The wind and snow could not conceal the heavy atmosphere. The war drums had yet to sound, but oppression already hung in the air.
Duke Edmund dispensed with all pleasantries as soon as the meeting began.
He simply sat at the head of the table and raised a hand, his composure as cold as frost and snow. "Everyone, let's skip the formalities. You've all seen the situation outside."
His voice was quiet, yet it reached every corner of the council chamber, like icicles driven into their hearts.
"This isn't a battle. It's a... world-ending catastrophe."
No one spoke. Only the thunderous vibration of the distant magical bunkers seemed to answer him.
"So today, we will discuss just one thing: how to end all this."
As he spoke, he slowly turned his gaze toward a patch of shadow beside him. "To that end, I've invited this gentleman..."
A figure slowly emerged from the shadows and stepped into the light.
He wore a deep blue robe patterned with stars. It stirred gently like the night sky, sparks of starlight constantly rising from its edges before seeming to fall into the void.
He gave neither his name nor an introduction.
Even the Duke said nothing of his origins.
But no one questioned him. His presence alone marked him as an undeniable powerhouse.
A layer of hazy mist concealed his entire face.
Even standing beside him, one could not make out his features. That "mist" seemed to repel not only sight, but understanding itself.
The air seemed to warp slightly wherever he passed, as though a presence from a bygone age had quietly arrived across time and space.
"Who is that...?" a young officer from the Imperial Capital murmured.
No one answered.
Aurelian paid him no attention either. He simply stopped and went straight