Deep within the towering mountains of Vernon lay Dragonsleep, a peak whose name locals, due to their accent, pronounced as Dragoncreep. To the villagers who lived in its shadow, this was a place shrouded in mystery. The reasons for its mystique, however, would soon become clear.
Hidden amidst the dense wilderness was an imposing palace, sprawling across thousands of acres, winding like a mighty beast. Its grandeur and strength made it appear like a ferocious jungle predator, standing tall and unyielding. At this moment, the grand hall within the palace was engulfed in a deathly silence. Dozens of high-ranking members of The Nightshade sat motionless, their expressions calm and composed. But the stillness was deceptive.
At last, an elderly man broke the silence, his voice tinged with impatience. “Lord Firestone, what urgent matter compels you to summon us so early? I was just about to gather some crucial herbs from the forest.”
On the dais stood a broad-shouldered man, his posture straight and commanding. His face was concealed by a mask, but his presence left no doubt-this was Firestone, the man now in charge of The Nightshade’s affairs. His voice, gravelly and deliberate, cut through the room. “Mags has something important to report. Wait.”
The room stirred slightly at the mention of Mags. The gathered leaders exchanged resigned glances, their initial curiosity fading. It was just Mags, after all. They had expected something significant. With the master of The Nightshade in seclusion, Firestone handled internal matters, while Mags managed external affairs, including dealings with their ally, Hellblazer. To these leaders, who paid little attention to the outside world, Mags’ reports were of little interest.
Just then, the heavy doors of the hall creaked open, and in walked a woman. Her movements were feline, her figure wrapped in crimson silk. She was stunningly seductive, her beauty almost otherworldly. Standing below the dais, she looked up at the masked man and spoke with a voice that dripped with allure.
“Lord Firestone, the man has spoken. He’s given The Nightshade three days. After that, he says he’ll personally destroy us.”
Her words hung in the air like a thunderclap. The masked man’s expression remained unreadable, hidden as it was, but the room erupted. Groups of three or five broke into animated discussions, their disbelief palpable.
“Who dares to make such claims? Destroy The Nightshade? Has the man gone mad?”
“Hahaha! Either he’s insane or completely ignorant of who we are.”
“Does he think The Nightshade is a place he can simply wipe out? For centuries we’ve stood undefeated, with countless skilled practitioners within our ranks. If he dares come, he’ll never leave alive.”
“Come? I doubt he’ll even make it here. This is nothing but empty bravado.”
The hall reverberated with laughter and dismissive remarks. The assembled leaders, steeped in centuries of The Nightshade’s invincibility, could not fathom anyone having the audacity-or ability-to destroy them.
Amid the cacophony, Mags surveyed the room with a sharp gaze. Her voice cut through the noise. “I understand why you’re skeptical, but I haven’t finished. This man is not as simple as you think. He’s no idle braggart.”
A skeptical voice rose from the crowd. “Then tell us, Mags, just what kind of man is he? I’m curious to see if he truly has what it takes to destroy The Nightshade.”
Mags swallowed hard before continuing. “This man is the Commander of Seclela’s forces, known to all as the Defender of the South. At fifteen, he entered the battlefield and carved a path of blood, earning countless accolades. On the battlefield, his kill count is not in the thousands but in the tens of thousands.”
She paused, gauging the room. “When the allied forces of enemy nations attacked Seclela, he and his Zodiac Generals, alongside the Eight Royal Regiments, held the line. Not only did they repel the attack, but he also slew the enemy commander. Afterward, he disappeared for three years. Armed with nothing but a broken blade, he guarded the borders, striking fear into countless would-be invaders. Among the border armies, there’s a saying: ‘As long as the Defender stands, none shall cross into Seclela.'”
Mags’ voice grew firm. “I advise you all to take this man seriously. He’s far more formidable than you imagine.”
Her words dampened the earlier levity. Faces around the hall grew somber as the gravity of her report sank in. But one man, an elderly figure with a long, white beard, rose from his seat. His voice was calm, almost dismissive.
“I know of this man. At best, he’s a Grand-level fighter. If he truly believes he can destroy The Nightshade, then let him come. We’ll be waiting.”
Mags let out a bitter laugh. “Grand-level? I know you all feel the same-unconvinced, just as I was. But let me remind you: this man killed my Gale Riders. Their combined strength was also at the Grand level. Every one of you knows how powerful they were.”
She took a breath before delivering her final blow. “And there’s more. The Five Ghosts of The Nightshade-he killed them too.”
Her words fell like a hammer. The room, which had been filled with confidence only moments ago, fell into an uneasy silence. Leaders exchanged uncertain glances, their bravado replaced by doubt. Eventually, all eyes turned to the masked man on the dais-Firestone.
Sensing their gaze, Firestone’s raspy voice finally broke the silence. “Mags, are you certain? Is it truly him?”
He had known of the Five Ghosts’ deaths but had never investigated further. The master’s instructions had forbidden him from pursuing the matter. Mags nodded firmly. “Without a doubt. This information comes directly from him.”
“Is this because of the woman we captured?” Firestone asked, his tone growing colder.
Mags nodded again. “Yes. She is one of his Zodiac Generals-Wood Faulkner.”
A low chuckle escaped Firestone’s lips, growing into a laugh. “Good. Very good.”
The elderly man who had spoken earlier also nodded, his face lighting up with approval. “Excellent! We’ve been wondering how to avenge the Five Ghosts. Now the opportunity has come to us.”
“Lord Firestone, this is good news for you,” the old man added with a knowing smile.
Firestone tilted his head slightly. “How so?”
The elder replied, “The Five Ghosts were disciples of The Nightshade. They died carrying out their duties. If you kill the man who slaughtered them, it will solidify your position. It will strengthen your bid for the branch head position. That’s why this is good news for you.”
Mags, startled by the suggestion, stepped forward in protest. “No! Lord Firestone, you must think this through carefully!”