Book 3: Chapter 261: The Named One on the Stone Throne

While Sylutia was agonizing over which Path to advance along, others were also engaged in heated discussion over the same question.

Atop the three central towers of the Mage Alliance, on a floating island suspended in the air, stood a gray twilight hall. It was spacious and empty within, where three towering stone thrones stood silently like tombstones. The tall chair backs bore archaic engravings, symbolizing respectively "Stars," "Moon," and "Sun."

Upon the thrones sat three indistinct figures. They seemed separated from the outside world by a thick layer of frosted glass, which not only made it difficult for outsiders to peer in and see clearly, but also helped them evade the gaze of the Hours.

Ripples undulated through the air as the three figures had been conversing for nearly a month. Their words could not be heard, passing only among the three of them.

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne spoke: "Since negotiations have borne no fruit, we can only begin preparing to deal with this prolonged winter night."

The figure beneath the Sun Stone Throne spoke: "If we light the high tower, getting through the Sinking Fog season would not be difficult."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne spoke: "No. Doing so would expose the plans we have spent centuries preparing to the gaze of the Hours, bringing far too many unpredictable variables."

The figure beneath the Sun Stone Throne spoke: "I have said it before. Relying solely on schemes and calculations will never accomplish anything. The day of perfect preparation will never come."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne spoke: "But that is no reason for recklessness. We must consider whether this is the only opportunity in a thousand years. Once lost, the Gold Steam Path could very well be taken over by other Hours."

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne spoke: "I understand both of your feelings and thoughts. However, now is not the time for such arguments. If the situation truly reaches that point, where we can no longer continue accumulating strength and seeking better opportunities, then choosing to light the high tower will not be too late."

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne spoke again: "Now, there is a new issue that needs discussion. That child has already reached the threshold of advancement. We must make a choice as soon as possible."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne spoke: "She comes from my line of disciples, and she previously advanced using the 'Astronomical Clock Chapter Page.' Is it not only natural that she inherit my position?"

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne spoke: "That may be so, but she is a natural-born 'Daughter of the Luminous Moon.' If she does not walk the 'Luminous Moon' Path, it would be a tremendous waste. Besides, you already claimed Amelie earlier. You cannot simply take this child away as well."

The figure beneath the Sun Stone Throne chuckled: "Heh heh, I won't participate in your debate. After all, she doesn't seem like a child who favors the 'Scorching Sun' Path, nor would she walk my road."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne fell silent: ""

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne spoke again: "So what if she is a natural-born 'Luminous Moon'? Up to now, she has already displayed multiple feats showing affinity with 'Alien Star.' Continuing along this path is the best choice. Switching paths midway is hardly wise at all."

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne spoke: "There's no need for such talk between us. You can all see that she could learn any path she wishes. Give her a little time, and never mind 'Luminous Moon' or 'Alien Star,' I reckon she could even cultivate 'Scorching Sun' as a secondary path without much trouble."

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne continued: "What we need to consider now is that once we reach that final step, all three of us will ultimately become fuel for the birth of an Hour. And in the future, the Alliance must have suitable successors to lead it."

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne added: "The current twenty-two Sages will also be influenced by us, becoming 'firewood' for the birth of the Hour. Sixth Tier mages are farther from the 'Source,' so they will be far less affected and have a greater chance of maintaining clarity."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne spoke: "According to previous calculations, if we lose our clarity during the ritual, then the newly born 'Gold Steam Hour' will require guidance from lower 'Agents.' One alone certainly cannot withstand the Hour's oppressive might. At least three will be needed to guide the newborn Hour."

The figure beneath the Sun Stone Throne spoke: "Amelie and Hedra. Both are highly suitable for these positions. If we could find one more suitable candidate, it would be perfect."

