Erythro: The Prophecy Unveiled

A man clads in an expensive black suit, complemented by a matching black hat, gracefully descended from the carriage. His attire was impeccably tailored, exuding an air of sophistication and authority. Without a moment's hesitation, he moved with urgent purpose, his brisk steps almost breaking into a run as he made his way towards a towering building ahead.

The Ordinance building, standing at the heart of Aurelia in the Verdantia Empire, is an imposing and venerable structure. Its towering white facade looms over the bustling city, a testament to its age and the weighty history it carries. The building's grandiosity is evident from afar, with its numerous offices and expansive wings stretching skyward, symbolizing the immense power and responsibility housed within.

From dawn to dusk, a constant stream of men, all impeccably dressed, flows in and out of the Ordinance. No women ever cross its threshold, as tradition and law dictate that only men may serve within these hallowed halls. These men, known as the regents, are not just any individuals; they are men of remarkable stature and intelligence, chosen through a rigorous and grueling examination process. The exam, renowned for its difficulty, ensures that only the brightest and most capable minds can earn the title of regent.

The Ordinance is the epicenter of law-making and governance in the land, the ultimate authority over the five empires it oversees. Within its walls, laws are crafted, interpreted, and enforced, maintaining harmony and justice throughout the realm. The building is a hub of constant activity, with regents deliberating in their offices, drafting legislation, and overseeing its implementation across the empires.

At the heart of the Ordinance lies the Grand Court, the highest court of justice in the land. This prestigious court is presided over by the High Regents, an elite group of judges whose wisdom and fairness are unparalleled. The head of this esteemed assembly is known as the Erudite, the supreme arbiter of justice, whose decisions shape the very fabric of society.

The regents are more than mere lawmakers; they are the custodians of peace and order, ensuring that the empires under their governance remain united and prosperous. Their work is meticulous, their duty sacred, and their presence within the Ordinance a symbol of the stability and integrity.

The man pushed through the heavy wooden doors, which creaked in protest at the sudden movement. Inside, the atmosphere was one of solemnity and authority. The grand foyer was vast, with marble floors that echoed the sound of his hurried footsteps. Tall, arched windows allowed streams of light to filter through, casting intricate patterns on the polished surfaces.

He navigated the labyrinthine corridors with practiced ease, his destination clear in his mind. As he moved deeper into the building, the ambient sounds of conversation and activity faded, replaced by a hushed reverence. This was a place of power, where decisions of great consequence were made, and the man in the black suit was clearly here on urgent business.

Finally, he arrived at a pair of ornately carved double doors. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his hat, squared his shoulders, clutched the folder in his hand, and pushed the doors open, stepping into a room filled with a council of stern-faced individuals. 

Suddenly, the door of an office swung open with a loud bang, drawing the attention of everyone inside. They turned to the door, their faces etched with curiosity and surprise. "What are you doing, Kevin? Are you trying to break the door?" bellowed a man in an expensive black suit with a brown frock coat. He was in his early thirties, with a pale complexion, blonde hair, and freckles sprinkled across his nose. Kevin, clearly in a hurry, emerged through the doorway, clutching a folder filled with papers. He was also in his early thirties, slim, with jet-black hair.

"Regent Ryan, it was an emergency," Kevin panted, struggling to catch his breath. His face was flushed with urgency. Ronald, another man in the room, approached Kevin with a glass of water in hand. "Drink this before you explain," Ronald said kindly. Kevin gratefully accepted the glass and hastily drank its contents, feeling the cool liquid soothe his parched throat. He then sank into a nearby chair, his expression etched with worry and exhaustion.

"There was an attack, a wolf attack!" Kevin exclaimed, his voice trembling slightly. Regent Ryan's eyes widened as he absorbed the gravity of Kevin's words. "A wolf?" he repeated, his tone a mix of concern and disbelief. He glanced briefly at Ronald before turning his full attention back to Kevin. "Is it a black wolf?" he asked, his voice now edged with a steely determination.

