Erend gave a small nod after Velrion’s request, then his expression settled into complete seriousness.

The casual traces left by Eccar’s humor and the strangeness of the meeting faded as the true reason for their presence took center stage.

He spoke clearly, without exaggeration, as if the danger itself was already grave enough without embellishment.

He explained that what the people of this world called the Sky Anchor was not a sacred or natural construct at all. It was an artificial creation made long ago by a malevolent cosmic being whose power far surpassed anything native to this realm.

The structure had been planted here for a purpose that could not be good, and now its creator had begun searching for it once again.

At present, the being still had not located the exact position of its scattered creation but it was probing across dimensions and sending pressure through the fabric of the world. The strange disturbances in the air, the instability in Magic, and the subtle unrest spreading lately were all consequences of that search.

If they failed to act before the creator found it completely, then the being would no longer need to search quietly. It would unleash its full might upon this world.

Velrion listened without interruption. His face remained still, though every word settled heavily behind his eyes.

When Erend finished, silence held the room for a moment before Velrion answered with blunt honesty.

"I still cannot trust you yet."

The words came firm and direct. Beneath them, however, part of him understood the risk of speaking so openly to beings who could likely erase him without effort.

Fear existed there, buried deep and controlled. But he was the Archmage of this world. If he bent in fear now, then he would fail the very duty that defined him.

Erend only sighed softly.

"That is fair," he said. "I respect it, and I understand. But we truly are here to help protect this world."

Velrion narrowed his eyes. "Why?" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Erend did not hesitate in answering, "Because protecting worlds became our obligation the moment we were entrusted with this power."

Velrion studied him carefully then. Velrion looked directly into Erend’s eyes to search for vanity, deception, hidden ambition, or the countless small tells he had learned to read after years of dealing with rulers, liars, and desperate men.

He found none of it. What he saw instead was sincerity and a burden carried seriously.

That moved something in him.

"Alright," Velrion said at last. "Then tell me what must be done to stop this being."

Erend answered immediately.

"We need to rewrite the structure of the Sky Anchor itself. Its Magical design had to be changed so it could no longer serve as a tool of destruction or a usable instrument for its creator."

Velrion’s gaze shifted downward in thought.

"That would be extremely difficult," he said.

"I know," Erend replied. "That is why I need your help, and the help of the other experts who understand this world’s Magical structure better than anyone."

Velrion considered it again, then slowly nodded.

"I suppose we can discuss the deeper details later. I will arrange a meeting with the other experts."

"Thankyou, Archamga." Erend returned the nod, gratitude plain in his voice as he thanked him for the assistance.

Soon after, the meeting came to an end.

Velrion restored his disguise once more, the image of an ordinary old man covering the Archmage beneath, then departed into the night beyond the decrepit house.

When the door closed behind him, Erend looked toward Eccar, Aesa, and Sylven with a small smile.

They had expected far more resistance before coming here. They had prepared for suspicion, argument, and a longer effort to win Velrion over.

Instead, the Archmage had listened faster than expected and moved toward cooperation with less struggle than they feared. For their situation, that was a welcome victory.

"For now I think we should wait," he said. "And... hope for the best."

Sylven’s voice came calm and measured, carrying the patience of someone who understood that some battles could not be won through force alone. As much as they wanted this to proceed further, forcing would only give away the chance they already have.

The words were simple, yet they matched the truth of their situation perfectly.

They had done what they could tonight. Velrion had listened. He had not rejected them. More importantly, he had agreed to gather the minds needed for what came next. Beyond that, pressing harder now would only risk damaging the fragile trust they had just begun to build.

Erend gave a slow nod first. He understood better than anyone how much now rested on cooperation rather than strength.

Eccar rolled his shoulder and nodded as well. But for him though, impatience flickered faintly in his expression.

Waiting had never suited him, but even he knew this part could not be rushed.

Aesa remained with her arms crossed, silent as always, then gave the smallest tilt of her head in agreement.

Seeing that there was nothing more to discuss, Sylven stepped forward and raised one hand.

Magic gathered around his fingers in smooth currents before expanding outward into a circular portal of plants and vines and leaves like before covered in green light. Its surface shimmered like liquid glass, illuminating the worn interior of the decrepit house once more.

Without ceremony, they moved toward it. Eccar entered first with casual confidence. Aesa followed without a word. Erend cast one last glance around the decrepit room where an unlikely beginning of alliance that would determine the fate of this world had begun, then stepped through as well.

Sylven and Yohn remained only long enough to ensure nothing had been left behind.

Then they crossed the threshold together.

The portal contracted in silence and vanished completely, leaving the old house dark, empty, and still as if no one had ever been there at all.

Beyond that emptiness and calmness, the world’s malevolent energy had begin to stir.

—