With a final burst of golden light, the cocoon dispersed, releasing a cascade of glowing embers that rained down upon the mountain landscape. Each ember found a resting place, embedding itself into the soil, rocks, and air, becoming a part of the very essence of the land.
Ursula knew that her sons had found their final resting place, becoming one with the mountain and the sky and skies that raised them. The Harpies, witnessing this sacred ceremony, bowed their heads in solemn respect.
"May the Phoenix Embrace carry their spirits into eternity," Ursula whispered, her voice resonating with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. The golden phoenix, having fulfilled its duty, flew back to Ursula while dispersing into a burst of golden lights.
Looking around where the Ember of her son's body fell, Ursula thought to herself "This might be a bit selfish but as a mother, i want you all to be besides me as long as you can"
With that done Ursula made her way back into the palace which is her home, The harpies in the sky knew their queen needed a time alone so they all dispersed, with their wings beating in harmony.
A week passed before Ursula appeared in front of her people, now the council was called upon as their kingdom needs some tending to.
The council and elders all stood up as Ursula walked into the throne room, as soon as she sat down they all bowed before also sitting back down in their seats. "So how has things been for the past week i was mourning"
Iris one of the female elder spoke up, "Your highness, if i may"
Ursula looked at her and nodded prompting Iris to stand up from her seat "My team and i have made a small progress in understanding how the weapons from the sky works, It came to our notice that there may be a similarity to it with our third stage of power system"
"Research shows traces of intricate patterns of mana, of course that isn't the only thing needed as resources are also important, meaning such effects can't be given to any crafted weapon, the weapon has to be crafted with special resources needed like iron bearing traces of fire in it for the weapons to be able to burst into flames and withhold the heat without any damage on the weapon"
"The only problem we have now is understanding how they managed to inscribe the mana patterns in the weapons, which is why I have a request your highness" Iris explained as she looked at Ursula.
The power system in the Harpies' kingdom closely resembles that of the Apelings. Like the Apelings, the Harpies place significant emphasis on the mana attribute. Initially, they faced difficulties in training their mana like the Apelings due to the challenges of finding and picking out your own attribute among the other attributes floating in the thin air. However, over their long years of life, the Harpies have adjusted their power system, making it more accessible.
It is important to note that most attributes commonly found among the Harpies are the fire, wind, storm and lightning.
The first stage of their reformed power system is called 'mana awakening,' during which Harpies discover their innate mana attribute. Not much is done in this stage except for meditation to understand the nature of their mana.
The next stage is 'visualizing elemental wings,' which occurs after the Harpies gain a basic understanding of their mana nature. In this stage, through meditation they imagine their wings transforming into the ethereal manifestation of their chosen elements. Delicate and transparent feathers that shimmer with a constant breeze for the wind element, Wings ablaze with controlled flames that dance along the edges for the flame elements, Wings surrounded by cloudy sometimes dark, brooding clouds that crackle with latent energy for the storm elements and lastly Wings infused with crackling bolts of lightning that form intricate patterns for the lightning elements.This process requires careful attention to each feather on the wings, turning them into a conduit for their mana attribute and facilitating the gathering of mana towards them.
The third stage is 'Merging and Physical Sensation.' Once the second stage is complete, physical changes take place on the wings, such as small wind currents or flames dancing around them, the effects are created because of the mana attributes actively moving to inhabit the wings. This stage is perilous and rewarding, requiring Harpies to gain control over the elemental energy coursing through their wings. During this process, they also gain insight into intricate mana patterns, acquiring abilities such as creating a wind tornado with a wing flap or enveloping their wings in flames for defensive maneuvers. It's crucial to note that failure to gain control could result in the mana attribute taking over their wings, leading to severe consequences like being burned to crisp by your own wings or tearing the owner to shreds from the wind current generated from the wings.
The hypothesis for the fourth stage, which no one has reached yet, is called 'Elemental Integration and Embodiment.' In this stage, the Harpies believe that their previous weaknesses will be addressed. As their wings are the focal point of their power system, if attacked can leave them vulnerable, they theorize that after gaining control of the elements and acquiring abilities, the wings will in turn affect the entire body. For example, a Harpy with a flame mana attribute might gain immunity to a certain level of flames. This integration will also enhance all physical attributes, and most importantly, the wings will no longer be the primary requirement for using their abilities. Harpies can create a wind tunnel with a wave of their hands, independent of their wings.
As for the fifth stage, no ideas have been brought up yet as they still haven't had any harpies that have broken through the fourth stage, who can confirm if what the theorized is right.
"What is your request Iris?" Ursula asked as she tilted her head not quite understanding why her affirmation will be needed but nonetheless she doesn't mind hearing the girl out.
"Like i said before your highness, there is a similarity with the weapons working and our power system, my team and i would like to conduct a research which would requires Harpies of different elements that have attained the third stage" Iris said the research part a bit silently as she looked down in fear.
"I don't know why, you keep bringing this nonsense up when the other council members already disagree with your disposal" Molte said from his seat as he knocked his cane down to the floor while looking displeased at Iris.
Ursula's meaning was thinking on Iris's words, "I can't really offer my people up for a research, the harm outweighs the benefit and it is not a good look if the people know their queen is offering them up to be used as research, but what if the benefit outweighs the loss. We could gain a much better insight on how our power system works and that in turn leads to more abled harpies strengthening us all as a whole"
"But from Molte and the other elders' look, they won't agree with Iris's proposal" Ursual thought to herself as put on a thinking face.
"Molte, why do you and the other council members disagree so heavily with Iris's proposal? I am sure you all could see the benefit in her request" Ursula asked as she looked at Molte and the other council members.
Molte shifted uncomfortably in his seat before responding, "Your Highness, it's not that we don't recognize the potential benefits. We are concerned about the well-being of our people. Sending them into such experiments, especially with unknown risks, raises ethical questions. We must prioritize the safety and comfortness of our people."
Another elder, Thalia, spoke up, "I understand the curiosity and the desire for progress, but we have to consider the consequences. What if something goes wrong during the research? We could end up harming our own citizens, and that is a risk we cannot take lightly."
Ursula nodded, absorbing their concerns. "I value the safety and happiness of our people as much as anyone. Iris, Molte, Thalia, let's find a compromise. Iris, can you assure us that the research will be conducted with the utmost care and precautions to minimize any potential risks?"
Iris nodded fervently, "Your Highness, I promise we will take every precaution necessary. We won't proceed if we aren't confident in the safety of our harpies. It's for the greater good of our kingdom, and I believe the potential benefits could be significant."
Molte leaned on his cane, contemplating the situation. "Your Highness, perhaps we could establish an independent oversight committee to monitor the research. This way, we ensure transparency and accountability. If the committee deems it too risky at any point, the research can be halted."
Ursula considered the suggestion. "That's a wise proposal, Molte. It maintains a balance between progress and caution. Iris, do you agree to have an oversight committee to supervise the research?"