Fire Mage-Chapter 650: Throne Hall

Chapter 650: Throne Hall

As they scanned him with their wisdom powers, Charles responded in kind, releasing his own and examining each of them. Some found it rude, but others paid it no mind. Betrayal was rare in their circle, and none suspected him of ill intent.

Griven flinched but didn’t stop him. Instead, he gently tapped Charles’s shoulder—a silent signal to withdraw his probing power.

Meanwhile, Charles used the opportunity to silently cast the [Curse of the Overlord] spell on everyone present.

Some looked confused by the slight emotional disturbance. Others remained unaware, returning their focus to him.

Taking the lead, Griven introduced him. "Esteemed Masters, this is Vesryn Miramaris, a brilliant poet whose words have already earned the praise of Master Elre Sylcyne."

He’s speaking normally now? Charles nearly chuckled.

"A prodigy? Elre was impressed by him?" gasps echoed around the hall, followed by murmurs of interest.

Charles bowed respectfully, wearing a humble expression.

One Sage Hero, an older man with a kind demeanor, offered a warm smile. "Welcome, Vesryn. We are honored to have someone with such promise among us. May your verses inspire all who hear them."

"Thank you, esteemed Sage," Charles replied earnestly. "It’s a privilege to be here, surrounded by legends."

Another Sage Hero added with a hint of amusement, "Ah, youth—so full of fire and dreams. Hold onto that passion. It’s the light that will lead your way."

Charles nodded calmly, concealing his true motives. After the introductions, Griven arranged a seat for him and sat nearby.

The conversation resumed, flowing through discussions of style, emotion, imagery, and structure. Charles participated, occasionally sharing blunt yet strangely compelling verses that seemed to stir something in the listeners.

Unseen, a web of manipulation spread through the hall—one woven by Charles’s magic.

Three hours passed quickly.

Then Elre returned.

His presence brought an immediate hush to the room. Charles noticed his teacher’s distracted expression and asked quietly, "What happened?"

Elre looked like he was about to answer, then shook his head and sat beside him, deep in thought.

The atmosphere grew heavy.

A Sage Hero named Elred finally broke the silence. "We usually stay out of outer-world matters... but I can’t stop wondering. What happened to those two Celestial Guards? Are they really dead?"

His question silenced the hall. All eyes turned to Elre.

"Elre, you spoke with the Divine King. Did he say anything about it?" Elred asked.

Elre exhaled deeply. "As expected, he told me to stay silent. But... I can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something."

His quiet words echoed ominously in the candlelit hall.

A faint smirk played on Charles’s lips.

"I don’t think the Divine King is trying to deceive us," Charles offered, voice steady. "Maybe he’s just trying to protect us."

"But shouldn’t we at least know what’s really going on?" another Sage Hero countered. "We’re not ordinary citizens—we’re Sage Heroes. We even have the authority to appoint a new Divine King. We deserve answers."

"Orist," Elre cut in, voice firm, "don’t start that nonsense about commoners and Sage Heroes. In front of the Divine King, we’re all the same."

Still, the seed of doubt had been planted—deep within Elre’s heart, and in the hearts of many others in the room.

In that moment, a shadow began to take root—right in the heart of the Royal Palace.

The meeting ended quietly. Each of the Sage Heroes left the Royal Palace with doubt clouding their minds.

Charles, Griven, and Elre walked in silence toward the House of Melodic Words.

As they walked, Elre finally spoke, unable to hold in his thoughts any longer.

"I think our Divine King is hiding something from us. I know he’s doing it to protect us, but shouldn’t he at least give us some kind of explanation? When I asked him directly during the audience, I saw something flash across his face—shock, maybe even fear. It was like he didn’t expect me to ask him at all."

Charles glanced sideways. "That gave me a creepy feeling, Teacher. I don’t know if I’m overthinking, but something about it felt wrong."

"Creepy?" Elre stopped and looked at him with a raised brow.

"Don’t take this the wrong way," Charles said cautiously, looking at both Elre and Griven. Once they nodded, he continued. "It’s just... I feel like he already knew what you and the other Sages were going to say. Like he could see your thoughts—maybe even your future."

Elre narrowed his eyes. "Taboo magic?"

