In another location, a place shrouded in absolute darkness, a vast, circular table sat at the center of an enigmatic space. Around it were seated ten human-like figures, each radiating a unique aura of mystery and power.
Some lounged in a relaxed, almost indifferent manner. Others sat upright with a regal authority etched into their very posture. One figure, however, was fast asleep, as though the matters unfolding around her were of no concern whatsoever.
None of them uttered a word. Silence prevailed as they all kept their gazes fixed upon a massive screen hovering above the center of the table.
A colossal heads-up display glowed faintly, illuminating their shadowed faces with its light. On it, the image of Asher appeared, moving with brutal efficiency as he tore through the assassins like a dragon laying waste to a swarm of insects, insignificant and powerless in comparison.
During the True Awakening, the Wargrave family had not been the only ones observing the unfolding events. These ten mysterious beings had scattered enchanted crows throughout the forest, each bird acting as a sentient surveillance device. Through the eyes of those creatures, they had watched every moment with meticulous attention.
These ten had existed for ages, their presence rooted deep in the hidden histories of Crymora. Following the catastrophic fall of the Star Fragment, a moment in history that irreversibly altered the world, they had risen to power in secrecy.
Their true goals remained unknown.
Though whispers of their existence circulated among those who stood at the pinnacle of global power, no one knew their true number.
Yet these ten stood above nearly all known entities. They rarely showed themselves and only acted personally when they wished to eliminate a being of significant strength.
Then, as the True Awakening came to a close, the massive display vanished, its light snuffed out like a candle in the dark. The room was plunged once more into silence and shadow.
"An interesting show," one of the figures murmured, a man with a soft, almost amused voice, though the smile that spread across his lips was far from sane.
"This isn’t a show," another replied, his tone heavy with seriousness. "Another Wargrave has risen. And based on what we just witnessed, he is extraordinarily talented."
"There’s no need to sound so worried," a woman commented from the side with a casual tone. "He’s still just a child. It will take him years, if ever, to reach our level."
"The Wargraves are becoming a persistent headache. And now, with the Tenth Sun added to their ranks, I believe it’s time they suffered a devastating loss," another figure said, his voice lazy, yet tinged with menace.
"Oh ho... Should we kill their current Primarch? Just like we eliminated the former one?" a voice asked gleefully, as though already relishing the idea of bloodshed.
A different woman shook her head in response. "I suggest we go after a Sun or Moon instead this time. We paid a steep price when we went after the former Primarch. Three of us fought him together, and we still nearly died, brought to the brink of death by a single human. Although he eventually perished, the power each Primarch wields is nothing to scoff at."
"That’s only because I wasn’t there," a man interjected with a cocky grin. "If I had been, such a disgrace would never have occurred. I would’ve ended that human with a single blow."
The others didn’t even glance in his direction. They were used to his reckless arrogance.
"Let’s not forget the losses we suffered after that human’s death," another woman added, her frown deepening. "The Emovirae we spent years cultivating throughout the Zarethorne Empire were nearly wiped out by the Wargraves. Even the other Dukes joined the effort."
"Then it’s decided," the first man said again, his voice regaining control. "One of us will target a Sun or Moon. In the meantime, we’ll pull our primary pieces back, in preparation for the inevitable retaliation from the Wargraves."
"How about this?" another suggested, a wicked grin forming on his face. "When they begin their counterattack, we infiltrate the Wargrave estate and exterminate every living human within its walls."
"Let’s first decide who our immediate target will be," another replied with a nod, his eyes gleaming at the idea of razing the Wargrave estate in a wave of blood and carnage. "Then we can plan the rest accordingly."
"So... who do we move against first?" The question hung in the air, prompting all ten to fall into deep thought.
"What about the Tenth Sun?" one proposed.
"He’ll be going to that useless school soon. That would be the perfect opportunity. We could use him to lure out another Sun or Moon and eliminate two in a single strike."
"He’s still too weak," another dismissed coldly. "His death wouldn’t shake the Wargraves. If we’re to deliver a blow, it must count. We need someone whose loss would significantly cripple their strength."
"Then how about the First Sun?" someone suggested. "That man has been a constant thorn in our side. He seems to have information on the whereabouts of our agents. Taking him out would weaken their power base and provide a chance to strike at their estate as well."
"Indeed," another agreed, eyes narrowing. "That human called Malrik is proving to be more troublesome than his father ever was."
"According to recent rumors, Malrik may have already surpassed his father in strength. Whether that’s true or not, we should tread carefully," someone else added cautiously.
"Are you really placing your faith in human rumors now?" a woman scoffed. "What’s next? Are we going after those old fossils called Great Elders and Elders."
"How can you mock them as ’old fossils’ when you yourself are likely older than every living Wargrave combined?" the man beside her shot back. He continued, "I’m not suggesting we go after those Elders. I propose we move against the Second Moon, Wuthenya Wargrave."
Silence fell like a curtain.
Wuthenya. A name that carried weight. Within the Wargrave family, she ranked just below her father, brother, and a few of the Elders and Great Elders. But beyond the family’s hierarchy, she was a force unto herself. Entire cities could fall beneath her feet if she so willed it.
"Then who will carry out the mission, and when?" someone finally asked.
Before any deliberation could begin, one among them raised a hand with a grin.
"I will," he declared confidently. "I’ll take this kill. I wasn’t part of the group that brought down her grandfather. But I can at least send her to join him in death."
The others turned toward him briefly, then nodded. They understood. He would not back down.
"Then it’s settled. We will reconvene once her death has been ensured. For now, we pull back our pawns and prepare."
One by one, the figures began to vanish, dissolving into the darkness like shadows returning to the void.
All except for one.
The woman who had been fast asleep from the beginning remained. She had not spoken. She had not watched the True Awakening. She had not participated in the discussion. Only the soft rhythm of her breath and the gentle rise and fall of her chest remained, completely detached from the chaos to come.