"It is still under investigation, but there is a significant possibility," Kevin replied, his expression grim. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. "Where did it happen?" Regent Ryan inquired, his brow furrowing in concern. "In Perstone," Kevin answered, his voice steady despite the tension. Ronald interjected, "Isn't that where the Helios ceremony took place? Wasn't it just last night?" Kevin nodded; the memory of the event still fresh in his mind. "Yes, it happened after the ceremony. I was there, and I saw something—something unusual—a parade," he added, lowering his voice as if the very mention of it brought back unsettling images.

Ryan stood up from his chair, the urgency of the situation propelling him to his feet. "What kind of parade?" he demanded, his tone a mix of curiosity and alarm. Kevin hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "It was unlike any parade I had seen before. The participants wore red, elaborate costumes, and there was a sense of foreboding that hung in the air. It was as if the parade was a prelude to something sinister." Ryan's eyes narrowed, his mind racing to piece together the fragments of information.

"The Red Parade," Ronald said, his expression turning grim at the mention. The ominous name seemed to cast a shadow over the room. Regent Ryan's gaze sharpened as he processed the information. "Who is currently in charge of this case?" he asked, his tone authoritative. "No one yet," Kevin replied. "The town guards and the magistrate have begun their investigation, but no formal lead has been established. I learned about it because I'm from Perstone." He stepped forward and placed the folder he was holding on Ryan's desk. "The reports and all pertinent details are in there," he added.

"Good," Ryan said, his eyes already scanning the folder's contents. He looked up at Ronald with a sense of urgency. "Ronald, draft a request letter immediately. We need to take control of this case." His determination was palpable, his voice resolute. "We must take-over this case, no matter what it takes," he declared. Ronald nodded and moved swiftly to fulfill the instructions; the gravity of their task clear to all present. "And we need to find out more about this parade and its connection to the attack. Kevin, you'll need to provide every detail you can remember." 

Ryan, the head regent of Division 2, strode purposefully into the high court office where Head Regent Julius resided. Ronald walked beside him, clutching the request letter tightly. The grandeur of the high court office was evident in its tall, arched windows and intricately carved wooden paneling, a testament to the weight of decisions made within these walls.

Head Regent Julius sat behind a large mahogany desk, his piercing eyes observing Ryan and Ronald as they approached. Accepting the letter with a questioning look, Julius quickly skimmed its contents. "What brings you here with such urgency?" he asked, his tone curious but guarded.

Ryan took a deep breath and explained, "We want to take on the case involving the recent wolf attack in Perstone. There is a significant possibility that it was not just any wolf, but a black wolf," he stated, his voice steady and serious. Julius leaned back in his chair, a smirk forming on his lips. "A black wolf? Nonsense," he scoffed. "It was an ordinary wild wolf from the forest. The victims live near the woods; these attacks are not uncommon."

"But the Red Parade," Ryan interjected, "it suggests something more sinister. We can't ignore the possibility of a connection."

"The Red Parade?" Julius laughed, dismissing the concern with a wave of his hand. "It's just a group of cultists playing pranks. The black wolves have been extinct for centuries, ever since their defeat in the Great War. No sightings have been reported since then." He paused, leaning forward with a condescending grin. "You remember the Great War, don't you? Humans fought against witches and black wolves, and we emerged victorious. Those creatures are nothing but stories now."

Ryan remained resolute. "There's also the prophecy," he reminded Julius, "about the return of the black wolves and the chaos they would bring."

Julius rolled his eyes. "The prophecy is nothing more than a myth. Its origin is unknown, and there is no evidence to support it. We have more pressing matters to worry about." Ryan's pleas grew more earnest. "Head Regent, I understand your skepticism, but we can't afford to ignore this. The safety of our people is at stake. Allow Division 2 to take over the case and investigate thoroughly."

Julius sighed, the smirk fading from his face as he considered Ryan's words. Finally, he nodded reluctantly. "Very well. I will grant Division 2 permission to take over the case. But mark my words, Ryan: this is a wild goose chase. Don't let it distract you from your other duties."

"Thank you, Head Regent," Ryan said, his relief evident. "We won't let you down." As they left the office, Ronald glanced at Ryan, a mixture of concern and determination in his eyes. "Do you really think it could be a black wolf?" he asked. Ryan nodded, his expression resolute. "I do. And we need to be prepared for whatever we might uncover."