The ride back to New Azor was enveloped in an uneasy silence. The events in Maymer Woods weighed heavily on everyone's minds, but none more so than Erebus. He had traversed realms where time flowed differently, but this experience was something else entirely. Unlike those other places, there was no sense of distortion, no warning. It left him deeply unsettled, pondering how time could have been manipulated without his awareness.
The woods harbored a malevolence that Erebus couldn't quite identify. It was an insidious presence that seemed to lurk just beyond his understanding. Despite his reluctance, an instinctual part of him acknowledged that he would have to return to those cursed woods one day.
As they approached the gates of New Azor in the early morning, the familiar skyline brought a small measure of comfort, but it did little to dispel the lingering questions and foreboding.
The tall white walls surrounding the city screamed fortitude. It was easily defensible and unscalable. The archers and cultivators could see out kilometers from atop them. The massive gate had numerous guards standing by and directing traffic. They had to stop by several checkpoints to verify their identity before they neared the walls because no undesirable was let in.
People saw the walls as a beacon, but Erebus saw it as another prison.
As they rode in silence, the weight of unspoken questions hung heavily between them. The journey had been long and tense. The only sounds were the rhythmic clopping of hooves and the occasional rustle of leaves. Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Leo turned to Erebus, his concern evident in his eyes.
"Erebus... what happened in there?"
Erebus tensed when he heard the question. He had been waiting for Leo to ask about the Maymer Woods, but he wasn't sure he had an answer.
"I'm still not sure," Erebus said honestly after a moment of hesitation. "I wasn't in there for longer than five minutes, but that was enough to force me to retreat."
"Instinct?"
"Perhaps," Erebus said. "It was... eerie. There was nothing in there. Nothing at all. The mutated beasts ran inside, and I was right on their trail, but then it was like the woods swallowed them whole. I couldn't sense them. I couldn't sense any creature."
"But something was there," Leo confirmed quietly.
"Nothing that lived or breathed... unless the woods themselves were alive," Erebus shook his head. "Or something that hid between the trees, something unseen... and I believe there was a rune carved in the ground."
Leo hissed. "What does that mean?"
"I don't know. I believe the only way I escaped was because I heard you calling my name, and I Shadow Stepped out of there. I fear that any other cultivator would have died."
Leo released a shaky breath. "I'll alert Father that no one is allowed in those woods. Hells. I may request we help the village move."
"Better to burn the cursed thing to the ground," Erebus whispered.
The suspected rune unsettled him the most. He had never seen anything like it before in his long years. How large was it in its entirety? Did it cover the woods completely?
And if it was a rune, who carved it? Who had the proficiency in earth mana to undertake such a feat?
As much as he hated it, his mind wandered to one cultivator—someone who held a Titan core and was powerful. Someone who had created a massive chasm that swallowed an army and Erebus alike.
Erebus knew he couldn't ignore the enigma of Maymer Woods forever, but for now, he pushed it to the back of his mind, focusing on the immediate tasks that awaited him in the city.
As they arrived at the headquarters, Claire was already waiting for them and saluted. "You two are being summoned to the throne room."
Leo groaned. "But we just arrived."
"The King is held up, and an emissary from the palace will be here shortly. You trust Duke Halcyon to handle it on his own?" Claire challenged.
Leo laughed. "Yes."
Claire rolled her eyes. "A correction to my statement—do you expect Duke Halcyon to handle the other Dukes and the emissary on his own?"
Leo frowned. They had cut out many useless Dukes, but some were still persistent. If Halcyon were left alone, there would be bloodshed. Although tempting, it would not be ideal.
"Fine. The emissary can meet us in our finest traveling garments," Leo huffed. "Decorated in dust and I don't give a fuck."
They left the others behind and entered the throne room in the center of the headquarters. It was an ample open space with a dome ceiling. Chairs lined the aisle, and on a dais sat three thrones, the largest in the center.
The Dukes were already present, and Halcyon approached both of them with a warm hug. "Seems that you both have returned. How was the mission?" he asked.
"Most of the beasts have been wiped out," Erebus said. "But we have concerns to present to you and the King soon."
Halcyon nodded and motioned for them to walk to the dais, his expression calm and composed. As they approached, Leo took his usual seat on the throne to the right of his father's central throne, a position he had grown accustomed to. Erebus, however, opted to stand beside Leo, his demeanor relaxed and almost lazy. He leaned casually against the ornate throne, arms crossed, and continued a light-hearted conversation with Leo.
