One Month Later

Thank you, hhhKaisj and DereckESCL, for the 2 Power Stones each!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All it took was one month for the entire world to change. 

The once peaceful Vregeoton Empire was thrown into chaos as individuals with ordinary backgrounds suddenly became more powerful. These individuals, who had long been oppressed and marginalized by the nobles, now found themselves with the ability to seek revenge and challenge the status quo. Meanwhile, the nobles who had once wielded all the power were now forced to watch as those they once considered beneath them rose above their station and threatened their very existence. The Empire was plunged into a state of uncertainty as both sides struggled to come to terms with the new reality and find a way to coexist.

The academy had been closed after the tragic events of the Second Awakening. It was a day that would be forever etched in the memories of those who survived it. A handful of students and a few faculty members had lost their lives when an excessive amount of mana entered their bodies. The sudden overflow of mana proved too much for their bodies to handle, and they exploded, leaving behind a gruesome scene of destruction. 

Some individuals survived and became even more powerful, Leonardo Whiteguard being one of them. Others, however, were not so fortunate. They survived but fell into a coma, their bodies seemingly unable to handle the surge of mana. They were trapped in a state of limbo, and nothing could wake them, not even the most powerful spells or potions.

Ciaran opened the door and stopped at the foot of the bed. There lay a beautiful elf with silver hair, her delicate features serene in sleep. Looking to his left, he saw another elf with silver hair. Her cerulean eyes looked empty as she stared at the sleeping elf.

"No change?" Ciaran asked.

All Cas could muster was a shake of her head, as her eyes never left her mother's sleeping form.

Ciaran paused to observe Sarya closely, his eyes fixed on the frenzied movement of the mana around her. It seemed to emanate an aura of intense malice toward him, a sensation that was both overwhelming and bewildering. But Ciaran was determined to understand what was happening. As he focused on the mana, he could sense it gradually becoming more stable, though the process was slow and gradual. Despite the pressure and confusion, Ciaran remained calm and composed, analyzing and interpreting the situation before him with a keen eye.

"She's improving." Ciaran said before turning and heading out the door, leaving Cas alone.

Closing the door, he was met by Melissa, who had been by his side since Cas's depression had taken a turn for the worse. In the absence of Cas's aide, Melissa had stepped up to the plate and was now providing him with the care and support he needed.

Ever since Sarya had fallen into a coma, Duke Maxamus had retreated into his study, where he spent most of his days pouring over books and documents. He was rarely seen, leaving the affairs of House Maxamus in Ciaran's hands.

As they left Cas and her mother, the two walked silently along the deserted corridors, their footsteps echoing in the emptiness of the palace. They made their way towards an office Ciaran had transformed into his personal sanctuary. The room was adorned with wooden shelves, housing an array of ancient tomes and artifacts. A large wooden desk was situated in the center of the room, cluttered with papers and quills. The walls were decorated with paintings of the kingdom's history, and a fireplace crackled quietly, casting a warm glow that illuminated the room.

Sending mana to the crystal embedded into the floor, the entire room was covered in a spell that silenced the whole room, and Ciaran took a seat behind the desk. Melissa situated herself in front of his desk and took a seat before pulling out a notebook.

"How are things looking?" Ciaran asked.

"It looks like Duke Whiteguard is becoming aware of the disappearance of Duke Maxamus." Melissa said, fixing her glasses. 

"It's about time," Ciaran said with a wave of his hand. 

"Yes." She replied, "He's begun to prod at our territory to test our reaction."

"I see." He replied. 

"What's your response?" She asked and fell silent.

Before he could respond, he felt the thread connecting him and Olivia activate. Almost immediately, he felt a chilling sensation wash over him like an icy breath had enveloped him. Despite the coldness, he couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and familiarity. It was as if Olivia was right there beside him, even though they were miles apart.

Ciaran was at a loss for words when describing the inexplicable bond he shared with Olivia on that day. The intense emotions he felt for her went beyond the conventional definition of love. It was as if she had unlocked a hidden part of his soul that he never knew existed. He couldn't help but feel like he was finally whole, having found his missing piece in her. 

"Tell me," Ciaran said as he felt the coldness dissipate. "What is my response?" he added and focused on Melissa.

"To draw him in." Melissa began with a thoughtful look, "Once he's deep within our territory, we draw the trap by encircling him."

"A month ago, I would have agreed with you." Ciaran said as a smile appeared, "But the world had to get involved."

Before they departed each other's company, Ciaran and Olivia realized the second awakening was because of them. Sensing a threat, the planet began to take drastic measures to protect itself, even if that meant sacrificing countless lives to forcibly evolve others. 

But that wasn't all. When Ciaran activated that connection, he felt a thread, if only for a brief moment, that connected him to something far more powerful than he had ever witnessed before and was coming from the stars. That meant the answers he so desired were finally within reach. 

He just had to defeat a planet.