The African megalopolis, Aeternum Prime, stood under a relentless sun, a titan of ochre stone, steel and green energy. Unlike Nova-Aeterna, its aesthetic was inspired by ancient desert fortresses, with vast sandstone walls infused with ether crystal veins that shone with a golden glow. Hydroponic terraced crops, powered by concentrated sunlight and the growth powers of the Awakened, cascaded along the structures, bringing touches of bright green against the arid heat. In the center, the Pride Tower in the Sahara was just a dark and distant line on the horizon, a constant and silent threat.
At the highest level of the central citadel, in a meeting room with a vaulted ceiling and frescoed walls depicting the history of the last fifty years, the air was fresh and still. A massive table, carved out of a single block of black wood from an extinct tree, sat in the center. Around, ten seats, each unique, were waiting for their occupants.
The first to arrive was Abdul, Siege 1. He did not use the door. A shadow simply emerged from the darkest corner of the room and solidified, taking the form of a middle-aged man with a serene face and eyes that seemed to have seen too many endings. Dressed in a simple white tunic, he emitted no aura of power, only a deep and disturbing calm. He sat at the head of the table, his fingers touching the old wood. A permanent protector of Aeternum Prime, his presence alone soothed the spirits.
Theodore, Siege 7, then came, his heavy steps sounding like hammer blows. The "Titan" was a mountain of muscles, its ether armor taking the form of a sober combat harness. He greeted Abdul with a respectful nod before taking his seat, his frank and direct look sweeping the room.
A sudden cold announced the arrival of Windsor Griffin, Siege 2. The air swirted slightly around him as he entered through the main door, dressed in a blue and silver coat in the colors of Europe. Patriarch of the Griffin family, his wearing was aristocratic, his face a mask of calculated coldness. He exchanged a glance with Abdoul, a silent recognition between the two oldest pillars.
Morina Laine, Siege 3, appeared in a slight hum. Luminous flower petals and fireflies of energy materialized and came together to form her silhouette. "The Witch" had an enigmatic smile, but her eyes, piercing green, lacked warmth. She felt the air, as if to test its purity, before sitting down.
A striking contrast followed with Michelle White, Siege 4. She entered with a firm step, her light combat armor emitting a faint whistle. The "Flame Goddess" still smelled of ozone and hot metal. She reported directly on the tensions in Nova-Aeterna. His gaze met that of Windsor, a brief exchange charged with the history of rivalries between their families.
Kaïdo Izanami, Siege 5, was already there. No one had seen it happen. He was simply sitting in the shadow of a pillar, his katana resting against his knees. "Ghost Blade" almost imperceptibly nodded in gratitude to Michelle, his Oceanian counterpart.
Adam, the Seat 8, made his entrance by conversing with a holographic screen floating next to him. "The Creator" was dressed in a technical suit, his fingers tapping on a virtual interface. He whispered "Recording the 504 session of the Great Council" before sitting down, his mind already lost in the data.
Aurora, Siege 6, and Reuben, Siege 9, arrived together, talking in a low voice. Their roles as itinerant counselors brought them closer together. Aurora, "H2O," had a soothing aura, like a sea breeze. Reuben, "the Healer," emanated a beneficent heat, his hands emitting a faint emerald glow.
The last to enter was Titus Skydream, Siege 10. He made his entrance with the theatricality that was known to him. The door opened wide with a silent flash that briefly lit up the room. Young, proud, dressed in white and gold armor, he was the embodiment of the new generation of power. He sat down, his electric gaze running through the audience, lingering for a moment too long on Michelle White, a silent challenge.
When the last siege was occupied, a solemn silence set in. Abdoul spoke, his voice soft but carrying to the back of the room.
"The session is open. The world is holding, but the foundations are shaking."
He made a gesture, and a holographic map of the globe appeared above the table, the seven towers flashing with a sinister red glow.
Monster movements are intensifying on all fronts. The Envy Tower in Australia is testing our defenses with new mimicry capabilities. Avarice in Japan has deployed techno-organic creatures that our systems are struggling to analyze."
Windsor Griffin spoke up. "Europe holds. But lust becomes more aggressive. Their pheromones evolve, even affecting the awakened of low will."
Michelle White reported on the events in Nova-Aeterna. "The first year's expedition was a relative success. Four losses. But they held up against a directed tide."
All eyes turned to her. Early shipments were crucial indicators.
"What about the SSS rank?" asked Morina Laine, her voice in an intrigued whisper. "Hakime."
Michelle crossed her fingers." He refused the Whites' protection. He chose the academy. Its potential is real, its growth... slow, but stable. He unlocked a basic defensive ability, the Aegis of Light."
"Slow?" repeated Titus Skydream, with a raised eyebrow. "My brother reports that he is only at level 7, while the others in his group reach level 10. Is it a weakness or the price of his rarity?"
"The price," Adam intervened without looking up from his data. "Theoretical calculations for an SSS grade indicate an exponential energy cost. If it reaches a high level, its power could be unprecedented. But the road is full of pitfalls."
"Families are restless," added Windsor, icy. "The Valerius, the Insight Shadows... they all want a piece of the cake or its neutralization. It becomes a point of tension."
Abdoul listened impassively. "The balance is fragile. This young man is a spark. It can light a fire of hope... or consume everything in its path. We have to watch. Protect it from external manipulation, but do not stifle it. His desire to remain independent is a test in itself."
"What if he fails?" asked Theodore, his voice deep. "If the pressures break him?"
"Then he was not the chosen one that some hope for," Abdoul calmly replied. "But if he succeeds... he may well be the key to finally unraveling the mystery of the Towers."
His gaze was lost in the holographic map, staring at the Tour de l'Orgueuil.
"The next generation is being forged. Our role is to make sure that the anvil doesn't break under the hammer. Watch him. Guide him discreetly if necessary. But let him stumble. Let him learn. Its real challenge comes not from monsters, but from our own society. And it's a battle we can't fight for him."
The meeting continued, planning for resource deployments, defensive strategies, but the shadow of the young man from Nova-Aeterna hovered over every decision. In the silence of the room, among these ten most powerful beings of humanity, one question remained unanswered: Is Hakime their greatest hope, or the catalyst for their downfall?