SACRAMENTIS: Astral Incarnation

"A clash of egos is a battle without a winner, where the strongest are those who dare to set aside their pride."

I sat on a chair that felt far too large for my small, fragile body. This meeting room felt more like a courtroom, with all eyes fixed on me as if I held the answers to all their problems.

Tobias Klutz, the Duke of the Trade Region—the same man who had drawn his sword during the emergency council—stood with his face flushed red. His mouth had been repeating the same complaint over and over.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince! The Trade Region is currently under the control of one of the Thirteen Princes of Gehenna! If we continue to do nothing, Velorith will be completely destroyed!" he shouted, his voice trembling slightly, whether from anger or fear. His coiled curls were dishevelled, adding to the air of his frustration.

Before I could respond, another deep voice interrupted.

"That region has not completely fallen yet, Duke," said Thalgar Wildfang, the Duke of Feralis. His large wolf ears atop his head twitched anxiously while his grey tail swayed behind his broad, muscular frame. "However, several areas in Savaranth have already been reduced to ruins. If we don't act quickly, those cursed creatures will reach the capital of Feralis, and all of Savaranth will be lost!"

We were led to the meeting chamber after the four of us followed the guard who had summoned us earlier. Inside, several nobles were already waiting—lords representing the leaders of their respective races. And, of course, Tavon was there. As the Emperor's right hand, he was never absent from council meetings.

With Midgaria on the brink of collapse, the lords of the endangered regions had repeatedly sent requests for reinforcements to the Empire. Gramps and I would normally prioritize the regions most crucial to the war effort, and the nobles would accept it without objection. More precisely, they couldn't oppose Gramps' decisions.

Right now, Gramps was in a coma, along with Uncle Arca. Of course, they would take advantage of the situation to pressure a weak and indecisive crown prince like me into prioritizing their territories. On top of that, the news of the arrival of a new Astral Traveler surely played a big role in fueling their motivation to corner me.

Aarav, sitting beside me, leaned back with his arms crossed, his boredom written all over his face. "So, basically, you're all screwed?"

Finnian kicked Aarav's leg under the table, making the young man hissed in annoyance. "At least pretend to care."

Duke Thalgar let out an irritated growl. "Is that how little the lives of Savaranth's people mean to you, Your Highness? Just because you're human doesn't mean you'll stand by and let us Beastkin be wiped out, right?"

I straightened my back, meeting Duke Thalgar's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I don't see a single life as disposable, Duke," I replied firmly. "Which is exactly why I can't make reckless decisions."

Finnian crossed his arms, his expression sharp. "This expedition was planned from the start. There's no reason to delay it because you suddenly demand priority."

Duke Thalgar slammed his fist on the table, his eyes blazing with fury. "Savaranth isn't just in danger—we're on the verge of annihilation! If reinforcements don't arrive soon, our land will be wiped out within days!"

I could feel the tension in the room thickening. The nobles began raising their voices, exchanging heated arguments. Tobias Klutz looked increasingly frustrated, while Thalgar Wildfang shot us sharp glares, demanding an answer.

Finnian, who had seemed composed earlier, started to frown.

"We already decided in the previous meeting that the expedition to Borelis would be the priority!" Finnian's voice was sharp, filled with barely contained fury. "And now you want to postpone it because your territory is in danger?"

"Our territory isn't just 'in danger,' Prince Finnian," Tobias shot back, his tone just as sharp. "If we don't act now, all of Velorith will fall under Gehenna's control! Do you know what that means? Our trade hub will be destroyed, supply routes to the capital will be cut off, and famine will spread across the entire empire!"

Finnian scoffed, crossing his arms. "So you're saying we should abandon the expedition we've been planning just to save a few territories that, let's be honest, are already beyond saving?"

Several nobles gasped at his blunt remark. Tobias clenched his fists against the table.

"You speak as if our people's lives mean nothing!" Tobias snapped.

Finnian narrowed his eyes, leaning forward slightly, his voice dripping with mockery. "That's not what I'm saying. I'm just stating the reality. Do you want to save your territory? Fine. But what happens when another noble comes tomorrow with the same plea? Should we keep postponing the expedition every time a new territory falls? Keep delaying until there's no time left at all?"

