Meanwhile, far away in the capital city of Western Phoenix, tension was steadily building.
Inside the fortress where House Drake currently held power, soldiers were gathering in large numbers.
Messengers ran through corridors carrying urgent reports while armored guards stood watch along the castle walls.
Within the main council chamber, several elders of House Drake had assembled for an emergency meeting.
At the center of the room stood an elderly man whose anger seemed barely contained.
"You cannot talk me out of this!"
His voice thundered across the chamber.
The man slammed his palm against the table, rattling the wooden surface.
"Today I will wipe out those rats once and for all!"
The man was none other than the Grand Elder of House Drake, a terrifying seven-star realm expert famous for his volatile temper.
Across from him stood Archbishop Harriot, the representative sent by the Church of Thanatos to manage the situation.
Despite the outburst, Harriot remained calm.
