In the dark room, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Five individuals gathered around a round table exchanged glances laden with suspicion, trying to ensure that the dim light would not reveal their identities. The tension peaked as this meeting was anything but ordinary; the decisions made here had the potential to shape the future of their nation and impact the fragile geopolitical relationships between Gaia, Earth, and Nation Gamma. They were caught in a prolonged conflict that had begun with a major incident, tearing apart a peace agreement and fostering distrust among these three entities. In this context, they questioned themselves about what steps to take next to avoid even worse consequences.

  “Are we ready to take this step?” one of them asked, his voice hoarse yet firm. "Atlantis will be the key to influencing all our demands, if we can seize it. However, we are also aware of its history—there will be unpredictable consequences,” he continued, referring to the magical powers said to envelop Atlantis, which is believed to grant extraordinary strength to its ruler. Renowned in world mythology as a center of knowledge and power, Atlantis is something each nation involved in this conflict longs for. Yet, the division that has arisen between Gaia, Earth, and Gamma with the rediscovery of Atlantis's location has added a complicated layer to the already existing conflict, forcing them to reconsider every step they take.

  About ten years ago, a major incident occurred: a hidden magical portal suddenly opened, bringing numerous supernatural beings into their world. As a result, diplomatic relations between the three nations worsened significantly. Gaia and Earth, united against this invasion, blamed Nation Gamma, viewing it as the party that facilitated the portal's opening. Tension continuously governed every decision and contact among these nations. That time was filled with uncertainty and chaos, reinforcing the belief that the use of Atlantis's magical power could exacerbate the situation, forcing them to reconsider whether cooperation or conflict was the best option.

  “This proposal is about more than just power,” the second individual continued in a cold voice, emphasizing the importance of the decision. “It’s about our survival. Are we going to allow the dark call of the past to demand us again? Or will we fight for a stable future?” In their minds, the three groups were part of a dangerous chess game, where one wrong move could mean disaster. Each choice on the table would not only affect them, but also the fate of every person living under the aegis of these three nations, heightening the intrigue surrounding the potential impacts of their decisions.

  Meanwhile, in another part of this dark room, five people gathered around a round table. The darkness was so thick that they could not recognize each other's faces, creating an atmosphere that was tense and shrouded in secrecy. Outside, a thick fog cloaked the streets of a city devastated by long-standing conflict. Those inside were acutely aware that every decision made tonight could alter the fate of Gaia, Earth, and Country Gamma forever, or perhaps prolong the suffering they had endured for years.

  “Do you agree with this proposal?” asked the first person, his voice somewhat growling; from his tone, it seemed he was not in favor of the proposal he had just voiced. “This is extremely dangerous if anyone finds out about it. Chaos could reign again in this world, just like ten years ago,” he continued. The conflict that erupted a decade ago was rooted in the betrayal that occurred when Atlantis—a legendary island and center of magical power—fell victim to greed and ambitions for power, leading to a rift among the three nations now struggling to control the remnants of its strength.

  “There are still people debating this, even though everyone wishes to forget that event. What is this child thinking?” asked the second person, her voice indicating that she was a woman. “Sometimes the past must be forgotten; what good does it do to dig up a day when everyone mourned?” She recalled Atlantis's role as a balance of magic between Gaia and Earth and how the presence of the remaining magical artifacts in the ruins of Atlantis now creates tension—some factions are willing to do anything to seize them, even though such actions could reopen old wounds that should have remained closed.

  “Hmm… I feel as though I've lived long enough in this world, yet I cannot shake my desire to enjoy life, to learn, and to keep learning. Looking at this proposal, I find myself curious about what remains unknown—the reason behind it…” said the third person. In his mind, he envisioned a past filled with mystery and wonder in Atlantis, where politics and magic intertwined to create a civilization that was balanced yet vulnerable.

  “Still, your ego could destroy us all,” replied the second person. He emphasized that their individual ambitions and discontent could tear the group apart once again, leading to the same ruin experienced a decade ago when a powerful alliance collapsed due to betrayed trust. He recalled that during that time, when the Artifact of Atlantis last appeared, a great battle ensued among three nations, with their sorcerer leaders competing fiercely for power. Currently, the presence of the long-lost artifact once again ignites deadly tensions between Gaia, Earth, and Gamma, with stakes much higher than ever before.