The room erupted into heated arguments once again. Some nobles sided with Tobias, while others hesitated, uncertain.

Then, Finnian smirked. "You all want a quick solution, don't you?" His voice was chillingly calm. "How about we let the temple perform another Astral Traveler summoning ritual? That way, you can sit tight and wait for a new saviour who might be more willing to follow your orders."

A heavy silence fell over the room. Tobias looked stunned momentarily before his face turned an even darker shade of red, burning with fury.

"Finnian," I warned in a low voice, but he didn't care.

"You think we have the luxury of waiting that long?" Tobias shot back, his voice trembling with anger. "The summoning ritual isn't something we can perform whenever we want! And do you have any idea how much Mana it requires? Our Mana Stone reserves are nearly depleted—there's no guarantee we can summon another Astral Traveler anytime soon!"

Duke Thalgar growled, slamming his fist onto the table so hard that the glasses in front of him rattled. "We don't have time to wait for another summoning! Do you think the ritual can be performed just like that? The temple is still busy cleaning up the mess this Astral Traveler caused!" He jabbed a finger straight at Aarav, who looked entirely unbothered.

Aarav, who had been lounging in his seat the entire time, simply shrugged. "Hey, that wasn't entirely my fault. I just reacted normally after being suddenly kidnapped to another world," he said, sounding anything but remorseful.

Finnian scoffed in amusement. "Normally, you say? You destroyed half the temple and incapacitated dozens of guards with alchemy you don't even understand."

Leaning back in his chair, Aarav laced his fingers behind his head. "Yeah, and look on the bright side—I'm still here. Didn't run away, did I?"

Finnian stared at him blankly. "Because you don't know how."

Aarav let out a dry chuckle while several nobles looked at them with sheer horror as if just now realizing how dangerous the man casually joking before them truly was.

The meeting room turned into a battlefield of heated debates. Tobias insisted that Valoria be the top priority, given its role as the empire's main trade hub. A short, stocky man with a long beard nearly covering half his face—Mordrik Ironvein, the dwarven elder—argued in his deep voice that without weapons from Magmora, any resistance against Gehenna would be nothing more than a pipe dream.

On the other side, a woman with shimmering, pale blue skin, long hair that moved like midnight waves, and silver eyes as deep as the ocean stood up. She wore a flowing teal-green robe that rippled like water itself. She introduced herself as Nymbrasia, a member of the Hydranis Council—the elder council of the undine. In a calm but firm voice, she reminded everyone that Thalassia, Midgaria's vital supply route, was under threat. If the coastal city fell, the empire's logistics network would collapse.

Tobias leaned forward, his sharp gaze locking onto me. "Your Majesty, Solaraine must be our top priority—especially Velorith! If the trade centre falls, the empire's economy will collapse!"

Mordrik Ironvein let out a loud scoff, crossing his thick arms over his chest. "Tch, humans always have gold on their minds," he rumbled. "What's the point of trade if you have no weapons to defend your land? Magmora must come first. We forge the weapons for all of you, and you won't last long without us."

Thalgar slammed his hairy fist onto the table, his jaw tightening. "I've already said this—Savaranth is on the brink of destruction! If our land falls, no natural shield will be left to stop Gehenna's forces from breaking through!"

As the argument grew more heated, only one figure remained composed. With the long, pointed ears of the elves and bright blond hair braided over his left shoulder, Isilme Arandiel sat with an air of elegance, his fingers lightly clasped on the table. But his eyes spoke more than the words he had yet to say. When his gaze met mine, I sensed a different kind of tension—not just territorial priorities but a much greater threat, something the others might not have realized yet.

"You're all too focused on your own lands, but there's another danger you're ignoring," Isilme said. Silence fell instantly as every eye turned to him. "We elves have received reports that Gehenna has started moving in a different pattern. They're not just launching direct assaults—they're infiltrating our territories, sowing chaos from within. If we let this continue, it won't just be one or two regions that fall—it will be the entire empire."

Some nobles exchanged uneasy glances. A few still clung to their own interests, but others were beginning to grasp the gravity of the situation. I sat in contemplation, trying to devise the best strategy despite our limitations.

Aarav, looking utterly bored the entire time, let out a long sigh. "So it's not just war—we've got spies too?" he muttered. "Great. Every day, this world finds new ways to annoy me."

