Volume 2 Chapter 25 - Council of Winds
The grand hall of Aurelion Palace was alive with tension.
Silken banners bearing the sigils of the four elements hung from the marble pillars — Fire, Earth, Water, and Wind — yet the air between them was heavy, divided by unease.
Cindy sat quietly near the round council table, her silver-and-teal attire glinting faintly under the chandeliers.
Beside her stood Puff, now wearing his commander's crest. Around them gathered the realm's highest figures:
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King Aldric, the wise but weary ruler of the kingdom.
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Guildmaster Varas, calm and sharp-eyed, his presence commanding yet reassuring.
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Archmage Liora, representative of the Royal Academy of Magic.
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Duke Valen, commander of the kingdom's knights.
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And several noble advisors murmuring quietly behind golden goblets of wine.
The meeting had been called urgently — summoned by both the Guild and the Crown after reports of the fire-touched monsters and Cindy's discovery of the divine shard.
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The Report of the Wind Envoy
The King gestured for silence.
"Viscountess Cindy, Spirit Envoy of the Wind," he said gravely, "we've all heard the rumors. Tell us the truth of what happened in Aerith Vale."
Cindy stood, bowing slightly. Her expression was calm but serious.
"Your Majesty, the attack wasn't from ordinary monsters. They were creations — corrupted with divine flame. Their essence traces back to Ignis, the Primordial Spirit of Fire."
Murmurs rippled through the room.
Archmage Liora leaned forward. "That's impossible. The Primordial Spirits have been sealed since the Great Elemental Age. Are you certain of this connection?"
"I am," Cindy said firmly. "I used Appraisal on their remains. The mana signature is unmistakable — divine, volatile, and ancient. And... I saw it myself."
She hesitated, then added softly, "I was granted a vision by the elemental spirits. They confirmed that Ignis is stirring from his slumber."
The King's gaze sharpened. "A vision?"
Cindy nodded. "The Butterfly of Wind, Terranox of Earth, the Tortoise of Water, and even the Flame Dragon — all appeared before me. They spoke of imbalance and warned me of what's to come."
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The Guildmaster's Insight
Guildmaster Varas folded his hands, his expression unreadable.
"I believe her," he said simply. "We've seen too many signs — corrupted mana in the western mountains, fissures releasing volcanic energy, reports of crimson light at night.
The cult responsible is not acting alone.
They are channeling Ignis' power intentionally. "
King Aldric frowned deeply. "To what end?"
"To awaken him," Varas said. "The cult of Ignis seeks to restore the Primordial Flame — believing it will purge the world of weakness and 'false balance.'"
The room fell silent.
Cindy's eyes darkened. "If they succeed, everything we know will burn. Even Terranox's power might not withstand the full awakening of fire."
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The Proposal
Archmage Liora rose, her robes swirling with faint blue mana.
"Then we must send a grand force to the west. Knights, mages, and spirit envoys together. If the Temple of Ash and Dawn truly exists, we can contain the fire essence before it's too late."
But Duke Valen slammed his fist on the table. "That's suicide! The western range is unstable — half volcanic, half corrupted. You'd lose hundreds before even reaching the temple!"
Varas turned to Cindy. "Then perhaps... it shouldn't be an army that goes."
Cindy met his gaze and understood. "You mean a small team."
The King nodded slowly. "Swift, unseen, and guided by the wind itself."
Varas continued, "Cindy, your affinity with the spirits makes you uniquely suited for this mission. If Ignis truly awakens, only one touched by another Primordial Spirit might reach him without being incinerated."
The hall grew quiet again.
Puff looked at Cindy with concern. "You're seriously going to walk into a volcano, aren't you?"
She gave a small smile. "It seems the wind is always drawn to where the air burns hottest."
The King rose from his throne. "Then it's settled. Viscountess Cindy Reyes, Spirit Envoy of Wind — you will lead the expedition to the Temple of Ash and Dawn. You will have full authority and protection of the crown. May the winds guide your path."
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After the Council
When the meeting ended, Cindy lingered near the open balcony of the palace. The afternoon sun bathed the marble in gold, and from the west came a faint, shimmering heat — almost like the breath of something ancient.
Varas approached quietly. "You've grown far, Cindy. Not long ago, you were a frightened butterfly in a strange world. Now, you're the one standing between peace and chaos."
Cindy smiled faintly, her eyes distant. "I didn't choose this path... but maybe it chose me."
He nodded. "Be careful, Spirit Envoy. The Primordial Flames test more than strength — they test resolve. The fire will try to consume what you hold dear."
"I'll remember that," she said softly. "And I'll make sure this world never burns again."
Puff appeared beside her, straightening his little cape. "Then it's decided. We leave at dawn."
The wind stirred through the open hall, carrying the faint scent of ash — a promise, or perhaps a warning, from the distant mountains.