Luna's small figure was engulfed in a sea of chaos.
The sounds of shouting, crying, and curses tangled around her eardrums like a mass of tangled threads, yet they could not disturb the tranquility of her heart, which was as calm as a deep pool.
Her emerald green eyes were clear enough to seem all-seeing, sharply detecting a strange ripple in the air—a cold, dark magical aura lurking like a venomous snake in the shadows, flicking its crimson tongue.
This aura was eerily similar to the dark magic she had encountered during her time as a Great Mage, sending a shiver down her spine.
An ominous premonition spread through her heart; some conspiracy was quietly brewing within the seemingly peaceful Magic Castle.
She grasped Qin Si's hand tightly; her soft little hand held an undeniable strength. "Aunt Cessy," she said urgently, her voice lowered to a whisper that only they could hear, "I need to see Grandmother, right now!"
Qin Si looked at the rare urgency in Luna's eyes and felt a chill run down her spine, becoming acutely aware of the gravity of the situation.
Without a moment's hesitation, she led Luna through the chaotic crowd toward the Old Lady's residence.
Luna relayed the dark magic aura she had sensed to Aelia.
Upon hearing this, Aelia's face turned ashen, as if a vibrant rose had wilted in an instant.
Her long-held fears for her family's safety poured out like a flood breaking through a dam at that moment.
Trembling hands tightly embraced Luna as if clutching onto the last lifeline, her eyes filled with terror and unease.
"Luna, my child," her voice quivered with a hint of despair, "are we truly facing annihilation at the Glorious Demon Fortress?"
Luna gently patted Aelia's back, trying to soothe her frantic emotions.
"Mother, don't worry. We'll find a way to solve this." Her youthful voice carried an unexpected steadiness and determination, like a beacon of light illuminating Aelia's despairing heart.
When her elder brother learned of the situation, his already pale face grew even graver.
His slender hands gripped the armrests of his wheelchair tightly, knuckles turning white from the strain.
The painful memories of the Magic Backlash surged back to him, sending chills deep into his bones.
He knew that if this Dark Magic truly swept through the Magic Castle, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Suppressing his discomfort, a newfound determination shone in his eyes.
"I can no longer be a useless person," he said in a low voice tinged with resolve. "I must protect my family and safeguard my Magic Castle." He immediately ordered his servants to bring all the books on Dark Magic from his study, diving into frantic research, hoping to uncover a way to thwart the looming conspiracy.
His brow furrowed, his expression grave, he stood like an unyielding mountain.
The reaction of Second Brother was even more intense.
Upon hearing the news, he sprang up from his chair, his face pale and fists clenched tightly, Ailya's White Nails digging deep into his flesh without him even noticing.
"Not again, not again!" he shouted in anguish, memories of being deceived by a close friend flooding his mind. The taste of betrayal gnawed at his heart like a venomous snake.
He realized he could not repeat the past; he could not allow his family to fall into danger again.
"I will investigate," he declared firmly, guilt and determination flickering in his eyes. "I must uncover the mastermind behind this and protect my family." He turned and strode out of the room, his figure disappearing down the corridor, leaving behind a resolute silhouette.
Brother San, the boy who had once squandered his training due to Talent Misguidance, now felt an unprecedented pressure.
He recalled Luna's teachings and the expectations of his family, a strong sense of responsibility swelling within him.
No longer lost or hesitant, he understood that he needed to make a change.
He headed straight for the Training Ground, practicing magic diligently. Sweat soaked through his clothes, yet it did nothing to shake his resolve.
His figure stood tall amidst the glow of magic, like a sapling growing robustly, full of life and vitality.
Watching her family strive to protect the Magic Castle filled Luna with a warm current in her heart.
She knew that she was no longer fighting alone; she had family, she had friends, and together they would face this crisis.
She walked to the window, gazing at the darkening sky outside, her eyes shimmering with determination.
"This game has only just begun..." she murmured softly, a hint of coldness lacing her voice.
Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks shattered the tranquility of the room.
"Madam, it's not good..." came the panicked voice of Knight from outside the door.
Qin Si stood nearby, her eyes slightly red.
Having served Madam Aelia for many years, she had long considered the Glorious Demon Fortress her home.
Now that their home was on the brink of collapse, how could she stand by and do nothing?
Looking at Luna's small figure, which seemed to harbor endless strength, and then at the few young masters who stood up for their family, a warm current surged in her heart, dispelling her fears.
"Madam, please let me take care of Miss. Rest assured, I will stay by her side without leaving," Qin Si said softly as she approached Aelia, her tone filled with an unprecedented resolve.
