The hall had an open spot in the middle where four individuals stood while exchanging fierce words with one another.
Running along the outside walls in a nearly full circle were multiple layers of stone seating with steps running in between a few parts that allowed people easier access to seating.
At the moment, there were more than thirty people sitting on the stone seating, observing the verbal exchange between the two parties.
One of the parties was someone Izroth instantly recognized as the Son of Thunder, Astratis.
Astratis was the one who suggested that they should take the chance to strike immediately.
However, it appeared that the Son of Thunder was in disagreement with one who wanted to take a more peaceful and passive approach.
It was a woman with long amber hair and light emerald eyes, who wore a simple set of blush pink robes with a hood pulled over her head.
Name: Daughter of the Peaceful Flames, Eiritia(???)
Level: 0
"Brother, there is no use trying to convince our eldest sister. She dreams of peace but is not willing to do what is necessary to achieve it. War? Bloodshed? Just how much more do we have to lower our heads and allow the pillars to do as they please? Everyone—are you not tired of lowering your heads to those who already look down on you?!" One of the men next to Astratis and Eiritia exclaimed.
The man who spoke had cerulean hair with subtle waves that stopped just above the middle area of his back. He possessed golden eyes that looked as if they could peer into one's soul and donned an attire that loosely resembled a toga.
Name: Son of Waves, Thalos(???)
Level: 0
"Yeah!"
"We've had enough!"
"We must fight back!"
Some people on the stone benches shouted, showing their support for Thalos' stance.
"…I agree. We cannot permit this situation to persist in its present state. How much longer can we keep the Celestial Abode hidden? It moves constantly, yet they have come close to finding our position multiple times. Even if we decide not to act, I will no longer stay my hand." The last man among the center group spoke.
There was a gloomy and dark presence around the man that was almost to the point of being suffocating. One could not tell the color of his eyes with a part of his long black hair drooping over the upper part of his face.
He wore a set of dark robes that was accompanied by a black scarf wrapped around his neck.
Name: Son of Twilight, Skos(???)
Level: 0
"We- hm?" Astratis was about to speak; however, he abruptly fell silent as his gaze was drawn to the main entrance of the Sanctuary.
Astratis was not the only one whose attention was caught.
The others next to the Son of Thunder, as well as those who sat upon the stone benches all shifted their focus towards the entrance.
"The Daughter of the Eternal Vow arrives with the Progenitor of the Sun and our honored guest, Izroth!" Ierosni announced.
"The Progenitor of the Sun…? It can't be…! They left the Sunstone Cave?"
"This is good news! With the Ancestor of Light on our side, how can we not lead an assault?"
"Izroth…? Was there a young celestial by such a name?"
"Isn't he the one Astratis spoke of? If so, he is indeed an honored guest."
The celestials on the stone benches displayed their shock and excitement. However, there were a few who had mixed expressions.
"Why is there a mortal among them?"
"Revolting…! A wild mortal stray has wandered in."
"How can a mortal be allowed to set foot into the Sanctuary…?! What is Ierosni thinking bringing them here…?!"
"Hmph, then why don't you go tell her it's not allowed?"
"I am no fool. I enjoy my head being where it is."
The celestials were taken aback by Sychia's presence. In the entire history of the Sanctuary—no, even the Hidden Celestial Abode—no mortal had ever set foot here before today! It was, by all means, a historical event!
Izroth glanced over at Sychia, who silently clenched her fists as she tried to ignore the handful of obvious glares of revulsion.
"Silence!" Astratis' voice boomed, shaking the entire Sanctuary.
Crrrrrckle! Rmmmmmble! Clap!
The sound of thunder reverberated throughout the hall as everyone fell silent.
A few seconds later, the shaking stopped as the thunder faded away.
"Mortal? What does it matter?! If you all continue to misbehave, do not blame me for being overbearing." Astratis stated.
He then continued, "Do you plan to look down on mortals in the same manner that the pillars have looked down on us? Shall we become the thing we are fighting against—the very thing we detest?! Answer me!"
