The morning sun streamed through the tall crystal windows of the Royal Hall, scattering light across the marble floor like shards of gold. The room was filled with quiet tension. Rohit, Ariv, Neel, and Vaishnavi stood at the center, while the Seven Veil Protagonists formed two rigid lines on either side, their powerful presences pressing in on the four like an invisible weight.
At the far end, the Queen sat upon her throne, flanked by Rudraen and Vaelior.
Rudraen stepped forward, his voice deep and steady.
"Today, we decide where each of you will stand on the Day of the Three Gods' Arrival. This is not a decision made lightly. When Kaivara, Eryon, and Noxian set foot in Atherion, the very fabric of reality will bend. And when reality bends… danger bleeds in."
The Queen's gaze swept over them, her tone regal but firm.
"You will not be working together. The risk of losing all of you in a single strike is too great."
Ariv's brow furrowed, a protest ready on his lips, but Rudraen's hand subtly signaled him to stay silent.
"Rohit," the Queen continued, "you will serve under the Stone Veil, commanded by your father. Your task will be to guard the southern gates, where the divine surge is expected to be the strongest."
Rohit's father gave a slight nod from his position among the Protagonists, pride glinting in his eyes.
"Neel," she said next, "you will join the Lunar Veil, under your father's leadership. The northern sector will be your responsibility, where the shadows between worlds grow thickest during divine descent."
Neel's father's lips curved into the faintest of smiles — but his eyes were sharp, calculating.
Finally, her gaze fell on Ariv.
"You will stand with the Celestial Veil, directly under Rudraen. Your position will be the central nexus of Atherion — the place where all divine energy will first break through."
Ariv's fists tightened at his sides. Central nexus. The most dangerous ground of all.
The Queen then turned her attention to Vaishnavi. Her voice softened — but only slightly.
"You, Vaishnavi, will not stand on the battlefield. You will serve within the Soul Transferring Unit, under the direct command of its head."
Vaishnavi's lips parted in surprise. "The Soul Transferring Unit…? That's—"
"Your family's domain," the Queen interrupted. "On that day, many souls will be torn from their vessels. You will ensure they do not scatter beyond our reach. If the balance of souls falters… the consequences will be catastrophic."
Vaishnavi lowered her gaze and bowed. "I understand." But her grip on her robes betrayed her unease.
Rudraen's voice rose again, carrying through the vast hall.
"Remember — this event will shape the future of Atherion. Should we succeed, a new age of stability will begin. Should we fail… we may never recover."
The Queen's tone became final, cold and unyielding.
"This is your path. Prepare yourselves."
The Veil Protagonists stepped forward, leading each chosen member toward their respective preparations. The hall slowly emptied, footsteps echoing against the polished floor.
Ariv paused before exiting, glancing one last time at the Queen.
For a heartbeat, her form wavered — her elegant figure dissolving into something else.
A tall, shadowed being with eyes like molten silver stared back at him.
Eryon.
A faint smile touched the god's lips as his voice slid into Ariv's mind like a blade of ice.
"You're exactly where I need you to be."
Ariv's breath caught. And then, the Queen was sitting there again — as though nothing had happened.
---