Fire Mage

"Let's see how things unfold for now," Edith said as she took the towel from the nearby chair and added,

"Wait for a few minutes. I'll take a bath. Then, we'll go and meet the Iron Kingdom's council members." Saying so, she walked into the bathroom.

Runeth sighed as he glanced at Rhea and spoke,

"For the first few days, the current Union Council Leader will allow each candidate to speak for 30 minutes. You can address worldly problems and suggest solutions. After the Chaos Era started, everyone's favor toward the Churches diminished. Use the opportunity to attack them, if you want."

"I've a few bold ideas in mind, Mr. Runeth. But that will definitely anger the Sacred Empire and other Churches. Will you and Edith really protect me in any situation?" Rhea asked nervously.

A chuckle escaped Runeth's mouth.

"You're underestimating your allies, Rhea. Moreover, no one would dare even think of attacking you as long as Edith tags along."

"I feel reassured, Mr. Runeth." Rhea breathed out a sigh of relief and asked a few more questions.

As they were discussing, Edith returned from her bath with damp hair tied in a loose bun, dressed in a formal grey tunic with silver embroidery and a small brooch.

As soon as she walked out, Runeth stood from his seat.

"Shall we?"

Rhea adjusted the ribbon around her neck and gave a firm nod. The trio descended the inn's wide spiral staircase to the lower floor, where warm lanterns bathed the wooden dining hall in a cozy amber hue. The scent of roasted beef, spiced stew, and oven-fresh bread filled the air.

At a corner table near the arched window sat ten familiar figures, their Iron Kingdom badges pinned to dark coats. These were the Iron Kingdom's nobles—and also the Council Members of the Union Council.

They were not merely wealthy aristocrats but commanders of the army, strategists, and mages alike.

As Edith, Runeth, and Rhea approached, the council members rose briefly in greeting. Murmured pleasantries were exchanged before they all sat down and ordered their food.

Just as the bread baskets arrived, a few more patrons entered the hall. Rhea recognized some faces—foreign delegates, nobles from the Moon Kingdom, and masked clerics possibly from the Twilight Church. Most acted indifferent, but a few cast sidelong glances at their group.

Their table remained quiet until thick plates of sizzling meat and seasoned vegetables were set in front of them.

The first to break the silence was a silver-bearded man with thick eyebrows—Grimson. He leaned slightly forward and lowered his voice.

"A week ago, a delegate from the Azure Federation approached us in secret," he began. "He offered gold, artifacts, and trade privileges… if we supported their candidate—Asthar—as the next Union Council Leader."

Edith's eyes narrowed.

"We refused," said another—a broad-shouldered woman named Elna, her tone unwavering. "We didn't trust him. And the moment we declined, we noticed—" She suddenly paused and added in a whisper,

"Some eyes are watching us. Especially Rhea."

"They aren't assassins. Seems like they came here to gather information about us," Runeth said with a smile and snapped his fingers, creating a past illusion.

"More likely, they came to assess our strength," Edith said.

"Whom should we support, Your Majesty? Or do you really plan on fighting against those three candidates?" a blonde man asked in confusion.

Others also glanced at her.

"But you're the only candidate without an Empire or a Church backing, Your Majesty. If we offend them, they might send assassins," added another.

That's when Edith slammed her hand on the table.

"Let them come."

Her voice was cold as steel—quiet, but it cut through the air like a blade.

Runeth shook his head slightly. "No one will dare now, not after what Edith did to the Demon. Everyone saw the real strength of the demon, but she subjugated it in minutes… That changed the board. That's why they're gathering here like moths."

The others nodded, a few exchanging relieved glances.

Rhea remained composed, but her knuckles were pale against the wooden table.

"Let's talk about the others. Who supports whom?"

Grimson pulled a scroll from his coat and unrolled it, revealing the faction alignment.

"Here's how the seats are spread, Your Majesty. Azure Federation has 64 seats in total, and almost all of them will support Asthar. The same goes for the Blood Empire, which has 72 seats, and the Rogue Throne, with 61 seats. Moon Kingdom, Arc, Ember, Hearth, etc., each has around 10 seats, but all remain neutral for now. Thirteen Churches also have 10 to 15 seats each. Sun and Day and Night Churches might be allies to us, but Twilight, Earth, Amber, Life, Truth, Order, Storm, Death, and Moon are leaning toward the other candidates. We can only try convincing organizations like Unseen Legends, Undying Princes, and Noble Warlords to join our side. But even they expect something in return."

"Can't we just kill the candidates like Charles did?" Rhea muttered.

