WAR OF EMPİRES: ANCİENT REQUİEM

The Palace of Tengritugen had not yet fully returned to its former order following the shocking attacks of a few days earlier. Soldiers patrolled the corridors, some drawing their swords along the walls, others casting suspicious glances around.

Ilterish, using his power, had mentally screened every single soldier inside the palace over the past 48 hours. He had checked the loyalty of each one, leaving no room for even the slightest doubt. Now, he was certain that no traitor remained within.

With firm steps, he walked toward the palace's main hall. As the large wooden doors of the council chamber opened, silence briefly fell upon those inside.

At the center of the room, around a circular table, sat the most prominent figures of the Tengritugen dynasty.

At the head of the table was Hakan Balamir — proud and weary, yet still standing like a mountain. On his left sat Mukan, the star of the battlefield, his muscular arms crossed over his chest, staring at Ilterish with unwavering seriousness.

Next to them sat young Almila, the niece whose beauty symbolized the elegance of the court. Her garments were simple yet noble, her gaze observant and filled with curiosity.

Also present in the hall were high-ranking royal advisors, several generals, and court scholars. All eyes were fixed on Ilterish as he entered.

Ilterish paused, sweeping his gaze across each and every person in the room. The silence was thick — the kind that hangs right before a turning point, before a decision that changes everything.

"We can no longer afford a single act of betrayal," Ilterish said, his voice firm and resolute.

His eyes locked with those of Hakan Balamir.

"What we are about to discuss is for the dynasty only."

Ilterish walked forward with heavy steps and sat in the empty seat at the table. The atmosphere in the hall shifted instantly. Everyone's attention was now on him. That familiar sharp gleam was still in his eyes—but this time, there was a hidden weight behind his gaze, a shadow of weariness. Without leaning back in his chair, he placed his hands on the table and began to speak.

"I've discovered why Caesar attacked Asmanda."

Those present exchanged glances. Murmurs tried to rise, but they were quickly suppressed. Balamir furrowed his brows, Almila leaned in, and Mukan's gaze grew even sharper. Ilterish took a breath and continued.

"The wretched Caesar attacked Asmanda… for Nabi Erlik."

His words struck the room like a bolt of lightning. A low hum of disbelief trembled through the chamber, though no one dared speak aloud. All tried to grasp the true meaning of what had just been said.

Ilterish paused briefly before going on.

"He believes that Nabi Erlik is buried somewhere in Asmanda. He's been searching for him… That's why he launched the attack. The innocent blood spilled in Asmanda—was shed because of ancient driven by a body"

Shock, horror, and fury rippled across the faces around the table. Even the cold-blooded leaders of the Tengritugen Empire struggled to absorb what they had just heard. The "Nabis" were not mere religious figures—they were ancient beings tied directly to the Stones and to power, guardians of long-lost secrets. And now, Caesar had drenched an entire continent in blood to pursue the grave of one.

Ilterish fell silent. He gave everyone a moment to process. But the look in his eyes made it clear—he was only getting started, and even greater truths were yet to come.

Balamir suddenly leaned forward and slammed his fist down so hard the wooden table cracked.

"Treacherous Caesar!" he shouted, his voice reverberating through the hall like a thunderous roar.

His eyes burned with fury, veins bulging, and his voice was like a fierce bellow. The hall's cold, composed atmosphere shattered instantly under the scorching breath of his anger. Even Ilterish briefly turned his head toward Balamir but did not stop him. Because this rage was not just one man's—it was the heartfelt cry of Tengritugen, of ancient friendships, and sacred beliefs.

"The messenger of the goddess Umay, the ancient friend of our ancestors, the pillar of our faith, the Prophet of our religion… How dare that dog called Caesar lay a hand on him?!"

His voice swept through the hall like a storm. Balamir was now standing. His eyes shone with a mix of tears and fury. This state of his made everyone seated there tremble deep within their hearts. The officers, advisors, and dignitaries in the room neither met each other's eyes nor dared to move.

"They are attacking everything that defines us! Our roots, our faith, our lineage... If we remain silent to this, what will be left tomorrow?"

Ilterish took a deep breath and looked at his brother. Balamir's words had now been etched into every heart in the room, and everyone had realized that this was not just a diplomatic crisis, but a war of faith.

Balamir furrowed his brow and fixed his eyes on Ilterish.

"What does this devil plan to do with the body of the Nabi?" he asked, his voice low but filled with sincere anger.

Ilterish lowered his gaze for a moment, then looked around and spoke seriously.

"I don't know the details," he said calmly, though a trace of worry could be sensed in his voice. "But as you all know, the Nabis are not just spiritual leaders… They were the first bearers of the stones. Each one had ancient secrets sealed within their body, mind, and blood. Long ago, they were the ones who sealed the stones to our ancestors' lineage."

A soft murmur rose in the hall. Everyone exchanged glances, weighing the meaning of this knowledge.

"Someone like Caesar wouldn't seek such a body merely out of disrespect. The only reason he wants to find it is for power. This corpse may be filled with secrets and forbidden knowledge. So Caesar is after something else—something that could bend and twist this world."

"He's definitely not after anything good," Ilterish added, locking eyes with Balamir.

Balamir's fist slowly clenched on the table. Everyone in the hall's faces darkened like a shadow. Because this was no longer just a matter of land, honor, or politics. This was an attack on the very soul of Tengritugen.