Chapter 627: The Other Powers Arise...
Chapter 627: The Other Powers Arise...
Manu’s hunt for power was bold, and it shook the world. At least parts of it that knew what it entailed.
Even the other continents were shaken by it, and the gold rank and demi gods that ruled them.
And within them were plans for ruin.
Not all powerful people loved beyond the veil. Some preferred the air around the vanity of mortals, after all, cultivation although the norm, was of different types.
...The Shrouded Council in the Mountains of Ash of the Continent of Ash and Stone....
This continent was entirely ruled by beasts, extensions of the Zodiac families.
Beneath the ever-spewing volcanoes of the Ash Mountains, a hidden cavern glowed with molten rivers of magma. The chamber’s heat was suffocating, but the figures seated around the stone table were unbothered. Each exuded a pressure of power that warped the air around them.
A massive, horned beast with obsidian skin leaned forward, its voice a low rumble. "Manu’s ritual from across the great sea, grows near, and his arrogance knows no bounds. If he succeeds, his ascension will tip the balance. He will be unstoppable."
A woman with crimson hair, her skin shimmering like molten metal, smirked from her seat. "Which is why we won’t let him succeed. A ritual like his requires precise timing. Disrupt even one element..." She snapped her fingers, and a shard of lava shot into the air before disintegrating. "...and it all crumbles."
A serpentine creature coiled in the shadows hissed, its many eyes gleaming like emeralds. "But what if we take it for ourselves? Such power shouldn’t be wasted."
The obsidian beast slammed a clawed hand on the table, causing cracks to spread. "Do you think you can control what Manu is summoning? Fools like you will doom us all."
The serpentine being recoiled but did not retort.
"We must be careful," the crimson-haired woman said, her tone growing serious. "Manu is not just powerful. He is calculating...Ten thousandyears ago, he shock the world for a reason. He will anticipate interference."
....The Beast Lords’ Gathering in the Forest of Bleeding Cries.
Underneath the sprawling canopies of the Forest of bleeding cries. where trees stood as tall as mountains, a group of beastly figures met under the light of a glowing moon. Among them were massive creatures: a silver-furred wolf the size of a house, a golden stag with antlers like radiant chandeliers, and a jet-black panther whose body rippled like living shadows.
The stag spoke first, its voice regal and commanding. "Manu’s actions threaten the natural order. If his ritual succeeds, the balance between life and death will collapse. Brsides, he dared to not ask for our permission."
The wolf growled low, its fangs gleaming. "Then we hunt him. We find his circle and tear it apart before the first chant is spoken."
The panther’s eyes glimmered in the dark as it purred. "Bold words, but do not forget, Manu is no ordinary prey. Even we, with our combined might, might not return from such a hunt."
The stag nodded gravely. "Noooo... i heard he has fallen in rank, to the gold realm at that. Which is why we must strike at the right moment. We wait for his defenses to falter."
High above the earth but still within the mortal plane, on a floating island surrounded by endless skies, a council of radiant beings convened. Their forms shimmered like sunlight, and their voices were melodic yet powerful.
A figure with wings of pure gold spoke with authority. "We made a deal, thousands of years ago, never to interfere with the activities of the surface world again. And the Round Table testified to this. The power of the heavens is given according to time, contribution and sacrifice. But Manu seeks to claim the power of the heavens for himself. Such hubris cannot be tolerated."
Another figure, cloaked in robes of light, responded, "But should we not consider allying with him? If he succeeds, his strength could shield us from the gods’ wrath... Besides, our kind still have our issues with them to settle. Vallierues have had issues far too long. Surely, the others are thinking of going against him. But If we Aid him now, we guaranteea sure harvest in the future. IF HE SUCCEEDS."
The winged figure frowned. "And what if he turns on us? Manu, is the son of the serpent God. That liar serves no one but himself."
A third figure, their eyes glowing with celestial fire, said firmly, "Then we wait. We observe. And when the time comes, we know if strike."
The council nodded in agreement, their decision made but their trust in each other tenuous.
---
Across the world, the plans were laid. Manu’s ritual had drawn the attention of beings who normally ruled their domains in isolation. Each had their own motivations—some selfish, others righteous—but all understood one thing: Manu Madayaki’s actions would reshape the world, and this could not be allowed.
There was just not enough energy be is Demonic, spiritual, aura, or even elemental...to go round. But of course Devil was plenty, but even the demons did not partake so readily with devil energy, even though it was the origin of their nature. After all, much of it was unknown.
But even the magicians were going to take advantage of this opportunity.
A war that would shake the world and shift powers was about to begin in a few days time.
Meanwhile, Manu that was the source of it all, stood on his balcony, observing the work of his hands.
Of course he knew that many would not let him achieve his goal. Of course he knew that he had touched the tail of sleeping lions, and even the old ones had been risen against him... but did he care?
The sky suddenly rumbled loudly. It was becoming dark in the far sky. And a faint runic symbol was formed by the lightning in the sky
Manu frowned. This was the sign for a Heaven Tribulation. But it was not yet time to face it.
He tightened his fist and the clouds dissolved.
"Soon..." He muttered to himself.
Slowly, days past until the due date arrived...
(Author’s Note: Wait for it...)@@@@
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