WHISPERS OF TWILIGHT CHAPTER 6: EMINENICE

[secret realm]

Rai lay peacefully beneath the tree, sheltered from the darkening sky.

Abruptly, his eyes fluttered open, and he surveyed his surroundings. A quiet murmur escaped his lips, "It feels like a significant amount of time has passed."

Rai rose from his resting place and proceeded to the other side of the tree. There, a radiant hole radiating red energy Summoned before him. Without hesitation, Rai ventured into the opening and found himself transported into a realm of unparalleled opulence and refinement.

[NIRVANA Rai Palace]

The room exudes luxury and refinement in every detail. Intricate artwork adorns the walls, showcasing paintings by renowned artists and sculptures crafted from precious metals. A grand bookshelf holds a vast collection of literary treasures. In the center, a lavish bed invites comfort and style, its design exuding sophistication.

As Rai draws back the curtains, sunlight floods the room, unveiling a picturesque garden filled with vibrant, blooming flowers. Moving from the bedroom, Rai enters a connected hall, tastefully furnished with carefully chosen artworks. At the end of the hall, a gracefully designed washroom awaits.

Rai undresses, revealing his impressive physique, radiating youth and strength. Within the washroom, a mesmerizing pool adorned with mythical creature statues beckons. Rai immerses himself, undergoing a transformative metamorphosis. Emerging from the water, he has become an imposing adult figure,  with flowing white hair and its streak in  crimson and captivating crimson eyes.

Instantly, luxurious clothing befits his regal stature, a noble blending crimson and white. Stepping out of the washroom, Rai approaches the central door of the hall. A man with golden hair and noble attire bows respectfully, offering a courteous greeting.

[Aric Celestus, having warm personality towards only Rai and cold, unattentive to others. he was from the Luminary nobles and attendent of Rai.]

Aric inquires about Rai's night, stepping aside to allow him passage. Rai, silent but regal, proceeds down the lavishly decorated hall, with the Aric  following dutifully behind.

As Rai gracefully descends the grand staircase and proceeds towards the left, he enters the hall. The hall unfolds before him, a meticulously curated symphony of meticulously arranged furnishings and exquisite decorations. Every detail is meticulously crafted, exuding an air of magnificence and refinement.

In this expansive hall, the group of people stands in anticipation, their eyes fixed on Rai. As soon as they catch sight of him, they respectfully step aside and lower themselves into a deep bow. Their voices unite in perfect unison as they speak, their words resonating with reverence and admiration,

"WE GREET THE FORMIDABLE RULER OF NIRVANA, LORD EMINENCE"

Without uttering a word, Rai strides into the hall, emanating an aura of power and authority. He takes his seat upon the throne, adorned with a majestic phoenix and dragon design atop the hall.

As he settles in, Rai closes his eyes, signaling his readiness. Aric who has been following him steps forward and descends the stairs, standing one step below Rai. With an authoritative tone, he addresses the gathered individuals and declares, "Let us begin."

The first person, a handsome individual with golden hair and eyes.

[Saffron Celestus, the current head of the Luminary nobles. having personality of strict loyalty towards Rai.]

started reporting, "I am here to inform you about an incident involving werewolves. They have become increasingly defiant, disregarding our warnings and attacking the Risen's expedition team. Some of Risens  have been captured, and they are planning further assaults on all the teams. At this rate, they will instigate war with the Risens once again."

Rai's voice cuts through the room, cold and devoid of emotion. "Leave them be," he commands.

Aric, undeterred, swiftly moves the discussion forward. "Next,"

Two men, appearing simple yet elegant, stepped forward. They were human lords - Stephen, with black hair and brown eyes, and Harry, who possessed the same features.

Stephen addresses Rai, "Lord, there haven't been significant issues with the Risens thus far, but the werewolves are causing harm to some human cities. We seek your decision."

Harry follows, "Lord, the werewolves currently have no established leadership, and that's where the problem lies."

Rai opens his eyes, his tone authoritative. "Let them fight amongst themselves for that. However, the werewolves responsible for causing trouble in human cities must be severely punished."

"Saffron," Rai calls out, and Saffron steps forward, still bowing. "Yes, Lord," he replies.

Rai continues, his voice unwavering. "Send someone to the human cities and publicly execute the responsible werewolves.."

Saffron acknowledges, "Yes."

Rai adds, "Also, send them a warning. This will be their last chance, or else..."

Saffron understands the gravity of the situation. "Understood."

With anxiety, Saffron asks, "What about the Risens?"

