SS rank Xalvathar: The Soulweaver

The war room was dim, the flickering light from a single chandelier casting long shadows over a heavy oak table cluttered with maps and tactical diagrams. Finn leaned against the table's edge, arms crossed, his sharp eyes fixed on Commander Rowan.

"How did you find out, Commander?" Finn's voice was measured, but the tension in it was undeniable.

Rowan stood straight, his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze distant. "The guests attending the king's daughter's birthday aren't just nobility. They're influential figures—people who trade in secrets. Secrets that don't stay buried for long."

Finn frowned. "What secrets?"

Rowan's expression hardened. "The kingdom believes the princess is turning three. But tomorrow, at precisely noon, she turns eleven."

Finn's brow furrowed further. "And why is that important to us?"

Rowan exhaled slowly. "It's not her age—it's her Vera. By the time she turns eleven, her power will surpass anything we've seen in centuries. If Xalvathar learns this, he'll strike."

"What kind of power are we talking about here?" Finn asked, his voice low.

Rowan's tone turned grim. "The Vera of the Old Ages."

The room fell silent. The mere mention of the Old Ages conjured images of chaos and destruction, power so absolute it could reshape existence itself. Finn's voice was strained as he pressed, "A child with that kind of power?"

"She doesn't have full control of it yet," Rowan admitted. "But if it's unleashed without guidance... it could obliterate this world—or worse."

Finn's stomach turned. "Worse? What could be worse than total annihilation?"

Rowan met his gaze, his voice steady but heavy. "The collapse of all realities."

The gravity of his words silenced the room, tension hanging thick in the air.

Takumi broke the silence with a scoff. "So what's the plan? Use a child as a weapon now?"

"We're not doing that," Zanele snapped, her voice trembling with barely-contained anger.

Amandla's icy tone cut through. "Not while I'm still breathing."

Haruto crossed his arms, his voice calm but resolute. "That's not how heroes operate."

Liyana's voice was quiet but unyielding. "It's not even something we should consider."

Finn turned sharply to Haruto. "You're a soldier first, a hero second," he said coldly. Then, to Liyana, he added, "Fairness doesn't exist in war."

Zanele shook her head. "Even so, we—"

Rowan raised a hand, silencing them all. "Finn's right about one thing. We're not using her. But we are going to the party. Our mission is to protect the king and ensure the princess survives. If Xalvathar shows up, we take him down together. Understood?"

The team exchanged uneasy glances, but one by one, they nodded. Finn stepped forward, his voice firm. "And remember—this kingdom's future rests on her shoulders. The king is a warrior, but he's mortal. If he falls, she must live."

Rowan's voice cut through the lingering tension like a blade. "Good. Gear up. We move out."

The Grand Hall

The royal palace was a symphony of opulence and celebration. The grand hall was alive with music, the polished marble floors reflecting the golden glow of chandeliers. King Augustus stood at the center, his commanding presence softened by a warm smile. Beside him was Princess Diana, her violet eyes scanning the room with an intelligence that belied her years.

Rowan led the group into the hall. They bowed deeply before the king, each introducing themselves with precision and poise.

"Commander Rowan," Augustus greeted warmly, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "One of our finest. And Captain Finn, the Phantom Blade." His gaze shifted to the youngest of the group. "And you must be Zanele—the Slayer of a High Being."

Zanele stiffened. "Your Majesty, I—"

"—need not explain," Augustus interrupted. "The kingdom owes you a debt."

Princess Diana tilted her head, a sly smile curling her lips. "You defeated a High Being three days ago, didn't you?"

Zanele blinked. "How...?"

"You'd be amazed at how quickly news reaches us," Diana said with a small laugh. "I admire warriors like you."

The king chuckled. "She takes after her mother—fierce and unyielding. But she admires bravery."

Takumi leaned toward Rowan. "This is the man they say terrifies gods?"

Rowan hissed, "Quiet."

Augustus's sharp gaze fell on Takumi. "You, with the shadowed aura... You will protect this kingdom one day."

Takumi held his stare, unsure whether it was a compliment or a warning.

As the group mingled, Finn's unease grew. Something was wrong. He turned to Takumi, whose face was pale. "What's wrong?"

"My Vera," Takumi whispered. "It's reacting... violently."

Finn activated his Vera, his senses sharpening. That's when he saw it—a thick, black haze, suffocating and unnatural, swirling through the hall. His pulse quickened. He turned to Rowan. "We need to leave—now."

The Attack

Before anyone could act, the music stopped abruptly. A chilling voice echoed through the hall.

"You think I wouldn't notice your little plan?" It was Xalvathar. "You think I'd let her reach her full potential? Foolish king."

The air crackled with dark energy as two monstrous figures appeared—one shrouded in blue flame, the other in crimson lightning. The king stepped forward, his eyes blazing with defiance. "You'll have to kill me first."

Rowan barked orders. "Zanele, take Diana and run! Haruto, Liyana—secure the guests. Finn, hold the line!"

The group sprang into action as chaos erupted. Finn unsheathed his blade, parrying a strike from the red creature while shouting, "Hold your ground!"

Takumi, struggling to maintain control of his Vera, felt something snap. Darkness consumed him, his power surging uncontrollably. The red creature took advantage, grabbing Takumi by the head and forcing a searing blast of energy down his throat. Takumi screamed in agony before collapsing.

The Mindscape

Takumi opened his eyes to find himself in a vast, desolate void. An old man appeared before him, his presence both serene and commanding.

"Who are you?" Takumi demanded.

"Noctarion," the old man replied. "And you're at the brink of death."

"Take me back!" Takumi shouted. "My team needs me!"

Noctarion shook his head. "Not yet. Time flows differently here. A second here is years out there. You lack the strength to face them."

Takumi's fists clenched. "Then give me the strength."

Noctarion smiled faintly. "You're bold. Good." He raised his hand, a surge of energy enveloping Takumi. "With this power, you won't just fight—you'll lead. But remember, power without focus is chaos."

Takumi felt a surge of overwhelming energy. "Thank you."

The Return

Back in the battle, Takumi reappeared, his aura blazing with newfound strength. The red creature lunged at him, but Takumi caught it mid-air, crushing its skull with ease. Turning to the blue creature, he unleashed a devastating blast, obliterating it.

Before the dust could settle, Finn was thrown back, his voice strained. "He's here."

The room trembled as Xalvathar materialized, his presence suffocating. Rowan drew his blade. "Ready yourselves. This is the fight of our lives.