  “You might think so. If everything is done with the heart, can you truly read the hearts of others? The human heart is like a labyrinth with no end,” replied the third person. “We know nothing about what is happening beyond our realm. Can you answer why we built Atlantis? Atlantis, as a symbol of grandeur and magical technology, once served as the center of a civilization that generated knowledge and prosperity for all three nations. However, we must now be wary of the potential that could arise from its ruins, which may hold the key to understanding the conspiracy we are facing now. Furthermore, have you ever considered why our nation, Gaia, seems to be colonized by the Earth nation? Ten years ago, when Earth suddenly destroyed the peace treaty, chaos erupted that left our position increasingly vulnerable. Now, nearly 70% of the students in this school come from the Earth nation, embracing much of the power that should have been ours and adding to the complexity of our situation.

  “Alasan?” asked the fourth person, tapping the table with increasing intensity. “Honestly, I cannot accept the reasons why the Gamma nation attacked us in the past, and why the Earth nation suddenly intends to assist us. Is this purely a strategy to control us? I believe all the answers lie within this proposal,” they continued, emphasizing that the pain from past betrayals still lingers, both in diplomatic matters and in magic, often masked by sweet words and dangerous offers that could ensnare them back into chaos. In a world full of intrigue, every step must be considered carefully to avoid love that could lead to destruction.

  “Huh … it seems we should agree to the proposal to uncover the island ente, the only place where the Gamma nation resides,” said the fifth person. “That island might be the key to understanding their identity, which has long been hidden in myths and legends. Unearthing this truth could bring us closer to comprehending the motivations behind their actions, as well as recognizing potential threats they might pose to our three nations.”

  “It seems there is no other answer,” said the second person, as the tense atmosphere enveloped the room, discussing the possibility of a repeating tragedy if the wrong steps were taken. Amid the discussion, a feeling emerged that the proposed solution pointed towards a risky path, and everyone agreed that every decision must be carefully considered.

  If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

  “Agreed,” said the third person, emphasizing that the price to pay for a wrong decision could be exceedingly high. “The magical expertise possessed by the Gamma nation might hold unimaginable power. If we are unprepared, we could find ourselves caught in chaos like we did ten years ago.”

  “What can we do?” said the first person, bracing for any eventuality, while strategic formulas flowed in their hearts like an invisible current of magic.

  “Elbert is right. This girl might be our key; she is one of the top students at this school,” said the fourth person. “I completely agree,” he continued. In the context of interactions between the realm of Gaia, led by Queen Iris Agnara, the realm of Earth, under the authority of King Arthur Aurelius, and the realm of Gamma, renowned for its magic, this girl appears promising. Ten years ago, during the great battle between Gaia and Gamma, all eyes were on Lord Hector Alfrenzo, who gathered the power of his magical weaponry. Urban legend suggests that the magical abilities of this girl could have significant geopolitical repercussions, making her crucial to the stability or tension among these three nations. With the potential she possesses, she may be the hope for creating a new balance in a world rife with ambition and conflict.

  “Isn't the girl the child of Lord Hector Alfrenzo?” asked the second man. The political landscape had become more complicated. During the great battle that occurred ten years ago, much speculation surrounded the girl's origins. Could she be the new power system that would bridge the historic conflicts involving Atlantis, the center of an ancient civilization that is now considered a neutral state? Atlantis, once revered as a source of magical knowledge, may have found a contender in the girl who possesses the potential to reshape the existing power dynamic.

  “Well, yes,” replied the fourth man. There were rumors that the magical institution in Atlantis was conducting new experiments to create a new magical army capable of easing intercontinental tensions. However, final information up to this point remained shrouded in mystery, and the risks for those who investigated further could lead to betrayal or threats from other rulers—this fragile balance made every action more significant.

  “Hmm,” murmured the second person, a look of hesitation on their face. The plan to exploit the girl was not without its risks. Rivalries among the nations had produced numerous agents and spies actively seeking opportunities to exploit information, making it essential that every step be calculated carefully. History recorded significant failures in attempts to seize the same trump card a decade ago, and no one wanted to repeat that mistake. In this challenge, even the smallest detail could have a profound impact on the outcome, and any existing doubts needed to be addressed.

  “Why?” asked the fourth person, touching upon a painful history and a resurgence that had yet to be fully realized. This question added depth to the fragile peace. Each individual involved had hidden agendas. Some wanted to end the war at the cost of one or two figures, while others were unrelenting in harboring old grudges that could bring down all three nations.

