CHAPTER 225: OFF TO THE NORTHERN PEAK

Lucas did not linger in the courtyard after leaving the Hall of Silent Clouds. The air was heavy with the weight of the Empress’s words, and his thoughts raced faster than his feet could carry him. By the time he returned to his chambers, the night was already deep and the faint hum of nocturnal insects filled the stillness. Yet, sleep was the farthest thing from his mind. He pushed open the door and found the girls waiting for him, gathered in soft robes, their faces lighting up at the sight of him.

Lira was the first to rise, her tone gentle but concerned. "Master. Did the Empress summon you again?"

Lucas gave a slow nod, his expression unreadable. "She did. And this time, it’s not for a conversation."

Nyx, leaning against the window frame, folded her arms and tilted her head curiously. "Then what is it about? You look... unsettled."

"I wouldn’t say unsettled," he replied, running a hand through his hair before sitting down. "But it’s something serious. The Empress told me she’ll be leaving the palace soon, heading north on a mission to retrieve a powerful artifact. She said I’ll be accompanying her."

The room went silent for a brief moment before Selene finally spoke up, her voice low and cautious. "A mission with the Empress herself? That doesn’t sound like an ordinary task."

"It isn’t," Lucas admitted. "She called it a test. She wants to see if I’m worthy of being trusted. Whatever this artifact is, it’s not something ordinary. She said it’s been sought before, and none who went after it returned."

Lira’s eyes widened slightly, her voice trembling a little as she asked, "And you’re going with her?"

"I have to," Lucas said firmly. "I don’t think she’ll take no for an answer. Besides, this might be the only way to prove myself...to her, and perhaps to this world."

Nyx pushed away from the window, walking closer to him. "Then we’re coming too," she said simply.

Lucas looked up at her sharply. "No. This isn’t going to be a palace stroll or an escort duty. It’s dangerous. The Empress wouldn’t have called it a test if it were easy. Whatever lies out there might be beyond anything you’ve faced before."

Selene came closer as well, her tone soft but resolute. "You think we’d let you go alone? We’ve followed you through worse. We may not have the power of the Empress, but we’re not helpless either. You need us, and we’re not staying behind."

Lucas’s gaze flickered between them, seeing the unwavering determination in their eyes. He exhaled slowly and leaned back in his seat. "You three... never listen, do you?"

Lira smiled faintly and took his hand. "You’d be lonely without us, and you know it."

He gave a reluctant smile, though his tone remained serious. "Fine, but I want all of you to understand something. Whatever we face, I don’t want you taking unnecessary risks. Stay alert and don’t try to act brave if things turn ugly. The Empress isn’t someone who needs help in battle."

Nyx chuckled softly. "You talk as if we’re fragile. We can handle ourselves."

"Perhaps," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly, "but this isn’t about handling yourselves. It’s about surviving. Remember that."

There was silence for a while as they all absorbed his words. The night breeze drifted through the open window, carrying the scent of lilies from the courtyard garden. Selene broke the silence at last. "When do you leave?"

"At dawn," Lucas replied. "Pack lightly. We’ll meet her near the northern gate of the palace. I don’t know what the Empress plans or how long we’ll be gone, but we have to be ready for anything."

Lira nodded slowly. "Then we’ll be ready."

Lucas stood, his gaze softening as he looked at them. "Thank you...for staying by my side. Whatever comes next, we face it together."

The morning came quietly, the kind of dawn where the air held a soft chill and the faint blush of sunrise painted the horizon in pale hues of gold and violet.

The girls had packed light as he instructed...only their essential weapons, white cloaks for camouflage, and a few travel pouches. Their attire was practical yet elegant, tailored for battle but still revealing their natural allure.

Lira’s leather armor was tinted in shades of emerald and gold, her hair tied up neatly. Nyx had opted for a silver attire that fit snugly, complementing her wide hips and aura, while Selene’s lighter tunic flowed just enough to allow movement without constraint. Together, they looked both dangerous and striking, a combination that drew the eyes of every soldier and attendant who caught sight of them.

