I woke up before the sun had even fully risen above the horizon. For a few seconds, I remained lying down, staring at the ceiling of the room while organizing my thoughts. After so many journeys, alliances, and battles, the day of the great meeting between the kingdoms had finally arrived. The decisions made from that point onward could determine the future of the entire continent.
I got up, put on my clothes, and opened the window. The city was still slowly waking up. Some merchants were beginning to set up their stalls, while the guards were changing shifts at the capital's gates.
I took a deep breath.
Today would not be an ordinary day.
I went downstairs to the main hall of the mansion and found everyone already awake. Elara was organizing some documents that could be useful during the meeting. Liriel was reviewing some notes about Purification magic. Her assistant remained beside her, curious to witness a gathering between so many rulers. Scarlett was finishing breakfast, while Lyannis, Vespera, and Rai'kanna were talking quietly.
As soon as I approached, Scarlett smiled.
"Looks like you barely slept."
"I ended up waking up early."
"Are you nervous?"
I thought for a few moments before answering.
"Perhaps."
"Not because of the meeting itself."
"But because of what it represents."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"After today, everyone will begin seriously preparing for the war."
"Exactly."
Liriel closed her notebook.
"Then let's do our part."
We finished breakfast and headed together toward the castle.
Along the way, I noticed unusual activity throughout the streets of the capital. Soldiers were reinforcing security near the castle. Official carriages were constantly arriving, bringing nobles, advisors, and representatives from different regions of the kingdom.
As soon as we passed through the main gates, we were greeted by one of the guards' officers.
"Lord Takumi, His Majesty is already waiting for you."
I nodded.
"Thank you."
We continued through the corridors until we reached the enormous meeting hall.
As soon as I entered, I carefully observed the surroundings.
A large table occupied the center of the hall. Several chairs were already occupied by ministers, military strategists, and advisors of the human kingdom.
At the main end of the table sat the king.
As soon as he saw me, he gave a small smile.
"Good morning, Takumi."
"Good morning, Your Majesty."
He gestured toward the seats reserved for me and my group.
We sat near the king.
Not long afterward, the first guests began to arrive.
The Dwarven King entered accompanied by two military advisors. As always, he walked with firm steps and a serious expression.
"I hope you didn't start without me."
The human king smiled.
"Not yet."
Soon afterward, it was the turn of the Demi-Dragon King.
Rai'kanna immediately stood up.
"Father."
He smiled when he saw her.
"I'm glad to see you again."
She approached him, and the two spoke briefly before the meeting began.
A few minutes later, a large magic circle illuminated part of the room.
The long-distance communicators began to activate.
Images of the rulers who could not travel to the capital appeared within them.
Among them was the Dragon King.
Even appearing only through magic, his presence remained imposing.
"Greetings to everyone."
Another communicator revealed the Elven King.
His face maintained the same serenity as always.
"It is an honor to participate in this council."
Several more allied leaders also appeared through the magical devices.
I carefully observed each of them.
I had never seen so many rulers gathered together at the same time.
Even those separated by hundreds of kilometers participated as if they were present in the same room.
Liriel's assistant watched everything with enormous curiosity.
She discreetly approached Liriel.
"It's impressive."
"I never imagined that such advanced magical communicators existed."
Liriel smiled.
"They consume a great deal of mana."
"That's why they are usually only used on truly important occasions."
While everyone finished taking their seats, some employees distributed maps, scrolls, and documents across the main table.
The atmosphere was completely different from any diplomatic gathering I had ever witnessed.
There was no music.
No banquets.
No lengthy ceremonies.
Everyone understood the seriousness of that moment.
The human king slowly stood up.
His gaze swept across the entire room before he began to speak.
"I thank everyone for being here."
"Those who traveled long distances."
"And also those participating through magical communication."
He paused briefly.
"The reason for this meeting is known to everyone."
"The demons continue to increase their movements in the north."
"For a long time, we have strengthened our borders."
"Formed alliances."
"Trained our soldiers."
"But the time has come to decide how we will face the greatest threat our world has ever known."
An absolute silence took over the hall.
None of those present looked away.
The king continued.
"Today we will discuss strategies."
"Divide responsibilities."
"And build together the plan that could decide the future of this war."
I discreetly looked at all the leaders gathered there.
From their expressions, it was possible to see that no one underestimated the enemy.
Every kingdom had suffered losses.
Every ruler understood the risk they were facing.
I took a deep breath.
I knew that, in a few moments, it would be time to present my own ideas.
Everything I had experienced since the beginning of my journey had prepared me for that moment.
When the king finished his introduction, he turned directly toward me.
"Takumi."
"You have faced the demons more times than anyone else in this room."
"I would like you to be the first to share your view of the current situation."
Everyone's eyes turned toward me.
I slowly stood up.
I realized that this would be the beginning of the most important discussion since the start of the war.
And I knew that every word spoken from that moment onward could influence the fate of all the kingdoms.