She knew her own abilities were limited and that she couldn't confront the enemy on the battlefield. However, she could provide logistical support to ensure that the ladies could face the crisis with peace of mind.
Aelia gratefully took Qin Si's hand, her eyes filled with trust.
"Qin Si, I'm so glad to have you," she said, knowing Qin Si's unwavering loyalty and believing that she would take good care of Luna.
At that moment, Lucius hurried in as well.
His expression was serious as he quickly approached his older brother, Second Brother, and Brother San. "I've heard about it too. The situation is urgent; we must unite and face this together."
"Third Brother, it's great to have you here," the eldest brother said weakly. He knew that although Lucius often acted carefree, he would never falter when it truly mattered.
Several brothers sat around the desk in the study, the atmosphere tense and serious.
The eldest brother spoke first, sharing his insights from researching Dark Magic.
The Second Brother detailed the information he had gathered about suspicious individuals within the Magic Castle.
Brother San also actively contributed his thoughts and suggestions.
Lucius, drawing on his years of experience outside, analyzed the potential external threats that might exist.
“The most critical task now is to identify the mastermind behind this,” Lucius said, tapping the table and speaking in a low voice. “Only by finding the source can we resolve the issue completely.”
As the group discussed their strategies, a shadowy figure moved stealthily deep within the Magic Castle.
It was Leonard's Concubine, a woman named Selena, known for her seductive charm.
She wore a Fire Red Starry Gown that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure.
Her face was adorned with exquisite makeup, but it could not conceal the malice and venom lurking in her eyes.
Selena cautiously avoided patrolling Knights and made her way to a secluded courtyard.
After ensuring no one was around, she pulled out a black crystal ball from her bosom.
The surface of the crystal ball was covered in strange runes, emanating an unsettling aura.
“How is the plan progressing?” Selena whispered to the crystal ball, her tone filled with flattery and respect.
A Raspy Voice emanated from the crystal ball: “Everything is going smoothly. The Glorious Demon Fortress has already fallen under my Dark Magic and will soon descend into chaos. At that time, it will be our best opportunity to take over.”
Upon hearing this, a triumphant smile spread across Selena's face.
"Master, your wisdom is unmatched! Once we take control of the Glorious Demon Fortress, we will surely not forget your kindness."
"Hmph, don't forget the terms you promised me," Raspy Voice replied coldly. "After the deed is done, I want Aelia's Bloodline."
Selena's smile froze instantly, but she suppressed her displeasure and respectfully said, "Rest assured, Master. I will complete the task."
After ending the call, Selena tucked away the crystal ball, her eyes glinting with a conspiratorial light.
She caressed her smooth face, secretly plotting, "Aelia, you could never imagine that the Glorious Demon Fortress you have painstakingly built will ultimately be destroyed by my hands."
Little did she know, her actions had already been observed by a pair of watchful eyes.
After sending Aelia away, Qin Si felt an unsettling anxiety creeping over her.
She recalled seeing Selena's sneaky figure in the garden earlier and felt even more uneasy.
To be cautious, she quietly followed Selena and unexpectedly discovered her secret.
"This woman is definitely up to something!" Qin Si cursed silently from her hiding spot.
She knew she was no match for Selena, but she had to inform the lady about this news.
Just as Qin Si prepared to leave, Selena seemed to sense something and suddenly turned around, her gaze piercing like a venomous snake towards Qin Si's hiding place.
"Who is it? Show yourself!" Selena shouted fiercely, her voice laced with murderous intent.
Realizing she had been exposed, Qin Si dared not hesitate any longer and immediately turned to flee.
Seeing this, Selena quickly gave chase, and the two engaged in a frantic pursuit through the Magic Castle.
Meanwhile, Lucius felt a lingering unease after discussing matters with his brothers.
He always felt that something seemed to have been overlooked.
He stood up and walked to the window, gazing out at the pitch-black night sky.
"I have a strange feeling that something will happen tonight..." Lucius murmured, a hint of worry in his voice.
Suddenly, a piercing sound shattered the tranquility of the night.
Lucius's expression changed, and he immediately dashed out of the room.
His elder brother, Second Brother, and Brother San followed closely behind, racing toward the direction from which the sound had come.
"This is bad, something has happened!" The elder brother's face turned pale, filled with unease.
At that moment, a panicked voice from the Knight reached them: "It's bad, my Lord... my Lord, he..."
The Knight's voice abruptly cut off, as if someone had grasped his throat.
A sense of foreboding surged in everyone's hearts.
The air was thick with a suffocating sense of oppression.
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