Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter 105
In less than ten minutes, Skadi arrived at the Zells’ villa alongside more than twenty grandmaster-level experts. Her eyes sparkled with excitement at the formidable array of power guarding the estate. What event could have drawn so many luminaries to this place? And might she finally meet her idol?
Skadi leaned close to her grandfather, Zakariah, and whispered, “Grandpa, what’s happening today?” He examined the perimeter, then murmured instructions in her ear. The smile slipped from Skadi’s face, replaced by solemn resolve. Turning to the assembled masters, she commanded, “Surround the villa. Allow no one to breach these grounds.”
They fanned out instantly, their presence a ring of impenetrable defense.
Ten minutes later, Grant darted up, out of breath. “Colonel, the National Association of Priests has arrived.”
Stellar frowned. “Invite them in.”
Grant’s shoulders slumped. “The Martial Arts Association refuses. They won’t let even a single priest through.”
Skadi and Zakariah exchanged glances before striding from the villa, their expressions firm.
Soon, two dignified priests in purple robes entered the courtyard, flanked by eighteen clergy in red. Zakariah stepped forward to introduce them.
“Colonel Sinclair, this is Father Cillian,” he said of the elder in violet. With his refined features and white hair, the sage-like priest carried an aura of quiet authority. “He leads the Quiet Winds Church and heads the Jonford Priests Association.”
Father Cillian bowed. “Greetings, Colonel.”
Stellar inclined his head in return. “Welcome, Father.”
Zakariah then gestured to the second elder. “This is Father Lloyd, vice-head of the Quiet Winds Church and one of the five vice-presidents of the National Association of Priests.”
Father Lloyd, nearly a century old, offered a solemn salute. His long white beard and eyebrows lent him a venerable air. “Greetings, Colonel.”
Stellar met his gaze with respectful warmth. “Thank you for coming.”
Zakariah placed a hand over his heart. “Fathers, our highest priority is shielding the warden from hidden assassins.”
Father Lloyd’s eyes softened. “Colonel Sinclair, last night—”
“Senior!” Father Cillian interrupted gently, stepping between them.
Lloyd cleared his throat. “The Quiet Winds Church will do everything in our power.”
After a brief salute, Father Cillian joined his brethren at a nearby stone table, where Grant moved to serve tea.
Stellar watched the two elders, unease stirring in his chest. He turned to Zakariah. “Can we rely on them?”
Zakariah nodded solemnly. “Father Cillian is sixty-five and a stage-nine grandmaster. He’s declined the presidency of the Priests Association to remain in seclusion here. Father Lloyd is ninety-eight with a stage-seven cultivation. Their lineage boasts generations of golden-amulet masters.”
Stellar exhaled, relief and hope mingling. “Then they may yet save the warden.”
Moments later, as the priests sipped their tea, Father Lloyd leaned forward. “A General Star has fallen. We cannot hide that truth from you.”
Zakariah’s brow furrowed. Lloyd continued more quietly, “Last night, while star gazing, Father Cillian observed the Star’s descent to the west. A General Star’s fall signifies the impending end for a leader—no doubt, our warden.”
Father Cillian closed his eyes in meditation, then opened them with a soft glow. “The Star has not fully extinguished. A glimmer of life persists within the warden. We must hold that spark.”
Stellar bowed his head, determination steadying his heart. With these guardians at their side, hope remained alive.