Shadow Over the Heavenly Throne

The palace gardens remained quiet, bathed in the gentle morning glow. Sylphia sat alone at the table, resting her cheek on her hand. Thoughts swirled in her mind, but none brought a satisfying answer.

Her mother’s words still echoed in her head. "Every great person needs someone by their side..."

A personal maid. Her mother never made decisions lightly, so Sylphia knew this had meaning. It wasn’t just a gesture of etiquette but something meant to help her. Veynessa always had a reason for her actions.

She sighed, tracing her fingers over the table’s surface. The air smelled of damp earth and fresh flower petals. It was nice just to sit, without orders, without formalities. But she knew it wouldn’t last long.

"Your Highness," Selene’s composed, steady voice came from a few steps away. "Would you like anything else before returning to the palace?"

Sylphia lifted her gaze to her.

"Selene, what exactly is the role of a personal maid?" she asked directly.

Selene showed no surprise, as if she had anticipated the question.

"A personal maid ensures their lady’s daily affairs are in order. They provide support, offer counsel, and ensure both comfort and safety."

Sylphia pondered for a moment.

"And what does that mean for a cultivator?" she pressed further.

"Some are merely symbolic aids. But others… can become something more. A sparring partner, a confidant, or even someone who, in critical moments, can lend their energy. It depends on the bond you choose to form," Selene explained.

Sylphia nodded, saying nothing immediately. Her mother had certainly thought this through. Perhaps it was worth giving it a chance.

After a brief silence, she looked at Selene again. "And what about cultivation techniques?"

Selene raised an eyebrow slightly but answered without hesitation. "Cultivation techniques can be divided into several main categories. First are supportive techniques, which enhance the body and mind. Second are combat techniques, allowing Qi to be used in battle. There are also spiritual techniques, which affect perception, and spatial techniques, which manipulate the surroundings."

"And how does that relate to cultivation roots?" Sylphia furrowed her brows, trying to process the information.

"A cultivation root determines how efficiently one can absorb and control Qi," Selene explained in her usual composed tone. "The stronger the root, the easier it is to master techniques and progress rapidly. Some roots are more compatible with specific cultivation paths. For instance, someone with a fire root excels in fire-based techniques, which focus on fierce and destructive attacks, whereas a person with a wood root is better suited for support and healing techniques."

Selene paused briefly before adding, "There are also rare, unique roots that don’t fit into any classification. Such individuals often carve their own cultivation paths, transcending traditional divisions."

Sylphia remained silent for a moment, analyzing Selene’s words. She still didn’t fully understand the extent of her potential. What path should she choose? Would her talent be enough to achieve greatness?

Taking a deep breath, she knew one thing for certain—right now, all she could do was absorb Qi until exhaustion. If she wanted any chance in the future, she had to prepare her body as best as possible before her root awakened.

"Thank you, Selene. Let’s return." She stood up, brushing off her gown. Her thoughts still swirled, but she knew the answers would come with time.

***

The royal audience chamber was dimly lit, shielded from the sun by heavy curtains. Queen Veynessa sat at a grand table, stacks of documents spread before her. Unlike the serene morning in the gardens, tension filled the room.

"Are you certain?" Her voice was cold and measured, though something sharp gleamed in her eyes.

Velren, a tall man with dark hair and piercing eyes, nodded. He held a folded parchment in his hands, which he slid across the table to the queen.

"The aura of the guardian in the Misty Labyrinth suddenly vanished," he said slowly. "The entity that had protected that place for centuries has disappeared without a trace."

Veynessa tightened her grip on the parchment.

"Was there any disturbance? Signs of battle?"

"None. No signs of destruction. It simply… vanished."

Veynessa narrowed her eyes and leaned back slightly in her chair. "This makes no sense." Her voice was cold, but it was clear she was deep in thought. "It's as if a mountain that had stood for centuries simply vanished in an instant."

Veleren crossed his arms over his chest. "Then we need to send a scouting party. If this wasn't a natural anomaly, someone must have had a hand in it. We need information."

The Queen studied him carefully before nodding. "You're right. This is the best course of action for now. I will personally inform my husband." She rose gracefully, as if she had already made up her mind. "This is not something we can afford to ignore."

Veynessa walked through the long palace corridors until she reached the doors of her husband's private chambers. The guards immediately stepped aside, opening the way for her. Inside, seated at a grand desk of dark wood, her husband was staring intently at a stack of documents.

"Veynessa?" He lifted his gaze, noticing the serious expression on her face. "Has something happened?"

The Queen stepped closer and, without preamble, placed Velren's report before him.

"The Misty Labyrinth. The guardian has vanished without a trace. No signs of battle, no destruction. It simply... disappeared. As if it had never existed."

Aldrich furrowed his brow and carefully read through the report. His hands tightened slightly around the edges of the document.

"That's impossible." He looked up at her. "If that entity truly disappeared, then someone or something had a reason for it. We cannot ignore this."

"I have already ordered a scouting party to be sent," Veynessa announced. "But this may be bigger than we realize. The Misty Labyrinth is not an ordinary place. If something is happening there, we cannot afford to wait until the situation escalates."

The King set the parchment aside and rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought for a moment.

"We need to send Deymos and Maelthorn along with the scouting party. If this is a precursor to something greater, we must ensure our best people are on-site to assess the situation."

Veynessa nodded. "Let General Kaelrith join them as well. I'd rather send a force too strong than one too weak."

Aldrich studied her intently before giving a nod. "You're right. If someone or something was capable of making the guardian of the Misty Labyrinth simply disappear, we can't take any chances. Kaelrith will accompany the expedition and take command. It’s better to have someone on hand who can respond immediately if needed."

Aldrich stood, straightening his royal cloak. "I will inform them personally."