Eminence in shadow Volume 7(My Edition)

Somewhere in the Oriana kingdom, in the dimly lit basement, the air was thick with an oppressive silence, broken only by the occasional flicker of light from the large, pulsating panels mounted against the walls. These panels, casting erratic shadows, seemed to breathe with an eerie life of their own, setting the stage for the ominous presence that awaited within.

At the far end of the room, a colossal door dominated the space. It was an imposing barrier, far beyond the scope of any ordinary entrance. The door was a monolithic structure of steel and stone, its surface adorned with intricate engravings that glowed faintly with an otherworldly light. The runes carved into its surface pulsed rhythmically, as if alive, casting flickering shadows that danced across the room's expanse.

The room itself was an architectural marvel, structured into five descending platforms that created a stepped pyramid. Each platform was progressively smaller and more refined, leading up to the topmost level where the true heart of the room lay.

On the fifth and largest platform, the floor was cold and sparse. A few scattered chairs stood in stony silence, their presence almost a mere formality compared to the grandeur above. This lower level was the domain of the lesser-ranked, those who had yet to prove their worth or earn their place among the higher echelons.

Ascending to the fourth platform, the space became more refined. Here, the chairs were arranged in a more deliberate manner, signifying a higher status. Each chair was positioned with precision, reflecting the increased importance of those who occupied this level. The atmosphere was tinged with a sense of formality and expectation.

The third platform, even smaller, was reserved for the truly significant. Three chairs, each one meticulously crafted and adorned with symbols of power, stood as the ultimate testament to authority. These chairs were positioned with an air of exclusivity, underscoring the influence of their occupants.

At the pinnacle of this architectural hierarchy was the second platform, crowned by a single, imposing chair. This chair was unlike any other, encircled by a swirling halo of purple fumes and intermittent sparks that crackled with an unsettling energy. The fumes twisted and coiled, casting an otherworldly glow that seemed to infuse the very essence of darkness into the room. The chair itself, set apart from the rest, radiated an aura of supreme authority and malevolence. It was as if the very incarnation of darkness had chosen this solitary throne as its seat.

The room's ambiance was further accentuated by the flickering panels, their erratic light casting a hypnotic dance of shadows that played across the platforms. The entire scene exuded a sense of grandeur and menace, with the central throne standing as the focal point of a dark and formidable power.

As the eye traveled from the cold, sparse lower levels to the exalted throne at the top, the hierarchy within the room became strikingly clear. Each platform and chair spoke of a distinct rank and the gravity of authority that came with it. The stage was set for an encounter of monumental significance, with the throne poised as the epicenter of an impending confrontation or revelation.

It might not have been as much of a topic of gossip throughout the entire Shadow Garden if it were just that. However, it was the most advanced and sophisticated system ever created in the history of the Shadow Garden. The most important factor was that it was designed and outlined by Lady Epsilon's otherworldly apprentice, Mitsuki.

Mitsuki:

In the dimly lit basement hall, a silhouette of shadow emerged from the flickering light, standing imposingly in front of an enormous screen. The screen, measuring a staggering 100 inches, dominated the space with its sheer size. The flickering light from the screen cast intermittent shadows across the room, creating a dynamic interplay of light and dark that added to the eerie atmosphere.

The screen was alive with activity, displaying a myriad of moving dots and icons. The scene was a complex tapestry of data and images, continuously shifting and evolving. The dots scurried across the screen, while the icons blinked and moved in a seemingly chaotic pattern.

"Finally, finally we did it!!"

The triumphant exclamation echoed through the dimly lit basement, breaking the silence that had enveloped the space for what felt like an eternity. One of the silhouettes, overwhelmed with joy, collapsed to her knees on the cold, hard floor. Her face, illuminated by the flickering light of the enormous screen, was alight with an exuberance that contrasted sharply with the grim determination she had shown moments before. She had been fixated on the screen for what seemed like hours, her eyes unwavering and her focus intense.

In her mind, a wave of relief washed over her as she muttered to herself,

 'Finally, finally it is done. Now I will finally have my personal space. sigh'

The weight of months of relentless effort and unending paperwork had finally been lifted from her shoulders. The breakthrough she had been working towards had arrived, and the culmination of her hard work was now apparent.

Turning her gaze towards the smaller screens scattered across the various platforms, she could see the fruits of her labor coming to life. The data streams and icons were now in perfect alignment, a testament to the countless hours of trial and error she had endured. Her invention, a pivotal piece of technology for the Shadow Garden, was now operational and ready for use.

Her excitement was palpable as she instructed with a grin,

"Inform Lady Eta, it....is....done. Hehehehehe."

The laughter that followed was a mix of relief and elation, a sound that filled the room with a sense of accomplishment.

For her, this achievement was more than just a technical success; it was a personal victory. After months of rigorous experimentation and the often monotonous grind of paperwork, she had finally created something of significance. This invention was not only a milestone in her career within the Shadow Garden but also a crucial step towards ascending to a higher position. Such a promotion came with privileges that she sorely needed, as it was the only way for her to continue her mission to investigate Cid Kagenou.

Cid Kagenou, whom she believed to be the key to bridging her modern world with this shadowy realm, was at the center of her focus. Her newfound access and elevated position would provide her with the means to delve deeper into his background and uncover the connections she had long sought. For her, the invention was not just a tool but a lifeline to the answers she desperately needed.

"With this, it would not only be nearly impossible for the cult to ambush us under the dense canopy of the forest but now impossible... hun..."

A silhouette began to dissolve into the shadows beside the massive screen. The transition was smooth and almost imperceptible, her form blending seamlessly with the darkness

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(A/N: Hi guys!!, It's been several days since previous update. So, I apologize for the delay, as I was pretty busy with my other works- Echoes of the Last Hope: Virtue's Final Stand. Please don't forget to read it as well and feel free to comment your opinion.)