Earlier that day in the Guardian Chamber, the eleven Guardians sat once again in their designated seats, summoned by East for an urgent congregation.
"Are you saying you'll send the apprentices out there just to prove your point?!" Zephyr was the first to speak, his voice sharp and cutting through the quiet tension. It wasn't just a question—it was a direct criticism, laced with disbelief and rising frustration.
East remained standing near the edge of the elongated crystal table, its surface pulsing faintly with ethereal light. Cloud stood beside him, arms folded, expression unreadable. The two exchanged a knowing glance. They had expected this reaction—if not from Zephyr, then from several others in the room. After all, it was no small thing they were proposing.
But in the midst of voices on the brink of dissent, only one remained still: Sun.
