A city far away from Novaris City, where the academy was located.

This city was much larger in comparison.

Massive skyscrapers of steel and glass stretched high into the sky, their reflective surfaces shining beneath the afternoon sun. Wide roads crossed through the city like rivers of concrete, filled with countless vehicles moving in an organized flow.

People hurried along sidewalks, carrying briefcases, talking on phones, and moving toward their workplaces. The city never seemed to stop moving. It was a place where power, wealth, and influence gathered together.

This was Aurex Prime.

The capital city of the Aurelian Empire.

Overlooking the city from a distant hill stood a grand palace.

Its architecture was completely different from the modern skyline surrounding it. Ancient white stone walls, towering spires, and golden banners gave it an aura of timeless authority.

The Imperial Palace.

The residence of the Imperial Family. However, that place was not important today. Far from the palace, near the center of the city, stood another famous landmark.

A massive skyscraper rose above the surrounding buildings.

At its highest point, large silver letters were engraved across the structure.

[ HERO ASSOCIATION ]

The building was recognized throughout the empire. It was the headquarters of the organization responsible for protecting humanity from monsters, dungeons, and demonic threats.

At the very top floor of the skyscraper was a meeting hall. The room itself was enormous. A long rectangular table occupied the center.

Expensive wooden walls, crystal lights, and floor-to-ceiling windows gave the chamber an atmosphere of authority and prestige.

Several important individuals sat around the table.

People whose decisions could affect entire regions of the empire. At the head of the table sat an old man. His gray hair had begun turning white with age, yet his presence remained powerful.

Even while sitting, he carried an invisible pressure that filled the room. His eyes were sharp. His posture straight. His authority unquestionable.

He was Chester Grimspire. President of the Hero Association. One of the most influential figures in the entire empire.

The room remained silent as Chester’s gaze swept across everyone present.

"You all may be wondering why you were called here so suddenly."

His deep voice echoed through the hall.

"There is an important matter we must discuss."

A cold voice responded from across the table.

"What kind of matter requires summoning even those who are not members of the Hero Association?"

The tone was calm. It was not disrespectful.

But simply direct.

Chester’s eyes moved toward the speaker. There sat a handsome man in his mid-thirties.

His silver-white hair was neatly combed back. Purple eyes reflected confidence and composure. Even seated, he possessed the natural bearing of a ruler.

He was Duke Julian Eldritch. One of the most powerful nobles in the empire. The ruler of the vast Eldritch Dukedom. A territory so large and influential that many considered it a nation within the empire itself.

The Empire posses vast dukedoms, that’s why it’s called empire rather than kingdom.

Chester nodded slightly.

"Duke Eldritch, your question is understandable."

His gaze traveled around the room.

"I invited several noble houses because this matter concerns more than just the Hero Association."

A brief pause followed. "Not all the dukes were able to attend, but three of you are here. That is sufficient."

His eyes shifted toward the man sitting beside Julian.

The man appeared to be around the same age. Dark midnight-colored hair framed a handsome face. His emerald eyes remained calm and observant.

He was Duke Lionel Thornveil. Ruler of the Thornveil Dukedom.

Lionel folded his hands calmly on the table. "It was only natural for us to come."

His voice carried respect.

"When someone of your position requests a meeting, ignoring it would be foolish."

Before Chester could respond, another voice interrupted.

"Just begin already."

The voice was deeper. It felt like it belong to an old man.

More imposing. "There is no need for unnecessary greetings."

Everyone’s attention shifted toward the opposite side of the table. An older man sat there wearing a simple black kimono. Unlike the luxurious suits worn by others, his clothing was plain.

Yet no one present dared underestimate him. His black hair contained several white streaks. Dark blue eyes remained sharp despite his age. He appeared to be in his late fifties.He was Duke Reiji Narukami.

One of the strongest swordsmen in the empire. The ruler of another dukedom. Which have culture far different compare to other regions of empire. His region was similar to japan.

