Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 54

Chapter 54: Chapter 26: Shadows at the Council_1

The capital city had finally settled into a fragile peace. Around the clock, patrol teams positioned along the towering city walls maintained their watch that serving as a constant reminder that the outside world remained in disarray.

To further bolster security, a barricade had been erected five kilometers from the city’s edge, forming a protective ring.

A quarter of the central military’s total strength had been deployed to protect this barricade, making sure that no threat—beast or human, could get through it without being met with immediate resistance.

But inside the city, life was a strange blend of calm and unease. The streets were bustling again, markets had reopened and people stepped outside of their homes again, but still there was a feeling of doubt in the minds of every person.

How would their lives change now? They all knew the truth: sooner or later, everyone would awaken to some form of power. The fact that they didn’t know if it will be weak or strong, useful or entirely mundane but the uncertainty of it all weighed heavily on their hearts.

Some people were afraid that crime would go up because they thought people with malicious intent would abuse their newfound powers, but others saw it as an opportunity—a chance to rise above their circumstances.

Those who had already awakened were now being registered by the Federation Army. For many, it was an exciting prospect, a path to recognition or a chance to join elite forces. For others, it felt like conscription in all but name.

While at Federation Hall

The tension in the city mirrored the atmosphere inside the Federation Hall. As each council member took their place, the grand room with crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling was filled with murmurs, which gave the group a cold, impersonal glow.

While the polished marble floors reflected the faces of the powerful figures who had gathered here to decide the Federation’s future.

Soon Aiden and Tommy walked into the room with intent but not a rush. As they walked to their seats, eyes followed them—some filled with curiosity, others with veiled contempt.

Tommy looked at Aiden with a raised eyebrow being as he was always the more outspoken of the two said. “It looks like we’re the main attraction.”

But it was impossible to read Aiden’s face when he didn’t answer. He just sat down, closed his eyes, and thought about other things as if the growing tension in the room didn’t exist.

It wasn’t long before the side heavy doors opened and the soft hum of talk stopped. Aiden opened his eyes and immediately focused on two men entering the hall.

At the forefront was Vice-Chancellor Henry Rienfeld, a man whose reputation for cunning and ruthless politics preceded him. Walking beside him was a younger man, dressed impeccably and exuding an air of calculated confidence.

With his face sharp, and he had a thin, practiced smile on his face that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Aiden’s jaw tightened. This must be Alaric Rienfeld, the eldest heir of the Rienfeld family.

As soon as they looked at each other, Alaric smiled, which was both polite and slightly sarcastic. Aiden tilted his head just a little, and his face didn’t show any expression which was devoid of warmth. He was sure that Alaric’s presence here was not a good thing.

Tommy leaned closer, his voice low. “What’s with the smile? He looks like he’s already won something.”

Aiden said in a low voice, “Let him smile,” his voice as piercing as a knife. “It’ll make it that much sweeter when we wipe it off his face.”

After that, last to come in was Chancellor Helen who was accompanied by her guards. With her keen eyes darting about the room as though she dared anyone to challenge her, while her presence demanded respect.

Dressed in her formal uniform, she moved with the poise of someone who understood the weight of her authority. After taking her seat at the head of the table, she nodded to the speaker signaling the start of the meeting.

The speaker, a middle-aged man with a meticulous demeanor got up from his place and walked to the middle of the room as he began speaking to the group after clearing his throat.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today to address two pressing matters. First, we need to stabilize our provinces and take action to deal with the large number of mutant monsters and awakened people that have spread throughout the Federation.”

“While the capital city is now under control, the same cannot be said for other provinces. We must decide on a unified strategy to extend our efforts to these areas.”

The speaker went on, “Secondly the matter raised by Vice-Chancellor Rienfeld regarding the alleged unauthorized imprisonment of his son and Major General Karep by Major General Aiden. This issue will be discussed after we reach a consensus on the first agenda.”

Soon there was a wave of muttering going around the room, but no one spoke up.

Tommy’s lips twitched, but he said nothing. Aiden remained impassive, though his hands tightened into fists under the table.

The speaker concluded and gestured toward Chancellor Helen. “Chancellor Helen, the floor is yours.”

As Chancellor Helen stood, Aiden’s gaze flicked toward Vice-Chancellor Henry and Alaric. The elder Rienfeld whispered something to his grandson, who nodded with a sly smile.

Tommy leaned over again, whispering, “They’re up to something.”

“They always are,” Aiden said in a low murmur.

Tommy gave a sly smile. “Let’s give them a fight worth scheming for.”

But their discussing was interrupted as Chancellor Helen stood, her sharp eyes scanning the assembly hall as the room quieted almost instantly as she cleared her throat and spoke in a steady, clear voice that echoed through the grand hall.

“Before addressing the pressing issues, let’s first acknowledge the relentless efforts of those working tirelessly to protect the peace of capital city, especially the Dragon Unit whose commitment and dedication have ensured the safety of countless lives during this unprecedented situation,” she said.

She brought her hands together in applause as she looked at Aiden and Tommy, her action echoed by several council members who tapped their tables in agreement. The sound spread across the room, creating a moment of solidarity.

However, the applause from the left side of the hall where Vice-Chancellor Henry and his faction sat, was lackluster at best. The polite tapping from their end barely filled the air.

Henry’s face darkened, his jaw tightening as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. It was clear to everyone watching that he was far from pleased. Helen caught his expression but chose not to acknowledge it rather focusing on the broader audience.

Helen said, her voice heavy with concern, “As we move forward, it’s important that we address the challenges caused by the communication breakdown from this energy surge.”

She let what she said sink in for a moment before going on to say more. “Our technicians and scientists have been working day and night but the results are far from promising, due to the wavelength continues to shift unpredictably it impossible to establish a stable channel to to restore wireless communication for foreseeable future.”

There were some whispers in the hall, but Helen raised her hand to calm them. “Now, I’ll spare you the overly technical details, but the summary is this: our wireless systems are out of commission. However, we have managed to set up emergency wired communication within cities. Following my orders, these steps were taken before the surge to make sure that at least some coordination could be kept by local authorities.”

She let out a deep sigh. “Unfortunately, this setup is limited to small areas. We cannot currently establish communication between cities, let alone provinces and this is the reality we face currently even within our central province we are operating in isolation from other cities.”

“We cannot allow this lack of communication to paralyze us.” Helen’s face showed that she was more determined than usual. “So I suggest the following measures: First, we will deploy military stations across the central province to all major cities and populated areas. This includes using trainees who are still in training as together with the local authorities, their presence will help keep things stabilize in this central region.”

She glanced at the room, her tone sharpening. “Second, we must fortify the central province. Half of our military strength will remain here to ensure its complete security. The other half will be deployed to assist the other provinces. This is not a suggestion; it is a necessity.”

Helen sat down, folding her hands neatly on the table. “I now open the floor for discussion. But I want you all to think about how serious this situation is as more lives are lost every minute we wait.”

For a moment, the room was quiet as everyone thought about what she said. On the right side of the hall, a lot of people nodded their heads in agreement. Their faces were serious but determined. While Vice-Chancellor Henry leaned back in his chair on the left, his lips curled into a small grin. His followers whispered to each other, and it was clear that some of them were unhappy with Helen’s ideas.