The hall grew silent again as the parchment unrolled further.
A clear, resonant voice announced,
"Ariv Senra — the next to be ranked."
All eyes turned toward him. Ariv stepped forward, his pace steady, though the weight of unspoken questions pressed on his shoulders.
Eryon leaned forward in his seat, his gaze fixed firmly on Ariv.
"Ariv," he began, his tone carrying both authority and curiosity, "you have no direct connection to your father's lineage within Atherion. Instead, your link lies with your mother—who serves under the Queen herself. And you… possess the Galaxy Zenith, the most powerful Zenith we have seen to date."
A ripple of whispers swept the crowd.
"In the records of our history, the Galaxy Zenith once belonged to a man who vanished without a trace—no one knew how or why. And now, it rests within you. This makes you unlike any other."
The hall seemed to hold its breath.
"Because of this," Eryon declared, "and the unpredictability of your potential, you will be placed under the direct supervision of the Queen's assistant—Rudraen. You will learn not only the limits of your Zenith, but also the responsibilities it demands."
Ariv bowed deeply. "Understood, Lord Eryon."
From her throne, the Queen's gaze lingered on Ariv for a moment longer than necessary—an unspoken layer of meaning passing between them.
---
The Tradition of the Gods
Once the ranking process for the day was complete, the Queen rose from her throne.
Beside her stood Eryon, god of judgement and wisdom, and Kaivara, god of war and vigilance.
Rudraen leaned toward Ariv and whispered, "This is a tradition Lord Eryon himself created—meeting every single individual present in the hall, from the highest commander to the youngest recruit. He says it's the only way to truly respect everyone equally."
Ariv's eyes widened slightly. "Even the lowest ranks?"
"Yes," Rudraen replied. "It's his way."
And so the procession began.
---
Meeting the People of Atherion
Queen Lyra Senra – Warm smile, yet with regal distance. "Atherion stands because of all of you. Remember that."
Eryon chuckled softly. "And remember, Your Majesty—you also stand because of them."
Seliora Myrrvain (Aqua Veil) – Eryon: "Your calm steadies storms. But don't forget—sometimes storms are needed to cleanse the sky."
She laughed lightly, tension leaving her shoulders.
Kaelen Dravaris (Aero Veil) – Eryon: "Wind guides the course of destiny—make sure yours is clear." Then, grinning, "And stop overthinking which way it should blow."
Sylas Pyrrvain (Pyra Veil) – Eryon: "Passion can burn or warm. Choose wisely." Then he smirked, "And perhaps try not to set half the courtyard on fire this year."
Eryndor Thalyss (Volt Veil) – Eryon: "Power without restraint is chaos. Master the pause." Then he added with a sly smile, "And don't glare at me—I know you hate slowing down."
Maelis Frostborne (Glacia Veil) – Eryon: "Ice preserves, but it can also isolate. Stay connected." Then, with mock seriousness, "And maybe… smile once in a while before people think you're a statue."
Corvan Umbraxis (Umbra Veil) – Eryon leaned closer, speaking just for him:
"We'll meet further next," his tone low, almost conspiratorial. Then he laughed quietly. "Oh, Corvan, you are always stressed. Be a little more positive for once."
Dareth Solvarn (Terra Veil, Head of Defense) – Eryon: "Stone endures—but even stone must adapt." Then, tapping his shoulder, "And please, don't make every meeting sound like a war briefing."
---
Kaivara – His words were sharper, lacking Eryon's humor:
To Rohit Solvarn: "Learn from your father, but be ready to surpass him."
To Vaishnavi Veydris: "Soul transferring requires precision. Master it, and your name will be eternal."
To Neel Lunaris: "Moonlight reveals what sunlight blinds—use that insight."
And then they turn towards there 3rd 2nd and 1st veil holders