The Stonehearted Knight-Chapter 438: Interlude: In progress

"The preparations are progressing at a steady pace, my lord."

Sage Tectonic didn’t raise his head the whole time he gave his report. As a man who lived through the Ages he knew not to let power rise through his head.

Excellent. I sense the Saints, Sages, and Taboos gather their forces. Soon they will arrive here. The beginning of the end is near.

Tectonic bowed even more. These words could instill fear in any normal person but Tectonic had known this day would come. He had prepared accordingly. And even if he fell, he wouldn’t regret it.

Schelp on the other hand didn’t have the luxury of being carefree. He had a whole race to care for.

"My lord, can’t we prevent the attack? Maybe if we seek the help of the Old One..."

You think I am inferior to Him? 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"T-That’s not what I meant..." Schelp trembled. A drop of sweat rolled along his spine. It had been centuries since he felt fear.

Relax, young one. I am just teasing you. This is part of his plans. I am just helping him accomplish it.

Neither Schelp or Tectonic said anything. They heard the lord in front of them slither across the roots, getting closer to them. They didn’t dare to look or move.

How is the search for my heir going?

"The competition is proceeding quite nicely, my lord." Tectonic stepped in. "So far, that boy you have an eye on is exceeding all expectations. I think his team might come on top. Though, I am not certain with Enrich’s disciple and Heaven’s incarnate in the mix."

They don’t count. That boy has my blood. Once he Transforms, his blood will awaken. From a little silver serpent, he will become a true silver dragon.

...

Time is slowing down. It seems I will have to act soon.

She didn’t have a name. Many called her names. The Destroyer, the Wrath of the Sea, and many more. She existed without knowing her purpose.

She stayed out of everyone’s struggles. But this time she wouldn’t remain still. The end could be a new beginning. And she wished to begin anew. Perhaps with a name. A nice name helped a lot.

For now she waited. Her time would come.

...

The High Altar watched the stars move across the sky. There had been a time when she had been a part of that night sky, adored by the masses.

Nowadays she was mostly revered or feared. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling but she wasn’t born to be pleased. She was born to guide Heaven so the new world could be welcomed. In a new era.

She knew she had no place in the new era. She was a relic of the past. It didn’t matter. As long there was life, she would work towards her purpose.

’Time is nearing its end. Soon, it will start. I will help her as much as I can. The rest will be up to her.’

Her thoughts didn’t linger on her possible demise. She didn’t fear death. Nor did she cherish life. She just existed. Not for herself. But for everyone else. She genuinely believed that.

...

"We should return, my Queen."

She heard her maids plea to her but she ignored them. Too much rode on this to play it safe.

Soon, their pleas died. Perhaps they had died too. Not many could survive the harsh winter and blistering cold of the outerlands.

These frozen islands weren’t land. They had been created due to the presence of that existence. Not many survived close to him. Only a few did. She had. Thanks to her frost affinities.

It was because of that she had come all those years to these snow white fields of barren terrain. And it was the reason she dared to come here again.

She walked. And walked. Time and space didn’t exist in these eternal frozen lands.

Ristle.

The sound broke through everything and reached her. She looked around, eager to find him.

The sky turned dark but she raised her head, she saw a clear sky above.

Why are you here?

When did he appear before her? He appeared so suddenly it took her a minute to realize she wouldn’t be able to phantom his abilities, even if she lived centuries.

His appearance hadn’t changed a bit. Crystal blue eyes, skin, hair...everything seemed so surreal about him.

Her body remembered each touch, each breath he took, and each sensation awakened inside her. She loved her husband but the person...or should she say being, wasn’t someone a mere human could compare to.

I ask again. Why are you here? There won’t be a third time.

She knew he would keep his word. He appeared calm and aloof. And he was. Whether he stood or killed an entire tribe, he remained the same.

"I...I am here seeking our...my son’s survival. Everyone is talking about the end of the ages but I don’t wish my son to fall."

He didn’t reply. For a while she stood there as the chill entered her fur clothing and started to freeze her bones. She didn’t move. Persistence was all she had.

He won’t.

At last he spoke.

He has my blood. And Enrich taught him well. It’s a matter of time before he joins Enrich’s table.

She felt assured yet worried.

"Help him awaken his true self. I am willing to offer myse..."

I don’t accept the same offering twice.

Her fingers froze. She left the blouse bottomed but felt ashamed. She hadn’t mattered to him.

She expected it yet it hurt.

He will awaken his blood. Soon if I trust my senses.

She felt joy. Finally, a good piece of news. Her boy would rule the skies, like his father. His true father.

She wished to talk more but realized too late she was standing all alone. The cold air would freeze her to death.

With a last glance at the giant crystal mountain peak, she returned. The wind felt colder on her way back.