SPIRITBINDER: The Boy Without A Mark
Chapter 91: The Great Calamity

Chapter 91: The Great Calamity

The garden of Ketamran was serene, a sanctuary of vibrant flowers and gentle winds carrying the fragrance of blossoms. Morvane sat on a marble bench beneath a sprawling tree, lost in thought. Despite the tranquil beauty around him, a storm raged within his soul. The weight of his newfound powers pressed heavily on his chest—spiritbinder magic, the chaotic force of demonic power, and the divine radiance of angelic energy. They were all there, swirling inside him like an untamed tempest, yet he felt disconnected from their true potential.

He sighed, his fingers tracing invisible patterns on the smooth stone beneath him. His gaze wandered to the place where Hiraya’s spirit once lingered. That ethereal presence had been a guiding light during his darkest moments. Now, with her gone, a void remained.

"I wonder if you’re reborn now, Hiraya," Morvane whispered, his voice heavy with longing. "I hope you are."

A rustle behind him broke his thoughts. He turned to see Drevon emerging from the shadows, his familiar presence both grounding and reassuring.

"Everything good?" Drevon asked casually, though his sharp eyes hinted at a deeper understanding.

Morvane hesitated before replying. "It’s just... this power inside me. It’s overwhelming. I don’t know how to wield it, and it feels like it’s too much for one person to bear."

Drevon nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. That kind of power can be intimidating. But believe me, these powers are vital for the future of Baltalaha. You were chosen for this path, Morvane. And you should start praying—"

Before Drevon could finish, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the garden. Both men turned to see Medas approaching, his face lit with a radiant smile.

"Ah, there you are!" Medas called cheerfully. "I’ve been looking all over for you two."

Drevon’s lips quirked into a smirk. "And here I thought you had more important things to do."

Medas laughed, his carefree demeanor contagious. "Nothing’s more important than catching up with you two, especially after all we’ve been through."

Morvane couldn’t help but smile, the weight on his chest easing slightly. Perhaps, with the right guidance and the support of those around him, he could learn to wield the powers entrusted to him.

But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning. The storm within had yet to be mastered, and the future of Baltalaha was far from certain. Yet for now, surrounded by friends and the beauty of Ketamran’s garden, there was peace—however fleeting it might be.

The soft hum of the garden faded into the background as Medas’ tone shifted. His usual cheerfulness gave way to a rare seriousness.

"I actually have something to tell the both of you," Medas began, clasping his hands behind his back. "Hours from now, all the kingdom rulers will arrive here in Ketamran. We’re convening a meeting, and I want the two of you to join us."

Morvane furrowed his brows. "A meeting? For what?"

Medas’ eyes darted between them. "It’s serious. And I feel your presence would be valuable. Both of you hold knowledge that can shape this discussion. The situation concerns all of Baltalaha, and I trust you’ll contribute something meaningful."

Drevon crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "Is this one of those meetings where the rulers mock Morvane again? Acting like their titles make them untouchable? They always look down on anything or anyone they deem... unconventional."

Medas held up a hand. "I assure you, nothing of that sort will happen. This is far more pressing. I’ll call for you once everyone has arrived, and everything is in order."

With that, Medas gave a slight bow and left the garden, his strides purposeful.

As hours passed, the palace of Ketamran buzzed with activity. One by one, the kingdom rulers arrived. Vianna, with her striking purple hair and commanding aura, entered first. She was followed by Crimson, the stoic king of Katakwan, and Levan, whose fatherly demeanor masked his sharp tongue. Ikana, the reserved ruler of the windswept highlands, arrived next, and finally, Dergo, the towering and powerful king of Baltalaha’s volcanic heartlands, stepped into the chamber.

When the meeting began, Medas stood at the head of the long table, his presence magnetic. Morvane and Drevon stood at the back of the room, their presence drawing mixed reactions.

Levan’s eyes narrowed as he addressed Medas. "Why are Morvane and... that demon here?" His tone was sharp, almost accusatory.

Medas maintained his composure. "Because they possess knowledge that can aid us in understanding what is happening across Baltalaha. Their insights may be vital to resolving our challenges."

Levan scoffed but was cut short by Crimson’s deep voice. "Let’s not waste time arguing. We’re here to discuss the matter at hand, not squabble."

The room fell silent as Vianna rose to speak. She turned her gaze to Morvane, her voice soft but firm. "Before we begin, Morvane, I wanted to ask—how are you holding up? I can only imagine what you’ve endured these past days and weeks."

Morvane shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "I’m... coping," he replied simply.

Vianna gave him a faint smile. "I’m glad to hear that." Her tone then grew more serious. "Now, as some of you may already know, I was the one who asked Medas to summon all of you here. My kingdom, Nirvath, is in dire need of help.

A massive earthquake struck, devastating nearly all the small villages in my territory. The destruction is beyond anything we’ve faced before."