Crrrrrckle! Rmmmmmble!
"Oh? This boy sure has grown up since last we met." Ilioreas commented to himself as he inwardly nodded in satisfaction.
Since Sychia was his guest, naturally, Ilioreas would not allow her to be continually insulted in his presence. After all, that was equivalent to others looking down on him.
But, with Astratis speaking up, it seemed there was no longer a need to interfere.
As for the few displeased celestials on the stone benches, none of them dared to respond to Astratis.
Thalos placed his hand on Astratis' shoulder as the thunder and shaking immediately ceased.
"Brother, calm yourself. Your words are not wrong, but your method of instilling values will only push your goals further away." Thalos said calmly.
Astratis briefly closed his eyes and cleared his mind as he released a small frustrated sigh.
"I know. I was not too different from them when I was first experiencing the world. So I understand how difficult it is to change. Still, it is frustrating to see others repeating the same mistakes you have made in the past." Astratis sighed heavily.
"Your frustration is well warranted, brother. However, it is true that a mortal has no place in the Celestial Abode, let alone the Sanctuary. Those without the power to steer their own fate—knowing what awaits them should we fail in our endeavor will only bring them despair." Thalos stated solemnly.
"We won't fail," Astratis responded without hesitation.
"Yes, we won't—we can't," Thalos commented.
…
A few moments later, things settled down in the Sanctuary.
After properly welcoming Izroth, Ilioreas, and reluctantly, Sychia, the gathering commenced once more.
Ilioreas and Ierosni joined the center group to decide on their next course of action, while Izroth sat with Sychia on one of the stone benches.
Izroth carefully listened to the exchange between the involved parties, making sure not to miss a single point.
'I completed the quest, but… Is it similar to the last time?'
〈System Alert: 1/1 Accompany «Ilioreas» to the «Hidden Celestial Abode» and meet up with «Rebellious Son of Thunder, Astratis».〉
〈System Alert: You have completed the quest «The Rebel & The Liberator(2)»!〉
Izroth checked over his system alerts and realized that while it said he completed the quest, he had yet to receive the quest rewards. But, he remembered that the same thing happened the last time he finished a quest in this Secret Realm. He had to be given the rewards directly by Astratis—a task the system usually took care of automatically.
'It seems I have no choice but to wait.'
…
Approximately ten minutes later…
After some back-and-forth among the celestials, they finally managed to reach a decision.
Those who were on the fence earlier, due to Ilioreas appearance, had leaned towards the side of the brothers, who wanted to launch an offensive assault on the pillars.
As for Eiritia, the celestial who appeared to be the only one actively advocating for peace, she saw that trying to convince them any further was futile. In the end, she was decisive and changed her stance to match that of her brothers.
She was well aware that they could not afford to be divided as it would only expedite their fall. Therefore, even though she did not agree with the headstrong methods of her brothers, Eiritia still wanted to support them and keep the celestials together as one.
"Has the first target been decided?" Thalos asked.
Astratis nodded as he turned his attention towards the group of celestials and announced, "As you all know, it was not long ago that I clashed with the Teraidi, the architect of the ancient races. In the process, I was severely wounded, but I was able to successfully cast the Teraidi into the Na'Ei Cha—the eternal pit."
"?!" The celestials could not hide their expression of shock and disbelief. They heard rumors about Astratis' recent feat; however, hearing it firsthand was a completely different matter.
"To cast the Teraidi into the Na'Ei Cha—even for me, it would take a great deal of effort." Ilioreas internalized as he was pleasantly surprised by Astratis.
The Teraidi was an immortal creature from whom 95% of the ancient races descended from. Needless to say, it was a powerful entity capable of rivaling the pillars. But, more importantly…
"If the Teraidi is out of the way, the pillars have lost their natural guard." Skos commented.
"Precisely. Without the presence of the Teraidi, we can strike directly at the heart of the pillars.." Astratis stated resolutely.