"Shut up, Aarav. Your whining is making my ears burn," Finnian grumbled, plugging his ears with index fingers.

I leaned forward, fixing my gaze on Isilme, trying to conceal my nervousness. "Can you elaborate, Elder Arandiel? If Gehenna has truly begun infiltrating us, how have they managed to go undetected for so long?"

Isilme let out a slow breath, his gaze sharp yet composed. "We elves share a deep bond with nature, Your Majesty. The land always whispers to us, warning us when something is amiss. But lately, the forests have grown silent, and the winds that once carried messages now bring only emptiness. As if something is disrupting the natural flow of energy."

A chill crept down my spine. "So, you're saying Gehenna might have found a way to conceal their presence?"

Isilme nodded. "More than that. Several sacred sites that once served as focal points of natural energy have begun to wither as if being drained by another force. If this continues, we won't just be facing Gehenna's armies, but also a disruption in the balance of nature—one that could bring an even greater catastrophe."

The room fell into tense silence as everyone absorbed the weight of his words.

Aarav scoffed, leaning back with his arms crossed. "So now we're fighting monsters, spies, and nature itself? Seriously, does this world ever let us catch a damn break?"

Finnian shot him a sideways glance before huffing. "Enough, Aarav, before I lose my patience and throw you out the window."

Tobias let out a long sigh, folding his arms across his chest. "With all due respect, Elder Arandiel, but superstitions like that aren't enough to take Solaraine off the top of our priority list. The empire's economy relies on its trade centre. If Velorith falls, we'll all feel the consequences."

Mordrik Ironvein let out a rough snort, his thick fingers drumming impatiently against the table. "Bah! Humans and their damned obsession with gold! Doesn't matter how many coins you've got—it won't do you any good if Magmora falls and you have no weapons to fight with!"

Thalgar immediately followed with a growl. "You both talk as if we still have time to argue! Savaranth is on the brink of destruction! If you don't act, then we'll fight on our own!"

Nymbrasia lifted her chin, her voice calm yet firm. "You're all being selfish. Thalassia isn't just a logistical route—it's our coastal defence. If that city falls, there will be no safe passage for reinforcements or trade."

The debate flared up again, each side throwing arguments at one another. I could only sigh inwardly. Gehenna was closing in, yet inside this room, another battle was unfolding—a clash of personal interests.

Tavon, who had remained silent until now, suddenly swung his arm and slammed his fist against the table. The loud thud echoed through the chamber, jolting everyone into stunned silence.

"Enough!" His voice rang with authority. "Have you all forgotten who we're up against? His Highness, the Crown Prince, is sitting here, listening to every argument. At the very least, show some respect and let him be the one to decide!"

The room fell into a heavy silence. The nobles and elders exchanged glances, some still frustrated, but no one dared to challenge Tavon. Now, all eyes were on me, waiting for my decision.

I bit my lip, forcing my mind to think quickly. On one hand, Aarav still couldn't fully control his powers. Sending him to face one of Gehenna's thirteen princes would be too dangerous. But simultaneously, I couldn't ignore the territories teetering on the brink of collapse.

Taking a deep breath, I steadied my thoughts under the crushing weight of expectations. Then, in a voice I kept as even as possible, I turned to Tavon.

"Tavon, I want the latest reports from the imperial informants," I said. "I need a clearer picture of each region's situation before making a decision."

Tavon nodded without hesitation. "I'll have them delivered at once, Your Highness." He gestured to one of his aides, who immediately left the room to retrieve the necessary documents.

Meanwhile, I could feel the sharp gazes of the nobles and elders still waiting for my decision. Some looked impatient, but no one dared to speak after Tavon's intervention.

I clasped my hands together on the table, trying to steady myself. I had to make the right choice—not just to save the territories in danger but also to ensure that Aarav wasn't thrown into a situation beyond his control.

When Tavon's aide returned with a stack of documents, he immediately handed them over. I read through them carefully for a few moments.

Tavon began explaining in a more serious tone.

"Savaranth is in the most critical condition. The Gehenna forces aren't just attacking villages; they've started building fortifications within the forest, turning it into their defensive base. This means they're not just invading but planning to establish a permanent foothold."

