The library hung in a silence so deep it seemed even the shelves were listening. Dust floated in the shafts of light, and the last words of Sisiliya still lingered like an echo that refused to fade.
Finally, Nulius drew a breath and broke the stillness. His deep voice reverberated across the hall.
"Now you know, Michi. Fengxi is the one pulling the strings. The abnormalities we face, the twisted resurrections — Drango, Rishdania — they should have been long dead. Yet here they are again, walking as if life itself bends to his will."
Michi's jaw tightened. He stared down at his hands, the weight of what he had heard crushing him like iron chains.
"So everything… every shadow chasing us… it's all it's doing."
Lior leaned forward, his brow furrowed in disbelief.
"How can anyone twist death itself? Drango and Rishdania… To think they're back… it chills me to the core."
Kael slammed his palm against the armrest of his chair, his usual confidence replaced with frustration.
"Then we can't keep running circles. If Fengxi's behind all of this, then every fight we've had has just been a game to it. That makes my blood boil!"
Junia's voice was softer, but her eyes glistened with worry.
"It feels like it's playing with the threads of fate itself. If people can return from death… what else is it capable of?"
Tieu exhaled, her tone sharp as a blade cutting through the air.
"The Arklight Guild must be part of this, too. Their assassins, their cruelty… none of it feels natural. If Fengxi is their shadow, then they're not just a guild — they're a weapon."
Zyara's hand brushed over the table nervously.
"I thought I had seen the worst of people as an adventurer, but this… this is something beyond. I can feel it pressing down, like the sky itself wants to break."
Veynar crossed his arms, his wolfish eyes glinting.
"Drango may be our father, but we will never follow his path. If Fengxi is using him as a pawn, then it's another chain we have to break."
Veylika nodded in agreement, her voice low but steady.
"We know Drango's cruelty better than anyone. But if even he is nothing but a piece on Fengxi's board… then what does that make the rest of us?"
Michi finally raised his head, his voice heavy but resolute.
"It makes us the ones who choose whether to keep dancing to Fengxi's tune… or to cut the strings."
Sisiliya folded her hands together, her expression unreadable.
"Then you understand the stakes. The tale I told is no myth — it is your reality. Fengxi's shadow has already crept into your lives."
Lumiella's eyes narrowed as she studied Michi.
"And yet, I see no fear in you. Just a storm waiting to break. Be careful, Michi. Even storms can be swallowed by the void."
The silence returned, thick and heavy. Then Nulius stood, his vast frame casting a shadow across the table.
"Enough words. Now… come with me. Let me introduce you to my family. They are part of this fight, whether they wish it or not."
At his call, the library doors opened, and several figures entered. A small crowd filled the space, each face new yet bound together by resemblance and the strength of shared blood.
Nulius gestured to the youngest first.
"As you've already met my son Canberas, a training warrior, here are the rest. This is Siniadal, and this is Reres — my nephews. Fighters, though their power is not what it once was."
Siniadal, tall and wiry, gave a short bow.
"Strength can always return, Uncle. What matters is the will to use it."
Reres, broader and grinning despite the tension, added,
"If there's trouble coming, then we'll stand in front of it. Weak or not, no one breaks this family."
Nulius's expression softened as his gaze shifted to a woman with calm, kind eyes.
"This is my wife, Esetha."
Esetha inclined her head gracefully.
"You've come far, and for that, you have my thanks. My husband speaks of battles and war, but I see the weight each of you carries. May you find strength not just in power, but in each other."
Another woman stepped forward, her long hair braided, her posture elegant yet firm. Nulius placed his hand on her shoulder.
"This is Qui, my older daughter."
Qui smiled faintly before gesturing to the man beside her, lean and battle-worn.
"And this is my husband, Yungdei. He's an adventurer, one who knows the hardships of the world."
Yungdei chuckled, scratching the back of his neck.
"Hardships, aye. But I've never seen anything like this lot you've gathered, Nulius. Looks like fate itself is stirring."
Finally, a tall, stern-faced man stepped forward, older than the rest.
"And this is Umkot, my eldest son." Nulius's voice carried pride and gravity.
Umkot met Michi's eyes with an unflinching stare.
"If my father trusts you, then so will I. But know this — I do not follow lightly. You'll have to prove your fire, just as he once did."
The introductions settled into the air, heavy with unspoken bonds.
Michi rose from his chair, his voice resolute.
"Tomorrow, I will personally go to the Arklight Guild. I'll confront them directly."
Veynar stepped forward without hesitation.
"Then we're going with you. Our claws are yours, Michi."
Veylika smirked faintly.
"Father's shadow won't touch us again. We'll prove it by fighting at your side."
Lior glanced at Kael and then back at Michi.
"Then while you face them head-on, we'll work the shadows. Kael and I will gather information — every name, every weakness, every secret the guild has."
Kael cracked his knuckles.
"Spying's not my favorite game, but if it helps bring them down, I'll do it. Besides, information's a weapon too."
Siniadal crossed his arms.
"Then we'll hold the city. Reres and I, with Zyara, Junia, and Tieu. If Drango's pawns try to strike here, they'll break against us first."
Junia nodded firmly.
"I won't let innocent people be caught in their schemes. The city will be safe."
Tieu added, her voice sharp and certain,
"They'll regret underestimating us."
Zyara drew her sword halfway, its steel gleaming.
"Then let them come. We'll guard Qanbarash with our lives."
Suddenly, Canberas stormed into the center of the room, his young face twisted in determination.
"No! I refuse to sit here and practice while the rest of you fight! Father, I want to go with Michi! I'm ready!"
Nulius's expression hardened.
"You are not ready, Canberas. This is not training with wooden swords. This is life and death."
"Then let me prove it!" Canberas shouted, fists clenched. "You always tell me I must fight for what I believe in — well, I believe in this! I want to fight beside Michi!"
The air grew tense as father and son clashed with words.
Nulius's voice boomed.
"Enough! You will obey me, Canberas!"
But the boy stood his ground, trembling but unyielding.
"If you won't let me, I'll go on my own! I won't be left behind!"
For a long moment, the room was silent, the family watching, breath held. Finally, Nulius sighed, his anger fading into resignation.
"Stubborn… just like me when I was your age. Very well. You will go with Michi. But mark my words, Canberas — one misstep, and I will drag you back myself."
Canberas's eyes widened, then brightened with fierce determination.
"Thank you, Father. I won't let you down!"
The decision was made. The lines were drawn.