Kaien Ignis

The Sanctuary is gigantic, located in the clouds. The ceiling resembles a living sky, where clouds, stars, and lights move slowly. In the center, a circular table made of four joined materials: Living rock (Earth) Ice crystal (Water) Visible air currents (Wind) Solidified magma (Fire) Four thrones surround the table. Each one reflects its element. Kaien's throne is made of obsidian and eternal embers, slowly pulsing. Floating torches illuminate the hall. The air is heavy. Silent. Expectant. Deep down, above all else, an ethereal figure observes. A woman made of soft light and energy — Balance. Her eyes shine with serenity. She sees everything.

Kaien is sitting down. But it doesn't look comfortable. His elbow is resting on the table. The hand supports the face. His fingers lightly burn the surface without him noticing. Tiny sparks escape from his skin. He doesn't look at anyone. Look down. The jaw is locked. Heavy breathing. Irritated. The voices of the other leaders echoed through the hall, discussing borders, agreements, and resources. Kaien isn't paying attention. He clenches his fists. The marks on her arms gleam. The temperature around him rises. One of the torches leans towards him, reacting to his mood. Balance observes in silence. With concern. Suddenly- Kaien lets out a low laugh. No humor.

• …Incredible. He slowly raises his face. My eyes are burning. "You all talk, talk, talk…" he says, his voice heavy with emotion, "…as if nothing is happening." He gets up. The chair scrapes the floor. The sound echoes. Small flames appear around his feet. My nation is suffering. Silence. My cities are getting weaker. More silence. — And you continue pretending that everything is fine. He slams his hand on the table. The magma layer is pulsating strongly. I'm tired of this. Kaien runs a hand over his face, clearly trying to control himself. Take a deep breath. But it fails. "I trusted this Council…" he says, his voice lower, "...and I'm starting to think I was an idiot."

Official Reason for the Meeting! The meeting was called by Equilibrium. Reason given: An elemental instability is emerging on the borders between nations. Symptoms: Volcanoes on Solaris are dying down (unusual for Fire). The Seas of Nereth are receding on their own. The winds of Aelion are becoming chaotic. The mountains of Terradon are cracking. This indicates that the world's natural balance is breaking down. If left unresolved, it can cause: 🌍 Climate collapse 🔥 Elemental Wars 💀 Extinction of entire regions 🕵️ Secret Reason (That Not Everyone Knows) Equilibrium has already seen possible futures. In many of them: One nation betrays the others. The Carriers' system crashes. The world goes to war. She called the meeting to try to prevent that future. But you can't say everything directly.