After several arduous days of travel beyond the cursed forest, Ethan's convoy at last crested a ridge to behold Yanling. What they saw took their breath away. Yanling's lands sprawled out in a panorama of natural splendor unlike any Ethan had ever seen. Majestic emerald mountain ranges encircled the realm like silent guardians. Their snow-capped peaks glistened under the midday sun, crowns of white against a sky of perfect blue. Below the mountains, lush ancient forests blanketed rolling hills in every direction, a vast ocean of green swaying with the breeze. Silver rivers wound through flower-carpeted valleys, their waters so clear that even from a distance Ethan imagined he could spot the pebbles lining the riverbeds. Wildflowers in every color—violet, gold, crimson—dotted the meadows, filling the air with a light, sweet fragrance. It was as if they had ridden into a living painting, a paradise untouched by war.Ethan called a halt to allow the army a brief respite—and to let everyon

Murmurs of agreement rose from some Yanling delegates at the idea of increasing tourism revenue. Chancellor Lucius tapped his fingers, considering. His fox-eyes gleamed as he replied, "A creative proposal, Princess. Yet Carosso must also consider our costs—mining equipment, engineers, troops' salaries. We would propose 30% of output, and an arrangement where Carosso helps build the infrastructure for said tourism in Yanling. Our merchants and craftsmen would assist, naturally sharing in some of the commerce."Back and forth the bargaining went. Day turned to evening, evening to the next morning, as they hashed out terms. They argued over tariffs and tax splits, over jurisdiction of Carosso troops, over rights to any new magical discoveries within Yanling. Each time a dispute arose, cooler heads like Ethan and Fu Rong strove for compromise.Chancellor Lucius proved a cunning negotiator. When pressed by Yanling's ministers on Carosso's motives, he leaned forward and spoke with a tone of

Feindo's golden eyes gleamed at the suggestion. "Yes," he murmured. "Yes… it has been some time since we reminded our sleeping friend of its obligations." He stood, and with a swirl of his midnight cloak, began walking toward a side passage. "Come, Malchus. We shall pay our respects to the ancient one below. It will no doubt hunger for the coming feast of souls."The vizier followed eagerly, and together they left the hall, descending deeper into the heart of Shuanglin's palace. Down spiral staircases of ice they went, past vault-like doors and flickering cerulean sconces, each level colder than the last. They passed guards posted along the way who stiffened and saluted, though their faces showed confusion and fear at the King's intent. Few ever trod the path Feindo now took—the path to the Under-Ice.At last they reached an arched gateway covered in frost runes. With a wave of Feindo's hand, the runes glowed and the thick ice door groaned open. A blast of frigid air exhaled from the d

One month later, war came. Dawn broke cold and gray over the jagged peaks of the Ice Dome Mountains at Yanling's northern border. Atop the highest pass, King Feindo's legions gathered in eerie silence. Thousands of Shuanglin soldiers stood massed on the snowy slopes, armor glinting dimly in the weak light. Banners bearing a black snowflake flapped in the biting wind.From that lofty perch, King Feindo glared down at the valley. Through blowing snow, he could just make out the alliance's defensive lines far below—the phoenix and dragon banners fluttering side by side at the foot of the pass. They dared to make a stand against him."Fools," Feindo hissed inside his helm. His breath curled in the frigid air. He clenched the hilt of his jagged black sword, anticipating the terror he would soon unleash.By Feindo's side, the Ice Mage Israya waited astride a white horse. The slender young woman's silver-blue robes whipped around her in the wind. She gripped a polished cedar staff, and her vi

Throughout the night after the battle, Emperor Ethan moved through the snow-laden camp, thanking and encouraging his weary soldiers. Nearby, Princess Fu Rong shed her royal trappings to assist Yanling's medics, offering water and words of comfort to the wounded. Battered as they were, the allied troops' spirits were buoyed by victory and the personal attention of their leaders.Celestia stood guard at the entrance of the command tent, ever vigilant even in victory. By her side, under close watch, sat Israya. The defeated ice mage's hands were bound with an enchanted rope, but she had been given a fur-lined cloak for warmth and a cup of hot tea to ward off shock. Despite being a prisoner, Israya had been treated with basic kindness—a stark contrast to the cruelty she'd known under Feindo.Ethan entered the tent, accompanied by Leon, who sported fresh bruises but brushed off any fuss over his injuries. Celestia nodded at Ethan's arrival, and Fu Rong looked up from bandaging a soldier's a