Chapter 69 – The Gathering of Nations
The frozen expanse of Antarctica stretched endlessly beneath the dull gray sky. The wind howled mercilessly, carrying flurries of ice and snow that lashed against the incoming aircraft. Through the thick clouds, the American delegation's private jet descended smoothly, its engines roaring as it pierced through the cold, landing with a controlled whoosh upon the icy airstrip.
Inside, Marcus turned to Cecelia, adjusting his coat as the temperature gauge within the aircraft fluctuated downward. "We've arrived," he stated plainly.
Cecelia, composed as ever, merely nodded. As the doors of the plane hissed open, the cold immediately bit at their skin. Two figures stood waiting—a pair of warriors clad in traditional samurai attire, their swords gleaming even in the dim sunlight. Without a word, the two warriors motioned for Cecelia and Marcus to follow.
Marcus scanned the environment as they stepped onto the frozen ground, his eyes narrowing slightly. The land was eerily silent, the air heavy with an almost unnatural stillness. Even in a place so desolate, something felt off.
They entered a grand hall, carved from ancient ice, its design reminiscent of a structure from a forgotten civilization. A massive round table occupied the center, surrounded by chairs, each marked with a nation's emblem. Cecelia settled into the American seat, Marcus standing vigilantly behind her.
For a moment, they were alone. But the silence didn't last long.
FWOOSH!
From outside, a massive white dragon descended, its powerful wings stirring a blizzard of ice and wind as it touched down gracefully. The Chinese delegation dismounted—President Zichen, aged yet regal, and his right hand, Wei, wrapped in thick cloaks.
Soon after, the Russian and Egyptian representatives arrived. Andrei Korsakov and Boris entered the hall, their presence immediately filling the room with a tense energy. President Anzeyt and Osiris, both draped in fine African fabrics adapted for the cold, took their places as well.
The last to arrive was Seoul. As Mujin stepped off his aircraft, the cold bit into his skin, but he showed no reaction. He moved forward with quiet confidence, flanked by Akebi, who shivered as she wrapped her arms tightly around herself.
A samurai warrior approached and bowed deeply, recognizing Mujin immediately. Without hesitation, Mujin pulled a small, inscribed seal from his sleeve and placed it into the warrior's hands. "For good fortune," Mujin said simply.
The warrior nodded in gratitude.
Once inside, the tension was almost suffocating. Each representative sat in their designated place, the air heavy with unspoken hostilities and fragile alliances. The meeting was about to begin.
Then…
THUD.
The hall doors swung open violently, and a towering figure entered.
A monstrous man, muscles bulging like sculpted steel, one eye patched, his bare arms riddled with scars. His presence alone was enough to make even the strongest warriors pause.
His name was Bjorn
A Traveler.
His gaze swept across the room, assessing the gathered leaders. He grunted before moving to an empty chair. As he sat, his powerful arms rested on the table, his voice finally breaking the silence.
"I'm only here to observe."
His words carried the weight of an unmovable force.
"Begin."
The Nations Speak
Cecelia was the first to address the room. She leaned forward, hands clasped. "I'll get straight to the point. The Ten attacked our base. They took one of our hybrid beasts."
A wave of murmurs spread through the table.
She turned to Mujin, her tone sharp. "I heard about the devastation in Seoul. I assume you suffered the same?"
Mujin exhaled, his face calm. "They tried. But our hybrid is safe."
From the Chinese side, Zichen let out a heavy sigh. "China was attacked as well." He paused before adding, "Unfortunately… we were not as fortunate."
Andrei leaned forward, his icy blue eyes burning with accusation. "Speaking of Seoul… where is Bartoni?"
A brief silence followed.
Mujin, without missing a beat, replied flatly. "Bartoni is no more. I am in charge now."
Andrei clenched his jaw before slamming a fist onto the table. "Then explain something to me, Mujin. There is a Seoul Hunter working with the Ten. A boy. A monster. He attacked Russia personally. And you have done nothing."
Cecelia added, "He also attacked Washington."
The weight of Draven's name hung in the air.
Andrei narrowed his eyes. "Tell me, Mujin. Why should we not assume Seoul is using the hybrids for political power?"
Tension crackled like electricity between them.
Mujin remained silent for a long moment. He breathed in slowly, then exhaled.
"Order." His voice cut through the noise.
The room fell silent.
Then, Mujin finally spoke.
"Power is dangerous. Especially when it comes from a bloodline of destruction."
A chill ran through the leaders.
"Draven will be dealt with when the time comes."
Anzeyt, the Egyptian leader, frowned. "And yet you still call him your hunter?"
Mujin's expression didn't waver. "Because he is. And until he's no longer part of Seoul , that fact remains unchanged."
From the shadows of the hall, a figure observed the conversation. He had heard everything.
Shiki.
A small smirk formed on his lips. He had heard his younger brother's name.
Then, he turned and disappeared into the dark corridors of the temple.
The True Threat
Mujin finally leaned forward. "We are focused on the wrong enemy."
The room shifted.
"The Ten didn't just attack to steal our hybrid beasts. They took something much worse."
Silence.
Then, Mujin's next words shook the room.
"They took Arcade's body."
A collective gasp echoed through the hall.
Cecelia's fingers tightened around the table. "A dead body? What could they possibly want with that?"
Mujin's eyes darkened. "I don't know."
Zichen, the eldest among them, lowered his head. His voice barely a whisper.
"If they want to bring him back…" He trailed off before muttering, "He is the beginning of the end… and the end of the beginning, that is not good"
Above the clouds…
A massive wooden dragon soared through the sky, cutting across the winds of the South Pole.
Atop its back stood Draven. His eyes burned as he gazed at the frozen land ahead.
The cold bit at his skin, but he barely noticed. The only warmth he felt was his rage.
Behind him, Kenzy and Gansu braced against the freezing air.
Huey, standing near the dragon's head, pointed ahead. "There. That's where he is."
Draven's eyes locked onto the distant temple, barely visible through the snow.
His fists clenched.
His heartbeat thundered.
His entire body ached for battle.
Shiki was there.
And this time… Draven would not fail.