Chapter 704 Council's Dilemma
The grand council chamber of the Xyran civilisation, adorned with intricate designs and grandeur, was a place where decisions that shaped their future were made. On this day, it had transformed into a theatre of shock and tension as council members gathered for an unprecedented emergency session. The reason behind this extraordinary assembly was a revelation that had sent ripples of disbelief through their ranks.
"We have received the reports..." One council member declared, their voice trembling with the weight of the revelation he was about to make. "Astaroth is alive."
The news hung heavily in the air, and whispers of disbelief and gasps filled the chamber. Astaroth, the Xyran they had collectively labelled as a traitor for the death of Seraph, was not dead but alive, and that caused the council to worry.
Adorned in their regal robes, the council members sat in stunned silence. Their expressions reflected a mix of shock, uncertainty, and a touch of unease. A noticeable tension pervaded the chamber as they grappled with the implications of this revelation. After everything they had done to him, it was likely that Astaroth would want revenge.
The name of Astaroth alone was enough to strike fear in the hearts of the council members as they remembered how difficult it had been to expel him. As such, a heated debate erupted as council members voiced their concerns and fears. "He must seek vengeance," argued one, her voice rising. "Our judgment and actions led to his alleged death. He has every reason to want retribution, no matter the cost."
"Let's not jump to conclusions. He might be alive, but does he seek revenge?" yet another one chimed in. "Are you suffering from memory loss? Do you not remember how the council treated him all those years ago?" another member joined the conversation. "We branded him a traitor and cast him aside. Of course, he'd want vengeance!"
The discussions grew more fervent and impassioned, with voices on both sides of the argument stating their cases. Embroiled in a fierce debate, Council members weighed the consequences of Astaroth's return and the potential threats it posed to their civilisation and plans moving forward.
Amid the heated debate, a sense of humiliation pervaded the chamber. Council members were acutely aware of their failure to deal with Ashton and Astaroth, for which they had sent Ibis to Earth. Unfortunately, it led to their defeat, and that sense of failure weighed heavily on them. The desire to reassert their authority over Earth and its inhabitants was noticeable even to the densest person who ever lived.
A faction within the council, driven by anger and wounded pride, fervently advocated for swift and vengeful action. Their voices grew louder, as did their desire to bring the might of the Xyran forces crashing down upon Earth and its defiant allies. They were determined to prove that the Xyran race was not to be trifled with.
However, contrary voices emerged, advocating for a more cautious approach. These council members emphasised that Earth had unforeseen allies in the new tower master, and even the Orion empire was by their side. They cautioned against recklessly pursuing a vengeful war, which could lead to devastating consequences for the Xyran race. Besides, they had sworn to protect Earth, not to destroy it, and what they did already was enough to be seen as a breach of their contract with the Precursors. "It's not just about revenge," one council member implored. "We must consider the bigger picture. Astaroth may not be the enemy we've perceived him to be."
Everybody's attention was on the Rood, the council elder, when he said that. Rood was once Seraph's trusted follower. Hence, his words were often valued in the council meetings. "What do you mean, Elder? We can't just trust someone who killed lord Seraph!?"
Rood ignored the remark and continued. "I've seen a different side, a possibility for cooperation. Had Astaroth wanted revenge, would he let go of the advantage he had by not killing the Xyrans on Earth to maintain his secret?"
Nobody had the answer to Rood's question. It was known that the warmonger Astaroth wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone and every one as soon as he got his own body. The fact that he had only killed one Xyran since being reborn significantly improved what the council had expected from him. "Also, the Xyran he killed... Nikai was at fault as he tried to kill a Precursor called Ashton in the reports-" Rood continued but was interrupted. "Is that the human with the power signature we detected earlier? The one they claimed to be Earth's inaugural S-grade individual?"
"Indeed," Rood uttered quietly, bracing himself to reveal a startling revelation to the council. "There's a growing belief that he had a Precursor heritage, and I hold strong suspicions that this figure may well be none other than Lord Jo'Han."
The council chamber fell into an abrupt silence as Rood's words hung heavy in the air. The council members sat in their ornate seats had, astonishment and disbelief etched on their faces. It was as if time had momentarily frozen in the grand chamber.
Rood stood before the council, his eyes fixed on their collective expressions. He could sense the shock and confusion that permeated the room.
The council, who had long revered Lord Jo'Han as the benefactor of the Xyrans, had always believed him to be a figure of great significance. To now hear the possibility that he might be connected to Ashton, a human, was nothing short of astonishing.
"How can this be?" A council member muttered. "We've been debating on assassinating the progeny of our lord? In the lust for power, we almost committed an unforgivable sin!"
"Lord Rood," Irobo, a council member and a believer of purist values, demanded, "Even if you're the one claiming that Ashton is Jo'Han's son, we still need concrete evidence. I hope you won't mind presenting it before us?"
"Of course," Rood responded. "I am not one to make baseless claims... unlike some."
Without hesitation, he pulled up a holographic display and projected a series of images, documents, and historical records onto the chamber's walls. The council members watched intently as the evidence began to unfold.
"The evidence I present is based on a comprehensive examination of historical data, familial records, and Precursor lineage," Rood confidently announced. He continued, "But if that's not enough for you, I present Ashton's genetic markers to you. They show a remarkable resemblance to Lord Jo'Han's. This isn't mere chance. The probability of this connection being coincidental is exceedingly low."
Irobo grumbled and resumed his seat as the evidence before the council was more than enough for them to determine that Ashton, if anything, should be among the council and not as their target.
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