Unknown Location,

BANG!... BANG!... BANG!

Resounding echoes accompanied the burst of light that forced its way past heavily congregated clouds, illuminating a land that had rejected the sun for several centuries. The light rays traveled over the island, through numerous barracks and fortresses to a giant mountain upon which a magnificent manor sat.

Atop one of the four spires that towered around this manor, a lone kafu with fur the color of the raging snowy winds, and clad in a silvery-white trenchcoat, glared at that light as if challenging its might. Cold eyes squinted at the hammer in the distance, resulting in a distasteful click of his tongue. "To be capable of summoning [ God's Apparition ] . It seems a determinant has finally appeared among the Summoned. I wonder if he will be useful or not?"

"Cathek." A destitute voice, lovely yet chilling, drifted into his ears. "I hate the light."

Cathek took one last glance at the hammer then snorted. "What [God's Apparition ] ? There is only one true God." He drew up the sleeves on his right arm and then placed his left on it.

The billowing snow suddenly rushed towards him in droves. The islanders, feeling the apparent change, glanced at the figure on the spire, their eyes filled with reverence and fear. The swirling energy rushed into Cathek, mysteriously disappearing like it was never there. The only evidence was the rising thickness in the mana concentration around him.

Thin sheets of ice spread from Cathek’s feet and then traveled down the tower. Several blocks of ice formed as the air around the kafu dropped below the freezing point. Eyes narrowed, Cathek clenched his outstretched hand.

The surrounding winds bellowed with rage as they charged at the break in the clouds.

However, the rays of light as if considering this a direct challenge to their authority considerably thickened. The icy winds melted upon contact with these burning rays, but Cathek only snorted. He flicked a finger, and the scattered clumps of ice and snow gathered ahead of him to form a 30m long snarling fox.

With a snap of his fingers, the beast issued a roar that shook the surrounding mountains, then charged at the opening in the clouds.

The light rays attacked the approaching fox, resulting in terrifying explosions that lit up the sky for miles. The islanders gazed in rapt admiration as the smoke cleared to reveal the snarling fox completely unharmed. Buoyed by the small victory, the fox immediately resumed its charge at the breach.

The light rays, as if consumed by fear, immediately coagulated into one giant pillar of divine energy. The pillar charged its energy for a few seconds, then attacked the fox head-on.

Atop the spire, Cathek’s eyes flashed as he ordered, “Swallow.”

The snow fox, faced with this impossibly dense energy, only opened its mouth wide as ordered and ate the beam whole. Without a single pause, it slammed into the breach. Its presence stimulated the clouds around to gather while forming new and tougher barriers. In but a few minutes, the clouds once again blocked the sun’s rays, only allowing just enough light such that the islanders could see.

“Thank you.”

Cathek nodded to show his acknowledgment of the speaker’s gratitude. Clumps of snow covered his form then dispersed the next second, along with the ice mage.

Several kilometers away, on an empty field, a humongous dragon sat before an aging wisben, sitting patiently as the wisben poked and prodded its body and then muttered incomprehensible gibberish.

The dragon was naturally Skyrm, whose body had been possessed by a spirit called Gunder, and the physician, Perah, was in charge of studying him. It was evident that compared to before Skyrm—no, Gunder’s size had reduced drastically.

Gunder was still drastically tall for a dragon with a standing (on four legs) height of nearly seven-floor apartment buildings. Yet, even that was relatively tiny compared to his previous stature.

It was next to this bewildering spectacle that clumps of snow coagulated, then dispersed to reveal the ice mage Cathek. The kafu regarded Gunder with a slight shake of the head before he turned to the physician. “So, have you found what is wrong with him yet?”

Perah sighed as he scratched his graying hair. “From what I have inferred, there are two main problems. The first is with the sealing. It turns out the seals used were far more effective than even the original users might have thought.”

Cathek frowned. “How is that possible? I was there. The seal erodes the mind and restricts the power of the creature trapped inside.”

“That’s the thing,” Perah muttered with evident frustration. “The seal also severely weakens its user. And I mean permanently. To put it in adventurer terms, it strips away levels from the imprisoned. I don’t know how powerful this dragon once was, but its power is currently about to drop to Elder Dragon. I say, if he had not been released when he was, everything would have gone to waste.”

Cathek did not like where this was headed. “Is there a way to fix this problem?”

