Chapter 172: Rumor's of Uprising

The discovery of the new nebula, dubbed "Nebula Umbra," sent a tremor through the Academy. Unlike previous entities, the melody emanating from Nebula Umbra wasn't a plea for connection or a fading echo of despair. It was a defiant thrum, a discordant pulse that seemed to reject the very concept of the symphony. Anya, her body frail but her spirit resolute, addressed the assembled council. "This is unlike anything we've encountered," she admitted, her voice hoarse but firm. "There's a sense of... anger, a rejection of the harmony we've strived to achieve." The council members, a diverse group of artists, scientists, and philosophers, murmured amongst themselves. Some advocated caution, fearing a hostile entity that could disrupt the delicate balance of the symphony. Others, fueled by the Academy's spirit of exploration, yearned to understand the source of the discord. After a heated debate, a compromise was reached. A small team, led by Anya's protégé, Kai – a young Tholi