In the heart of Sylvaneth, the bustling capital city of Verdantia, the air was alive with anticipation as the Verdant Council convened to discuss an upcoming event of great importance.
The gentle rustle of leaves, carried on a soft breeze from the nearby Great Forest, provided a soothing backdrop to the murmurs of conversation that filled the council chamber.
Seated around a circular table crafted from the finest wood of the Great Forest, the council members, comprising druids, rangers, and representatives from the tribes of the forest, gathered to deliberate.
"The Whispering Woods exam is a sacred tradition that has been passed down through generations,"
Elder Thalara, a venerable druid with wisdom etched into the lines of her face, began.
"It is a time for our young ones to commune with nature, to discover their strengths, and to learn the ways of our ancestors."
Beside her, Ranger Aric, a seasoned tracker with eyes as sharp as a hawk's, nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, the Whispering Woods provide the perfect setting for such an endeavor."
"Its ancient trees whisper secrets of old, and its clearings offer ample space for our children to explore and learn."
As the council members discussed the logistics of the exam, voices rose and fell in animated conversation.
Druids spoke of the importance of fostering a deep reverence for the land, while rangers emphasized the need for practical skills in navigating the wilderness.
However, amidst the enthusiastic discussion, a note of tension lingered in the air.
The topic of including lessons on survival skills and basic elemental magic in the curriculum stirred up conflicting emotions among the council members.
Some believed it was essential for the children's development, while others expressed reservations about introducing such advanced concepts at a young age.
In the midst of the debate, a young ranger named Talia raised her hand, her eyes shining with determination.
"I propose that we include lessons on survival skills and basic elemental magic in the curriculum," she suggested.
"Our children must learn to adapt and thrive in the wild, and what better way to do so than through hands-on experience?"
Her proposal sparked a lively debate among the council members, with opinions divided on the matter.
While some supported Talia's suggestion wholeheartedly, others voiced concerns about the potential risks and the age-appropriateness of such teachings.
Amidst the fervent discussion, Elder Thalara raised her hand, calling for silence amidst the heated debate.
"My fellow council members, we must remember the sacred purpose of this exam," she began, her voice carrying the weight of authority.
"It is not merely a test of skills, but a journey of self-discovery. Let us not lose sight of that."
With her words, the council fell silent, reflecting on the true essence of the Whispering Woods exam.
In that moment, a sense of reverence and unity settled over the gathering, binding them together in their shared commitment to the welfare of their children and the preservation of their ancient traditions.
Amidst the fervent discussion, whispers circulated among a few council members about the prince's participation in the upcoming exam.
The murmurs grew louder, causing Elder Thalara's brows to furrow in annoyance.
"Enough of these whispers," she interjected, her voice stern.
"If there's something to be said, say it aloud. We are in the middle of an important meeting, and such distractions are unwelcome."
Her words silenced the murmurs, and the council members returned their focus to the matter at hand.
The tension in the room eased slightly, but the underlying unease remained as they continued their deliberations.
Just as the tension in the council chamber reached its peak, the heavy oak doors swung open with a resounding thud, and a hushed silence fell over the room.
All eyes turned towards the entrance as Queen Elara Evergreen, the Verdant, made her grand entrance.
Draped in a flowing gown of emerald green, adorned with delicate vines and leaves that seemed to sway with every movement, Queen Elara exuded an aura of regal elegance.
Her long, flowing hair, the color of fresh spring leaves, cascaded down her back in gentle waves, framing her face like a verdant crown.
With a warm smile gracing her lips, Queen Elara strode gracefully into the chamber, her presence commanding attention and respect.
"Greetings, esteemed members of the Verdant Council," she greeted them with a melodic voice that carried a hint of mischief.
The tension that had gripped the room seemed to dissipate in her presence, replaced by an air of anticipation and excitement.
Queen Elara's mere presence had a way of lightening the mood and lifting the spirits of those around her.
"As we prepare for the upcoming Whispering Woods exam," Queen Elara began, her voice carrying a hint of excitement,
"let us remember the importance of this tradition in shaping the future of our kingdom."
"It is a time for our children to connect with the natural world, to discover their strengths, and to forge bonds that will last a lifetime."
Her words resonated with the council members, filling them with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
Queen Elara's unwavering dedication to the well-being of her people and her deep connection to nature were evident in every word she spoke.
"Esteemed members of the Verdant Council," Queen Elara's voice echoed through the chamber, her words carrying an air of authority and determination.
"As we gather here today to discuss the upcoming Whispering Woods exam, I must emphasize that this year's event will be unlike any other."
Her gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each council member in turn.
"We stand on the cusp of a new era, a time of great change and opportunity. And with that change comes the need for increased vigilance and caution."
"And in a departure from tradition," Queen Elara continued, her voice ringing with authority.
"this year's exam will not be limited to children of ten years."
"Instead, it shall encompass children from eight to ten years, providing even our youngest ones with the opportunity to partake in this sacred rite of passage."
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Chapter 622: The Weight of the Gilded Crown.