“Yes,” Perah muttered. “The reason the seals could not fully affect Skyrm was because of his enormous mana pool, but after he destroyed his chi centers, the lingering effects from the seals started assaulting his weakened body. I suspect this was his way of protecting the world.”

“He has always been that kind of person,” Cathek said with a rare hint of praise. “It would have been better if our interests did not clash.”

Perah continued, “By healing his chi centers and meridians, he will naturally begin to regain the levels he lost. Although, it will take a while before he returns to full strength.”

“How long is a while?”

“Several years,” Perah explained. “This brings me to our second problem. Skyrm’s consciousness is gaining strength, especially in moments when Gunder assumes his dragon form. We have less than a year before he destroys Gunder from the inside. Faster, if Gunder is in dragon form or uses high-level magic.”

“How long until Gunder can cast Nether Gates?” Cathek asked.

“Three or four months,” Perah replied. “You have to understand. A grand-level skill like Nether Gates. If he casts it, the chances he will be consumed immediately are high.”

Cathek glanced at the huge dragon next to him. He could see the determination and desire in its eyes. That’s right, Gunder had persevered in a locked battle within a seal with Skyrm for several centuries, all for this moment. There was no way he would get cold feet now. Cathek silently acknowledged Gunder’s resolve, though it did not show on his face. “Countless sacrifices have been made. All for this moment.”

No more words were needed. All three individuals confirmed their resolves deep within their hearts in that field of snow.

Stone Maze,

Royal Castle,

Senehal, Serisis.

“Should I say, as expected of Kashi.”

“At this point, I doubt we can even hold expectations any longer.”

The two individuals who enjoyed a rare moment of peace sat contentedly within the center of the famous stone maze garden belonging to the Royal Family of Serisis.

The snow had not reached this region yet, but the gentle breeze carried with it a tinge of cold, just enough that the raven-haired beauty felt the need to don a woolen shawl over her gorgeous white formal dress.

This was the famed Vice-Guild Master of the Hopeful Maggots, Leila Lightwood.

Next to her sat an incomparably handsome man with golden blond hair and beautiful blue eyes that sparkled when he smiled. Adorned in golden regalia that boosted his imperial aura, Parrissius Vermillion (II), King of Rosendun could not help but express his admiration at the swinging hammer in the distance or rather, at the daeben responsible for the phenomenon.

Paris, as he insisted he be called when alone with friends, sported a relaxed smile for the first time since Rosendun's royal delegates first set foot in Senehal. He sent the daeben responsible for the [ God's Apparition ] his silent gratitude for granting him this rare break.

Paris glanced at the lady to his left, revealing a guilty look when he realized the one who was most deserving of the break was this young woman who was not even officially part of his court, yet whom without, this trip would have been an absolute disaster.

"I honestly wish he would take it easy sometimes," Leila complained half-jokingly, oblivious to the king’s thoughts.

Paris leaned back as he let out a low chuckle. "I understand your sentiments. When he is that outstanding, it puts too much pressure on the rest of us to catch up."

Leila sighed, her eyes listlessly gazing at the thundering hammer. "Do you think we can catch up? Can we complete this deal?"

Paris' jovial mood notably dampened. "I am ashamed to say, but that would heavily depend on you." He shared in her melancholic sigh. "I sincerely apologize on behalf of my inept court."

Leila shook her head with a wry smile. "It is only natural that I help. After all, we do share the same ambitions. Added to that, your court is merely a few months old. The internal power struggles have not even ended, and yet we undertook such a heavy task. Frankly, if it were not for the worrying signs from other continents, I would have recommended pushing this endeavor back by at least a year."

"Unfortunately, we cannot get off the tiger once we have climbed it," Paris mumbled as he looked over his shoulder at the magnificent Selehan palace where he had spent the last three days.

Three days.

Three days, but it felt like three years!

Paris had never felt so much pressure, not even when faced with the daebens’ ambush in the war eleven years ago. Watching these old men duke it out in a contest of words had blossomed newfound respect for the court ministers and previous kings in the young king's heart. Even more so for the young woman who not only held her own but easily dominated the verbal battles against these veterans.

Three Days Ago,

7 th Muriel, 1093.

Three days ago, upon disembarking the pride of the Rosendun Royal Fleet, Phoenix, at the Royal Port of Senehal, capital of Serisis , King Vermillion (II), and his entourage were 'ambushed' by a huge crowd of Serian citizens. Even more surprising was the unexpected presence of the Seran King, Chu Tianjo, and his first daughter Chu Ming.

