Chapter 123: Rising Fortunes


    The uppermost chamber of the Stone Tower radiated an air of solemnity and power. Sunlight pierced through narrow, crystalline windows, casting fractured beams of light across ancient stone walls that pulsed faintly with residual mana. The vast chamber, designed for meetings of the highest Tower officials, felt both imposing and sacred.


    Standing near the grand, inscribed window was Vice Tower Leader whose real name was Caelum, his expression one of uncharacteristic delight with the underlying expression of worry. His flawless features, framed by his elegant blond hair, were usually calm and unreadable, but today his smile gleamed with satisfaction.


    Behind him, the Overseer, a robed figure with his face obscured beneath a heavy hood, remained perfectly still, exuding a presence both commanding and enigmatic. The air felt charged, vibrating with anticipation.


    “Are you certain?” Caelum asked, his voice silky yet firm, like steel wrapped in velvet.


    The Overseer inclined his head slowly. “Reports from the Apostles arrived this morning.” His tone was measured, and precise. “Our Tower Master, along with the leaders of Verdant Sanctuary and Duskfang Bastion, successfully eradicated the Stonebind Dungeon in eastern Bask. The dungeon core has been shattered, its leeching influence over the surrounding mana nullified.”


    Caelum chuckled softly, pacing near the rune-lit window. He was aware of things from the Tower Master''s side, but reports from the Apostles were also very important “At last… another shackle of this forsaken land broken.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “And the Tower Masters, It seemed they had some important matters to attend to.”


    “They''ve departed for the Central Region,” the Overseer continued. “They will meet with the King and the Council of the Central Towers. Discussions of claiming a fourth Tower for Bask will begin once the final dungeon is cleansed, however, after the recent developments things could change.”


    Caelum’s eyes gleamed with ambition and worry. “The last dungeon... still standing.” His voice was almost reverent. “One more conquest, and Bask will be reforged. Its legacy restored.”


    The Overseer’s mood shifted slightly, though his expression remained hidden. “Indeed. Once the fourth Tower is sanctioned, our presence in the region will solidify. We can extend operations deeper into the unexplored southern front.”


    Caelum turned sharply. “What about casualties?” His tone cooled, adopting a calculating edge. “How many of our apostles made it back?”


    “Of the ten Apostles above Rank Two deployed from our tower, three did not return, Including Essence and Windchaser who you wanted me to keep an eye on,” the Overseer reported evenly. “The others survived, bringing back experience... and spoils. Some have progressed as they have acquired a rune further increasing the strength of our tower.” He paused before adding, “The other Towers fared worse. Their Masters also pressed deep into hostile territory.”


    Caelum’s expression hardened momentarily before softening again, calculation flickering behind his icy eyes. “Acceptable losses. The conquest’s success outweighs their sacrifices.”


    He resumed pacing, boots clicking sharply against the ancient stone floor. The Overseer continued, “The nature of the dungeon played to our Master’s strengths—an endless subterranean labyrinth of stone and enchanted golems. His attunement with earth mana made him... unstoppable. In addition, Magian Verdant has made some interesting findings between the relationship of the towers and their similarities to the dungeons.”This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Caelum allowed himself another pleased smirk. “Our Tower Master continues to prove invaluable.” He paused, resting a hand on the rune-carved window ledge. “Stone by stone, we reclaim what was stolen... and pave the path toward dominion.”


    A weighted silence followed, broken only by the hum of distant magic coursing through the Tower’s foundation.


    The Vice Tower Master’s expression shifted, his tone steady yet speculative as he brought up the Northern Isles to the Overseer. “Have you heard the reports from the Isles?” he asked, his voice carrying a note of cautious curiosity.


    The Overseer’s hooded figure tilted slightly, his face obscured but his attention clear. “Only fragments. New lands mean new opportunities, but the specifics are still unclear.”


    The Vice Tower Master nodded, his gaze distant as though envisioning the untouched lands. “Yes, the Central Region seems intent on claiming the Isles for humanity’s expansion. But with every discovery comes risk. I wonder—” he hesitated briefly, “—if those lands might hold secrets better left undisturbed.”


    The Overseer said nothing, his silence heavy with agreement.


    The Vice Tower Master shifted topics, his brow furrowing. “And what of the earthquakes in Bask? What’s your assessment?”


    The Overseer’s voice was low and deliberate. “The quakes were widespread, more than what we’d expect in our region. They were accompanied by... an unsettling presence, as many have reported. Something beneath the surface has stirred.”


    The Vice Tower Master’s unease deepened. “A presence strong enough to affect mana-sensitive individuals. Even our recruits reported faint traces of its influence, though they couldn’t describe it beyond a feeling of dread.”


    The Overseer crossed his arms, his voice grim. “It’s not just the quakes. The energy feels... malicious, unlike anything recent. Whatever stirs beneath Bask, it isn’t natural.”


    The Vice Tower Master drummed his fingers against the table, his mind churning with possibilities. “With the Tower Masters returning from their conquest, perhaps they’ll have insights. Rewards are expected, yes, but more than that—we need answers.”


    A tense silence filled the room as both men considered the implications.


    “It’s as if… something ancient has awakened.”


    The Vice Tower Master’s gaze grew distant, his mind racing through half-forgotten histories. He spoke slowly as if piecing together a grim puzzle:


    “The Earth Giants were eradicated from these lands long before humanity''s rise, even before our Fall. Their Giant King perished in the last age... but this trembling... it’s too similar to the stories.”


    His voice sharpened, a cold edge of certainty settling over his words. “If the Giants truly stir beneath the earth, then something triggered their awakening—a forgotten contingency of the alien race we once warred against. A final gambit.”


    The room fell into tense silence. He clenched his fists, unwilling to accept such a dire possibility, yet knowing the echoes of the past could not be ignored.


    “In ancient times, Bask belonged to the Earth Giants. Their kind was few, but their power was absolute. They could break continents and shape mountains with a thought. Their heads pierced the clouds, and only the most potent spiritual forces could harm them.”


    He drew a slow, steady breath. “We aren’t ready for them.”


    His gaze turned toward the horizon, mind fixed on the distant capital. Perhaps that was why the Tower Masters had been summoned—to prepare for a conflict far older and deadlier than any living memory could fathom.


    He could only hope they returned with answers... before it was too late.


    The room dimmed momentarily as clouds drifted past the windows, casting shifting shadows across the stone walls.