CHAPTER 1096: TIME FOR THE NEW CREATIONS

Saeldir moved swiftly in the next moment. The map with flickering points of lights still floated above his desk like a warning pulsing in the dark parchment. He waved his hand once more and the parchment expanded, revealing deeper layers of leyline intersections beneath the continent.

Thin streams of azure light flowed between the dots of necrotic energy, showing how the old network of Magic veins still breathed faintly under the world’s surface.

"The energy flow is slow but spreading, haah... I knew that these things will be active again sooner or later," he muttered with a sigh, then his eyes narrowing. "If this continues unchecked the deadlands to the north will awaken first."

He reached for a quill and began drawing adjustments in the air. The quill left trails of light, creating new diagrams above the parchment’s surface but not quite pressing into its content, just like a hologram.

"Three scout teams," he said under his breath. "One to the northern wastelands. Another team would go toward the Silent Valley. The third to the border of the Dawnwood. That’s where the resonance is strongest based on this map, at least for now."

The map shimmered as his notes solidified into orders. With a flick of his wrist, the runes glowed brighter and a silver orb floated from his desk. It was his messenger crystal.

He infused it with a spark of Magic and whispering instructions into its shell. The orb brightened and then shot away through the open window, disappearing into the night.

He stood there for a moment, letting the quiet fill the room again. The scent of parchment and old oak mixed with the cool breeze.

His thoughts were sharp. "It’s time to bring the new construct to life."

His gaze moved to the far sights of the window, looking at the peaceful night. His mind moved to Erend.

Saeldir’s expression became grim. "You fight on the other side of the world and yet the enemies will arise here. As if it waits for your absence. But I hope we don’t need to always rely on your help."

He turned toward a smaller cabinet beside his desk. Unlocking it with a short incantation, he retrieved a silver ring engraved with ancient Elven sigils and slipped it onto his finger.

Instantly, faint runes appeared around his body. He activated the link rune embedded in the ring.

The air shimmered and three faint projections appeared. They were the captains of the Elven warriors, their forms made of blue light.

"Archmage," one greeted, bowing slightly.

"Listen carefully," Saeldir said, voice steady but urgent. "You’ll each receive coordinates shortly. I need full reconnaissance on all necrotic activity in those zones. Gather samples if possible. No direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary."

Even though they still haven’t fully understood the mission, the captains nodded in unison. "Understood."

"Also," Saeldir added, "inform Princess Aurdis. She must prepare evacuation protocols for the residents of this palace, discreetly. I don’t want panic spreading before we confirm the scale of this."

When the projections faded, he let out a slow breath. His hand hovered over the parchment once more, tracing the pulsing lights.

The glow had not stopped. If anything it spreads slightly faster now.

He closed his eyes briefly. "I hope we’re not going to run out of time."

Then he turned and strode out of the chamber. His steps echoed along the marble hall as he went to gather a council for this war.

—

The palace was quiet, but not asleep. Sentries stood alert and the faint hum of Magic from the barrier whispered through the halls.

A few minutes after he came out of his own room, Saeldir moved with purpose, the urgency in his stride was so clear.

When he reached the throne room, the great doors opened with a groan. King Gulben sat with his usual calm and regal posture.

Around him were the advisors, military generals, and a few elder magisters, all summoned in haste by Saeldir’s signal.

"Saeldir," King Gulben greeted, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity and expectation. "You called for an immediate assembly. What is this important matter?"

Saeldir stopped before the dais and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I wish I could say this was a false alarm, but the necrotic signatures across the continent have begun to stir again. The readings are consistent with reanimation energy. This almost has the same patterns we saw during the Great Calamity."

The quiet in the room deepened. A few of the generals exchanged uneasy glances.

King Gulben’s expression hardened. "You are certain?"

"I verified it myself," Saeldir replied. "The leyline currents are shifting. The dormant energy buried beneath the few points in lands is awakening. I’ve already dispatched three scout teams to verify the locations, but I believe this is only the beginning."

General Elaren, an old warrior with silver hair bound in a braid, leaned forward. "Are you suggesting a necromancer has returned?"

Saeldir shook his head. "No, General. This isn’t the work of any necromancer. The energy feels older far beyond any dark Magic we know. This is what the Dragonborn warned us about. A force that predates necromancy itself."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Those who had heard Erend’s warning before—the advisors, the magisters—felt their hearts sink. They had expected this moment yet hearing Saeldir confirm it turned quiet unease into real fear.

King Gulben leaned back on his throne, his expression grave. "Then it begins... just as he foresaw. If the deads stir again we can no longer rely on our old preparation alone."

He rose, the silver embroidery of his robes glinting under the hall’s glow. "It is time to bring our new creations to life."

Saeldir met his gaze, understanding immediately. "Most of the constructs are ready, Your Majesty. The core runes have been stabilized mostly for now. We can use them as weapons already."

"Then do it," King Gulben said firmly. "The Elves must stand ready. You all help the Archmage."

Saeldir bowed. "As you command."

The decision was made. The first step toward war had begun.

—