Levan leaned forward, his expression dark. "No way. I was just about to send a letter to each of you seeking assistance. My kingdom has been flooded by a hurricane. It wiped out the majority of our territory, and the reconstruction effort is overwhelming."

Ikana spoke next, her voice quiet but heavy with concern. "My kingdom has also suffered. Tornadoes tore through our lands, destroying homes and farmlands. I was hoping for aid as well."

Dergo’s deep voice rumbled through the chamber as he rose. "The volcano near my palace erupted just days ago. The central district of my kingdom is in ruins. But what’s more alarming is how widespread these disasters are. It’s unusual. Nearly all of Baltalaha has been struck by calamity in such a short time."

Medas nodded gravely. "You’re right. This is no ordinary coincidence. Something is happening, something beyond natural disasters."

Crimson leaned back in his chair, his tone measured. "Katakwan is also suffering. Our plantation lands are withering, the soil turning barren. It’s drastically affecting our resources and, in turn, our people."

From the corner, Deus, the quiet observer, finally spoke. "My kingdom isn’t immune either. Scarcity is spreading. Resources we once thought abundant are vanishing. Something is wrong."

The room fell silent as the weight of their collective suffering sank in. Each ruler bore the burden of their people’s pain, and for the first time, the calamity felt larger than any one kingdom.

Medas broke the silence. "This is why we’re here. To figure out what’s causing this and to find a way forward—together."

All eyes turned to him, and for the first time, the rulers of Baltalaha felt the urgency of unity.

Levan’s eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, his tone sharp. "Wait—are you saying Ketamran isn’t suffering from anything at all?"

Medas met his gaze with calm composure. "Thankfully, no. Everything remains well within our borders, and I hope it stays that way."

Levan scoffed, disbelief evident in his voice. "This is not fair. All the other six kingdoms are enduring disasters—earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and resource scarcity. And yet your kingdom remains in peace and thrives?"

A tense silence settled over the room, the weight of Levan’s accusation palpable.

Medas’ tone grew firm but steady. "Let’s not frame this as a matter of fairness, Levan. Why? Do you wish for every kingdom in Baltalaha to suffer equally?"

Levan opened his mouth but found no response. The room remained hushed, the other rulers glancing between the two.

Medas softened his tone. "As Ketamran has been fortunate enough to avoid the same disasters your kingdoms have faced, I will do everything in my power to provide resources and manpower necessary for reconstruction, rebuilding, and resolving the scarcity affecting your lands. We stand united, and Ketamran will not turn a blind eye to the suffering of its neighbors."

Crimson nodded approvingly. "That’s the spirit we need. Blame won’t fix what’s broken, but cooperation will."

Vianna sighed. "It’s a relief to hear that Ketamran is willing to extend help. We’ll need all the support we can get."

Levan leaned back, the tension easing from his posture. "I suppose that’s better than nothing. Let’s see how we can make this cooperation work."

Medas’ resolve strengthened. "Then let’s stop focusing on what divides us and instead work toward a solution. Baltalaha’s future depends on it."

The rulers nodded in agreement, and the meeting shifted from blame to unity—a flicker of hope amidst the chaos that had gripped their lands.

Morvane’s brows furrowed as he leaned forward. "Medas, how does any of this concern me and Drevon? You said we were brought here for a reason."

Levan, always quick to seize an opportunity, added, "Yeah, that’s right. What business do they have in this meeting anyway?"

Medas exhaled, his expression calm but resolute. "I mentioned earlier that it wasn’t related to the disasters you’re discussing. I brought Morvane and Drevon here to inform you all of something crucial."

Levan’s eyes narrowed. "What ’something’?"

Even Morvane was puzzled. Medas hadn’t revealed anything to him either, and curiosity gnawed at him.

"For the past few days and weeks, Morvane has gained—"

Before Medas could finish, a sudden and violent tremor shook the entire chamber. The ground beneath them rumbled with a deafening force, sending chairs toppling and cracks splintering across the stone floor. The walls quivered, and dust rained down from the high ceiling.

Rulers shouted in alarm as they gripped the table for stability. Morvane instinctively braced himself, his heart racing. Drevon stood firm beside him, eyes sharp with awareness.

"What in the world?" Vianna gasped, struggling to maintain her balance.

Medas’ voice boomed over the chaos. "Everyone, hold on! Guards, secure the palace!"

The tremors intensified, as though the very earth beneath Ketamran was rebelling. Morvane felt a surge of energy within him, his powers stirring instinctively in response to the calamity.

Levan’s voice cut through the noise. "You said Ketamran was untouched by disasters—well, not anymore!"

Medas gritted his teeth. "This isn’t natural... something is wrong."

As the shaking finally subsided, an eerie silence enveloped the room. Dust filled the air, and the rulers looked around, shaken but unharmed.

Medas turned to Morvane, his expression grim. "This changes everything."

Morvane’s fists clenched. Whatever was happening, it was far from over—and somehow, he knew he was now in the center of it.