High above the departing warriors, Torra Zhen and Shin Rai stood on the edge of a floating platform, watching the group set off. The wind stirred their robes, carrying their quiet conversation over the vast expanse below.
"Was it really necessary for them to change mounts?" Shin Rai mused, arms folded as his sharp eyes followed the young warriors below.
Torra Zhen tilted his head in thought. "I surveyed that lawless land a few days ago, trying to find if any old schemers were lying in wait. But it seems all the younger generation from the three surrounding powers are heading to the Death Knights for training."
Shin Rai raised a brow. "Oh? That's rare. I thought only Phoenix Cry warriors were allowed."
"Normally, yes," Torra Zhen agreed. "The Death Knights don't entertain training warriors from different factions all at once. Isn't it usually done by request, at different points in time?"
Shin Rai exhaled, rubbing his chin. "I thought so too. Seems they think protecting the younger generation from us old folks 'going overboard' is a concern."
Torra Zhen chuckled at the irony of it. But then, a thought struck him, his expression turning serious. "Shin Rai, during each Great Calamity, a new race suddenly appears—some from portals opening, others born from treasures. Have you heard of the 'Frostborne' that emerged recently?"
Shin Rai's eyes narrowed. "I have. Strange ones, they are. No one knows their origin. But the Death Knights… they're older than any power in existence today. If anyone has key information, it's them. Yet, they don't conquer, don't expand. With their strength, surviving not one but two Calamities, there should be no rivals left for them."
His tone was laced with suspicion. The Death Knights were an enigma—older than any known empire, yet content with remaining in the shadows.
Shin Rai scowled. "If only our Imperial Celestial would communicate with us properly instead of speaking in riddles, we wouldn't have to deal with such headaches."
Hearing this, Torra Zhen let out a deep laugh. "Ha! The young ones will be fine. I still have an agent in those lands. He's strong enough to give even us a headache if need be."
Shin Rai's expression softened slightly at that reassurance. "Then let's go prepare. We have our own role to play in this game. That emperor thought our clans were so weak he could wipe us out."
Torra Zhen smirked. "Deaths might be near, but his flames aren't strong enough to burn us down just yet."
With that, the two figures vanished into the skies, their presence fading like whispers in the wind.
---
The Path Through the Druid's Domain
As the group advanced across the untamed wilderness, Raikai guided his drake forward with practiced ease, the beast's muscular frame moving with surprising grace over the uneven terrain. Shinryu, riding a sleek midnight-black panther-like creature, couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"You really brought a drake as a land mount?" Shinryu smirked, shaking his head. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Subtlety has never been your strong suit."
Raikai grinned, patting the thick-scaled hide of his beast. "Subtlety's for those who can't handle real power." His sharp eyes then turned toward Shinryu. "You know this region better than most. Where's the nearest settlement?"
Shinryu pulled out a small, well-worn map, his gaze scanning its markings before nodding to himself. "There's a druidic clan nearby. They don't mind outsiders passing through, but we'll need to be careful. This land is on the border of multiple regions, and tensions will be high. If the younger generation of the druids spots us, we could have trouble."
Hou Jian, Xue Mor's elder brother, rode up alongside them, his warhorse moving with disciplined precision. "Avoiding attention would be best," he said, his voice steady. "But if conflict arises, I give you all permission to fight with full force."
Hou Liang, the younger of the two princes, added with a smirk, "Just don't go announcing your noble statuses. Nobles love flaunting their backgrounds, and I know some of you enjoy making a scene." His sharp gaze flicked toward Raikai.
Raikai scoffed. "I don't need a title to prove my strength."
Shinryu raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you once challenge an entire sect because someone insulted your weapon?"
"That was different," Raikai said with a grin. "That was personal."
Hou Jian sighed but didn't press the matter further. "Regardless, our goal is to reach the Death Knights. If we can pass through without unnecessary battles, all the better."
Two days later, the dense greenery of the druidic forest loomed before them. The scent of damp earth and ancient bark filled the air as they entered the shaded expanse.
Before long, a lone figure emerged from the foliage—a young man with vines and small branches intertwined within his robes, leaves scattered through his dark hair. His eyes were calm, reflecting the deep stillness of the forest itself.
Xue Mor was the first to speak. "We seek the nearest town," she said smoothly, keeping her tone neutral.
The druid studied them for a moment before nodding. "At your current pace, it's five hours from here. Stay on the main path, and the forest will not hinder you."
His voice was peaceful, unbothered by their presence. Xue Mor found herself easing slightly. Perhaps this journey would not be as violent as she had anticipated.
Shinryu, however, remained cautious. "We should move quickly. The sooner we leave these lands, the better."
With that, the group pressed forward, the shadows of the ancient forest stretching before them, whispering promises of trials yet to come.