My throat went dry. If Gehenna successfully took control of Savaranth, they could expand their power from within the empire without directly attacking the capital.

"Furthermore," Tavon continued, "the Beastkin are fighting with little external support. They are known as fierce warriors, but their strength is limited without proper supplies and strategy. They will be overwhelmed and wiped out if we don't intervene soon."

Duke Thalgar said nothing, but from his expression, he understood just how dire the situation was.

I glanced at the next report. "Thalassia is facing a naval threat. The Gehenna forces can manipulate ocean currents. Supply ships are starting to sink, and if this continues, we'll lose our main logistical route."

Nymbrasia nodded, her expression tense.

"Solaraine is being systematically attacked. The Gehenna forces are targeting trade hubs and supply warehouses, clearly aiming to cripple our economy."

Tobias looked restless, but this time, he held back from interrupting.

"Lastly, Magmora." I turned to Mordrik. "The attacks there are still in their early stages, but there are signs that Gehenna is after the iron mines. If they take control, we'll lose our primary source of weapon production."

I set the documents on the table, pressing my fingers against my temple. Every region was in danger, but the levels of urgency varied.

Lifting my gaze, I met the eyes of everyone in the room. "We can't save all of them at once," I finally said. "Savaranth is our first priority. If we lose that forest, we won't just lose territory—we'll give Gehenna a solid foothold within the empire."

I took a deep breath. "After that, Thalassia and Solaraine. Without supply routes and a stable economy, we'll run out of resources to keep fighting."

My gaze shifted to Mordrik. "Magmora still has time, but we can't afford to ignore it. We'll monitor the enemy's movements there and prepare before it's too late."

The room remained silent as everyone absorbed my decision. I knew this wouldn't please everyone. However, it was the best course of action until the temple recovered and could perform the next Astral Traveler summoning ritual.

I flipped through the reports, weighing every available option. I knew Savaranth was in the most critical state, but throwing Aarav into battle against one of Gehenna's Princes when his power was still unstable would be reckless.

My eyes landed on a smaller report among the others. I picked it up and held it for all to see.

"Greenreach," I read the name aloud.

Duke Thalgar raised an eyebrow. "A small village on the eastern route of Savaranth. Why focus on it?"

I placed the report on the table for the others to see. "Greenreach is more than just an isolated village. It serves as the primary route for the Beastkin to deliver herbs to Tirnaval, where the elves refine them into medicine and potions. If we lose Greenreach, we don't just lose a village—we lose medical supplies for the entire region."

Some nobles fell silent, perhaps only now realizing its importance. In contrast, others shot me disdainful looks, clearly displeased with my decision.

The reports mentioned three territories currently occupied by Gehenna's Princes, but Greenreach wasn't one of them. Perhaps the enemy considered it insignificant. But that was precisely why we had to act now. If Greenreach fell, Midgaria would lose its main herbal supply chain.

Tavon nodded slowly. "A reasonable choice. Greenreach can serve as a foothold before we push deeper into Savaranth."

Some nobles from Solaraine began whispering among themselves, their expressions unmistakably displeased. Tobias, who had questioned my decisions from the start, scoffed loudly before finally speaking.

"As a human, wouldn't it make more sense for Your Highness to prioritize Solaraine? Our land is also in danger, and unlike the Beastkin or Elves, our people don't have natural abilities to protect themselves."

Several nobles nodded in agreement, and a few voiced their support more openly.

"This is an odd decision," said a noble seated near Tobias. "No offence, but how can a human crown prince care more about the Beastkin's territory than his own people?"

Tension thickened in the room. Those who had remained silent before were now watching closely, their expressions filled with contemplation.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my expression calm even though their words cut deeper than they realized. "This decision isn't about which race deserves to be saved first. It's about strategy. If Greenreach falls, the herbal supply chain will be severed, affecting every region—including Solaraine."

Tobias was still unconvinced. "But still, this cannot be ignored, Your Highness. The human people are the backbone of this empire. If we lose them, nothing will be left to protect."

I was about to respond when another noble suddenly murmured, his voice low but loud enough for many to hear.

"If the Crown Prince truly is the rightful heir… shouldn't he prioritize his people first?"

