Chapter 151: Mountain: New realm
In the opulent imperial chambers, the air was thick with the weight of reports streaming in from across the empire. The Third Imperial Commander, Kiol, stood before the Emperor, his voice steady but tinged with unease as he delivered the latest news. "Your Highness, it’s gone," he said, his expression grim.
"What’s gone?" the Emperor asked, his eyes narrowing.
"The Ruins of Ashenfall. The entire site has vanished."
The Emperor’s brow furrowed. The Ruins of Ashenfall. It wasn’t good in any way. Though it was inhabitable, it acted as a good defense for them, but now?
If one saw the place now, there was a gaping wound in the earth, as if a colossal beast had torn away the land itself.
"The storms will claim that territory and form a stronghold." Kiol mused silently, recognizing its potential as a natural stronghold. The disappearance also severed a critical link between Solaris and Lunar, a strategic breach he chose not to voice aloud.
"And the Last Front?" the Emperor pressed, shifting focus.
Kiol hesitated. "A new species has emerged, red-skinned, with spiral horns. We’re calling them devils for now, as we’ve yet to classify them properly."
The Emperor chuckled darkly. "Devils, eh? What a fitting name." His tone grew serious. "What else?"
Kiol’s voice lowered. "Apparently, there’s been a new torture method that can make even the Iron Brotherhood talk."
The emperor’s eyes widened. The Iron Brotherhood, known as the Adamant Order, was infamous for its unbreakable resolve. Even the most brutal tortures—burning their kin before their eyes—couldn’t force them to speak. "Who devised this method?" he demanded.
"Jin," Kiol replied.