"Impossible—" Griven started, but Charles interrupted.

"I have a plan to find out if he’s manipulating us."

Griven’s expression turned serious. "Be careful, Vesryn. Even we—his Sages—don’t dare challenge our Divine King. Speaking against him is considered treason."

Charles looked at them both. "What about the outer world? Aren’t you curious what’s really out there? We take his word as truth, but what if he’s wrong? What if the outer world isn’t dangerous, but full of opportunities? What if there are poets out there—true masters—who can change their surroundings with a single verse?"

He watched their faces carefully, knowing the Karr people’s weakness for poetry and knowledge.

"That kind of poetry... could it really exist?" Elre asked, his voice low with wonder. "To influence the world around us with words alone... It would be every poet’s dream."

"I don’t know if I’m qualified to speak on poetry," Charles admitted, "but I think there’s something we’ve overlooked. We always recite verses, but what if we added something else—something called music?"

"Music?" Elre echoed. "You mean our singing?"

"No," Charles said. "Music is... a pleasant sound. It can be made naturally or artificially. For example, hitting a mud pot makes one sound. A silver pot makes another. If you combine these sounds with rhythm and purpose, that’s music. And if you mix music with poetry—you get something miraculous."

Both Elre and Griven looked at him, stunned.

"I know I’m tempting you," Charles said with a small smile, "but doesn’t it make sense?"

Elre slowly calmed his excitement. "I’ll summon the other Sage Heroes to the palace tomorrow. Instead of doubting Phoebe in secret, let’s ask him directly."

"What if he refuses to explain again?" Griven asked.

"I don’t think he’ll stay silent if we all demand answers. We’ve never questioned him before—but together, we have the power to strip him of his throne if needed—" Elre suddenly paused. A dark tone had crept into his voice. He shook his head. "No. That’s not what I meant. He’ll give us answers. Maybe even show us the outer world."

He began walking again, leaving Charles quietly satisfied.

That’s enough for now, Charles thought, sensing the weakening of his [Curse of the Overlord] spell. I just need a little more time.

Thanks to Griven’s hospitality, Charles stayed at the House of Melodic Words that night.

The next morning arrived bright and peaceful. But tension lingered within the Royal Palace.

Responding to Elre’s urgent message, all the Sage Heroes and the four Guardians gathered at the House of Melodic Words. Charles was there too, seated among them, watching a tall man in his thirties with curious eyes.

He had straight blonde hair, amber eyes, and a third multicolored eye on his forehead. His skin was pale, and he stood at least seven and a half feet tall. He wore the same kind of black robe Charles had received and carried an hourglass. This was Esim—the Guardian.

While discussions murmured around the room, a silver-armored Karr suddenly opened the door and declared coldly, "His Majesty has approved your request. You are all summoned to the throne hall."

"Let’s go," Elre said, standing. The group rose and followed him out.

Soon, thirty people stood before the massive three-meter-tall gate of the throne hall.

"Enter!" A booming voice rang from within.

Everyone tensed. Even Elre hesitated before taking a deep breath and walking forward. He raised his hands and pushed open the metallic gate. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Inside, the Throne Hall radiated majesty and power. Ornate patterns and shimmering decorations filled the room. At its center, on a raised platform, sat the Divine King Phoebe.

He had long, star-like hair and eyes filled with ancient wisdom. Unlike other Karr, his third eye remained closed, giving him an air of mystery. He wore a robe marked with stars and moons, a silver scepter in one hand, a black gem-studded crown, and a bracelet with three orbs on his wrist.

As the group approached, his gaze swept over them—silent and unreadable.

Elre stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we ask for clarity. About the missing Celestial Guards... and the outer world."

Phoebe’s expression remained calm, though something flickered in his eyes.

"Oh? So even the wise Sage Heroes are curious now?" he said gently. "This is a delicate matter I’ve kept hidden for the sake of peace."

He gestured for them to approach. The group moved forward. Charles noticed Esim stepping onto the platform to whisper something into the king’s ear before taking his place beside the throne.

"The Celestial Guards are vital to our realm’s safety," the king began. "They guard the boundaries between us and the outer world—a realm of both marvels and dangers."