As one of the oldest members, Kit had lived through ten cycles of life and, like Mat, was in the prime of middle age. Her wise eyes, tempered by centuries of experience, narrowed slightly as she posed the question.
"That's indeed a crucial point," Bilibi, another council member, added. Also in her tenth cycle of life, Bilibi's brown, closely-cropped hair fell across her forehead, partially obscuring her expression.
"We can't even confirm whether the krara has selected a host. It's been sealed away for five centuries, ever since Cat's sister took reckless measures to safeguard it."
Her voice rose, frustration evident beneath her measured tones.
"Had the krara remained here, we might have held onto hope for its cleansing and the selection of a new wielder – one capable of vanquishing the corrupt essence of Jran that still lingers within. Now, with its whereabouts unknown, our prospects seem increasingly bleak."
"Perhaps Dahra's dominance wouldn't have reached such catastrophic proportions if your sister had adhered to our time-honored protocols and followed the established plan, as we have consistently done in the past when subduing rogue Jyurans."
She shook her head repeatedly, her gaze dropping to the floor as though the weight of her words was too burdensome to bear.
Cat, sensing the gravity of Bilibi's reproach, descended from the platform and approached her, seeking to mitigate the tension.
"My sister must have had a compelling justification for her actions," she countered. "She undoubtedly did what she believed was necessary for the kingdom's well-being."
"By depriving us of our sole hope and plunging our world into unrelenting anxiety and despair?" Dango interrupted. "Despite being her own sister, she didn't entrust you with the krara's location. So what conceivable reason could she have had for stripping us of our only hope and—"
"At least we're all still alive!" Rildeo, a hitherto silent member of the council, intervened, his voice commanding silence and quelling the rising murmurs.
As Bilibi's twin brother and one of the council's most senior members, Rildeo's eleventh life cycle had imbued him with profound wisdom.
His striking resemblance to Bilibi emphasized their deep bond, while his bald head and slender physique presented a stark contrast to his twin sister's features.
The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Rildeo, as his words hung, inviting reflection amidst the turmoil.
"Are we truly alive?" Dango countered, his voice rising in indignation. "Is this existence, constantly hiding in these mountains, really life? We're paralyzed by fear, unable to venture beyond this sanctuary without risking detection by Dahra's minions. You call this existence 'alive'?"
His gaze burned with accusation as he targeted Cat, inviting a wave of murmurings in the cavern. "Your sister's actions sparked this catastrophe. She veered from the established protocol for subduing rogue Jyurans. Instead of allowing the krara to return to Acksalone, she spirited it away to who-knows-where."
"Do you really believe Acksalone's power can purify the krara of Jran's vengeful spirit?" Cat asked, her voice calm yet probing.
After holding Dango's gaze, she broke away, scanning the council members. The room fell silent. She turned and ascended the platform.
"Comrades, we all understand the Illuminer's power is ineffective against a corrupted krara," she began. "We must think critically, beyond our emotions and fears."
"Jyuran Jran's ultimate goal was to reduce Perebia to absolute ruin, but his son, Dahra, has a divergent ambition," Cat explained. "Dahra seeks to dominate the kingdom, and his insatiable greed may prove beneficial for our cause."
However, Thanny, the council's second-oldest member, interrupted with resignation. "It's inevitable; we'll soon be captured and dragged to the kingdom for execution. Our fate is sealed."
Despite being in his twelfth incarnation, Thanny's youthful appearance belied his centuries-long experience, having the appearance of a human teenager.
"That's not possible, Thanny. My sister utilized nearly half her power to create a gastral barrier, rendering us invisible and imperceptible to outsiders, including Dahra and his minions."
"Centuries have passed, Cat," Kit voiced her concerns. "The shield is weakening; it's only a matter of time before we're discovered and eradicated."
"That's why we must find the krara, no matter the cost," Bilibi said. "Our situation is dire; we'll perish either from Dahra's hand or the Jyuran's wrath. But shouldn't we attempt to change our fate? Shouldn't we fight for our survival, even if it's a long shot?"