The figure upon the Moon Stone Throne spoke: "To have found the 'Man of Secret Words' and the 'Daughter of the Luminous Moon' at the same time is already an incredibly fortunate matter. You two are naturally blessed by one 'Aspect' Path. That is not a natural miracle. To be able to nervously cross the threshold of the First Tier, and when the time comes for you to support the stone throne, you will lead the ritual and complete the great undertaking. Becoming 'Named Ones' is only a natural progression of events."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne spoke: "The 'Scorching Sun' Path has the 'Corona Dragon' occupying the throne position. Under its watchful gaze, it is unlikely that any child naturally blessed with 'Scorching Sun' would be left wandering outside. Even if one appeared, they would be noticed very quickly and then guided to the First Continent."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne continued: "The 'Gold Steam' Path is still not perfected, and it differs from other Aspects. At present, there is no way for a child blessed with the 'Gold Steam' Path to appear. We can only place our hopes on those blessed with the five natural affinities of 'Alien Star,' 'Luminous Moon,' 'Secret Word,' and 'Castle.'"

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne spoke: "'Castle' can actually be ruled out. The several geniuses blessed with 'Castle' who have appeared so far have all been dynasty heirs. Such beings only emerge during a dynasty's golden age and will not appear on the Second Continent."

The figure beneath the Sun Stone Throne spoke: "Such candidates are hard to come by. If truly necessary, we could leave the position vacant and use special artifacts as substitutes to share the burden of guidance."

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne spoke: "The topic seems to have drifted. The question now is which path should Hedra take? If she chooses 'Luminous Moon,' then you will guide her in my stead and she will inherit the 'Origin Hourglass.' Of course, if you are willing to part with Aihedela, having Hedra remain at the 'Mithril Clock' is not out of the question either."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne fell silent: ""

The figure beneath the Sun Stone Throne spoke: "This kind of choice is truly cruel for her. Why not let Hedra choose for herself."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne spoke: "No. Let me decide." This voice carried a weariness and regret never heard before.

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne spoke: "Hedra will go to the 'Origin Hourglass.' Amelie will stay and inherit the 'Mithril Clock.'"

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne spoke: "Have you truly thought this through?"

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne spoke: "Yes. Though there is some regret, this is also the best choice. With her talent, she is the finest candidate to lead the Mage Alliance in the future. If she simultaneously cultivates the secret arts of both the 'Mithril Clock' and the 'Origin Hourglass' schools, she will be able to easily win over the connections of both major factions in the future. This will bring tremendous stability and ensure a smooth transition of power."

The figure beneath the Star Stone Throne continued: "Moreover, she comes from the Hidden Grove. If we decide to light the ritual in the future, unifying the power of the continent will be essential. Her identity will reduce much of the Hidden Grove Alliance's resistance, lessening untold obstacles and casualties."

The figure beneath the Moon Stone Throne spoke: "In that case, let us inform her of the result. Otherwise, if that child takes the wrong direction, correcting it would be quite troublesome."

The next day, a special letter was delivered into Sylutia's hands.

While the young woman was still in the library flipping through various books of secret history, a strange radiance materialized before her. It was as if invisible fingers had appeared, placing a card with a black background and dark silver floral ornaments in front of her. Upon it was depicted an hourglass in dark silver patterns. As she picked it up, one by one, silver-outlined characters materialized in the air before Sylutia. But to outsiders, there was still nothing there.

These silver words conveyed important information and carried a certain special effect, making them unforgettable at a single glance. One reading was enough to remember them forever.

After the display finished, the card ignited on its own without any wind. After the silver flames faded, a special key was left on the table.

【Key of the Moon】(Sixth Tier·Rare): When used within the sphere of influence of the Mage Alliance, it can open the gate to the Sky High Tower.

"This is... it seems the three His Majesties wish to see me." Sylutia picked up the key, and within her heart surged tension, curiosity, expectation, and a hint of anxiety.

After thinking it over carefully, they probably bore no ill intentions. If the three truly wanted to target her, there would be no need for such trouble, nor would they have waited until today.

So then, she could only go and see. Sylutia held up the key, and a flash of white light appeared. Then a gate adorned with silver floral ornaments materialized before her. She put away the key, stepped through it, and vanished from the spot.