The Vastness of Magical Destiny

In fact, Komer had long realized this point: Without mortals stirring the pot, no tribe of elves could possibly leap out and challenge their entire clan so brazenly. This was why he had sent Vladimir Koff and his party to the Storm Ocean region. He didn’t want to focus too much of his energy on the internal strife of the elves just yet. Since the Black Flame Knights regiment and the magicians were hoping to train and hone themselves, giving them this opportunity killed two birds with one stone.

Early winter is a season suitable for waging war, no matter the location.

Katya was increasingly aware of the crisis she faced. Her visit to Caucasus had not been concealed from those wolves of the Northern Alliance. The word that had been vaguely conveyed was that they no longer intended to drag things on and were ready to show their hand to her.

With a soft sigh, the terms offered by Komer were tempting, and though the arguments to persuade her were not without their fallacies, some of them still sounded plausible. Handing over the legacy left by her ancestors to strangers was not something Katya could bring herself to do, although the power brokers of the Northern Alliance called it helping her stabilize the situation. Katya knew once the Northern Alliance’s army entered her territory, she would no longer be the one who had a say over the land, and both nobles and common people would turn their backs on her without hesitation.

Faint sunlight fell on the streets of Cartin, with people leisurely coming and going. The whole city of Cartin was immersed in peace and tranquility. Katya stood by the window in a daze, pondering whether this was what she desired or loathed.

Compared to Ugru and other cities in Caucasus, Cartin was more leisurely and sluggish, lacking the vibrant and lively atmosphere of cities like Ugru. In those cities, no matter the race, it seemed everyone was busy in a happy bustle. That was the difference, and perhaps it was the reason for Komer’s success. Katya felt she lacked the courage to challenge the old order and dare to go against vested interests. She didn’t consider it her incompetence; it was Komer’s special circumstances and starting point that were fundamental.

Hasty footsteps made the wooden staircase and floorboards of the second floor almost shake, and even Katya could sense the urgency and anxiety of the other person. A sinking feeling formed in her heart; if someone was interrupting her solitary contemplation at this time, and in such a manner, it couldn’t be good news. In fact, it was very likely something she least wanted to see.

The door burst open with a "bang," and the rushing guard gasped, "Your Highness, it’s not good. News from the border says the Northern Alliance’s army has officially entered our territory. Also, some unusual activities have been spotted in Cartin City. Scouts and vanguard forces of the Northern Alliance have infiltrated the city without our knowledge. They are gathering, and it’s likely that you are their target."