The snow and wind couldn't hide the heavy atmosphere; the war drums hadn't sounded yet, but the air was already oppressive.
As the meeting began, Duke Edmund didn't exchange any pleasantries.
He merely sat at the head seat, lightly raised his hand, calm as frost and snow: "Everyone, let's skip the idle talk. You've all seen what's happening outside."
His voice wasn't loud, yet it penetrated every corner of the chamber, like ice spikes piercing into everyone's heart.
"This isn't just a battle, it's an... apocalypse-level catastrophe."
No one spoke within the hall, only the rumbling from the distant Magic Fortress replied in echo.
"Therefore, today we will only discuss one thing: how to end all of this."
As he spoke, he slowly cast his gaze towards a shadow nearby: "For this reason, I have invited this individual..."
The figure slowly stepped out from the shadows, into the area illuminated by the lights.
