The Original Realm

The double doors of the grand chamber groaned open as Luke and Aldric entered, their footsteps echoing on the polished wooden floor. The meeting room, illuminated by streams of golden sunlight filtering through the crystal lattice windows, was as imposing as it was beautiful. Every detail spoke of the ancient grandeur of the Elven Hall—the spiraling silver vines forming the vaulted ceiling, the polished table crafted from a single piece of living wood, and the faint hum of magical energy that hung in the air.

Eleanor was already seated, casually leaned back with her boots propped on the table's edge. Her bright golden hair shimmered in the light, and her mischievous smirk widened as she saw Luke's uneasy expression. "Took you long enough," she teased.

Luke shot her a withering glance. "Yeah, yeah. This place is a maze, okay?"

Aldric wobbled beside him, his small, round body adorned with an unusual tattered robe. He stroked his long beard, muttering, "A fool who cannot navigate a simple hallway is unfit for the task ahead. Honestly, Luke, try not to embarrass us."

Luke scowled, wanting to say something as Aldric was the one who took the wrong turn but he bit back at the idea of retorting. They had more pressing matters.

At the head of the table sat Sylveria, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto Luke as he entered. Around her, the eight Elders were seated, each radiating a quiet authority. Elder Thalrien's hawk-like gaze was sharp as ever, while Elder Merindor's unseeing eyes seemed to pierce through to Luke's very soul.

Sylveria gestured for them to sit. "Luke. Aldric. Welcome. Let us begin."

Luke took the chair closest to him, shifting uncomfortably under the collective scrutiny of the room. Aldric, too small for the chairs, chose to stand on the table's edge, his beard trailing across the surface.

Sylveria's gaze softened as she addressed Luke directly. "First, allow me to commend you. Acquiring your essence is no small feat. You have proven your strength and determination."

Luke flushed, unsure how to respond. "Uh, thank you, Your Grace."

Eleanor snorted, clearly amused by his awkwardness.

Sylveria's expression turned serious, her tone commanding the room's full attention. "However, we face a grave situation. The existence of a human in Aethereon has been revealed to the public."

Luke stiffened. "Yeah, Aldric told me about it."

Thalrien leaned forward, his voice as sharp as his glare. "During the battle with Calista, my ultimate suppressed my ability to use my essence. This allowed the guards to retain the memories they were meant to lose."

Elder Merindor's voice, though raspy, carried a weight that demanded respect. "We could hunt the guard responsible, but it would be a waste of resources. The damage is done."

Sylveria nodded in agreement. "Instead, we must prepare for the consequences. Luke, your presence here will not go unnoticed. Allies, enemies, and opportunists will seek you out. This revelation has made you a target, as well as a potential symbol of hope—or chaos."

Luke's mind raced as he tried to process her words. "So, what's the plan?"

Sylveria's gaze swept over the room. "The Hands of Fate are searching for the ten relics. Calista's attempt to claim ours was thwarted, and the relic remains secure. However, the relic of corruption from the Dark Elves and the relic of pride from the Dragons have already been compromised."

"The Dark Elves?" Eleanor asked, her smirk fading into a frown. "Have we heard from them?"

Sylveria's expression hardened. "No. I have reached out, but they remain silent. Our relationship with them has been strained since the Relic War a decade ago. It is unlikely they will respond without significant persuasion."

Luke leaned forward. "And the Dragons?"

"Their relic has been fully taken away," Thalrien said grimly. "The Hands of Fate have already claimed it."

Sylveria continued, her voice steady but resolute. "The Hands of Fate are growing stronger. If we do not act, the remaining relics will fall into their hands. To prevent this, we must forge alliances with the other races. Our first step is the Abnormal Kingdom."

Luke blinked. "The Abnormal Kingdom?"

"Yes," Sylveria said. "We must confirm the safety of their relic and, if possible, form an alliance. Which is why we will be sending you and Eleanor there."

Eleanor straightened in her chair, her mischievous demeanor replaced with alarm. "You're sending us to the Abnormals alone? Have you all lost your minds? If they send a Hand of Fate there, they'll tear us apart!" She jabbed a finger at Luke. 

"She's not wrong," Luke muttered, feeling a sinking sensation in his chest.

Elder Caerith, a stoic woman with silver-rimmed armor, spoke up. "The Abnormals are disorganized. They lost their king during the Relic War and have been leaderless ever since. Solen would see no reason to send a powerful agent there. To him, claiming their relic would be a trivial task."

Elder Narvian's usual grin was absent as he leaned forward, his tone unusually grave. "This plan is flawed," he said, his voice resonating through the chamber. "The Abnormals despise humans, and for good reason. The scars of the Relic War run deep, and if they even suspect for a second what Luke truly is, they'll most likely attack him on sight."

Luke opened his mouth to speak, but Aldric spoke first. "Enough whining, you fools." He rummaged through his fluffy body, pulling out a folded piece of parchment. He handed it to Luke. "This should help."

Luke took the parchment, frowning. "What is it?"

"A letter," Aldric said simply. "From an old friend."

Luke's curiosity piqued. "Who's it from?"

Aldric's bushy brows furrowed, and he huffed. "Kael. That is all you need to know. Do not waste my time with foolish questions." He seemed oddly defensive.

Luke frowned but didn't press further, knowing he wouldn't get more out of the grumpy sage.

Eleanor leaned forward, her tone sharp. "Even if we get there, how do we know where to go? The Abnormal Kingdom isn't exactly on the map."

Aldric smirked and moved over to the nearest window. "See that tree?"

Luke and Eleanor joined him at the window. Luke's jaw dropped as they beheld a towering tree on the horizon, its twisted branches reaching into the sky like skeletal fingers. It was a couple hundred times larger than the tree Aldric had thrown into the castle when they first arrived at Sylvera. 

"That," Aldric said, his voice tinged with pride, "marks the border of the Abnormal Kingdom."

Luke stared in awe. "That's... impossible."

"Nothing is impossible, fool," Aldric snapped. "The tree is imbued with powerful advent. It has grown to that height in less than a decade and has been used as a beacon for their realm."

Eleanor crossed her arms, her smirk returning. "Well, this is going to be fun."

Sylveria stepped forward, her gaze steady. "You leave at dawn. Prepare yourselves."

Luke nodded, though his mind churned with anxiety. Eleanor gave a mock salute, her grin as defiant as ever.