Ethan Eldravar's resilient footsteps stepped constantly cleaving the thick snow pile filling the narrow passage in the western cliff corridor. The northern mountain night wind blew hard crossing the coral stone cracks, bringing extreme cold freezing the dirty silsit fluid remnants on his black armor plates.Although the outdoor air temperature dropped far beneath the eternal ice boiling point, the micro-scale warm radiance from Rion on his right arm wrist kept flowing stably, keeping Ethan's internal body circuit temperature from experiencing thermal dissonance.Isyra and Izra Nyxaris stepped with double formation density behind Ethan's position. A set of optical sensors on Isyra's head protector kept flashing green periodically, scanning every horizontal cliff niche to ensure there were no more secondary shadow signal movements attempting to conduct follow-up ambushes.At the same time, Izra kept locking his eye gaze on Ethan's vitality indicators connected wirelessly through the tea

The aroma of burning pine wood and sauteed warm spices began creeping slowly piercing through the stone hallways of Valtherion Palace. Along the main corridor previously filled with projectile shells and dirty silsit black soot, the Nomad Sanctuary alliance soldiers worked shoulder to shoulder together with local residents. There was no longer a panic expression or tactical tension gripping them. Light laughter, relieved smiles, and puffs of smoke from the public kitchens colored the victory party preparations planned to climax that night.Ethan Eldravar stepped calmly crossing that corridor. A pitch-black formal knight outfit trimmed with silver fitted sturdy on his tall body, replacing the heavy combat armor currently being sterilized in the forge workshop. Beneath his coat fabric, his left shoulder was still wrapped neatly in medical bandages, yet his physical movements were far more flexible. Right on his right arm wrist, Rion coiled relaxedly. That small crystal dragon closed his

The crystal chandeliers in the Grand Hall still emitted a vibrant warm yellow glow. The laughter of the alliance officers and the clinking of silver cups collided regularly with the strains of traditional northern mountain music. Izra Nyxaris set his fruit cup down on the marble table, then rotated his body facing toward Ethan and Isyra with a relaxed body gesture that still emanated leadership authority."Two elders from the advisory council have already given a signal from the honor table," Izra said with a regular baritone intonation. "I must return to join them to discuss post-war logistics allocation. Enjoy tonight, you two."Ethan only gave a short head nod."Fulfill your duty, Izra."After Izra's departure toward the crowd of palace high officials, Ethan turned his steps leaving the crowd. He possessed no intention of staying longer in the middle of the celebration bustle which was growing deeper. His calm and regular footsteps parted the crowd of soldiers slowly, crossing the

The morning sun radiance grew increasingly high above the Valtherion sky, driving away the remaining cold dew clinging to the stone carvings in the palace center courtyard. The atmosphere across all corners of the fortress no longer reflected a military headquarters in a status one alert condition. On the contrary, the movement rhythm of the knights and civilians moved dynamically with a single same goal: preparing the Main Hall and the Grand Altar for the new king's coronation ceremony.Ethan walked crossing the upper main corridor connecting the residence area with the meeting hall. His black robe fluttered softly following his stable footstep. On his right shoulder, Rion perched calmly, observing the busyness of dozens of Nomad Sanctuary soldiers who were mounting blue-silver silk cloth banners, the Nyxaris clan grand emblem which was now raised back after years of being suppressed under Axandra's regime."Shift that plate two meters to the left! Ensure the evacuation route remains

Morning sunlight radiated brightly piercing through the curved glass window in the main study room of Valtherion Palace. The warmth of the new season crept slowly, driving away the remaining cold air that for months had enveloped the fortress's massive stone walls.The atmosphere inside the room was no longer filled with stacks of tactical maps, emergency barricade lines, or the smell of combat armor lubricating oil. What remained was only a neat arrangement of thick sandalwood tables and the aroma of warm spiced tea wafting in the air.King Izra Nyxaris stood tall behind the main table. He no longer wore the gold-silver grand robe or the heavy crown he had used during yesterday's coronation ceremony. This morning, Izra wore a noble formal dark blue shirt with a thin silver rim on the collar part, a royal daily outfit that was far more practical and comfortable, yet still emanated the natural authority of a legitimate ruler of the northern land.Around the circular discussion table, i