Leo grinned, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and affection. "You know you have every right to sit on the other throne," he said, gesturing to the empty throne on the other side of his father's seat. "It's not just for decoration."
Erebus chuckled softly, shaking his head. He sat on a throne for centuries while leading Shadowbane in the Warring Era. He never needed a throne, especially now.
"I'm more comfortable standing," he finally replied. "Besides, it gives me a better view of you."
Leo's smile widened. "Always the charmer," he teased, reaching out to lightly touch Erebus' arm. "But seriously, you should consider it. You've earned your place here."
Erebus shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "Maybe one day," he said nonchalantly. "For now, I'm content right where I am."
Their banter continued, and the familiar comfort of their relationship was evident in their easy rapport. Halcyon observed them with a slight smile, appreciating the bond they shared. Despite the weight of their responsibilities and challenges, moments like these reminded them of the strength they drew from one another.
As the room began to fill with other sect elders, the atmosphere shifted, becoming more formal and serious. Erebus straightened slightly but maintained his relaxed posture, ready to address whatever matters were at hand. Leo, too, adopted a more regal demeanor, the playful glint in his eyes replaced by a steady resolve.
The throne room buzzed with anticipation as the doors opened, and a pale man walked in. He seemed to be severely sleep-deprived, with dark circles under his light blue eyes. His hair was thin and wispy blonde, and a thin scar ran over his eye and cheek. He wore a posh suit of red and white and had an imperious air about him. What was worse was that the moment he stepped through the doors, Erebus could smell death radiating off him.
The man gave a curt nod toward Leo, but his eyes lingered on Erebus with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. There was a flicker of something in his gaze—caution, perhaps, or maybe intrigue. Erebus couldn't quite decipher it, but the man's scrutiny sent a prickle of unease down his spine. It didn't matter the man's intentions; his presence was enough to set Erebus on edge. Every instinct screamed at him to stay alert, to be wary. The man unnerved him in a way few others did, and Erebus couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was far from ordinary.
"I am Garan Porter, Emissary of the Emperor and Empress of the Light. I have come with his decree."
He held up a scarlet scroll and cleared his throat, waiting for the room to react. Erebus scoffed, knowing they wanted them to bow like the normal civilians of Halrland. They were bound to the Emperor, and a decree was his word that demanded respect.
However, Leo was unmoved, and Erebus remained in his standing position. When Erebus noticed some of the Dukes of the Council starting to bend their knees, he let out a fierce growl. "Did you forget who your fucking king was?"
Garan frowned. "Isn't it just a form of respect?"
"My respect is forcing me not to snap you in two. Be grateful for that," Erebus said with a dark grin.
Leo laughed a little and patted Erebus' arm. "You must understand, Emissary, the last time we heard from your Emperor and Empress, they called to torture my fiancé and lock him up in a Soul Stone. Allowing you in this throne room is stretching our tolerance. Now state your business."
Garan nodded quickly and opened the scroll. "The Emperor of Light, the great and benevolent Jericho, has announced that Golden Mountain will host the tournament and be open to all sects and members of age. Due to political unrest, we will ask that Prince Pulsar does not participate, but we will welcome the Demon General to do so."
Erebus' eyes narrowed. "Sounds suspicious."
"We're only protecting the political climate due to the event five years ago, Demon." Garan kept a polite tone, but his words were damning enough. He showed no respect to Erebus.
"Demon? Perhaps I am. Are you sure you would want to have a demon participating? Hasn't Golden Mountain lost enough pawns to my blade?"
"The tournament will be different, and the participants will be safe from each other," Garan explained.
Leo shook his head. "Then why can't I participate?"
"A simple caveat."
"And if I choose to stand to the side and not participate?" Erebus asked.
"A shame, really. It would be quite enjoyable if you participated." Garan grinned, but it seemed off—almost eerie. It made Erebus want to slice it off.
"The Earl Themis sends his regrets that he was unable to visit you personally. Today is the day they honor their dead," Garan said as he closed the scroll and held out a thick gold envelope. "In a month, the Earl Themis will be hosting a ball to celebrate the beginning of the tournament, and high-ranked members are asked to attend."
A cold laugh echoed in the room, and there was a cold gust of air. Suddenly, the envelope was removed from Garan's hand. He gulped and flinched when he noticed that Erebus was in front of him and now holding the invitation.
"Oh? The Themis family is willing to host me?" he said with a glint in his eyes.
Garan's terrible grin returned. "Yes."
