The royal palace was unusually tense that evening.
Important nobles and royal officers had gathered inside the war council chamber.
A large magical map floated above the round table.
The northern mountains were glowing with faint dark energy.
King Veerendra Singla stood at the head of the room.
His expression was serious.
Captain Leon stepped forward to give his report.
"The scouting mission confirmed the presence of the Void Cult at the ruins of Velkar Temple."
Several nobles began whispering.
Leon continued.
"They summoned a creature known as the Void Guardian."
A royal mage spoke nervously.
"That monster should not exist anymore…"
Leon nodded.
"It is not fully awakened yet."
"But their leader clearly stated they are preparing another ritual."
The king's eyes narrowed.
"When?"
Leon took a deep breath.
"Possibly within the next few days."
The room fell silent.
One noble slammed his hand on the table.
"Then we should attack immediately!"
Another shook his head.
"That could be exactly what they want."
The royal mages studied the floating map.
One of them spoke.
"The dark energy is spreading slowly."
"If the ritual reaches full completion…"
He hesitated.
"It could affect the entire region."
The king finally spoke again.
"We cannot allow that."
He turned toward Captain Leon.
"Prepare the Royal Knight divisions."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Meanwhile—
outside the council chamber—
Saksham stood quietly near the hallway window.
He wasn't allowed inside the meeting.
But he could feel the tension through the walls.
Orion leaned casually against the opposite wall.
"Listening to royal politics already?" he asked.
Saksham crossed his arms.
"I can guess what they're discussing."
"The Void Cult."
Orion nodded.
"Correct."
Saksham looked toward the mountains visible in the distance.
"They're going to attack the temple."
Orion didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he asked something unexpected.
"Tell me something, Saksham."
"If you faced the Void Guardian right now…"
"Could you defeat it?"
Saksham remained silent for a moment.
Then he shook his head.
"No."
"Not yet."
Orion smiled slightly.
"That's a good answer."
Suddenly—
inside Saksham's mind—
the system activated again.
SYSTEM MESSAGE
New Main Quest Updated
Event: The Shadow Awakens
Next Objective:
Prevent the Second Ritual
Reward:
Hidden Skill Evolution
+1500 Experience
Penalty if Failed:
Void Guardian Awakening Progress Increases
Saksham's eyes narrowed.
"The second ritual…"
He looked toward Orion.
"They're planning something very soon."
Orion nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"And if the ritual succeeds…"
He looked toward the dark mountains.
"That monster will become far stronger."
Far away in the underground temple—
the cult leader stood before the massive ritual circle once again.
The Void Guardian slowly moved behind him.
Dark energy began gathering around the temple ruins.
The cult leader raised his arms.
"Prepare the second awakening."
The cultists around him chanted in unison.
Black energy shot into the sky again.
And this time—
the ritual was even larger than before.
To be continued…