Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] Chapter 122: Book 2: Chapter 36: Votes

Read chapter 122 of Aetherios System [Slow Build OP MC, Isekai LitRPG/Cultivation] by TTReynolds on NovelPedia.

Book 2: Chapter 36: Votes Book 2: Chapter 36: Votes The floating glyphs above the central dais pulsed slowly now, an ancient rhythm echoing the breath of the throne hall itself. Each of the twelve councilors sat within their rune-etched circles, the symbols beneath their chairs waiting, dormant. Soon, they would not be. The King spoke, voice quiet but absolute. “By right and rule, let the vote be cast. Bound in glyph, recorded in light.” One by one, the rune-circles beneath each councilor began to hum and churn softly, inevitably. Alex stood with the others behind the large table, hands behind his back. He could feel the weight in the air, like a growing thunderstorm storm coiled above a still lake. Every glance, every twitch of a noble’s sleeve felt loud. The very tension thick in the atmosphere made his skin itch. Of all the seated individuals, the first to stand was Lady Thessalia Caerwyn. Her silver gown shimmered beneath the shifting glyphlight. She leaned forward just slightly, placed her hand upon the runic plate before her, and spoke. “House Caerwyn votes to release the Worldstriders into neutral alliance status under Council terms.” A hush fell over the room. Then, the ring at her seat flared blue-white. One for us. Pretty much the best possible start. Alex felt a flicker of cautious hope. Next came Mistress Karlite of the Silver Fang Sect, iron grey hair in warrior’s braids, her arms crossed even as she moved to place her hand down. Alex was uncertain how she would vote. They made a good showing in the public duel against the Azure Vault. But there were rivaleries and politics even among the martial sects. She spoke confidently, “Power is not a right. It is a responsibility. The Striders are untrained, unbound, and uncontrolled.” She pressed her palm down and the glyph flared red. One against. Shit He saw Eric tense up beside him. Allie exhaled slowly. The rest all shuffled slightly behind him. Master Halraen of the Azure Vault stood next. The sect master gave a single bow toward the royal dais, then to the Striders. A respect which no one else had given them. “The Azure Vault respects strength and restraint when found in equal measure.” His palm landed softly. The glyph lit up white-blue, same as Caerwyn’s. Two for. “Well, we knew how that vote was going to be cast already. It’s the unknowns we need to be worried about, and you already lost the Silver Fang.” Obby had the decency to only speak in his mind and didn’t show Alex his creepy slender-body at a time like this. He didn’t need to be stressed and nauseous at the same time. Then came Vess Auralde. She stood slowly, purposefuly, and to his surprise, she said nothing. A polite smile lingered on her lips as she placed her palm forward, and the glyph flashed deep red-orange. “Of course,” Devon muttered behind Alex. Garret rolled his eyes. “Snake’s gotta slither.” That’s two against. Two for. Mother Theralyn rose after Auralde, radiant in white and pale gold. The soft light of her staff reflected in the glyphs as she moved. “Faith is the test of light in dark places.” She pressed her palm forward, the glyph turned a soft blue.. Three for. We need for more votes. Alex stole a glance at Holly, who had her hands clasped together. Silent? Praying? He had a sudden urge to reach out and hold one of her hands. He wasn’t certain if it was to help calm her nervous, or his own. Or maybe something else entirely. But he suppressed the urge and focused on the figures at the table instead. Cardinal Bramun Deros all but surged to his feet. “I cast my vote in the name of divine order. And reject the false lights that wear mortal skin.” He nearly slammed his hand on the plate. The glyph flared crimson. Three against. Tied again. His shoulders tightened. The storm in his chest hadn’t broken yet, and the silence after each vote only stretched the pressure tighter. Next came Brenneck Hollis, of the Merchant’s Metalworker Guild. Garret had been trying to establish an ally-ship with them