"Comrades, I've reached the pinnacle of my existence. This is my thirteenth and final incarnation; I won't experience rebirth again," Cat said, her eyes clouding with sadness.
Yet, even in the face of mortality, her resolve remained unwavering.
"But our legacy must endure. Our generation must continue to kindle hope and fight tirelessly for what is right until our last breath."
"And beyond your lifetimes, you must impart this message to those who follow. Future generations must carry the torch, persevering until victory is secured."
"You must set an exemplary standard for those to come, guiding them through the darkness. Let no internal strife or discord deter you from your purpose."
The council chamber let out a deep sigh of sadness and plummeted once again into an unsettling silence.
"And now, comrades, I must share with you the vision I received yesterday," Cat said.
The council leaned forward in unison, their faces etched with rapt attention, as Cat prepared to reveal the crux of her message.
"I struggle to put the vision into words," she began, "but it concerns the emergence of a new Jyuran. I sensed an entity beyond our Anthropter race has been chosen by the krara."
"Other than our Anthropter race?" Dango said with an incredulous sneer. "Preposterous!"
"How is that possible?" Thanny said. "This defies our entire history!"
The cavern echoed with the council's shocked whispers.
Mat, wings spread wide, stood up, his commanding presence demanding silence. The room gradually quieted, though hushed conversations still simmered in the background.
Mat's infuriated gaze swept the room, pinpointing the source of the persistent noise. His eyes locked onto the six young Anthropters standing at the rear of the council, their wide eyes frozen under his piercing stare.
"What are you doing here?" he thundered. "Shouldn't you be in seclusion, preparing to be hanging right now?"
The cavern fell silent once more, the only sound the soft rustling of his wings, still spread in agitation. The young Anthropters exchanged nervous glances.
"Leave, now," Mat ordered. "This council is not for novices. Your presence compromises our secrecy."
The young Anthropters swiftly bowed and turned to leave but were halted by Cat.
"I brought them here, Mat," she explained. "They represent the next generation of Jyuran Slayers. They deserve to understand the stakes and the burden they'll inherit."
She pointed at the young colony, but her attention was on the seated council.
"One of them will replace me when my time comes, just as they will each assume your roles," she said.
Mat's expression softened, his earlier irritation was now replaced by understanding. He turned back to address the council.
"We've witnessed Cat's visions before. How many times has she guided us inaccurately?" he said. "Has she ever been mistaken?"
"Remember the spy in our midst, years ago? Cat foresaw the betrayal, but we doubted her. We almost suffered the consequences of our disbelief."
"Now, she shares another vision. Can't we afford to trust her instincts? If Cat says the Jyuran originates from another world, shouldn't we prioritize finding him?"
Dango's expression faltered, his skepticism waning.
"That's not the issue, Mat," Thanny said thoughtfully. "Locating the Jyuran is merely the beginning. Our concerns run deeper."
"Share your thoughts, comrades. What troubles you?"
"We're unaware of the Jyuran's nature. Perhaps he's a being who'll perceive us as adversaries."
"Consider his origins. His planet might be hostile, lethal to us the moment we set foot on it," Thanny continued. "And even if we did find him, how do we persuade him to abandon his family, his loved ones, and his world to fight for strangers?"
"To leave everything behind and risk his life for our cause?"
"Or, more profoundly, to become one of us – an Anthropter. This dilemma is far more intricate than we initially imagined."
The council erupted into a cacophony of concerns, each member voicing their reservations.
"But what choice do we have?" Rildeo said. "Our existence hangs on his shoulders."
Mat flapped his wings to calm the room, but all his efforts were futile.
"We must weigh our options carefully. We can't afford rash decisions!" he shouted.
"Then let us ponder this: What do we stand to lose by trying, and what do we gain by doing nothing?" Cat voiced out.
At this, the room fell silent once more, the council members lost in contemplation, grappling with the enormity of their situation.