SWNOVELXO Chapter 13: Chapter 13
The Regent's words hung in the air, instantly extinguishing the lingering heat from Corbin Ashton's outburst.
The petty squabbles and veiled insults vanished, replaced by a sudden, sharp focus.
The threat of a beast tide was a familiar terror, a recurring nightmare for the province. But a newly discovered labyrinth?
That was an unknown quantity, a wild card that could change the very fabric of their world.
The atmosphere in the Hall of Silent Stone shifted from tense to electric. The previous topics were forgotten, replaced by a single, overwhelming emotion that united every person in the room: greed.
"A labyrinth?" Lord Thorne's voice was a low rumble, his earlier aggression now sharpened into a point of intense interest.
The Regent gestured to an aide, who placed a single, intricately carved stone tile on the centre of the table. It pulsed with a faint, ancient light, its surface covered in runes unlike any known script.
"Our scouts made two discoveries of vital importance," the Regent continued, his voice dropping lower, commanding their full attention.
"First, the Labyrinth radiates a density of Qi that is purer and more potent than anything found even in the core of a spirit stone mine. The air itself is thick with energy. Cultivating inside for a single day would be equivalent to a month of effort outside."
A collective gasp went around the table. Such a cultivation environment was priceless. It could shave years, even decades, off a cultivator's journey.
"Second, and most crucial," the Regent said, his eyes sweeping over them, "the entrance is protected by a natural, ancient formation."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before delivering the final, world-altering piece of information.
"The formation repels any and all cultivators who have surpassed the Body Tempering stage. Any attempt by an Energy Gathering expert or higher to enter results in them being thrown back by an immense, irresistible force.
The Labyrinth... it will only permit the youngest and weakest among us to enter."
For a moment, there was stunned silence. The greatest treasure discovered in a thousand years, and none of them, the most powerful people in the province, could touch it.
Then, the implications sank in, and Lord Thorne began to laugh, a low, greedy rumble that filled the hall. "A treasure trove that only children can enter? Fate is truly smiling upon us."
Corbin Ashton's eyes, moments ago filled with weariness and anger, now lit up with desperate hope. Lord Sterling's placid mask finally broke into a thoughtful, calculating smile.
This wasn't a disaster; it was an unprecedented opportunity. It was a private garden, walled off from the world, waiting for their chosen heirs to pluck its fruits.
"This discovery must not leave this room," Thorne declared, his voice booming with authority as he slammed a fist on the table.
"This is an opportunity for our families, a chance to cultivate a generation of elites that will solidify our rule for centuries. We will block the news. No common adventurer, no minor clan, no one outside this room will know of its existence."
"I agree," Corbin said immediately, his voice firm. His own sons were of the right age.
This was the chance the Ashton family needed to produce a new genius, to reverse their decline and silence the mockery of the other families.
"This is a strategic asset of the highest order. It must be controlled."
Lord Sterling nodded slowly, his fingers steepled before him.
"The alchemical ingredients within a sealed environment of that age could be priceless. Rare herbs that have been extinct for centuries might grow there.
The long-term benefit of our young alchemists having exclusive access is undeniable. The Sterling family supports the information blockade."
They all looked at the final member. Matriarch Elara Crestfall had not spoken, her earlier smile gone, replaced by a carefully neutral mask.
"Matriarch?" the Regent prompted.
Elara's clear, intelligent eyes swept across the greedy, determined faces of the other leaders.
"You speak of monopolising a miracle," she said, her voice soft but carrying a sharp edge.
"You intend to hoard an opportunity that could elevate the strength of our entire province, and keep it only for those already in power."
"It is our right!" Thorne scoffed.
"Our families bear the burden of leadership. We deserve its rewards. Do you expect us to share this with common dirt-farmers and hedge-knights?"
"I am not speaking of rights, Lord Thorne, but of wisdom," she countered, her gaze unwavering.
"A rising tide lifts all ships. We sit here discussing the growing threat of a beast tide that could devastate us all. If we allow all the talented youths of the province, regardless of their station, to enter this Proving Ground, we would foster an entire generation of experts.
Our province would become stronger, more resilient against the very calamity we fear. Hoarding this discovery will only breed resentment and sow the seeds of future conflict when the truth inevitably comes out."
Her words were met with cold silence. The logic was sound, but it ran directly counter to their self-interest.
"A noble sentiment, Matriarch," Lord Sterling said, his tone smooth as silk but carrying a hidden threat.
"But impractical. The chaos of an open discovery would be unmanageable. And surely, the Crestfall family would not wish to find itself... isolated... during these uncertain times?
Our family's alchemical supplies and trade agreements are so deeply intertwined. It would be a shame if such partnerships were to be... re-evaluated."
The threat was veiled, but crystal clear. If the Crestfall family did not agree, they would be ostracised.
The Thornes would disrupt their trade, the Sterlings would cut off their supply of rare ingredients for enchantments, and the Ashtons would withdraw military protection from their territories.
They would be left to stand alone.
Elara Crestfall's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. She looked at the united front of greed before her.
She was a woman of principle, but she was also the leader of her clan. She could not sacrifice their prosperity, their very survival, for a principle that no one else here shared.
The weight of her family's future rested on her shoulders.
With a slow, deliberate motion that seemed to cost her a great deal, she gave a single, reluctant nod.
"The Crestfall family... will abide by the council's decision."
The tension in the room broke. Lord Thorne grinned triumphantly. The Regent nodded, his face impassive as if he had expected this outcome all along.
"It is settled, then," he declared, his voice finalising the conspiracy.
"The news of the Sunken Labyrinth will be suppressed by royal decree. Our five families will prepare our most promising Body Tempering disciples.
In one month's time, the trial will begin. This meeting is concluded."
The leaders rose and departed, their minds already racing, planning and scheming. A corrupt bargain had been struck in the heart of the province, a secret shared only by the powerful.
They were all preparing for a trial that would shape the future, completely unaware that a lone, exiled youth, more powerful and with a greater foundation than any of their chosen champions could possibly imagine, was about to walk into their carefully controlled game and shatter it to pieces.