Point of View: Eldrin
Due to my summons, all ministers gathered in the council chamber inside the city hall.
Minister of Security: Thistram (Warrior)
Minister of Defense: Sylvanas (Hunter)
Minister of Economy: Sophia (Accountant)
Minister of Infrastructure: Morgath (Builder)
Minister of Education: Merlin (Mage)
Minister of Production: Kaelen (Omnifex)
Minister of Health: Lyriana (Physician)
The room was unlike the other offices in the city hall.
It did not feel rigid or formal. Instead, it was designed as a place for discussion and reflection. Warm lighting filled the space, and the furniture and decorations were meant to ease tension rather than impose authority.
After looking at everyone present, I began the meeting.
"Thank you all for coming. I know how busy you are, but what we need to discuss today is important."
I met each of their gazes before continuing.
"As you all know, four days ago, Sylvanas successfully ascended to Rank One. This should be a cause for celebration, however…"
Thistram spoke first.
"The contents of the reports you shared with us are troubling."
Merlin nodded in agreement.
"The danger of ascension itself, the existence of the Guardian, and the meaning behind its words…"
Kaelen crossed his arms.
"This raises many questions. Some of them are deeply unsettling."
After listening to their concerns, I reclaimed control of the discussion.
"To keep things organized, we will divide this meeting into two parts. First, we will discuss ascension and its dangers. Then, we will examine the existence of the Guardian and the information it revealed."
As I spoke, my gaze stopped on Sylvanas.
"Sylvanas, could you share your experience with ascension?"
All eyes turned to her. With a serious expression, she nodded.
"To be honest, I thought I was going to die," she said calmly. "The lightning inflicted damage across my entire body. Only after it ended did I realize it was also attacking my will. If my body had been any weaker—or if my resolve had faltered—I would have died without a doubt."
The atmosphere grew tense. Several ministers showed visible concern.
"That's what worries me the most," Sylvanas continued. "As a hunter, I trained my body relentlessly. Honing my skills and cultivating became daily habits. Before ascending, I was already one of the strongest primordials in Arcadia… and even then, my body barely endured it."
She paused briefly before continuing.
"My will is not weak either. Due to my position, placing my life in danger became routine, which tempered my resolve. And still, I nearly broke. My case is rare in Arcadia. Not everyone pushes themselves as far as I do."
Sophia spoke up carefully.
"And how are you now?"
Lyriana answered before Sylvanas could.
"She came to me with the same concern. After two full days of examinations, I found no issues with her body or mind. Everything is stable. In fact, I can confidently say she is in better condition than before. Her capacity to store origin energy has increased significantly."
I lightly struck the table, drawing everyone's attention.
"With this information," I said gravely, "I believe it must be made public."
Their expressions sharpened.
"It's only a matter of time before Sylvanas's successful ascension becomes known. For now, I've managed to keep it hidden, and only a few are aware—but that won't last."
Morgath frowned.
"If the population finds out… won't some rush to ascend prematurely?"
Merlin nodded.
"The Leader is right. If we don't release this information ourselves, many will die. Worse, some may blame us for hiding it. However, this creates another problem."
Sophia sighed.
"Resources. We don't have enough for everyone to train their bodies and abilities to optimal conditions."
Kaelen leaned forward.
"That may not be entirely true. I believe the tribulation changes depending on one's profession. It wouldn't make sense to expect a mage to possess the same physique as a warrior just to ascend. Every profession has defensive methods suited to them. For example, a mage would be far more efficient creating a barrier than reinforcing their body to endure direct damage."
Sophia nodded slowly.
"That may be so… but it doesn't change the fact that we still need resources."
Before the discussion spiraled further, I intervened.
"The dangers of ascension will be announced publicly. We will provide a detailed account of Sylvanas's experience and inform them that improving their chances requires strengthening their abilities, tempering their will, and enhancing their bodies to the best of their capacity. Does anyone object?"
No one did.
"As for resources," I continued, "I believe it's time we push beyond our current borders. We know very little about the forest surrounding Arcadia or the continent we inhabit—beyond its name, Estenor. The dangers of ascension and our lack of resources will serve as motivation for exploration."
They nodded in agreement.
"This concludes the first part of the meeting. Take some time to rest and eat. I expect everyone back here in one hour."
With that, the council dispersed. Some chose to eat together, while others preferred solitude.
What awaited us next would be even more important.
And far more dangerous.