"The Gladius have already gathered inside, along with the council," said one of the soldiers standing at the entrance. He blocked the doorway momentarily before stepping aside and allowing them through the towering pillars.
With the sound of stone echoing beneath their steps, they approached the grand doors—massive and awe-inspiring. The soldiers moved swiftly, pushing them open, and in that moment, it felt as though history itself was being torn apart, pages of an ancient tale being turned to reveal something extraordinary.
A red carpet stretched beyond the doorway. The scent in the room—reminiscent of old paper money—startled Wein, who looked around at the golden hue cast by mana-powered bulbs.
Luxurious decorations adorned the walls, made from materials so fine that one glance was enough to recognize their worth.
Elaina and Akylaa quickened their pace. Wein, falling slightly behind through several corridors, was forced to catch up.
Trying to maintain his distance, Wein relied on memories—this place felt eerily similar to the corridors he once walked as a general. It triggered long-buried memories he despised, right up until Elaina slowed her pace.
They stopped before a modest door, one among many lavish ones they'd passed. Elaina opened it gently, a thin layer of dust obscuring their view.
The two of them, clearly used to this, stepped inside. For Wein, it was something unfamiliar. He hesitated at first, but after the others entered, he followed.
So much magic I've missed… Wein muttered internally with a slight grin when he realized the door led… to yet another corridor?
Like a maze, they continued walking until they reached a grand door, adorned with gold and diamonds. Two soldiers stationed there opened it.
The doors opened for the Gladius, but their sharp, disapproving glares turned to Wein, who followed behind. They seemed reluctant to let someone so young into the chamber.
A cold draft struck him as the doors shut again, and Wein found himself inside an enormous hall.
The room was vast, centered by a round table hollow in the middle—resembling the assembly table of a united nations. Seated around it were several people, including a king and queen from each of the three nations.
James Arkbold, King of the Sperum Kingdom, and his queen, Chelsea Arkbold, were among them, watching Wein attentively.
Their kind and gentle expressions gave weight to the rumors—perhaps they were indeed benevolent monarchs. Still, Wein wasn't just any subject; he was a high-ranking duke and a major supplier to the royal family—it was only natural for them to treat him warmly.
Across the table from them sat the elves: King Glenn Herasy and Queen Faylin Herasy, composed and firm.
And in stark contrast, on the opposite side were the dwarves: Ground Ogmund and Gleu Ogmund, whose harsh and judgmental stares pinned Wein in place, as if unwilling to acknowledge his presence.
Elsewhere, the Gladius fixed their sharp gazes on him, examining his every detail. Then, King James requested an introduction.
"It is an honor, Your Majesty. I am Wein Arcveil of House Arcveil, a student of Aetheris Academy, currently in my first year," he said quietly.
Elaina and Akylaa calmly made their way to their seats, leaving Wein under the intense scrutiny of everyone present.
"What are your abilities?" someone cut in abruptly. It was King Ground—unrefined and rude. His sneer was directed squarely at Wein.
Silence followed; even King James seemed displeased by the interruption. Then, Queen Chelsea nodded, and an assistant stepped forward to speak.
"Apologies! I will now recite Lord Arcveil's qualifications. But as per protocol, Lord Arcveil must be seated first," the assistant declared from the rear.
She wore a sleek outfit, long pale-red hair, and a pair of glasses slipping slightly down her nose. Holding a thick book, she flipped through it.
Wein quickly found his seat and sat, as instructed. Observing the golden and silken robes that trailed onto the floor, he wondered just how long such garments were.
"Very well, I'll begin," said the assistant. King Ground's scowl deepened, his disdain practically radiating.
"For starters, he hails from a noble lineage. He possesses mastery over six elements, including the rare and eternal elements—light and darkness—which are said to be unattainable by others." She paused. "He won several swordsmanship tournaments in his youth, achieved platinum rank at a remarkably young age, and his intelligence far exceeds the average for someone his age." She closed the book.
She then stepped back, her task complete, and the Gladius resumed studying Wein's qualifications.
Moments later, King James stood to speak.
"My deepest condolences for the fallen Gladius. May they rest in the finest peace." He opened with a moment of mourning.
"Now then, I will explain why you have been summoned to this room," James continued, his calm expression sharpening.
Their eyes locked as Wein listened closely. "First, we've lost many Gladius. Second, there's the matter of the terrorist attacks. And most importantly—you are here."
"The Gladius are our shield, our sword, and the very foundation of our world. Without them, balance collapses, and the continent falls into the wrong hands. With three fallen and two permanently injured, can we deny that we now need a replacement?" James turned to the others in the room.
"So, esteemed leaders, do you agree to promote this sixteen-year-old as a Gladius? If we don't act now, the rest of our members will continue to crumble." His commanding tone caused panic to ripple among some of the leaders.
Wein's heart pounded—he was shocked to realize he was being considered as the next Gladius. And yet, deep down, he was ready.
Across the table, King Ground's eyes burned red, while Gleu's gaze filled with hatred. Meanwhile, the elven monarchs nodded in agreement.
"That's right. If we don't act, we'll continue to decline. Lord Arcveil is one of our strongest candidates. Building a new combatant from scratch would take far too long," Glenn stated, with Faylin nodding beside him.
In the tense silence that followed, someone finally broke it—and of course, it was him.
"I do not agree. This is your ploy, isn't it?" he sneered, pointing at Wein with scorn. The contempt in his voice made Wein's blood boil.