Back in Florentis CityThe Pogoda EstateHigh above the inner courtyards of the Pogoda Estate, within one of its most private chambers, stood Devi Pogoda.The chamber was vast and solemn, its stone walls engraved with ancient protective arrays that pulsed faintly with restrained energy.Incense burned slowly in a bronze censer near the corner, the smoke rising in delicate spirals toward the high ceiling.Devi stood before a massive open archway carved into the wall.There were no windows—only a grand opening that overlooked the entire estate.Even though Oasis of Lunaris had long since departed the city, Devi’s perception remained expanded, stretching far beyond the estate walls, beyond Florentis itself.He had been watching.Observing.Calculating.Now, slowly, he withdrew his spiritual sense.He took in a deep sigh.“The kid has finally left,” he murmured to himself.His golden eye glimmered faintly, a subtle ripple of energy flowing through it as residual perception retracted back
Chapter 621: The Ghost of the Saint & The Phantom Trap.
No one attended to the two young cultivators.One of them was on his knees, screaming in agony, clutching his grotesquely mangled arm as tears streamed down his face.The other stood beside him in a daze, face drained of all color, trousers damp, lips trembling but unable to form a single coherent word.The bustling gate of Florentis did not halt for them.Merchants continued shouting.Carts continued rolling.Travelers continued presenting identification tokens to the guards.Only a few curious glances were cast their way—nothing more.Eventually, a guard stationed near the gate stepped forward, irritation etched across his face.“Take that noise somewhere else,” he barked sharply. “You’re disrupting the peace of the city gate.”The injured cultivator could barely respond between his screams.The guard frowned, clearly unwilling to get involved in whatever trouble they had provoked.“Move!” he snapped again. “If you’re injured, seek a healer. Don’t block the entrance.”The friend fin
Chapter 620: The Saint’s Shadow and the Shattered Arm.
At the Gates of Florentis CityThe main gate of Florentis was bustling as usual.Merchants shouted over one another.Guards barked orders to regulate the flow of travelers.Carts creaked under heavy cargo. Horses neighed impatiently as their riders waited for inspection.Dust hung lightly in the air, stirred constantly by boots and wheels grinding against the stone road.Just outside the gate—Two magnificent carriages stood apart from the common traffic.They were beyond luxurious.Each carriage was drawn by four powerful equinores—majestic, high-bred beasts with hlack sleek coats that shimmered faintly under the sun.Their muscles rippled beneath polished harnesses inlaid with silver threads.Even their hooves seemed specially reinforced.The carriages themselves bore intricate carvings along the polished darkwood panels.Runes were etched seamlessly into their frames—not crudely drawn, but masterfully structured, glowing faintly when viewed closely.From the outside, they appeared
Chapter 619: The Departure and the Distilled Poison.
Next Morning — Florentis CityWoods EstateThud!!!Thud!!!Thud!!!Blow after blow echoed across the wide stone training field within the Woods Estate courtyard.The early morning air was crisp, still carrying the faint chill of dawn.The sun had only just begun to rise, casting pale golden streaks over tiled rooftops and the dew-kissed grass bordering the courtyard.Servants moved quietly in the distance, careful not to disturb the intensity unfolding in the open grounds.At the center of it all—Oasis of Lunaris and Delvan were exchanging strikes.Not playful taps.Real blows.Raw.Measured.Controlled.Venak, Daku, and Vesta stood off to the side, observing in silence.“Mm… the kid is really good. Amazing,” Venak thought as his eyes followed Delvan’s movements carefully.Delvan’s fists cut through the air with impressive precision.His stance was grounded, balanced.When Oasis struck, Delvan parried cleanly—forearm meeting forearm with a sharp crack.When Oasis shifted angles, Delv
Chapter 618: The Prince’s Ambition and the Shadowless Serpent.
A few breaths after the vessels had passed one another, the sea gradually swallowed the distance between them.On the deck of the Verdantian ship, lanternlight swayed gently as the waves rolled beneath the hull.Prince Aelric Evergreen stood at the stern for a moment, watching the silhouette of the other vessel shrink into the darkness.The wind tugged at his emerald-green cape, the embroidered golden vines along its edges glinting faintly beneath the lanternlight.“You looked concerned about them, Young Master Aelric,” Thasma said as he stepped closer, lowering his voice.Aelric did not immediately answer.His eyes remained fixed on the horizon where the faint glow of the other ship’s lantern had nearly disappeared.“The thing is,” Aelric began calmly, “I recognize them. At least the name… and the insignia.Not those people specifically—but their faction.”He finally turned slightly toward Thasma.“So I wonder what they are doing on this side of the realm. And I wonder whether the no
Chapter 617: The Prince and the Reaper.
“We are really in a bind…” Akuma Muramasa thought as he kept his gaze fixed on the endless darkness ahead.The wind pressed against his face, cold and sharp, yet he remained unmoved.“I wonder… if the traitors were my own blood, what would I do? Would I carry out my duty as a guild member… or would I become a traitor as well?”His fingers tapped lightly against the wooden beam beneath him.“These situations are surely difficult,” he continued inwardly.“But what concerns me more is this—what kind of force was involved to be capable of wiping them all out?”His eyes narrowed slightly.“A group of Enlightened cultivators moving together… annihilated as if they were nothing more than a flock of sheep.”The sea below rolled in slow, heavy swells, reflecting the faint glow of the stars in fractured streaks.“If this had happened near certain regions of Emberfall,” he thought, “one could assume they encountered a dragon and angered it.”His gaze hardened.“But this side of the realm… are th
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