable agreement. I will inform our master."

The cold wind swept once more, rustling their robes and hair. Amidst the tense, mysterious atmosphere, all three sensed that the upcoming Walpurgis gathering was more than just a routine council. It was a pivotal moment—one where power, strategy, and fate would be weighed heavily, shaping the fragile future of their world.

Luminous Valentine fixed her gaze on a distant point, her expression unwavering, as Rain and Misery stepped into the dimensional portal, vanishing from sight.

"Gunther," she called softly.

Suddenly, Gunther appeared before her, bowing respectfully.

"Luminous-sama," he greeted.

"Summon Roy and Louis. I have matters to discuss with them. And prepare yourselves—seven days from now," she ordered.

"Understood," Gunther replied, already vanishing into the shadows.

As the mountain winds howled around her, Luminous Valentine stood firm, knowing that the coming days would decide the fate of everything she held dear. The shadows of the future loomed large, and the game of power was about to begin.

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