Chapter 63: Chapter 63: System's Revelation

Fathoran smiled, but there was no warmth in that gesture. "Whatever is necessary to protect this family and this city. As I have done for the last hundred years."

With a wave of his hand, the black stone immobilizing the Summoners began to vanish. Slowly, they regained mobility, though none dared to move.

"You will come with me," Fathoran ordered. "We will find this Elio and resolve this matter once and for all. And I warn you," he added, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper, "if any of you try to eliminate each other or continue this absurd dispute, there will be consequences."

The rabbit on his head seemed to stir, its red eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. For a moment, Fathoran's image seemed to distort, as if an ancient and powerful shadow was projected behind him.

"Now, move," Fathoran commanded, heading towards the exit. "We have a young soldier to find."

As they followed Fathoran out of the room, each of the Summoners was lost in their own thoughts. Estin and Mordred, satisfied that action would finally be taken against Elio, but fearful of their father's wrath. Selene and Raelar, desperate to find a way to warn Lucien and protect Elio. Lotar and Varen, carrying Kairos, simply trying to stay out of the line of fire.

Fathoran led the procession, his figure emanating an aura of power and authority.

♢♢♢♢

Rewinding a bit in time...

Lucien, Ivan, and Elio arrived at the wall, their footsteps echoing on the stone as they advanced.

Lucien paused, his eyes scanning the familiar structures of the wall. This place had been his home for so long, where he had trained, fought, and grown. Now, it felt like the stage for an imminent battle.

"Ivan," Lucien said, turning to the old soldier. "I need you to gather as many soldiers as you can on the wall's parapet. An extraordinary meeting."

Ivan nodded, his face a mask of determination. "Yes, sir. How much time do we have?"

Lucien looked towards the city, as if he could see through the streets and buildings to the elders' complex. "I don't know," he admitted. "But every minute counts. Hurry."

As Ivan left to carry out his task, Lucien guided Elio to his office. The young soldier seemed overwhelmed, his eyes constantly moving, as if expecting the elders to appear at any moment.

He opened the book, his eyes scanning the pages. "Listen, everyone," he began. "This is what the Creator really left us..."

As Lucien read, the expressions of those present changed from confusion to amazement, and finally to a mixture of fear and determination. The truth about the Goddess, the mana deposits... Each revelation seemed to shake the foundations of their world.

Zara listened with her arms crossed, her brow furrowed in concentration. Ren absorbed every word, his analytical mind working at full speed. Kriz and Brok exchanged looks of amazement, while Micah maintained his usual calm, though his eyes shone with interest.

Varick, for his part, seemed to be struggling internally, the truth facing his years of foundation on privilege and tradition.

"Why?" Brok asked, his voice a low growl. "Why hide something like this from us?"

Varick responded. "Power," he said, his voice bitter. "Control. It's easier to rule when you have a monopoly on strength. Although I think it's an inefficient method if that book tells the truth."

Elio looked at Varick in surprise, remembering their past confrontations. "I never thought I'd hear you say something like that."

Varick shrugged, an ironic smile on his lips. "Things change, Elian. Even I can feel when the horizon gets dark."

"Varick is right," Lucien said. "But there's also fear. Fear of the unknown, of losing control. The elders have borne the weight of protecting the city for generations. They've made difficult decisions, some... questionable."

♢♢♢♢

When they reached the most concerning parts...

Lucien looked at the young people gathered in his office, his face tense but determined. "Elio," he said, turning to the young soldier. "You've read the Book of Genesis. Tell them what you discovered about the population limit."

Elio nodded, his expression serious. "The book reveals a terrifying truth," he began. "There's a population limit for our city: one million one hundred thousand inhabitants. If we exceed it, among other things, the barriers that protect us will cease to function."

A sepulchral silence fell over the room. Zara was the first to break it, her voice laden with disbelief. "Wait a damn second. Are you saying that if we have too many babies, we all die?"

"Essentially, yes," Elio confirmed. "And we're dangerously close to that limit. We've already reached a million."