Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 698: The Academy ()

The Dragon Dynasty had stood the test of time and faced countless challenges to their supreme rule, and yet came out on top, it was well documented in the history books that their reign had never been easy by any means.

From being surrounded on all sides by enemies and races harboring traitorous intentions, to the ever looming shadow of the dark empire, even to internal strife albeit rare, there had been many pivotal moments in the history of the stronghold.

The dragon dynasty was always a good number of steps ahead, they were inarguably well equipped for any changes the stronghold would likely face, all but one.

The disappearance of a monarch...

Not just any monarch but the supreme monarch, not even the dragon dynasty had been prepared or could have adequately prepared for such an event.

The disappearance of a monarch was very much different from the death of a monarch. At least, in the event of death, succession options would immediately be considered, bringing forth the ambitions of the finest amongst the dragon lords.

The dragon throne would have a new owner, and the affairs of the stronghold would proceed as normal once the mourning period was completed.

But the disappearance of a monarch meant just one thing...a standstill, a stalemate.

There would be no advancement or retreat, nothing could be altered or corrected, no drastic decisions could be made, everything just... stopped.

And all that mattered, all that could be fought for was to preserve the stable state until something could actually be done. All that mattered was for the dynasty to persevere and await the return of their monarch. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

An indefinite time of waiting...

So far, to the common man, the stronghold looked much the same. The powers in authority had taken charge appropriately and held it together,

But only when one looked closely could one see the cracks, wide cracks that grew more and more apparent with each moment the stalemate lasted.

Cracks that could very well spread to the roots of the stronghold and send it all falling apart at the slightest mistake.

Neveah understood it the moment she stepped into the Riders Academy, that there was nothing that had been unaffected by Jian’s disappearance.

Her gaze roamed around the familiar courtyard of the academy. And the towers of learning that were visible from the entrance, as well as the vast landing range for the dragons who would often pick up their riders as well as send them to the academy before departing to carry out their duties.

Everywhere looked much the same as it had been when Neveah had first stepped through the doors of the academy.

More than that, the academy was quiet...it usually was. But this time, it was a different kind of silence, it was an absence of life, of the vigor and excitement of its students, the dragon lords that would arrive at one point or the other, the training grounds of Master Heather and her students...every turn was utterly desolate.

"The academy students have all been summoned back for duties and academic activities shut down temporarily. With three squadrons ordered to the border by My Liege...we were not certain if recalling the squadrons would interrupt his plans."

"We might also need them to provide swift aid if My Liege requires it. We needed to reinforce patrol to all the border lands to each of the races as a warning to deter them from taking advantage of these times."

"As such, our forces within Keep Skies and its environs are spread thin...every able bodied dragon and rider pair have been assigned." Imagor relayed to Neveah, sensing the question before she even uttered it.

"Also, the riders are the life and death of my kin. In such a situation, having so many riders in one place can make for an easy target...it is not the first time such a thing has happened. If anything were to go wrong, too many dragon lords will fall alongside their riders."

"It is our emergency protocol, that all riders, especially recently bonded must stick by the side of their dragons, not being parted for even a moment in a statewide emergency... this way, they can depend on and protect one another without anyone left exposed and vulnerable." Imagor added.

"You have had to take extra caution. You have done well, Imagor." Neveah said with a nod of understanding.

"I only fear, it will not be enough for much longer. There has already been an infiltration of Dragon Keep, hijacking of a special portal, all which could never be dared in Jian’s presence."

"And now this... things are not as in order as they should be. Jian places great faith in us, to the point of entrusting his throne and life, and this is the best we can do...it is laughable." Imagor replied, his brows furrowed slightly.

"Nothing that has happened testifies to the inadequacy of the King’s guard, Imagor. It only testifies that enemies will do what they do...bide their time and latch onto the slightest opportunity. Do not for one moment contemplate that you are inadequate..."

"Standing in for the Dragon King is a feat no one else could have so efficiently achieved...and he would not be the Dragon King we revere if he is so easily replaced. Your job is not to make it so that Jian’s absence is not felt... your job is to uphold his honour and legacy till he returns to set things straight." Neveah reminded.

Imagor nodded, "For one who has only seen two decades, your insight is humbling." Imagor admitted.

"I have seen enough in these two decades..let us find Zephyr first." Neveah said, shaking her head slightly.

"I will take to the skies and scan the perimeter for Zephyr, I will liaison with Kirgan before rejoining you. You head to the courtroom first and take charge, convey words to me through Narx and I will do the same." Imagor suggested a split.

"Understood." Neveah agreed and headed off towards the courtroom.