Inside a dimly lit room, seven old yet powerful figures could be seen sitting around a round table in the middle of the room.
The room was plain but the atmosphere inside the room was heavy.
One of the figures gazed at the white-haired old man sitting at the head seat. The old man was the strongest person present in the room, not just in the room he was one of the strongest in the whole East Continent.
The person's name was Ratric Troy. He was the Principal of the Royal Academy.
"Sir, what did the Central continent say?"
The white-haired old man gazed at the person who spoke. It was George the Vice Principal of Royal Academy.
"They are willing to help but it's only because the situation is even more dangerous than we thought."
George's expression was grim. Even the five elders of the Royal Academy sitting around the round table wore dark expressions.
With knitted brows, Elder Han who was sitting beside George looked at the Principal.
"Did they confirm the presence of Monster Lord?"
Ratric nodded. He was the one who first wandered around the Dark forest after they discovered the monster's unusual behavior.
"After I confirmed the presence of the Monster Lord. The kings immediately contacted the Central continent. At first, they were in denial because for the past few hundred years, the Dark Forest had been quiet and no monster above (S+)-Rank had appeared."
"The Central continent sent an elite team to the dark forest for investigation. The leader of the elite team was a person who recently broke through to (SS-)-Rank."
The Principal paused for a second.
"The whole team died."
Some audible gasps sounded inside the room and the elders started whispering. The Principal massaged his temples and continued.
"Even though the team died, they captured a few-second video on an artifact and instantly transferred it to their King. The Central continent saw the content of the Video."
"Not one, there are two Monster Lords!"
The Principal clenched his fist and stood up with a serious expression. The Central continent was bigger than the east Continent but there were only three Kingdoms. Also, the continent was ruled by humans. Some other races lived among the humans but they were in the minority.
"What two Monster Lords?"
"How is this even possible!"
"If they attacked the East Continent would be the first to suffer! No east Continent would be destroyed!"
Everyone present inside the room panicked. Vice Principal George waved his hand and ordered everyone to stay quiet. He looked at the standing old man.
"Sir, I believe the monster lords aren't the only problem we are going to face."
Everyone's expression became ugly. That's right if the Monster Lords attacked they would be able to deal with them after suffering some casualties but the Monster Lords never attacked alone.
The hordes of monsters following the monster lord's command were the ones who were the real threat!
In the east Continent, among the five Kingdoms, only two persons had reached (SSS)-Rank. One was standing in front of them and the second was an elf from the elves' Kingdom but even though they were powerful they were old.
Even in the Central continent, only 3 people have reached (SSS)-Rank. Their combined strength could defeat the Monster Lords but who will take care of the monster hordes?
The Principal sat down again and picked up a glass of water.
"You are right George. In the captured Video, hundreds of (SS) and (S)-Rank Monsters were seen which is why even the Central continent is in panic. If they don't help the east Continent they will be the next target of the Monster Lords."
"The West Continent was neutral at first but after seeing the video they are also sending help. According to their estimation, the monster lords will attack within 7-8 years because after reaching the legendary ranks they are sleeping."
Everyone showed a surprised expression when they heard the West Continent was also willing to help.
On the Blue Planet, there were a total of 4 continents. East, West, Central, and Sea.
The East Continent was the home of many races but the Central continent was ruled by humans. On the other hand, the west Continent was ruled by Elves, demi-humans, and Dwarfs. There were a total of six small Kingdoms present inside the west Continent. It was shorter than the Central continent but it was the most advanced continent.
Lastly the Sea continent. It wasn't present on land, just like its name suggested it was under the sea. No human or any other race had seen the Continent but according to the rumours there was only a single Kingdom in the Sea continent called 'Gylexia'. It was ruled by the 'Rulers of Water' mermaids.
The mermaids were a race that never appeared on land. They always stayed inside the water. That's why everyone knew just like before the Sea continent would never give a helping hand.
There was a frown on George's face as he looked at the Principal.
"The West Continent has a lot of strong people. If they helped maybe we can minimize the casualties."
Principal Ratric nodded. The west continent was indeed strong. He suddenly took out a scroll from his storage ring.
"I wanted to stay inside the dark forest to observe the situation but had to return because of this."
He threw the scroll at Elder Han who caught it instantly.
"What's this?"
With a frown, Elder Han opened the scroll but his expression darkened. With a loud bang, he stood up from his seat.
"Had the Central continent lost its mind. How can they think about opening the 'Ancient lumbra Relam' at such a time!"
The other Elder's reaction was very similar to Elder Han's. Their eyes widened with shock.
No one knew the origin of 'Ancient Lumbra Relam'. According to some ancient books, the realm was made by an Ancient being who later became immortal and left.
The principal placed his hand on his forehead with a serious expression.
"I tried to stop them but the Central continent is hell-bent on opening the Realm. Even the East Continent kings have agreed. It's seemed they want to nurture some talented individuals."
A vein bugle on Elder Han's forehead.
"They want to nurture or kill everyone? The last time the Realm was opened the mana fluctuations destroyed a whole city! Almost 80 percent of the young kids who entered the realm died. Why the hell do they want to open it again? I know the Realm is filled with treasures and Ancient inheritance but it's the most dangerous place on this planet!"
He shouted with frustration but the Principal only shook his head. The decision wasn't up to them. If the rulers said that they were going to open the Realm there was no way they could stop them.
George stood up and tapped Elder Han's shoulder to calm him down.
With a deep breath, Elder Han just gazed at the scroll. It was an official invitation. He was an array master and the Central continent needed a lot of array masters to open the Portal of the Ancient Lumbra Realm.
"I am out. I am never going to open that thing! Never in this life."
He said and just threw the scroll away but Principal Ratric waved his hand and the scroll flew back on the table.
"Han, we can't fight with the Central continent right now. The West Continent is supporting them in this decision. If we decline they will not help us in the fight with the Monster lords."
"I am telling you they have definitely lost their minds!"
Elder Han wanted to throw the scroll away again but George stopped him and looked at the Principal.
"When are they going to open the Realm?"
"Within 2 years."
"Do we have to send our people? Did they say how are they going to pick the ones who will enter the Realm?"
Principal Ratric nodded.
"Each Kingdom will send two hundred individuals. The Academies will be given Privilege to send their students and the powerful individuals can recommend their disciples and anyone capable. The news about the Realm will be hidden from the public to avoid panic."
"Unlike the Tower, the Ancient Realm didn't have any age or number restriction because everyone who is lower than (A)-Rank can enter the Realm. The Central continent only placed a single rule, only those who have talent above (S-)-Rank will be allowed to enter the Realm."
The temperature inside the room was cold because Elder Han and some more Elders were angry but everyone present inside the room was capable enough to withstand the pressure.
Principal Ratric gazed at Elder Han.
"Han, you have to leave for the Central Continent six months later. It will take time to open the Realm Portal that's why they asked for a lot of Array masters."
With a reluctant expression, Elder Han nodded his head and placed the scroll inside his storage ring.
Principal Ratric sighed and gazed at George.
"George, the King had given me the task to select 200 capable individuals from Kingdom Escalante. You will talk to the other Academies present inside the Kingdom about this matter."
"At the end of this year, we will hold a tournament among all the Academies present inside the Kingdom to select capable individuals. After the tournament, we will select those individuals who are strong and have talent above (S-)-Rank."
Vice Principal George nodded. Slowly everyone left the room, leaving behind the white-haired old man who was thinking how are they going to protect their home Kingdom.
