NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Chapter 17 – Whispers of the Summit
Tempest Brothers: Chapter 17 – Whispers of the Summit
The message from the Eastern Syndicate hung heavy over Tempest. The invitation was more than a diplomatic gesture — it was a calculated move, a test of strength and resolve. The brothers knew that declining would signal weakness, while accepting would plunge them further into the shifting currents of power that gripped the continent.
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Joshua POV
Joshua stood at the highest point of the village, the parchment clutched in his hand. The wind tugged at his white hair, streaks of gold and black flickering in the moonlight. Nyx crouched at his side, her crimson eyes fixed on the distant horizon.
The night was quiet — too quiet.
[System Notice: Unfamiliar Magic Signature Detected – Distance: 5 Kilometers]
Joshua's fingers tightened around the parchment.
"They're watching again."
Nyx let out a low growl, her hackles rising. Joshua's galaxy-red eyes narrowed, scanning the shadows.
"They want to see how we'll answer."
His system whispered softly in his mind.
[Equilibrium Skill Evolution: 58%]
The balance was shifting faster now — light and dark intertwining, pulling him further into the unknown.
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Council of Tempest
The village leaders gathered beneath the Great Tree once more. Rimuru stood at the head, his golden eyes calm but sharp.
Joshua leaned against the trunk, his wolves flanking him like living shadows.
"The Syndicate wants us to come to their table," Rimuru began. "But we all know what they really want."
Benimaru's crimson eyes flickered.
"Leverage."
Joshua's streaks pulsed faintly.
"And if we don't give it to them, they'll try to take it by force."
A heavy silence settled over the gathering. The scars of recent battles were still fresh, and none among them had forgotten the price of peace.
Rimuru's voice cut through the quiet.
"We'll attend the summit... but on our own terms."
Joshua's galaxy-red eyes glinted in the shadows.
"And if they move against us... we'll remind them why Tempest stands."
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Journey to the Summit
The brothers set out at dawn, accompanied by a small contingent of Kijin and Tempest Wolves. Nyx and Lumiel led the pack, their contrasting auras shimmering in the morning light.
The journey was long, the road winding through dense forests and forgotten ruins. The further they traveled, the heavier the air became — as if the land itself could sense the gathering storm.
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Joshua POV
As night fell, Joshua stood watch at the edge of the camp. The flickering firelight cast long shadows across his face, highlighting the faint glow in his galaxy-red eyes.
Nyx lay at his feet, her breathing steady.
[System Notice: Magic Signature Detected – Distance: 2 Kilometers]
Joshua's streaks flickered, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
"They're close."
Rimuru appeared beside him, his golden eyes reflecting the distant glow of unseen watchers.
"Let them come."
Joshua's fingers curled tighter around his weapon.
"They won't like what they find."
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The Summit
By the time they reached the Syndicate's hidden enclave, the air was thick with tension. Cloaked figures lingered in the shadows, their eyes glinting beneath their hoods.
The brothers stepped forward together — one bathed in golden light, the other shrouded in flickering shadows.
Joshua's galaxy-red eyes swept across the gathering.
[Heavenly Appraisal – Activated]
The Syndicate's leaders were powerful — but not invincible.
Rimuru's voice broke the silence.
"We're here to talk... but don't mistake our patience for weakness."
Joshua's streaks flickered.
"Balance... will be upheld."
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End of Chapter 17