Erebus raised an eyebrow. "Do you fear that the Themis dogs will start a war on their own property if I attend?"
Garan seemed nonplussed. "You have a history with your temper, Demon, so I personally expect something to come from your attendance."
Erebus threw his head back and laughed. "A history with my temper? Well, I can't really deny that." He turned around and started to walk back towards the grinning Leo. He waved the invitation in the air. "Anything else?"
Garan was rooted in place. "Demon General, despite the history between Shadowbane and Golden Mountain, I quite admire you."
Erebus laughed. "If you admire someone like me, you must be a bloodthirsty bastard. But perhaps it is fitting for someone like you who reeks of decay."
The Dukes who tried to kneel before gasped at the insult, but Garan only laughed. "We all have our histories."
Erebus nodded and casually sat on the stairs of the dais. "And some are darker than others."
Garan shifted a little before bowing stiffly. "Thank you for listening to my words." He promptly left as if he was running away.
When the doors closed, Erebus stood and returned to his original position beside Leo. He handed the invitation to Leo. "What do you think?"
Leo snorted. "Are you really planning on attending?"
"Who else would you send as a representative?" Erebus said with a shrug.
Duke Blake stormed up to the throne with an angry look. He and Erebus had always been at odds since he was the one who tried to push the alliance with Golden Mountain five years ago.
"Are you disregarding the Dukes? A child like you could never be Shadowbane's representative!"
Erebus' face turned stony, and he stood up straight. Now that he was older, he started to tower above most of the men so he could look down on Duke Blake. "Mind your tongue, Blake. A child like myself is more trustworthy than a bastard who would easily sell us out to be on a higher platform. If you go, you may end up on your knees licking the Themises' boots."
"I believe that General Erebus will be more than adequate as one of our representatives," Halcyon said with a grin.
Leo laughed a little. "We will take a small unit of our elites to this... ceremony. General Erebus and I will escort them. The captains who will join us are Nash, Comet, and Heath. However, we can take several Shadow Guards with us."
The Dukes attempted to protest again, but Leo stood up, a dark aura wrapping around him as he glared at them. "You can try to protest my decision, but at this moment, I outrank all of you, and my decision is final." His look turned cold. "I will not have today's events repeated. You will not shame Shadowbane by kneeling to another power."
The Dukes shuffled awkwardly and grumbled in agreement.
"You're dismissed. Duke Halcyon, General Erebus, please stay behind," Leo said. He watched the other Dukes sulk out of the throne room.
Both Halcyon and Erebus relaxed a little. Leo smiled at Halcyon. "How are you doing in the Council?"
Halcyon let out a discontent groan. "I hate these weak little men. I'm ready to bring Erebus on board with me."
Only generals who contributed to the sect could become Dukes and sit on the Council to help guide Shadowbane with King Leonis. Halcyon's seat was new, but as a warbound man, he hated it. Erebus could technically sit in the Council as well because he had contributed significantly to Shadowbane and is currently a General, albeit he had just received this title. Halcyon had complained enough to let Erebus know he did not want this fate.
Erebus laughed. "Hells, I have centuries remaining before I consider such a thing. Let those old men die out first. If we are on the Council together, there would be bloodshed."
Halcyon laughed heartily and patted him on the back. "You know how to stir up trouble."
He sighed, rubbed the back of his neck, and gave Erebus a wry look. "Trouble indeed... and not just with the Council. You really know how to irritate anyone representing Halrland's royal family."
Erebus coughed a little. "Perhaps they just know how to irritate me."
Leo chuckled. He knew Erebus' history with Jericho and Kore, so he knew how difficult it was to rein himself in. He never wanted to impede Erebus either, knowing his nature was one of vengeance and blood. "Do you have anything in mind that I should prepare for?"
"I'll try to keep my daggers sheathed," Erebus said lightly. "Before anything, I should consider my cultivation. I feel the Shadow Deity's seal shaking." Erebus said, his hand on his chest, feeling the mana fluctuating.
He had absorbed the Nether Flame, forcing him to have unprecedented breakthroughs in his cultivation. If he allowed it to continue, he would have suffered greatly and burned up with the Nether Flame, so they sealed it. However, his cultivation still skyrocketed.
With the help of Leonis and the Shadow Deity, Erebus could conceal the fact that he was already at the peak of the Emperor Realm. It would have caused too much of a stir if anyone knew. However, no one knew that his mana was chipping away at the seal, ready to become undone to allow him to enter the Divine Realm.
At least he now had the strength to face the Themises head-on.