x
"This Summit," Vespera began, her voice laced with mockery, "A quaint gathering, indeed. King Kaipo seeks unity, yet he knows not the storm that brews beyond his universe. A pity summit, for a pitiful hope."
Pyrrhus the Infernal, flames dancing in his eyes, added, "Veridian, a jewel of a planet, yet so fragile. It would be a shame if something... ignited its end."
"Your bravado is misplaced, Vespera," Araz countered sharply. "Veridian does not bow to threats, nor does it entertain the whims of invaders. State your true purpose, or face the might of the Arcane Vanguard."
Vespera's smile was thin and cold. "We truly seek an audience with Kaipo, nothing more. Our message is for him alone. It seems, however, we must go through his pets to deliver it."
At her side, Gaiax the Planet Warden stepped forward, his connection to the planet's essence palpable in the air. "Our patience wears thin. Bring forth Kaipo, or we shall take what we came for by force."
Araz, undeterred, stepped forward. "Your threats fall on deaf ears. The Arcane Vanguard does not yield to intimidation. Kaipo will hear of your arrival, but not at the expense of our people's safety. Stand down, or be prepared to face consequences far beyond your reckoning."
The Umbraclave and the Arcane Vanguard stood locked in a tense standoff, the fate of the Summit—and perhaps the universe—hanging in the balance.
Vespera's gaze flickered with amusement as she made one final warning, her tone dripping with mockery. "Ah, the Areala Universe," she began, her voice carrying a venomous edge. "A realm of illusions and feeble attempts at power. How quaint. Your King fancies himself a ruler, yet he cowers behind his protectors like a child hiding from the dark. But fear not, little ones, for the darkness will find you, regardless."
Just then, amidst the tension, a confident voice pierced the air. "Enough of your bluster, Vespera," Zara, one of the High Mages, spoke, her tone resolute and unwavering. "Your threats hold no weight here."
Zephyrion the Tempest couldn't resist a smart remark. "Well, well, I didn't think we would get to see one of the High Mages in person," he quipped, a smirk playing on his lips. "We must be important after all."
Ignoring the remark, Zara strode forward, her demeanor exuding confidence as she addressed the Umbraclave directly. "No worries," she declared, her voice calm but authoritative. "I'll take them right to the King. They know not to even think of trying anything sneaky."
With that, she walked past the Arcane Vanguard and the Umbraclave, her steps steady and purposeful, leading the way towards the Astralith Universe Summit Room.
As Zara led the members of the Umbraclave through the Summit halls, the tension between the two factions was palpable. The hallways, adorned with artifacts from countless civilizations across the universe, echoed with the footsteps of those who now walked them, a testament to the weight of the moment.
Zara turned her attention back to the Umbraclave, her gaze steady. "Your leader, Malacar, serves his own interests, much like we serve the interests of the Areala Universe. But unlike you, we choose our path, not out of servitude, but from a shared vision for peace and unity," Zara explained, her voice carrying the strength of her convictions.
Vespera laughed, a sound as chilling as the void she commanded. "A shared vision? How... idealistic. And you believe Kaipo shares this power with you willingly? That he sees you as equals?"
Zara's response was swift and firm. "Yes, because that's the truth. Kaipo respects the strength and autonomy of his allies. The High Mages act on their own accord, with as much political sway as he has. It's a partnership, built on mutual respect and understanding, not domination and fear."
As they approached the entrance to the Summit Room, Pyrrhus sneered, "And what of us? Do you think your King will extend the same courtesies to the Umbraclave?"
"Kaipo is wise. He knows the value of dialogue, even with those who might oppose him," Zara replied, unflinching. "But make no mistake, should threats turn to action, the Arcane Vanguard and the High Mages will defend our universe with all the power at our disposal."
The doors to the Summit Room loomed before them, grand and imposing. Zara paused, turning to face the Umbraclave fully. "This Summit is a chance. A chance for peace, or a chance for conflict. The choice is yours, but I suggest you choose wisely. The Areala Universe is more than capable of protecting its own."
Before they reached the Summit Room, Zara paused, her gaze sweeping over the assembled Arcane Vanguard. "Head to the Jack Kingdom in Spadaria," she commanded with urgency. "Keep the Royal Kingdom safe. We cannot afford any distractions."
As the Arcane Vanguard nodded, understanding the gravity of their mission, they quickly dispersed, leaving Zara to confront the impending diplomatic crisis. The two guards at the entrance of the Summit Room then pushed the massive doors open, allowing Zara and the Umbraclave to enter.
Inside, leaders from various planets within the Areala Universe watched, their attention turning to the newcomers with a mixture of curiosity and concern. The room, usually a place of unity and discussion, was charged with an unmistakable tension.
Lysandra, with her voice calm but authoritative, requested, "I ask for the room to be cleared, leaving only Kaipo with us." The leaders, taken aback by the boldness of the request, looked towards Kaipo for guidance.
Kaipo, after a moment's consideration, agreed. "Everyone, but the High Mages, please, leave us," he announced, his voice leaving no room for debate. As the room emptied, the atmosphere grew even more charged.
Zephyrion couldn't resist the opportunity to taunt. "Ah, Levi and his Blade of God," he remarked with a sneer. "Such a powerful weapon wasted on him. I can think of a few more... deserving hands." Laughter echoed from the Umbraclave, a clear jab at the High Mages' strength and their worthiness.
With the room cleared, Kaipo's patience waned. "What do you want?" he asked sternly, his tolerance for their games running thin.
Vespera stepped forward, her confidence unshaken. "Our plan is simple," she began, her voice void of any pretense of diplomacy. "The Areala Universe will serve the Malevolent Cosmos Universe. You will provide us with resources, willingly or by force. This is not a negotiation but a declaration."
Kaipo's response was immediate. With a swift gesture, he unleashed a Disruption Wave, a show of power meant to intimidate. The wave rippled through the room, its energy crackling in the air. "If that's your purpose here, you're wasting your time," Kaipo declared, his anger palpable.
Gaiax, unfazed by the display, retorted, "Fine, if that's how you want it, so be it."178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei07DSkcVq
