Legacy of the Dark Sage

Attor and Eissen concurred internally with Ames's reasoning but remained concerned about The Emperor watching her every step. Ames sensed their apprehension and could not help but feel touched. She smiled faintly at them and said, "It will be fine. I cannot put it into words, but... I have this feeling that we'll be okay."

Her words made them remember Cade's point that the Fates' influence had little to no effect on them now after forming a stronger bond with Kyran. The conference might provide an ideal opportunity to validate this.

"Alright," the two finally relented after a moment's pause.

Since the conference had not started officially, the feast served every meal was modest. However, this feast was only attended by a small number because the Solis Clan also delivered meals to attendees at their respective residences. Most clans dined among themselves and only mingled with the others in the morning or afternoon.

A pattern could be seen in those who attended these feasts. Typically, the clans that arrived that day would attend the feast two or three times before stopping completely. Very few attended them since their arrival.

Therefore, it didn't seem odd when Ames, Attor, and Eissen showed up at the feast that evening. In fact, many anticipated their presence and came just to watch them. No one could fault those clans; the Dragon Clan was said to be linked to the recent events in the Higher Realm. They were also curious about how the Dragon Clan would behave after their battle with the Solis Clan. Most critically, everyone was eager to learn why the Dragon Emperor unexpectedly passed his position to Ames.

That night, Ames talked to a lot of representatives who were of the same generation as her. Because of this, no one paid much attention when Leif approached.

The two only shared a short greeting and some pleasantries before parting ways. They acted so naturally that no one noticed when Leif slipped a small chip in Ames's hand when they shook hands.

Following their brief exchange, Ames continued to converse with the others for another hour before calling it a day.

During the feast, it was odd that no one inquired about the recent events tied to the rumored involvement of the Dragon Clan. However, everyone present were leaders and representatives of their respective clans and tribes. It would be unwise to raise a subject that could potentially lead to conflict if mishandled.

Back inside the temporary residence, Ames checked the contents of the small chip Leif gave her. She immediately recognized the chip as Kyran's handiwork because the communication device he gave her resonated with it.

After ensuring their room was secured, Ames inserted some of her magic energy into the chip. As soon as she was done, the chip glowed faintly and then shot off a small beam of light toward Ames's communication device.

The communication device crackled and suddenly projected an image— Kyran.

"Lady Ames, I apologize for not returning as soon as possible. I'm sure you all heard of what happened to the Crepuscule Auction House and have many questions, but..."

Ames, Attor, and Eissen raised their brows in surprise. They were not surprised to see Kyran, but more so when he confidently greeted Ames.

"Did he expect you to attend?"

As soon as Attor asked this question, he realized how odd it was. Kyran knew that Aillos could not attend the conference, and given The Emperor's decree for all clan leaders' presence in that event, the only other option was for their clan to send an

Acting

Leader.

Aillos never announced his successor. However, it would not be strange if he chose Ames to succeed him. He might initially not want to involve her in all the complicated matters of the Higher Realm politics, but she was the only one brave enough to challenge The Emperor, even if it was only through words.

"He made it so that this chip will only respond to my magic energy and communication device," Ames replied with a wry smile. "That descendent of mine truly..."

Her smile disappeared as her brow furrowed in annoyance, "Acts more like that annoying guy."

Attor and Eissen remained silent. They obviously knew she was talking about the previous Void Master. They did not know the whole story, but there was once a time that Ames got jealous of the latter because Zane could not stop worrying about him.

"How come Zane's superior genes only manifested through his physical appearance?" Ames muttered begrudgingly while listening to Kyran's message.

"..."

"...Most of what is being said on that incident is true..." Kyran continued confirming the rumors of the destruction of the Crepuscule Auction House.

As Kyran stated, the Dragon Clan did hear about that incident. Since only a few knew that Kyran went there, they initially reacted the same way as most who had connections with them.

The Crepuscule Auction House was the only channel officially recognized in the Higher Realm to have the best intel network, auction house, and Alchemy-related sales. For this reason, every clan was devasted by what happened. Though it was said that the Crepuscule Clan survived, rumors also stated that Estrid had gone missing. Considering this, they believed the Crepuscule Clan would not be able to recover completely.

Their initial reaction to what happened was suppressed immediately because of the Inter-Clan Conference. Knowing that The Emperor was also involved in destroying the Crepuscule Auction House, most believed he would discuss it during the conference.

To be honest, rumors were going around that The Emperor had taken the Crepuscule Clan under his wing. Because of this, many clans and tribes feared that his authority and influence would only become even more exaggerated.

"Except for the rumor that he had taken over the Crepuscule Clan, you can believe most of the circulating information true."

As if Kyran was aware that Ames, Attor, and Eissen would think of about that particular rumor at that given time, his projection immediately addressed it and relieved their doubts.

"There is also the matter of Estrid's disappearance, but before I continue... please limit the number of people who would hear about this..."

Ames, Attor, and Eissen's expressions turned grim at Kyran's following words. Whatever he was about to tell them would likely change how they should plan for the future.

"Estrid and The Emperor had a falling out right after the destruction of the Auction House..."

Kyran gave a brief account of the confrontation between the two and how a third party appeared and took Estrid's body.

"The Emperor did not seem to recognize who that mage was, but I did..."

Kyran's expression turned solemn before he revealed who it was.

"The One Who Caused The Fall..."

As Ames, Attor, and Eissen heard the third party's name, a tense air immediately filled the room.

Only a select few knew about Kyran's encounter with The One Who Caused The Fall and guessed his identity. However, that was unimportant. As far as they understood, from Kyran's words, The One Who Caused The Fall was in a state that could barely be considered alive. But that did not mean there was no way for him to improve his state. His corporeal form made one think that he could take over others. And judging by his action of taking Estrid's body, he would likely use her as his vessel.

"I know what you're all worried about, but let's not jump to any conclusion. Since we can't prove what that being is trying to do, let's not waste time worrying about it and focus on what we can do instead."

Again, as if understanding their train of thought, Kyran appeased their minds and reminded them to focus on the matters at hand.

"After the conference, The Emperor will attack the Dragon Plane. Of course, this may not happen depending on how much he believed Lord Aillos's ascension attempt failed."

"Cade said the same thing," Eissen muttered.

Ames and Attor nodded in agreement.

"...When that happens, the clan will face a massive defeat. Worst case, Lord Aillos might

Really

Fail his ascension."

Attor and Eissen's expressions hardened at his words at once. Ames was the only one who remained calm. They knew what Kyran said made sense. Nonetheless, the former two were agitated by the thought, while the latter felt that Kyran would not point that out if he had no counterplan to prevent it.

"He may also end up succeeding and offer the Dragon Clan a short respite, but the result will still be unfavorable for the clan."

Kyran did not elaborate on that, but the three understood it well. If Aillos succeeded, he would be at the same level as the Emperor. However, that did not mean he would gain the upper hand. Since he had just entered the fight, Aillos might get a slight advantage, but as the fight continued, he would lose that and might exhaust himself.

The reason was simple. Aillos had just ascended, and he had yet to acclimate his body to his new level fully. Once the adrenalin rush was over, he would fall prey to The Emperor's stable momentum.

"All of those things can be prevented."

Kyran continued while showing a determined gaze.

"I can't say it is a real weakness, but after witnessing The Emperor and Estrid's confrontation, I noticed something... And as long as we take advantage of that, we'll be fine."

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