I recognized him—Dorian Aeneas, a Marquess serving under Tobias. The blond-haired man was one of the landowners in Solaraine. He had always argued with Uncle Arca, constantly steering public opinion to question my status as part of the imperial family.

All eyes immediately turned to him. The disdainful gazes that had only been subtle before were now clearly directed at me.

Dorian continued in a sharper tone, "Or perhaps… there's another reason why His Highness refuses to side with his own kind?"

The atmosphere grew heavier. This was no longer about my decision—it touched on something deeper: my origins.

My heartbeat quickened. My past had always been a topic avoided by many, and everyone knew that Gramps, the Emperor, refused to speak about my parents. I knew why.

Tobias crossed his arms, his gaze sharp. "Speaking of the Crown Prince's background…" His voice filled the silence. "The nobles have been wondering for years. Prince Arcanis was always praised as the rightful heir. Then, suddenly, ten years ago, the Emperor introduced a child he claimed as his grandson—a child who, let alone possessing great Mana, had no Mana at all in his body, as if defying the very bloodline of the imperial family. And not long after that, this child with an unclear origin was named Crown Prince."

Soft murmurs spread among the nobles. I clenched my fists on my lap. I could defend my decision—but how was I supposed to answer this?

Tavon stepped forward, his gaze sharp as it pierced through Tobias and the others. "Enough." His voice was low yet carried a clear threat. "If you question the Crown Prince's status, you also question the Emperor's decision. Are you truly willing to defy His command?"

The room fell silent once more. Some nobles stiffened, while others avoided meeting Tavon's gaze altogether.

He continued, his tone now filled with unwavering authority. "We are gathered here to discuss the rescue of endangered territories, not to indulge personal egos simply because the Crown Prince's decision does not align with your wishes."

His eyes swept across the room. "If anyone still wishes to debate irrelevant matters, you can leave now."

Tension lingered in the air until, suddenly, Aarav nudged Finnian with his elbow. His voice was hushed but still clear enough for those nearby to hear.

"So… they're saying Elenio is… adopted?" Aarav whispered, his tone carrying the excitement of someone who had just uncovered the world's greatest conspiracy.

Finnian rolled his eyes, looking utterly exhausted. "Oh, for heaven's sake. No one said that."

"But you heard them, right? They're not convinced he's really the Emperor's grandson!" Aarav glanced at Elenio briefly before whispering again, "Maybe he's actually the son of some fallen noble that Gramps found on the streets and decided to take in for political drama."

Finnian let out a frustrated huff. "If you don't shut up, I swear I'll throw you out the window."

Aarav merely shrugged. "I'm just saying, imagine if there's a huge twist and Elenio turns out to be the secret son of some Gehenna prince. Now that would make things interesting."

Having pretended not to hear anything for a while, I finally tensed at Aarav's joke, then turned to them blankly. "I'm still here, you know."

Aarav blinked. "Oh, you heard that?"

Finnian let out a long sigh. "Of course, he did, you idiot."

Murmurs of discontent rose among the nobles once more. Even though Tavon had clarified my position, some still eyed me with thinly veiled doubt, as if they were searching for any excuse to challenge my legitimacy.

"Are you certain you don't wish to reconsider, Your Highness?" One of the nobles from Solaraine—a thin-bearded older man—spoke sharply. "The human territories are far more important. Is Greenreach truly worth prioritizing over the land of your ancestors?"

I bit my lip, my fingers clenching into fists atop the table. Their gazes… so familiar. Cold, filled with suspicion, as if I were something that had no place here.

I remembered this feeling.

The same looks had once been directed at me, making me feel small and worthless. The kind of stares I had always tried to avoid.

Suddenly, the room felt stifling. Their voices echoed in my head, mixing with memories of a past I should have long forgotten. I took a deep breath, willing away the trembling at my fingertips.

No. I'm not that child anymore. At the very least, I won't let them doubt Gramps' decision.

Zura, who had been standing slightly behind me, stepped forward. Her expression was firm, her stance unwavering. "His Highness, the Crown Prince did not make this decision without reason!" she declared, her voice clear and full of conviction. "Greenreach may seem insignificant to you, but that village is the key to the herbal trade route—herbs that your soldiers rely on to survive the battlefield. Do you think medicine simply falls from the sky?"

