Note 1 : Thank you Epic_ Buddie123 for your gift, this chapter is for you

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    The throne room stretched for dozens of meters, supported by immense pillars of black marble veined with gold. Every wall was adorned with ancient frescoes depicting past conquests, victorious battles, and the grandeur of a kingdom that knew neither rest nor mercy. Tall torches fixed into wrought iron stands emitted a flickering glow, casting shifting shadows onto the dark stone-paved floor.

    In the center, elevated by several steps, stood a massive golden throne, carved with inhuman precision. The armrests were engraved with intricate geometric patterns and inscriptions from a forgotten age. The high and imposing backrest was adorned with a royal symbol, an abstract shape evoking a stylized crown, the edges of which seemed to glow with an inner light.

    Before the throne, a dozen advisers debated fervently. Draped in dark robes with fine embroidery, they were the most influential figures in the kingdom. Some wore noble insignia, others belts marking their affiliation with the military or learned orders. But they all shared one thing in common: a ceremonial sword hung from their belts, a sign that mere words were not enough to rule a kingdom like theirs.

    Their voices resonated under the immense arches, creating an echo that intensified the weight of their exchange.

    "We have wasted too much time..."

    "They are gaining power, and we are still waiting..."

    " And who''s fault is that ?.."

    "We must strike before it''s too late!"

    The words clashed, carried by fear, frustration, and ambition. But they were abruptly silenced when a hand slowly rose.

    The king did not need to raise his voice. His simple gesture was enough to crush the commotion around him.

    The silence fell like a blade.

    His gaze swept over each adviser, weighing them with a mixture of calculation and absolute authority. He was not a king who demanded respect. He was a king who embodied authority, a being before whom one did not rebel without suffering the consequences.

    "Be silent."

    His tone was calm, almost measured, but that only made it sharper.

    "And our project?" The woman said.

    "Sebastian has almost finished what he had to do, he is doing tests to make sure everything is okay. We only have one chance after all" the king replied.

    Crossing his arms, his gaze was lost in the vast darkness beyond.

    "We have gathered everything we could. All the knowledge available to us."

    The woman inclined her head slightly, her delicate fingers grazing a book resting on a dark wooden table.

    "Yes. But knowledge alone is not enough."

    He turned to her, his features etched with thought.

    "We need more than just knowledge. We can''t just give everything we have, our lives, our knowledge and our hope and wish that everything will be ok and he gonna make a good use of it."

    A faint smile curved her blood-red lips, though her gaze remained serious.

    "We need something to control everything. Algorithms and artificial intelligence are not enough...we need a more...we need something more complicated...we need a consciousness. "

    A cold draft slipped between them, causing the chandelier flames to flicker.

    The king took a step forward, stopping just in front of her.

    "Then it is time."

    She gently placed her hand over his, her slender fingers a stark contrast to the firm grip of the sovereign.

    "Yes. It is time. We can''t trust any one else"

    There was no hesitation.

    There was no doubt.

    Only destiny awaited them.