"As if that's an easy task," Edith scoffed, then added,

"Do not worry. I have a plan. Will tell you later."

The group ate the rest of the meal in measured silence, discussing tactics quietly. By the time dessert arrived—sweet bread and berry wine—they had drawn a basic outline.

Once dinner ended, they returned to their rooms. No one said much. But all felt the weight of what lay ahead.

…

The next day passed uneventfully, though watchers—hooded figures in alleys, sharp eyes behind glass windows—became more frequent. Runeth and Edith noticed but did not act.

…

First Day of Union Council

June 13th, Chaos Era, Year 0001.

Morning sunlight bathed the towering white pillars of Noble's Pillar Hall, the heart of Central Borough. Resembling an ancient temple merged with a modern parliament, the hall gleamed with power. Flags of various factions fluttered at the entrance—empire sigils, church icons, guild banners.

Inside, the assembly chamber stretched like a circular stadium, with 510 seats arranged in concentric rings. A grand platform stood in the center, reserved for the Speaker, the Union Leader, and the top Elder Members.

Rhea, Edith, Runeth, and other Council Members of the Iron Kingdom entered through the corridor and took their places in the back corner. Originally, no one was allowed inside the Council Meeting except for the members. However, after the arrival of the Chaos Era, some exceptions were made to let outsiders in as bodyguards of the members.

Each candidate and representative of the Empires and Kingdoms would give an opening speech today.

Whispers already filled the chamber, along with gazes.

But most were not directed at Rhea, but at Edith.

From the Azure Federation's section, Asthar sat tall, a serene smile on his lips, dressed in azure-blue robes with silver trimming. His black eyes locked on Edith for a brief second, and his smile widened.

"I don't like that smile. What schemes are they up to?" Edith grumbled and shifted her gaze toward another group in red dresses.

From the Blood Empire, Nedia reclined in her seat, wine glass in hand, wearing crimson armor lined with black lace.

Her amber eyes glowed faintly. She didn't mind the others and appeared to be in deep thought.

She is strong, Edith thought, then turned her attention toward the final group.

Zegan of the Rogue Throne sat like a statue—young, muscular, stoic—but with an aura that made the air feel heavy.

I don't feel any sense of danger from him. But Edith knew that meant she had to be even more cautious.

At that moment, a man in his seventies with brown hair, black eyes, and a rough-looking face moved towards the podium. He wore a long white robe and a pair of spectacles. He also held a unique golden staff in his hand.

'That guy must be the Speaker… What is his name again? Salvatore, right? Hmm, a Legendary Mystic, huh?' Edith observed him quietly.

The hall fell silent as the Speaker walked up.

"Welcome to the First Assembly of this Union Council Session."

The Salvatore's voice rang with the force of authority, his robe trailing behind like flowing water as he ascended the podium.

"Today marks the first day of the Union Council meeting. We gather not only to discuss policy or war, but to shape survival. As I stated moments ago—"

The hall remained hushed; even the sound of shifting cloth stilled.

"The appearance of Dungeons across all territories has thrown our world into turmoil. From the Whispering Marshes of the Arc Kingdom to the Highwind Mountains of the Blood Empire, monsters, magical beasts, and otherworldly demons spill forth. Churches have tried to shield their flocks. Kingdoms raised their walls. But the truth remains: we must stand together or we will fall apart."

There were murmurs, but no one contradicted the Speaker. His authority, especially during times of crisis, remained unchallenged.

"In light of these dark tides, the Azure Federation, Blood Empire, and Rogue Throne have jointly requested a nomination process for the next Union Leader."

He raised a scroll.

"The vote will be held at the end of next week. Each candidate will be given opportunities to present their ideals, plans, and worthiness in front of the world. Let them prove their value—not only with words but through actions."

A pause.

"Now then, before we proceed with the current situations of every kingdom and empire, I call upon the representative of the Moon Kingdom."

A collective shift echoed through the chamber as all eyes turned toward the crescent insignia in the southeastern quadrant.

A long curly-blonde-haired woman rose from her seat and gave an elegant bow to the Speaker. She was in her mid-thirties and had scarlet eyes like the Destiny Lady.

"Tower Master Harley," Edith muttered.

"You knew of her?" Rhea asked.

Edith didn't answer.

When Charles met her during the battle against the Red Prince, Harley had shone like the sun and appeared dominating. Now, she looked calm and composed.

Her crimson robes shimmered with flickers of heat. The Rank-5 Fire Mage stepped forward, chin raised.

"Esteemed members," Harley began, her voice sharp but steady, "as the representative of the Moon Kingdom, I bring not news of glory, but a plea for reason and aid."