Far away from the music and the chaotic politics of the main ballroom, a much quieter, far more dangerous meeting was taking place behind closed doors.
The table in the center of the private royal chamber was surrounded by the most powerful figures in the kingdom. The heads of the Great Families, high-ranking military commanders, and top guild officials were all gathered to discuss the escalating threat of the anomalous Gates.
"The situation is completely unstable," one of the military commanders said, pointing to a sprawling map spread across the center of the table.
"The recent Gate the Flint vanguard failed to clear has already shown signs of expanding. If we do not seal it within the week, we risk a localized anomaly break."
"Then the solution is simple," Duke Vahn said, leaning back in his chair with a dismissive wave of his hand. "We send in a specialized raid team. Dispatch a squad of high-ranking knights to handle the core and be done with it."