But instead of calming the nobles, her words only ignited more outrage.

"Silence, you former slave!" Baron Crestfall, a large man clad in luxurious robes, sneered. "What gives you the right to speak before us? You are nothing but a cheap gift bestowed upon His Highness!"

Zura remained composed, unfazed by the insult. She met Baron Crestfall's gaze with a calm and gentle expression—like a mother chastising a misbehaving child.

"Lord Crestfall," she said softly, "where do you think the herbs used to treat your soldiers' wounds come from? Perhaps you've forgotten, but those herbs are gathered by the Beastkin and sent to Greenreach, where the Elves of Tirnafal refine them into medicine. Without that small village, how do you propose we treat your men? The potions and remedies we rely on don't fall from the sky."

Silence fell over the room. Her words struck like daggers, making several nobles shift uncomfortably.

Tobias, however, was quick to retort, though his voice was more restrained. "You speak as if that little village is more important than Velorith, the empire's trade capital. Don't get ahead of yourself just because you've found a place by His Highness' side."

Zura gave a small, knowing smile that was soft yet laced with undeniable sarcasm. "I am not getting ahead of myself, Lord Tobias. I am simply stating facts. And those facts will not change, no matter how much you mock me."

I stared at Zura, feeling a mix of admiration and guilt. She stood there, defending my decision with a sharp and unyielding grace. But I knew—hidden within her words was a message meant for me. A message I couldn't ignore.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady the trembling in my hands. Finnian's gaze remained sharp and unrelenting. Zura and Tavon stood firm by my side, like shields protecting me from the nobles' verbal assault. I had to prove that I could make decisions—even if it meant going against the majority.

"I stand by my decision," I said, slightly unsteady but loud enough for everyone to hear. I straightened my back, even though my knees barely felt strong enough to hold me up. "Greenreach is our priority right now."

The room erupted in murmurs of disapproval. Tobias Klutz shot me a sharp glare, but I raised my hand, attempting to silence the growing unrest.

"Greenreach is a strategic location for the herbal trade we rely on to produce medicine. Moreover, our intelligence reports indicate that the region is not yet controlled by any of Gehenna's princes. That means the risk we face there is far lower than other territories they already occupy." I continued before anyone could cut me off.

I turned to Finnian, meeting his cold, critical stare. "I know you've already sacrificed the planned expedition, Finnian. But I'm not asking for this sacrifice without reason. Before we launch any expeditions, I must ensure that our lands can hold out until we find our next solution."

"And I will still deploy an elite battalion and the remaining Astral Travelers to defend your territories. The Empire will not abandon you—I only ask that you hold on a little longer. Once Aarav gains control over his power, we will reclaim our lands. The expedition we've planned will take us one step closer to the freedom we have yearned for over the past seven hundred years. That's why I will not cancel the expedition, but I will continue prioritizing your lands."

Finnian let out a scoff but said nothing. Tobias Klutz, on the other hand, looked ready to argue again—until Tavon stepped forward.

"His Highness has made his decision," he said firmly, leaving no room for protest. "If any of you are still dissatisfied, perhaps you should take command and lead the army to the lands you deem more important. Then you can see for yourselves whether it was truly the better choice."

I wasn't sure if this was Gramps' order or if Tavon was simply testing my ability to make decisions as Midgaria's leader. Either way, I still found myself relying on him and Zura.

The nobles fell silent, their faces flushed—whether from anger or embarrassment, I couldn't tell. The tension in the room seemed to ease slightly, though dissatisfaction still lingered.

"Prepare the troops to move toward Greenreach," I commanded, trying to keep my tone firm. "I'm not asking for your approval. I'm asking you to trust that this is the best course of action for Midgaria."

Slowly, silence settled over the chamber. The nobles returned to their seats one by one, though their expressions remained displeased. Finnian remained upright, his gaze unreadable, before finally nodding and leaning back in his chair.

I let out a long breath, relieved yet aware that this was only the beginning of a much greater challenge.

Zura turned to me, offering a soft smile that eased some of my tension.

"Thank you," I whispered.

She simply nodded, her hand gently touching my arm—as if to say she would always stand by my side, no matter what.

I could only hope this was not the wrong choice.