A king personally welcoming guest to his kingdom was as rare as spotting a white whale at sea.

Despite this, King Vermillion (II) was secretly pleased with his first impression of the Serian King. King Chu Tianjo, seventy-two at the time, had the bearing of a dragon amongst men.

King Chu Tianjo’s body was still strong and healthy, allowing him to walk without needing a walking stick. A healthy amount of well-groomed white beards added to his regality, especially in contrast to the simple, red-themed armor he donned.

Dark brown eyes, deep and sunken, like quicksand, tended to draw unsuspecting onlookers into a muddled state. Even the wrinkle lines on his forehead only added a wizened aura to the bloodthirst that unconsciously wafted off his body.

In direct contrast to King Tianjo's war-like apparel, his daughter, Chu Ming, though twenty-five years of age, had the graceful appearance of a young teenager. Dressed in a low shoulder formal gown that emphasized her lithe figure, she resembled a fairy descended upon the mortal realm. Light blue hair resembling the morning sky was styled neatly into a decorative bun and wreaths on her head, such that her porcelain white neck was exposed for all to admire, drawing in countless lustful gazes from some of the Rosendun delegates. However, this young lady's thin lips only revealed a small smile, which, when coupled with her ocean blue eyes, warmed the hearts of the Rosen delegates.

King Vermillion (II) was almost forced to concede this first psychological battle when like a hammer striking upon metal, the hearts of the Serian escort group were similarly seized and locked under key instantly.

King Vermillion (II) noticed the sharp intake of breath from the opposing side. He wryly smiled when he turned to see Ms. Leila Lightwood, garbed in night black leather armor, which coincidentally (or not?) doubled as a formal dress, walk down the plank with a Nespian tiger which reached her chest.

If Chu Ming was a calming breeze that warmed its way into the hearts of her admirers, then Leila Lightwood was a monstrous hammer that smashed apart the barriers and directly seized the attention of all present whether they wished it or not.

King Vermillion released a sigh of relief. His delegates snapped out of their bewitched state after sustaining Leila Lightwood’s dominating presence. However, similarly, the Serian escort also regained their wits after a moment's bewilderment. The initial battle had thus ended in a stalemate.

But would Leila let it merely end there?

The wisben curtsied with an elegance that would not lose to queens as she greeted. "On behalf of King Parrisius Vermillion, King of Rosendun and the people of our country, I, Leila Lightwood of the Hopeful Maggots, express our ineffable gratitude and honor for your grace in accepting our humble delegates in person."

Serian King Chu Tianjo felt his eyelids twitch. He had come fully clad in military garb and even brought his daughter out to exert invisible pressure on the young Rosen King. After all, who had ever heard of a King personally coming to the port to accept a delegate from another country, king or not?

But he did! However, this young lass just dumped a vast cold bucket of 'gratitude' upon all that pressure, washing away any 'debt' the Rosen delegates might have incurred from such a massive honor.

King Chu could not very well ignore her gratitude, could he? Even if he did not wish to acknowledge her, she had already locked him down with her polite approach. King Chu could only stiffly smile as he gestured for Leila to rise. "It is [our] pleasure and honor to receive his Majesty Vermillion and his consorts. It has been twenty-odd years since His Majesty last visited. At that time, he was still a little child playing with my daughters. How times and circumstances change things. On behalf of Serisis, We offer our condolences for the loss of your family. We also extend praises for your triumphant return to power. Truly, to the Vermillion name, you rise from the abyss even stronger than ever."

King Vermillion's lips twitched slightly. Even though it seemed like King Chu had praised him, he had hidden several thorns in rosy words. First, King Chu relegated his most significant threat, Leila, to the status of cohort , indirectly removing her right to speak and heightening his own daughter's standing.

Next, in a few words, King Chu pointed out King Vermillion's youth and the fact he had just returned to power recently. Worse yet was the way he phrased it. It made it seem like the only reason for King Vermillion’s rise to power was his family’s death.

Even though King Vermillion felt heavily insulted, he could not act out on his rage. He knew quite well these verbal sparring were all to establish a firmer footing for the negotiations to come. He could only suffer this loss. Who told him to underestimate an experienced veteran with over sixty years in the Royal Courts?

Just as King Vermillion was about to offer some superfluous words of gratitude, the wolf by his side bared her fangs.

