The summons arrived in silence. No messengers on horseback, no military escorts, no blaring announcements on city screens. Just a sealed black envelope delivered to Marvin Richmond’s residence, marked with the crest of eleven interwoven sigils—the seal of the Council of Elders.It was said that only once in a lifetime could a man be summoned before them, and even then, few survived the weight of it unchanged. To sit in their presence was the highest honor and the heaviest curse.Marvin stood on the Richmond mansion balcony as the envelope burned faintly in his hand. He had ensured the rebuilding of Richmond from ashes, fought through betrayal, declared reforms, and carved a thirty–year covenant around the Astralyte. Yet now, this—this felt heavier than every battlefield combined.The note had contained only six words.“The Hall of Continuum awaits you.”The motorcade was small and discreet, nothing like the grand parades that once carried his father. Marvin had refused more than two

The engines growled like watchful beasts.Their low hum filled the Richmond courtyard, vibrating against the old stone walls that had carried the weight of Marvin's family’s history. Headlights cut through the night, beams of light carving into shadows that clung stubbornly to the mansion. The convoy was waiting—sleek, black vehicles lined with the precision of a military parade.Marvin Richmond stood still for a moment, drinking in the sight. Behind him, the mansion towered, silent and solemn, its windows dark, its walls watching. It felt less like a house and more like a tomb of memories—his battles, his scars, his victories all sealed inside.Carl Bowen stepped from the lead car, his silhouette was sharp under the lights. His voice cut across the night.“Are you ready?”Marvin exhaled once, steadying himself. He placed a firm hand on Alicia’s shoulder before moving forward. Without another glance behind him, he opened the door to the lead vehicle and slid inside.Behind him, Stel

The morning sun broke through Neovalle’s glass towers, gilding the skyline in molten amber. Its light spilled across Uncle Christopher’s estate, filtering through tall windows and casting long shadows over the polished marble floor. In a guest chamber fit for kings, Marvin Richmond stood in front of a mirror, buttoning his crisp white shirt with deliberate precision. Each motion was sharp, controlled — like a soldier preparing for battle.The mirror reflected more than a man in a suit. It reflected the storm behind his eyes.On the wall across from him, a wide television screen flickered with morning updates. Every headline screamed the same name: Helios Enterprise. The name of his franchise.“Helios Powers the City’s Future.”“Neovalle has become a better place on Marvin Richmond's Solar company.” “Marvin Richmond — The Light of Tomorrow.”For a long moment, Marvin’s eyes drank it in. Pride burned quietly inside him. Westwood had branded him a traitor sometime in the past, but he

The hum of Helios Enterprise still echoed in Marvin’s chest long after the applause had faded.The lobby chants of Marvin Richmond, Marvin Richmond, Marvin Richmond still clung to his ears like fire. But now, as he walked the upper halls beside Uncle Christopher, the roar of the crowd was replaced with the low hush of glass corridors and the subtle whir of machines hidden behind panels.Uncle Christopher’s hand rested lightly behind his back, his steps were measured, his posture regal. He was not just walking Marvin through an office building—he was leading him through history.“Look around you, Marvin,” Christopher’s voice was calm but carried weight, reverberating against the glass walls. “Every corridor, every lab, every glowing panel of this tower—this is the empire they swore you could never build.”Marvin’s gaze swept across the vast atrium they had entered. Drones floated silently above, carrying data boards. A transparent elevator shot upward like a gleaming spear, transportin

Dawn painted the sky gold when Marvin found himself in the courtyard of his uncle’s residence. Dew clung to the marble tiles. The world felt quiet — as if holding its breath.Baby Lucian’s soft laughter broke the stillness. The baby wriggled in his cradle, tiny hands stretching toward the light. Marvin bent and lifted him carefully. The warmth of the infant’s body against his chest softened the iron in his heart.Stella approached with a gentle smile. She had been watching from the doorway, with eyes full of calm wisdom.“You couldn’t sleep?” she asked.Marvin shook his head slowly, adjusting Lucian against his shoulder. The child let out a small coo, fingers curling around the fabric of his shirt — it was a fragile grip that somehow felt stronger than any vow.Marvin shook his head, still holding Lucian. “My mind is… restless.”“Because of what your uncle said?”Marvin nodded slowly. “He wants me to walk back into politics, the same fire that nearly burned me alive.”Stella stepped