Chapter 40 Arkanum Veritas (1)
In the midst of the bustling Thirtos market, the sounds of commotion turned chilling as news of the assassination of five prominent leaders spread like wildfire. "We have to get out of here!" shouted a pale-faced vegetable vendor, raising his hand towards the exit, while other customers and vendors stood frozen in place, neglecting their unfinished transactions. "What will happen to us?!" asked a trembling mother, her eyes filled with fear, reflecting the panic enveloping every soul in the once vibrant market.
The market, usually filled with colorful aromas of goods, was now steeped in whispers and rumors. "I heard they were killed by the Queen's close allies," whispered a spice seller to his friend, "There might be a power struggle!"
Amidst the crowd, tension escalated as a noble emerged from his building, dressed in fine, impeccably tailored attire. Some commoners lowered their voices, watching him with suspicion. "We don't want to get caught up in your political games!" shouted an old man, displaying hatred in every word, as if voicing the sentiments of all those oppressed by social injustice.
Amid the clamor, a young woman, a servant typically assigned to the palace, added, "That blast, like thunder in the morning, signifies that something greater is on the way." The murmurs of anguish and doubt resonated in the hearts of those caught between two worlds — the serene realm of the nobility and the restless existence of the common people.
Rumors swept through the city, with many claiming that this chaos was a sign of a new power poised to obliterate everything in its path. "Do you know what is happening in Lirtos?" asked a cloth merchant, capturing attention amid the surrounding noise. "Reports suggest that troops from the north are preparing to attack!" This voice added weight to the tension already palpable in the market.
The state of the city of Thirtos now resembles the backdrop of a terrifying nightmare, where every corner is filled with screams and whispers, and the once vibrant crowds have turned hollow under the pressure reflected on the faces of every inhabitant. Unbeknownst to them, the city teeters on the brink of chaos, enveloped in uncertainty, with every soul feeling the chilling air penetrating their bones, as if a dark omen looms menacingly.
The murder of five prominent leaders in Gaia sent shockwaves through the city of Thirtos that morning, igniting chaos among the noble families. It was a recurrence of past events that stirred deep fear. Many of the surviving families sought to escape from Gaia towards the continent of Lirtos, located in the territory of the Earth Kingdom. They flocked to the Sarvagas harbor, hiring luxury ships to expedite their departure.
"What's really happening?" asked a small trader in the Thirtos market, his voice trembling as he heard the news. "They say there's a huge conspiracy!" replied a woman with wide eyes, "Yes, I heard it from a passing noble; they say it's all because of a power struggle!"
The five victims were members of the Mundar Table Syndicate, which was responsible for managing the governance of Gaia; a position wielding significant influence granted by Queen Iris. Initially, the syndicate started with seven members, but two had withdrawn following the events of the Heaven Wars. Those were Elbert Karlheinz and Marquez Vinzenz, who were also found dead, creating a dangerous power vacuum within Gaia's political structure.