  “Can the aegis be easily penetrated by wind attacks?” asked the second person. The power of wind magic may seem trivial in the general view, but it could be the key to resolving all doubt. In short, if the girl could harness that tragic potential, it could shake the very foundations of magical power in this land, paving a path toward a brighter or darker future.

  Everyone was immediately astonished. With every new opinion and piece of information that surfaced, the concern for the safety and integrity of the three nations began to escalate. Each person in that room knew that their next choice could alter the course of history once again.

  They began to scrutinize Rinoa's powers suspiciously, watching her every move as if she held secrets that could change their fates.

  They were instructed to observe Rinoa's movements closely, treating her as if she were the mysterious queen in a complicated political game.

  They received a report from Elbert regarding Ellis, indicating that there were new dynamics to consider related to the ongoing situation. This information could prove invaluable, potentially leading to innovative solutions or opening new pathways to address the long-standing conflicts among these nations.

  Aegis is one of the strongest defenses in the world, primarily based on the earth element. Only fire or lightning elements, or extremely strong attacks, can penetrate it, comparable to the magical strength of Lord Hector Alfrenzo. However, a girl managed to destroy Ellis's aegis with only simple wind magic, despite its weaknesses. Historical records indicate that aegis also has vulnerabilities, emphasized by a magical attack from an Atlantis storyteller a decade ago, which led to national instability and conflict among the three great powers.

  “The girl possesses a power equivalent to Cleo; even I cannot discern the limits of her strength,” he continued, emphasizing that this power is highly significant amidst the rising tensions between Gaia and Gamma, as both seek control over the ancient secrets hidden in Atlantis. Ten years ago, a major event occurred—a secret meeting that harkened back to when Lord Hector Alfrenzo introduced her to me while he found her wandering on the battlefield. It is said that at that time, the battlefield was a site where many sorcerers fought over the much-needed magical resources coveted by the three nations: Gaia, Earth, and Gamma. In the turmoil, Atlantis emerged as a symbol of unparalleled prosperity and magical knowledge, a coveted prize among the three nations that has yet to fully recover.

  “The girl possesses power on par with Cleo; I cannot even gauge the limits of her strength,” he continued, emphasizing that this power holds great significance amidst the rising tensions between Gaia and Gamma, both of which are striving to occupy Atlantis in a bid to gain control over the ancient secrets it harbors. History records that ten years ago, a significant event unfolded— a secret meeting that resulted in the collapse of a peace treaty, leading not only to a fracture in relationships but also transforming the power dynamics among the three nations, which still have not fully recovered to this day.

  “It’s better to wait for the results,” said the third person, his tone reflecting uncertainty about the future. Currently, all attention is focused on the mysterious girl, whose presence seems to bring both hope and threat. Could she be the key to resolving this long-standing political stalemate? In such a complicated situation, solutions may be required to achieve the long-lost peace among the three nations.

  As the leaders of the Earth sought to draw Atlantis closer, all parties attempted to uncover the underlying agenda, fully aware that almost every decision could lead to significant consequences, both in political and magical realms. This reality underscored that their fates now hinged on the next steps they would take.

  “Regarding this, shall we agree to Elbert's proposal on the use of Dark Magic?” asked the first speaker, his voice trembling with conviction as he sought to reassure the astonished members. He surveyed the tense faces around him, each pair of eyes filled with doubt and hope, creating a charged atmosphere in the dim, mysterious room. This reflected the inner struggle faced by each individual here, caught between upholding moral values and gambling for their very survival.

  "Making Atlantis the center of magic in the world, replacing the Tree of Life," he continued, his voice resonating in the silence as if carrying the heavy weight of a frightening decision. The dimly lit room seemed to shrink, awaiting a reaction from the audience, who were taken aback by this bold and controversial idea.

  As tension mounted, everyone fell silent.

  "Dark Magic? Isn't that what we prohibited before?" a third person asked, questioning the notion.

  "If it's to save ourselves, why should we be trapped in a moral debate?" the first speaker replied firmly, his eyes shining with determination as he observed the astonished reactions of his fellow members.

  "The Earth Nation has developed technology with the potential to threaten our existence as witches," the first speaker stated seriously.

  Silence enveloped the room, as if time itself paused for a moment. Every gaze was directed at the first speaker, creating an indescribable tension.

  "If no one has anything to say, I will assume everyone agrees," the first speaker's voice echoed in the stillness, intensifying the rising tension. Each word flowed with authority, adding to the heavy and challenging atmosphere, as if urging them to choose sides in this perilous game.