A knock came early in the morning. While Molvar was still yawning, Karl had already risen to open the door. A soldier in a deep blue cloak gave a polite bow.
"Lord Varnhold requests your presence. All preparations for the ritual have been completed. Please follow me to the Silver Tower."
Molvar blinked. "What? A ritual this early? What about breakfast?"
Karl gave a faint smile, fastening his cloak. "We'll eat afterward. Now is the time to begin."
The sky above Solmere was still veiled in mist, with the first rays of sunlight piercing through tall stone arches like golden spears. They followed the soldier through ancient hallways, their footsteps echoing along walls etched with sea sigils and mythical creatures.
At the base of the Silver Tower, Sir Cedric awaited them. He nodded solemnly. "The Heart is waiting. Are you prepared to open the gate to the deepest chamber?"
Karl glanced at Molvar, then gave a firm nod. "We are ready."
Cedric opened a small box in his hand, revealing a key forged of black coral and silver, engraved with swirls like ocean waves.
The door would open. And whatever lay buried beneath Solmere was about to be unveiled.
The engraved stone door, swirling with oceanic patterns, slowly opened with a deep, echoing rumble like the voice of the sea itself. Karl and Molvar followed closely behind Sir Cedric, carrying the black coral key under heavy guard.
Inside, the chamber resembled a natural dome carved of blue crystal, softly illuminated by glowing marine stones. At its center stood a circular altar made of gray jade, etched with ancient glyphs, waiting silently.
Karl stepped forward, holding the ritual script copied from the Deep Library—an ancient rite to forge a new barrier for the Heart of the Sea. Molvar sighed, glancing around. "This feels like something straight out of legend."
Sir Cedric nodded. "The Lord has ordered that none may enter this chamber but you three. Once the barrier is sealed, it shall be a permanent defense against the Sea Kings."
Karl placed his hand on the altar and began to recite the ancient verses. The etched symbols began to glow, spreading light across the chamber like threads weaving an invisible net.
Molvar held the ritual components tightly: crimson coral, sacred seawater, and a shard of an ancient sea creature's scale—each one prepared exactly as required. As Karl spoke, he manipulated gravity to mold the barrier into a spiraling shell, locking the energy deep below.
The light grew stronger, mingling with the distant echoes of ocean waves. Then—whuum!—a pulse of blue light burst through the room, like a heartbeat resounding through the depths.
Sir Cedric knelt. "The new barrier... is complete."
Karl stepped back, closing his eyes, feeling the energy spiraling around the Heart. He knew—Solmere was now protected.
Sir Cedric turned, bowing his head slightly toward Karl and Molvar. His voice was deep and sincere.
— "You have accomplished something that Solmere will forever be grateful for. The Lord wishes to thank you personally."
He gestured for them to follow. Behind them, the massive stone door slowly closed, the soft blue glow fading into the cold stillness of the stone corridor.
Molvar leaned toward Karl and whispered,
— "For the first time, I feel like I'm part of something more than just clever jokes and reckless wandering."
Karl gave a small smile. But in his eyes, there was understanding—because even if unspoken, he too could feel it: destiny's threads were pulling tighter around them.
They followed Sir Cedric through halls paved with silver-tinted stone, passing walls etched with tales of Solmere's past—of deep-sea battles, colossal creatures that once threatened the city, and ancient seals that had long faded with time.
At last, the grand doors to the council chamber swung open. Bathed in the golden glow of crystal chandeliers stood Lord Albrecht Varnhold, waiting with a gaze that was stern, yet full of respect.