Rowan stepped forward and spoke calmly, laying out a version of events crafted with care.
"Archsage Solarian was originally instructed by the High Architect to place the Aether Core into the household of a destined mortal, where it would reincarnate as a third son and serve as a future pillar in the coming war.
"Unfortunately, during a lapse in judgment, Solarian mistook the sealed Shadow Core for the Aether Core.
"The Shadow Core reincarnated instead.
"Even so, the child showed no signs of becoming a calamity. Mischievous, yes, but not monstrous. His parents refused to abandon him.
"Believing that the High Architect values preservation above all else, and remembering his standing order to personally guide the destined child, Solarian accepted the boy as his disciple and sought a way to correct the situation.
"While traveling, the true Aether Core was lost at sea and eventually reincarnated within the Dragon King's third son.
"Solarian interpreted this as further confirmation that fate itself had intervened.
"He therefore accepted both children as disciples.
"Three years later, the tribulation came.
"The child carrying the Shadow Core survived.
"That survival itself suggests the High Architect anticipated this outcome.
"In other words, both cores were always meant to become assets of Solarian's faction.
"For that reason, Solarian now intends to bring both disciples to the Ascension Trials."
Rowan let the explanation settle.
"Of course," he added mildly, "this version places the burden of error on Solarian's initial mistake. And it also means Vexar appears to have lost a disciple he personally trained."
Solarian immediately shook his head.
"I did drink too much back then," he said cheerfully. "If blame is needed, it belongs to me."
Vexar nodded as well.
"As long as the plan succeeds, I have no objection."
His gaze flicked briefly toward Glacien.
"Everything else is secondary."
Vexar hesitated, then voiced his remaining concern.
"At present, authority within the Sanctum rests with Grand Alchemist Wuji."
"He has never trusted the dragon clans. If he interferes, things may become complicated."
Solarian frowned.
"Senior Brother Wuji is devoted to refinement and research. He's not the monster you describe."
Vexar snorted.
"You've never worked under him."
Rowan raised a hand.
"Even if Wuji objects, major matters still require consensus among the senior council."
"If multiple elders support the plan, one voice won't overturn it."
Vexar considered.
"That's… true."
The Dragon King remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"And if they doubt the story?"
Rowan turned to Solarian.
"Emphasize uncertainty."
"Frame everything as possible intent of the High Architect."
"No one will dare challenge that assumption while he remains in seclusion."
"When he eventually returns, the situation will already be resolved."
Solarian's eyes lit up.
"That would work."
Rowan nodded.
"The core idea is simple."
"Most of the truth."
"A small shadow where necessary."
After a brief exchange of looks, the group reached consensus.
Rowan clasped his hands together.
"Then I will serve as witness here at Chentang Pass.
"Let this agreement stand."
Privately, Rowan sent messages to both sides.
To the Dragon King, he promised to watch over the city and prevent leaks.
To Solarian and the city lord, he assured them that if the dragons broke their word, he could relocate the entire city instantly.
Both sides felt their final hesitation dissolve.
"Thank you, Blackwyrm."
Gratitude rang from multiple voices at once.
For the first time since the crisis began, the tension truly eased.
...
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