Chapter 59: Holy Son
Daveron Territory
Far away in the heart of Daveron, several of the most powerful figures in the Dream Family sat gathered in a grand hall. The air was thick with obvious tension, the kind that preceded great storms. Flickering violet torches cast long shadows across ancient stone walls etched with runes of power and prophecy.
"The Righteous Swords have started to make their move on the front lines," Elder Akim spoke calmly to one of his colleagues, his voice carrying the weight of centuries.
"I heard," the other figure replied, slowly stroking his long beard. "But why do they suddenly act? Aren't they scared of our Demon God?"
"Coming to think of it, a lot of strange events have been happening within the Demon Continent lately," Elder Akim of the Dream Family wondered to himself, his sharp eyes narrowing in contemplation.
"Especially from that one…" A low, genuine laugh escaped him, catching the attention of everyone in the hall.
"Akim, my friend, what makes you laugh so joyously?" another elder asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
"Kuva, my friend, it is nothing serious," Akim replied, containing his joy with visible effort, though a small smile still lingered on his lips.
The atmosphere shifted abruptly as Helga and Caleb walked in. Their powers clashed against each other like opposing storms, violet lightning and crimson flames crackling in the space between them. The elders and other figures of power stood in respect, the room growing heavier with their combined presence.
"Welcome, children of Dreams," the assembly let out their praises in unison, voices echoing with deference.
Caleb walked forward with manic pride. The Oni Dream Spirit materialized in full form behind him, its eyes constantly moving, watching every corner of the grounds with predatory vigilance.
Helga laughed wickedly from where she stood. In a streak of brilliant purple light, she materialized gracefully on her designated seat. "Hahn, brother, why do you feel so uneasy?" she spoke, directing her words toward Caleb, who continued walking slowly forward with deliberate steps.
"Unease? Haha, sister, unease?" Caleb replied with a mocking grin as he took his seat. The oni spirit floated calmly behind him, radiating dark energy. "No, I am merely being careful since I will be seated so close to a venomous snake."
"I do not blame them for such tension," a female elder spoke from her seat, observing Helga's calm demeanor. "The dreams of Apocia are already at hand."
Her expression was tinged with sadness. "We all wait for Apocia… but are we all truly ready for what it holds?" Several elders turned their wicked gazes upon her.
"Nora, do not call my wrath upon you," one warned, voice low and dangerous.
An elder with a huge physique stood from his seat, platinum-rank energy flaring violently around him.
"Raksha Daveron, calm your anger," Caleb spoke calmly, making the elders energy dimming like a candle being gently extinguished.
Caleb then brought out a glowing orb from his robe and placed it on the central table. A bold, commanding voice rang out from it, filling the entire hall.
"Elders of the Dream Family, welcome to this gathering."
They all recognized the voice immediately. "Greetings, Lord of Dreams. May the Endless of Dreams reign," they chanted in perfect unison, bowing their heads in reverence.
"That's enough. You may all be seated." The voice continued calmly as everyone settled. "Today I have gathered you all for an important message.
"First off, Elder Raksha and Elder Rabbi, you will both be assigned to Demon Blade Academy's territory. Detailed information on your mission will be sent to you two by dawn." The two elders bowed their heads in acceptance.
"Second, twenty thousand troops should be sent to the front lines of Fortsterling to support the Demon Guard's military faction. War is at hand, and we must carve our way forward in blood." His words ignited loud cheers and fervent murmurs across the hall.
"Then thirdly… a child of the Daveron family has done us proud." Joy was obvious in the deep, resonant tone. "It is said the child who sits at silver rank, fought against a Platinum ranker, but not just any." He let out a loud, rumbling chuckle that sent ripples through the assembly.
"He embarrassed the sub-body of a Diamond ranker, Demon Lord Saul, the Diamond Ranker of Despair."
Everybody's eyes widened in shock, not just the elders, but Helga and Caleb as well.
"Wait… it can't be. A Silver ranker can't do that," several voices questioned internally.
"Who from our family could have been so bold as to defy such power, much less a Silver ranker?" Helga and Caleb exchanged stunned glances, unable to believe what they were hearing.
The voice continued, "This child is rumored to have killed a Mother Tree of Rank Five and shown absolute ruthlessness during his missions."
The hall fell into stunned silence as they stared at each other in disbelief.
"And now, he is rumored to have become one of the Holy Sons of one of the top four academies."
"Wait… it can't be," Caleb's eyes widened in shock. "Don't tell me…?"
"His name is Liam Heart, the second Holy Son of Demon Blade Academy."
Silence permeated the hall as all eyes suddenly fell on Helga. Yet Helga remained cool, calmly sipping from her cup as though the news was already within her grasp.
But within, she was screaming in pure joy. Liam… what the hell have you been doing out there?
"That boy is indeed becoming a scary foe," Caleb muttered, looking left and right before staring down. "Also, how do I act when two of the strongest elders will be headed to Demon Blade?"
Caleb pondered hard. Soon, his eyes widened with calculated ambition.
"Father, may I join Commander Louis to command the front lines?" he asked, stretching out a hand as if offering help.
His father took a long pause, knowing his son's wicked nature all too well. "You may accompany them, but on no occasion should you near Demon Blade Academy's territory."
He gave clear, firm orders. "Helga, you will also accompany your brother to the front lines. As the Seventh Demon Commander, your presence there shows respect to the Demon God." Helga happily nodded.
"Damn that old man," Caleb cursed inwardly, though a spirited grin crept across his face.
The hall erupted with rumbles of discussion as conversations exploded in every corner.