Utopian System

Lucien strode through the hallways of the privileged families' complex, his face a mask of calm that belied the storm of emotions raging within. Moments earlier, one of his subordinates had informed him of Elio's capture. The news had hit him like a punch to the gut, but he couldn't afford to show weakness. Not now.

As he approached the boardroom doors, Lucien paused, taking a deep breath. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, but he steeled himself for the confrontation ahead. With a final exhale, he pushed the doors open and entered.

♢♢♢♢

The sound of the doors slamming against the walls echoed through the room, causing several of those present to jump. Lucien's gaze, intense as the sacred flame, swept across the faces of the elders and members of the privileged families. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to be cut with a knife.

Mordred, seated at the head of the table, offered a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Ah, Lucien. What a... dramatic entrance. Did they teach you that on the walls?"

Lucien didn't respond immediately. For the first time in a long while, he didn't interrupt or demand explanations. Instead, he walked slowly around the table, his footsteps resonating in the tense silence. All eyes followed him, some with fear, others with barely disguised contempt.

"Where is he?" Lucien finally asked, his voice low but laden with threat.

Estin cleared his throat. "Where is who, Lucien?"

Lucien stopped, his hands resting on the back of an empty chair. The wood creaked under his grip. "Don't play games with me. You know very well who I'm talking about."

Mordred leaned forward, interlacing his fingers on the table. "Lucien, Lucien... Always so impetuous. If you're referring to your little protégé, he's... safe. For now.

Why don't you sit down? We have much to discuss."

"I prefer to stand," Lucien replied, his tone sharp. "Keeps me alert."

A nervous laugh rippled through the room. Kairos, seated near Mordred, spoke up: "Alert? Do you fear we'll stab you in the back, Lucien?"

Lucien smiled, but it was a humorless expression. "Oh no, Kairos. I know very well you'd prefer to stab me from the front. It's more... satisfying after your humiliation, isn't it?"

The silence that followed seemed to stretch for minutes.

Mordred cleared his throat. "Well, since we're all here, we should address the matter at hand. Lucien, your recent actions have been... concerning."

"Concerning?" Lucien arched an eyebrow. "What an interesting word to describe the act of training our soldiers to be more efficient in defending the city."

Estin slammed his fist on the table. "Don't play dumb! You know very well you've crossed the line. You gave cores to the boy, taught him secrets that weren't his to know."

Lucien nodded slowly. "I assume this has to do with Elio Elian."

"Indeed," Mordred confirmed, leaning forward. "But it's much more than that. This is about treason, Lucien. Treason at the highest level."

"Those are very serious accusations, Mordred. I hope you have evidence to back them up."

Estin let out a bitter laugh. "Evidence? The boy has a summon, Lucien. A level one salamander. We both know that's only possible with 100 cores. Some of which you provided."

"And what if I did?" Lucien retorted, his voice firm. "There's no specific law prohibiting providing cores to a promising soldier."

"Don't play games with us, Lucien," Mordred growled. "You know very well that summons are reserved for members of the privileged families. They're the secrets of the leaders, the secrets of the families."

Lucien turned to him, his eyes dangerously bright. "Secrets? You mean the knowledge you've been hoarding for generations while our soldiers die on the walls?"

"It's for the good of the city," Mordred interjected, his voice soft but firm. "There are... There are things you don't understand, Lucien. Limits we cannot surpass."

Lucien let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, please. Don't give me that nonsense. What limits? The ones you've imposed?"

Mordred exchanged a glance with Estin before speaking. "Lucien, there are truths we've kept hidden for the good of all. The city... has a limit. A limit that, if exceeded, could mean our destruction."

Lucien narrowed his eyes, his curiosity piqued despite his anger. "What are you talking about?"

Estin intervened, his voice heavy with gravity. "There's a population limit, Lucien. If we exceed it, the city's defenses could collapse. Monsters would enter unchecked, and we'd all die. We must lead with a firm hand, and when sacrifices are necessary, we must be able to control the soldiers."

Lucien stared at them intently, searching for signs of deception in their faces. "And you expect me to believe that? Without proof?"

Mordred sighed heavily. "There's a book, Lucien. A sacred book left by the Creator himself. It explains everything: the limit, the dangers, the need for brave and wise leaders to guide the city."

"You wise and brave? Ha! And where is this supposed book?" Lucien asked, his voice laden with skepticism.

Mordred looked at Estin, his face contorting in frustration. "I... can't find it at the moment. But I assure you it exists."

Lucien let out a dry laugh. "Convenient. Very convenient."

Kairos stood up, his face a mask of indignation. "Are you calling us liars, Lucien? After everything we've done for this city?"

"What you've done?" Lucien turned to him, his voice filled with contempt. "You mean living in luxury while others die? Hoarding knowledge that could save lives?"

"It's necessary!" Estin exclaimed. "The book says leaders must have priority. We need to be stronger to maintain control, to prevent the chaos that would destroy the city."

Lucien shook his head, his voice filled with disbelief. "And you think that justifies everything? Your harems? Your greed? The suffering of thousands?"

Mordred rose slowly, his voice soft but firm. "Lucien, you have to understand. The Creator himself suggests reaching level 10 before being able to push back the monsters. We need that power to protect everyone."

"And why only you?" Lucien challenged. "Why not train more soldiers, create more Summoners?"

"Because it would cause chaos!" Estin shouted. "People would fight for power, neglect the walls. The city would fall, they'll die anyway!"

Lucien paused, his eyes scanning the room. "And what do you propose to do about it?"

Estin exchanged a look with Mordred before speaking. "We have a proposal for you, Lucien. One that could prevent unnecessary bloodshed for the families."

Lucien arched an eyebrow, urging him to continue.

"Surrender peacefully," Mordred said. "Submit to our judgment, allow the sacrifice of 70,000 people a year without protest, and the boy, Elio, will live."

A heavy silence fell over the room. All eyes were fixed on Lucien, waiting for his response.

Lucien took a moment before speaking, his voice calm but filled with determination. "And if I refuse?"

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