Velrion rose from his seat with calm deliberation. He then smoothing the front of his robes as if nothing unusual was about to happen. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

The movement itself drew every eye in the chamber toward him.

Around the circular table, the other Archmages exchanged uncertain glances. Confusion could be seen across their faces, yet none of them spoke to stop him.

Doubt and fear still remained, but another force had begun to grow stronger inside them now. That was curiosity.

They were not merely rulers of Magic. They were scholars who had spent lifetimes chasing truths hidden behind myth, history, and the limits of mortal understanding.

Countless secrets had been uncovered by their hands, yet none stood higher than the mystery of the Dragonborn.

If Velrion truly could summon such beings before them, then this moment would eclipse every discovery of their lives.

Without dramatic words, Velrion raised one hand.

Magic gathered instantly around his fingers in controlled spirals before space itself split open. A portal of deep blue light expanded in the center of the chamber. Its surface rippled like liquid crystal.

Ancient arrays carved into the floor reacted on instinct and glowed softly beneath the pressure released by the opening.

Then four figures stepped through it.

Two men, one young boy, and one woman with white hair emerged with steady confidence.

They wore no disguise, false veil, or concealment over what they were. There was no attempt to hide behind crafted Magic or humble appearances. They had come to be seen exactly as they were.

Erend walked first with composed calm. Eccar followed beside him with a grin that already carried amusement. Sylven moved with quiet balance, his presence deep and measured. Aesa stepped last, white hair falling over her shoulders while her expression remained cold and unreadable.

The chamber changed the instant they arrived.

A vast pressure spread to every corner like an unseen tide. It was not hostile, but it overwhelmed everything in the room.

The natural flow of Magic bent around them instinctively as if even the world’s energy recognized something far older and greater than itself.

The four Archmages around the table stiffened at the same time.

Kelor’s arms slowly lowered from his chest.

Morvain’s narrow eyes widened.

Selena forgot her composure entirely.

Lisara stared in open silence.

For several seconds, none of them could speak.

They had studied power their entire lives, but what stood before them did not feel like power in the ordinary sense. It felt fundamental, ancient, and terrifyingly real.

Velrion turned slightly away to hide the faint smirk tugging at his mouth. Watching these dignified figures lose their composure brought him a quiet satisfaction. Men and women of their rank never showed expressions like this before, after they rose to this position.

Erend, Sylven, and Eccar smiled at the sight before them. Eccar’s grin was by far the widest. Aesa remained unmoved. Her arms crossed and her gaze was indifferent as though this reaction had happened too many times to matter for her.

Erend stepped forward first and gave a respectful nod.

"Greetings, respectable Archmages."

For several lingering moments the chamber remained trapped in stunned silence before discipline slowly returned to those who had ruled Magic for decades.

One by one, the Archmages drew steady breaths and forced their expressions back under control.

Their movements were subtle, but the nervousness beneath them could not be fully hidden.

Kelor straightened his broad shoulders. Morvain adjusted the sleeve of his dark robe to occupy his hands. Selena lowered her gaze briefly before lifting it again with practiced grace. Lisara pressed her fingers together to still the tremor of surprise that had betrayed her.

Then greetings came back to Erend in measured voices, respectful yet strained by the sheer unreality of the moment.

Erend inclined his head again and spoke without delay.

"We cannot waste time. My friends and I will do whatever is necessary to convince you that the threat is real. If this world is to be protected, then we must act quickly."

His words spread through the hall, but each Archmage was already battling their own thoughts.

Kelor stared hard at the four visitors. "That pressure... no mortal commander or king ever carried such presence. If they wished violence, this chamber would already be in ruins."

Morvain’s sharp mind moved through possibilities and discarded them one after another.

"No illusion structure. No amplification ritual. No known species. Then what stands before me?"

Selena felt the currents of Magic bending unnaturally around them and struggled to comprehend it.

"Even the healing energies of this world seem to avoid disturbing them. It means that the world itself reacts with caution."

Lisara studied their calmness more than their strength. "Such power, yet no arrogance in posture. If they speak the truth, then the crisis must be greater than imagined."

Velrion watched them all in silence, recognizing the exact point where their disbelief had begun to collapse.

At last, Kelor stepped forward half a pace.

"I mean no disrespect," he said bluntly, though far more careful than before. "But I would need proof that is more... physical."

Erend only smiled and shook his head.

"Not a problem at all."

Then his body began to change.

Black and red scales spread across his skin in flowing patterns, forming a humanoid Dragon body that radiated heat and ancient force. Horned features sharpened along his face while burning eyes remained steady and controlled.

Beside him, Eccar laughed softly as brown and gold scales covered his frame, his presence becoming heavier like a mountain wrapped in sunlight.

Aesa changed next. Blue crystal-like scales formed over her body with gleaming facets that reflected cold light through the chamber. Her expression remained as indifferent as ever.

Sylven followed last. Green scales like ancient stone layered with moss rose across his form, carrying the quiet weight of ancient forests.

The chamber shook under the surge of released presence.

The Archmages felt awe strike them a second time, deeper than before. Even Velrion, who had seen it once already, now stood beside them and allowed himself no attempt to hide his own renewed amazement.

No myth remained. No doubt survived.

After several breaths, Lisara spoke first.

"We will help."

Selena nodded immediately after. Morvain gave a grave incline of his head. Kelor exhaled once and crossed his arms again, this time in acceptance rather than challenge.

They had been convinced.

—