Lucas himself wore a black high-collared robe reinforced with subtle spiritual markings, a faint silver emblem of Valerion stitched at the shoulder. A sword hung lazily at his hip, and his composure was calm as ever. Inside, however, his mind was alert and focused...he had no idea what this mission entailed, only that it would test him in ways beyond combat.

As they neared the northern gate, the guards there stepped aside in silent deference. The Empress was already waiting. She stood beside a sleek, rune-etched chariot drawn by two massive, horned stallions...beasts of spiritual energy that shimmered faintly in the light. Her presence alone commanded stillness. Though her face was veiled as always, her aura spoke louder than any crown could.

Standing near her were two figures....Prince Khan and the royal counselor. Khan’s expression was as cold as ever, but beneath that icy exterior burned irritation at the sight of Lucas. The counselor, on the other hand, masked his emotions well, though the brief tightening of his jaw betrayed his thoughts. They both gave curt bows to the Empress, but when their eyes met Lucas’s, their distaste was evident.

Lucas didn’t even bother acknowledging them. Their opinions meant little to him. His gaze was instead drawn to the others gathered beside the Empress....a small group of six, now including her. Two women stood closest to her, dressed in immaculate silver armor that reflected the morning light. Their presence was calm yet immense, the unmistakable pressure of ascendant realm cultivators radiating subtly from their forms. Lucas could tell immediately that they weren’t ordinary guards; their bond with the Empress seemed personal, their loyalty unwavering.

Behind them stood an old man, his hair long and white, his robes worn but dignified. He held a long wooden staff engraved with intricate runes. His energy was equally powerful, though steadier, more ancient. From the look of it, Lucas could tell that he was the guide...one who knew the path they would be taking.

Counting everyone, including himself and the girls, there were eight in total. A small number for what was likely a dangerous expedition, but Lucas understood immediately that numbers wouldn’t matter. Every person here was strong, and the Empress herself was worth more than an army.

The Empress turned slightly when she noticed Lucas approach. She gave him a single nod...acknowledgment without words...and her gaze flickered briefly to the girls behind him. She didn’t speak or question their presence. She knew they were his, bound to him by something far deeper than loyalty or affection. If they had chosen to follow, they would bear the weight of that decision themselves.

Prince Khan broke the silence first, his voice composed but carrying a faint edge. "Mother, everything has been arranged in your absence. The Council will convene daily, and I shall oversee affairs of the capital alongside the counselor."

The Empress gave a soft hum of acknowledgment. "Good. Maintain order. I expect no disturbances when I return."

Khan bowed again, though his eyes darted briefly toward Lucas with unconcealed irritation. Lucas met his gaze once, expression unreadable, and then looked away as though the prince were little more than a passing breeze.

The counselor, noticing the exchange, gave Lucas a disapproving glance. "Your Majesty, are you certain about taking him along? His temperament is... unpredictable."

The Empress did not even look at him. Her voice was smooth and cool. "Some truths are revealed only through trial."

That single statement silenced any further protest. The Empress turned toward her chariot and gestured lightly. The two Divas stepped forward immediately, taking positions on either side, while the old guide began murmuring an incantation that caused the runes on the chariot to flare faintly.

Lucas turned to the girls. "Remember what I said...stay sharp, follow orders, and don’t wander off. Whatever happens out there, the Empress leads. We follow."

Nyx smiled faintly. "You sound like a soldier now."

"Maybe I’ve learned something from being around royalty too long," he replied with a small smirk.

Selene adjusted her gloves. "Then let’s not keep the Empress waiting."

The old guide lifted his staff and struck it gently against the ground. "The path to the Northern Peaks awaits," he announced, his voice echoing with spiritual resonance.

The Empress stepped into her chariot, the air around them rippling faintly as if reality itself bent in acknowledgment of her presence. Lucas and the girls followed behind with the others in another carriage. The northern gate opened slowly with a deep metallic groan, and as the dawn sun broke over the horizon, the small yet formidable company departed from the palace...eight figures setting out on a journey that would test loyalty, power, and fate itself.