His gaze briefly shifted toward Lionel Thornveil. Something flashed within his eyes. Gone before anyone could notice. As if there was something that made Reiji displeased at Lionel’s sight.

Chester simply nodded.

"Very well."

Before he could continue, another person spoke.

"It was I who requested this meeting."

All eyes turned toward Chester’s right side.

There sat Adrian.

Principal of Novaris Academy.

One of the empire’s most respected man.

Chester folded his hands.

"Hmm."

"It was indeed Adrian who requested this emergency meeting."

His expression grew serious.

"There is something happening."

He looked toward Adrian.

"You may explain now. Everyone is present."

Adrian nodded.

The atmosphere immediately became heavier.

"All of you should already know about the attack that occurred shortly after the academy year began."

Several people nodded.

Everyone present had access to classified information.

"The culprit was identified as Malrick."

Adrian paused.

"But that is not all."

His expression darkened.

"A week ago, our students were attacked again."

The room became silent.

"This time during a field trip near Oakhaven."

Duke Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He had heard reports regarding the incident.

Most of the others had as well.

Adrian continued.

"What was not revealed to the public is what our investigation discovered afterward."

The room seemed to grow colder.

The principal’s voice became quieter.

"They were conducting a ritual."

No one interrupted.

"A sacrifice."

Several expressions changed.

Then Adrian spoke the final words.

"A sacrifice intended for a ... Monarch. At least that’s what i think so..."

There was complete silence.

Even Duke Reiji’s expression hardened.

The word Monarch carried a terrifying meaning. Ancient beings that could rival gods in powers Existences whose names were associated with disasters, destruction, and extinction.

Lionel Thornveil frowned.

"Are you certain?"

"No."

Adrian answered honestly.

"But all evidence points toward that conclusion."

Chester slowly nodded.

"Continue."

Adrian took a breath.

"Not only that."

His eyes shifted toward Julian.

"Duke Eldritch." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Julian met his gaze.

"Your son, Noah Eldritch, along with several companions, explored a dungeon recently."

Julian’s expression remained calm.

Though inwardly he was surprised.

"What about it?"

"They discovered a massive underground pit."

The room listened carefully. Adrian’s voice grew grave "Inside were hundreds of creatures.. Only hero Association and academy knows about this."

Several brows furrowed.

"Hundreds?"

Lionel repeated.

Adrian nodded.

"Hundreds."

His next words sent another chill through the room.

"They were asleep."

The silence deepened.

"Neither our records nor our databases contain information about those creatures."

Julian’s expression finally changed slightly.

"Unknown monsters?"

"Possibly."

Adrian shook his head.

"Or perhaps something else entirely."

Chester folded his hands beneath his chin.

The old man’s eyes had become incredibly serious.

"An academy attack, a demonic sacrifice and unknown creatures."

He spoke each point separately.

Then slowly exhaled.

"All within a few months."

Nobody disagreed.

Because when viewed together, the incidents formed a disturbing pattern.

Lionel’s expression darkened.

"You believe these events are connected."

"I do."

Adrian answered immediately.

"If these incidents were isolated, I would not have requested this meeting."

His gaze swept across the room.

"But they are occurring too frequently."

"Something is changing."

Duke Reiji remained silent for several moments.

Then he finally spoke.

"If related to Monarchs are truly involved..."

His deep voice echoed through the chamber.

"Then we may already be too late."

Those words made the room even heavier.

Chester narrowed his eyes.

"No."

His voice was firm.

"We are not at that stage yet."

He rose from his seat.

Immediately, everyone’s attention focused on him.

The President of the Hero Association looked around the room.

"We will begin a full investigation."

His voice carried authority.

"Every suspicious organization. Every cult. Every unusual dungeon activity. Every demon movement."

His eyes sharpened. "I want reports on everything."

No one objected. Because everyone understood the stakes. If Monarchs were truly beginning to awaken...

Then the peace humanity had enjoyed for decades might soon come to an end.

And for the first time during the meeting.

Every person present felt the same unsettling thought. A storm was coming.