Leila's dark eyes surreptitiously glanced at the opposite king. "My apologies, King Chu. His Majesty is not used to sea travel, but he was adamant we hasten to port against the better judgment of his physicians. As a result, he reopened old internal injuries from the [ Battle of Riven ] , and coupled with a bout of seasickness, he is in no shape to be standing for too long.

“However, motivated by Your Majesty's brilliance, which has supported his people even in their hardest times, he demanded we bring our gift to you even a moment sooner to express his pride in Your Majesty's ability." Leila's eyelids dropped as she adopted a somewhat helpless expression and shook her head lightly.

King Vermillion raised his right arm and lightly coughed onto his sleeves. Of course, the primary purpose of this was to hide the widespread grin that had spread across his face as he fought the ability to burst into laughter.

Fierce! This girl was too intense! Who told King Chu to step on a wolf's tail!?

Leila's words were like a direct counter to everything King Chu had struggled to build, completely changing the views of the public who were watching the exchange with wide eyes. At first glance, it seemed like she had diminished King Vermillion's image by painting him as a weak king who can't even handle sea travel.

But, she actually used the tactic of a small retreat to prelude a giant advance. By recalling the [Battle of Riven], King Vermillion’s public image instantly switched to that of a brave king who had reclaimed his country from the hands of invaders despite his young age.

Even better, the fact that he ordered his people to make haste showed his concern and respect for their people of Serisis and their King.

Of course, the truly learned heard the hidden jab at the end, which mocked King Chu Tianjo for his people's decline, and when they thought of the threat of civil war that had been hanging low in the country, they could not help but shake their heads. Of course, that final jab was delivered in the form of praise so no one could find fault with it.

The scholarly could not help but reevaluate this young lady who arrived with the Rosen King. From their stature, the duo did not seem to be lovers, but the king clearly trusted her—this much was evident from the king playing along with her bullshit 'sick' story.

No one genuinely bought that juvenile excuse. They knew it was a way for the ambushed king to retreat and recoup, but the people who mattered—the public—thoroughly and utterly believed this farce.

That was all that truly mattered.

King Chu Tianjo suddenly had no desire to remain in the public eye any longer. His long drawn out plan to dominate the negotiations by belittling the little king in public was seen through and destroyed by that young lass. Worse yet, she had stealthily counterattacked without being overbearing such that no one could find fault with her.

But who said he could leave just because he wanted to?

Leila's insipid eyes greatly contrasted the light smile on her lips as she interrupted before King Chu could bring up the topic of resigning to the palace. "These are the gifts His Majesty labored to bring to your people." Leila waved her hand, and several crates were rolled down the gangplank to the port. A few were placed before the king, while the rest were rolled to the curious populace. Of course, none of the citizens dared to make a move before their king.

King Chu Tianjo stared at the crate before him with furrowed brows. The boxes were about one meter tall and about two to three meters long. Unlike treasure chests, they did not seem to be made of metal, but rather some plastic. Of course, that could easily be an exterior coating.

King Chu Tianjo made to open the chest, but then a sudden chill ran up his spine. Years spent on the battlefield of blood and court had honed an incredibly dense instinct, and at this point, it was blaring warnings nonstop. His hand hesitated on the lid, refusing to open the chest. He did not know why, but he felt immense danger from whatever was within this chest. It wasn't the type of hazard that threatened his life, but it felt mortal anyway. These contradictory, stressful emotions froze his hand.

At that moment, King Chu thought he heard a growl and looked up at the young girl—no, Ms. Lightwood, who accompanied the Rosen king. The chill in his spine intensified as he realized he had fallen into this wolf's trap. He had stepped on her tail, and in turn, she had not only trapped him, but he felt like maggots had begun to crawl up his skin. Never had he felt the shadow of death so near.

Due to the crowd’s increasingly loud murmurings, King Chu Tianjo had no choice but to open the chest. A blast of breeze, even colder than the winter wind, escaped the chest and chilled his face. At first, his brows furrowed in confusion at the chest’s contents.

But, after but a few seconds, understanding dawned.

Everyone present felt their scalp go numb as King Chu Tianjo visibly aged a few years in front of them.

The Serian King looked up at the Vice-Guild Master of the Hopeful Maggots, bent his head backward... and laughed!

He laughed!

And laughed even harder!

Then laughed some more!

Tears ran down King Chu Tianjo's eyes as he smiled at Ms. Lightwood. The Serian ministers visibly paled when he bowed all the way to his waist level and shouted, "The Land of Serisis will never forget this!"