Inertia: Beneath the Starlit Veil

Theron POV

It's been about a week since I was notified that Ezra and his son had been spotted in the Valador region. Ever since, it's been hard for me to think straight. I think my master has noticed as well during our private meetings, and today, I'll have to face him again with no new information regarding Ezra's whereabouts.

Dreading the moment, I noticed my communicator blinking with a bright light. A message displayed across the screen: Generals Assemble. It was time to enter the astral realm and see what our master had planned. I stood, locked the door to my quarters, and informed my lieutenant that I was heading into a meeting with the other generals and shouldn't be disturbed.

After sending the message, I sat in the meditation area of my quarters and began searching for the nearby rift. Finding it wasn't difficult—every general's base is strategically placed near one. I expanded my consciousness, sending my astral body into the rift.

When I appeared on the other side, I was greeted by the usual sight: a swarm of astral behemoths roaming their natural habitat. They didn't bother me; astral behemoths respond to power and respect, and I didn't feel the need to suppress my cosmic energy. I let my intent do the talking. Besides, I had other things on my mind. I needed to hurry to the meeting spot, which wasn't far from where I'd entered the rift. Letting the flow of cosmic energy saturate my astral body, I darted toward the location.

Soon, I arrived at a crystalline dome structure on the outskirts of the astral realm. I approached the massive obsidian door, but before I could open it, someone else did. It was Kael Arvath, a fellow general of the Lux Tenebris. Someone I was not fond of.

"It's been a while, Theron. How are things in Arthenos?" the hulking man asked, holding the door open for me.

"Things are moving as scheduled, Kael. Let's go before we're late."

Kael nodded, falling in step behind me. No matter how many times I encountered him, I never got used to his appearance. Standing nearly eight feet tall, his dark gray skin was streaked with molten red veins across his arms and neck. His bald head and sharp crimson eyes added to his imposing presence, as did the heavy, jagged black armor he wore, which pulsed faintly with heat, resembling cooled volcanic rock. Kael had earned every bit of his moniker: the Obsidian Titan.

It didn't take long for us to reach the end of the corridor where the meeting would take place. We were the last to arrive; the other generals were already seated around the large, round table—twelve in total. I was the newest general, but I wasn't the weakest—not by a long shot. Some of the others hated me, accusing our master of favoritism. I think they're just jealous of my progress. The twelve generals are tasked with destroying the 12 great clans. Unlike them, I've made substantial strides toward completing the task assigned to me: the destruction of the Solaris Clan. I only have three targets that remain.

As I took my seat, I could feel the tension in the room. This meeting had been called a month earlier than expected, and we were all curious and anxious to know why. The room suddenly grew heavy with pressure.

"He's here," I whispered as our master materialized at the head of the table, cloaked in a black tunic that obscured his face.

"Thank you all for gathering on such short notice," he began, his voice resonating. "It has come to my attention that Ezra has finally come out of hiding."

I felt his gaze on me, and the other generals turned to look as well, a few of them snickering.

"That is correct, Master," I said, meeting his gaze. "I was informed he was seen in Valador. He escaped one of our squads but is being tracked as we speak. He can't have gone far; he's traveling with his injured son."

"Oh, so they're in my jurisdiction? Why don't I handle this for you, Theron? After all, you were too scared to deal with him years ago and waited for him to leave before making your move," Kael said, chuckling.

A few others joined in his laughter, but I remained calm. "My goal was to isolate the clan from its leaders and eliminate the clan quickly while Ezra and Zaire were gone. Separating Ezra and Zaire was a strategic necessity—challenging them together alongside their clan would have been suicide. The second part of my plan was to separate Ezra from his father, so I can eliminate them one at a time. But I keep forgetting that what you lack in brains, you make up for in brawn, don't you, big guy?" I smirked.

"Silence, both of you," our master commanded, his voice sharp. "Why now? Why would Ezra, known for his calculated moves, suddenly make a mistake after years on the run?"

"His son recently completed the starbirth trial and became a starbound," Kael offered.

"What do you know of this, Theron?" our master asked, turning to me.

Kael's frustration was evident, but I answered, "The information aligns with my reports, Master. Furthermore, the child is highly adept for his age. At thirteen, he defeated a squad of embryonic-stage starbound."

Our master's expression shifted subtly, revealing surprise—a rare occurrence.

"He managed this without using abilities tied to the Solaris constellation. His sheer pressure subdued them," I added, noting my master's deepening interest.

"What is your plan moving forward?" he asked.

"I intend to have another general accompany me—either Darius or Lioren—whose constellations counter the Solaris abilities."

"Why involve generals from other continents when Ezra is in my region?" Kael interjected, angered.

"Because they're better suited to the task, and frankly, I doubt you'd last long against him," I replied, my tone unwavering.

"Why because he is an Astral Knight, I have killed numerous Astral Knights, what is one more." Kael retorted.

"He is not like your normal astral knight Kael. I have seen him wipe entire armies with just a wave of a hand, he wasn't even blood lusted during that moment either. I have the most experience against him and what he can do. Do you want to die a quick and fast death, or do you want to see the fruits of our labor once our plan is complete."

Kael fumed but said nothing further.

"It's settled," our master declared. "Theron, I trust you'll see this task through. The rest of you must show progress in the coming months. Eclipse Vanguard, you're dismissed—except for you, Theron. Stay behind."

The other generals filed out, Kael brushing past me with a surge of cosmic energy, his anger palpable.

Once we were alone, our master turned to me. "How is your core, Theron?"

"It's stabilizing, Master. The integration is taking some getting adjusted to, but I'm managing it."

"Good. Controlling two fate constellations is no small feat. I was wary when you said you wanted to go through the process, few survive the process. Are you certain you can defeat Ezra?"

"Master, the integration is at ninety percent. I'll be ready. My only concern is Kael; I doubt he'll stay out of it."

"Let him interfere. I believe I may have found a replacement anyway."