Rai responds firmly, "Let the Risens fend for themselves. Allow them to enter the werewolves' territory."

Saffron nods, comprehending Rai's intentions. Rai then looks towards Aric, who instantly understands and declares, "That's it for today."

Everyone in the room bows before Rai and begins to exit.

Outside the room, a young human named Franz, bearing the same features as Harry and Stephen, expressed his confusion, saying, "Lord Harry, Lord Stephen, I didn't recognize anyone in there, and I don't understand their words." He sounded sad, looking downcast.

Harry reassured him, saying, "Franz, it's alright. It's normal to feel that way for first time. I will explain it all to you again."

He proceeded to explain, "As you know, Within Nirvana, three distinct races reside: Humans, Werewolfs and The Eternals.......Eternals that's what we call them. They are the strongest beings in Nirvana. Among the Eternals, the one who controls them is known as the Eminence, the Lord of all lords. The reason why the realm hasn't been conquered yet is solely because of the Eminence. Under the Eminence, there are four eternal nobles."

Franz attentively listening.

He continued, "First are the Luminaries, distinguished by their golden hair and eyes. Second are the Radiants, with purple eyes and light purple hair. Third are the Exarchs, having dark brown hair and white eyes. Finally, there are the Astraea, with red eyes and dark blue hair."

Franz acknowledged his understanding, saying, "Hmm...i Understands... But I want to know about the one you all respected and obeyed when it came to the werewolves."

Stephen replied, "He is the Lord of all lords, the ruler of Nirvana, word Eminence can only be used for him."

Stephen continued, "The Lord Eminence wants to test both of them. That's all I can tell you for now. The results will unfold in the future. The Lord's decisions are never wrong."

Franz gazed back at the hall entrance with admiration shining in his eyes.

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In the hall, Aric anxiously inquired, "My Lord, I came to check on you in the night but didn't find you there."

Rai, with his eyes closed, remained silent.

Aric persisted, "Did you meet someone, my Lord?"

Rai reminisced about his sparring session and conversation with Regis, causing a slight smile to appear on his lips. Observing this, Aric was stunned and wondered to himself, "Lord smiled, am I dreaming?"

Rai pondered within himself, "I wonder how that kid is doing?"

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[Infernum]

The battle raged throughout the night among the clans, but this time, nobody could locate the portal. Disappointment hung heavy in the air as they realized they would have to wait another thousand years for the next dimensional channel to appear.

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[Nightnova Mansion]

A week had passed since the battle. During this time, Regis didn't have the chance to meet Rai again as he was preoccupied with handling various invitations. In this already troublesome situation, more distressing news arrived, concerning his sister's fiance.

In the study room, Remus sat in his chair, sighing with worry as he read the document that had arrived.

Regis hurriedly entered and expressed his concern, "Father, what about my brother?" He abruptly halted, noticing his father's tense expression, and added with worry, "What's happened, Father?"

Remus replied, " I was about to call you. Read this." He handed the document in his hand to Regis.

Regis read the document, his surprise evident as he exclaimed, "What? What happened to my brother? He's so strong. How could he be captured? But where is this place?"

Remus sighed and explained, "Now that you've come of age, I'll tell you everything. Have you seen the hole from where the soldiers depart for their expeditions?"

Regis nodded, saying, "I've seen it—the hole that emits the red radiance."

Remus continued, "Yes, that's a dimensional channel that connects us with Nirvana, and..." He proceeded to enlighten Regis about Nirvana and the dimensional channels.

Regis listened attentively, contemplating deeply within himself. 'So, that night, the hole was also a dimensional channel,' he thought.

Regis, now serious, spoke up, "The werewolves have broken the pact. Why isn't the Eminence taking any action?"

Remus, even more worried, replied, "The Eminence has stated that the pact hasn't been broken as no one has died yet. He has given permission for us to enter the werewolves' territory freely to save our people. He must want to judge us."

Regis, lost in his thoughts, stated firmly, "Father, let me go and save my brother."

Remus, shocked, stood up from his chair and said, "No, you cannot."

Regis, filled with anger, exclaimed, "Why? You have never let me use my strength. Now, I want to go outside and breathe freely. You're not letting me do it."

Remus said, "Regis..."

Regis, anger and sadness evident in his eyes, declared, "Father, I feel suffocated here." He said this and left the room.

Remus clenched his fist, turned his face towards the window, and gazed outside at the old tree. In a tone filled with sadness, he whispered, "What should I do? My love..."