Lance and his elite forces returned to the capital with those they had rescued. Since Lance healed everyone, there was nobody dragging back the speed of travel. Though victorious, the encounter left no room for complacency. The air in the city was heavy with tension as word of the Titan's retreat and destruction had already spread.
As they approached the castle, a powerful aura washed over them, one that was both intimidating and dignified. Aelyndra froze mid-step, her golden eyes widening in recognition.
"They're here," she whispered, her tone a mixture of reverence and apprehension.
Four figures stood in the palace's grand hall, their presence commanding the attention of everyone throughout the entire capital. Though appearing in human form, their imnse power radiated through the room.
The first elder, a man with silver-streaked black hair and piercing blue eyes, stood tall with an air of wisdom and authority. Beside him was a slightly younger-looking man with auburn hair tied neatly at his back and sharp green eyes that seed to analyze everything.
The third elder, with golden hair and a youthful appearance, leaned casually against a pillar, his relaxed deanor belying the imnse power he carried.
The fourth and eldest, a man with long white hair and deep, weathered features, exuded a solemn gravity. His presence alone seed to weigh heavily on the room, as if his very existence demanded reverence.
"Lance," the eldest elder spoke, his voice low and resonant, "you're back at last." This elder was actually elder Thoryx, Lance had recognized him as soon as he saw him, even though it was his first ti seeing him in his human form. He also recognized the red scaled elder as soon as he saw him, and the first elder.
Aelyndra stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Elders, you honor us with your presence."
The silver-haired elder inclined his head slightly. "This is no ordinary visit, Aelyndra. The world stands on the brink, and ti is not on our side."
Lance stepped forward, eting their gazes with calm determination. "I take it this concerns the Titans?"
The auburn-haired elder nodded, the red scaled elder, his green eyes narrowing, spoke. "Indeed. But we shall wait until the council convenes. This concerns more than just your kingdom."
By midday, the leaders of all races had arrived at Lance's capital. The dwarves, elves, humans, and even the wyverns who would normally never be part of such a gathering, sent their representatives, each accompanied by their finest warriors and advisors. The grand council chamber was abuzz with tense discussions as the leaders awaited the dragons' words.
King Aldric, his imposing figure needing no further accessories such as polished armour, leaned toward Lance. "I take it this is the first ti the dragon elders have co to your capital?"
Lance nodded.
Ithil studied the dragons with quiet curiosity. "To see four dragon elders gathered in one place… the severity of this crisis is clearer than ever."
Throrin, the dwarven king, crossed his arms, his sharp eyes fixed on the eldest dragon elder. "Heh… We've barely rested and rebuilt, now this. What are we dealing with?"
Elder Thoryx went ahead to explain the enemy they faced, and a bit of their history.
The auburn-haired elder added, "This is why the Titans have awakened. They are not mindless beasts, they are forces of nature, and unless we stop them, they will reduce this world to ash and start anew."
The room erupted into murmurs of disbelief and fear. Of course, they were well aware that the dragons would not be affected by this destruction, but they still made an effort to fight against the threat. This was the aning of guarding the world…
"How do we stop sothing like that?" Throrin demanded, his voice gruff but tinged with unease.
"If the Titans are ancient beings of balance, does this an they cannot be killed?"
The golden-haired dragon elder smirked faintly. "Killed? Perhaps not. But weakened, restrained… even destroyed, if necessary? That depends on the strength and will of those who stand against them."
Aldric leaned forward. "We've faced impossible odds before. But this? This is beyond anything we've ever seen."
Lance's voice cut through the tension, calm and firm. "Then we do what must be done. We've faced destruction before and co out stronger. This will be no different."
The eldest elder nodded approvingly. "Your resolve, as always, is comndable, Lance. But understand this: the Titans are unlike any foe you've faced. They draw strength from the earth itself, it backs them. To confront them is to confront the planet's own fury." He said to the others before turning to Lance. "As for you, you have been called upon this ti." Thoryx said.
Everyone looked towards Lance, but he didn't show any particular reaction, as he had already prepared himself.
The council continued late into the evening, with strategies debated and alliances strengthened. The dragon elders offered their knowledge and pledged their support, though they warned that even their power would be tested against the Titans.
The decision was unanimous: the war against the Titans would require only the strongest warriors, the most capable leaders, and the bravest souls. Ordinary soldiers, no matter how skilled, would only be fodder against beings as imnse and powerful as the Titans, even the elite forces would have to replace the role of ordinary soldiers in the crisis to co.
"The Titans cannot be defeated by armies," the eldest dragon elder declared, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. "This war demands the strongest among you, those who can wield power on a scale capable of rivaling the Titans themselves, from the weakest of them."
King Aldric nodded, his expression grim. "That limits the fighting force considerably. Only the Lords and individuals who have proven themselves beyond mortal limits will take the front lines."
Ithil folded his arms, his silver hair catching the dim light. "The rest of our forces will not be idle. They will protect the people and ensure the survival of our nations while we fight."
After that, the decision for people to be moved towards the monster kingdom was made, after all, it was further south, and it appeared as though they had been hit the least so far, confirming its safety.
Aelyndra stood beside Lance, her gaze unwavering. "We'll fight this together, no matter the cost."
Lance nodded. "We have no other choice."
As the leaders departed to prepare their forces, the dragon elders remained, their presence a stark reminder of the battle to co.
"The Titans are not invincible," the eldest elder said to Lance before departing. "But their defeat will require strength, strategy perhaps, and sacrifices greater than you can imagine. Prepare yourself… even myself."
"I am ready. I know you are too." Lance said confidently, forcing a smile on Thoryx's face.
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