A few days after the violent clash that shook Border Town, the dust finally began to settle. The once-chaotic streets were alive again with bustling merchants, curious onlookers, and whispering tongues spreading rumors like wildfire. The conflict between the Amber Fell Clan and the Azure Cloud Faction had become the hottest topic of discussion in every tavern, market stall, and tea house.
The fall of Vernon, the once-proud patriarch of the Amber Fell Clan, had sent shockwaves through the region. His crimes were laid bare before the people: treason, attempted assassination, and collusion with dark forces. His once-mighty clan was shattered, its banners taken down, its members scattered, and its name etched into history as a cautionary tale of greed and betrayal.
When the verdict was finally announced, the town square was packed with citizens eager to hear the fate of the disgraced patriarch.
Vernon was stripped of his titles, his assets confiscated by the Pardera Kingdom, and the remainder distributed to the Azure Cloud Faction as compensation for their losses. But the harshest punishment was not material—it was exile. Vernon was banished from the kingdom, forbidden to ever set foot in Pardera soil again. Yet, while Vernon's fate was decisive, another name emerged from the scandal—Master Baldoni, the famed alchemist of Border Town.
Rumors had already spread through the streets like a fever, each story growing wilder than the last. Some claimed Baldoni had willingly concocted the poison used against the Azure Cloud Patriarch, while others suggested he had been blackmailed into compliance. Whatever the truth, the revelation of his involvement had stunned the people.
Master Baldoni had long been regarded as a figure of respect—a genius alchemist whose potions had saved countless lives. His shop had always been filled with customers, nobles, and commoners alike, and his reputation extended far beyond the borders of Border Town.
When the decision came, it was clear they had taken his past contributions into account. Baldoni was fined a significant sum—a number that, while hefty, was still a mere dent in the wealth he had accumulated over the years.
But the real punishment came not from the fine, but from the blow to his reputation.
Just a day after his punishment was issued, the famous alchemist was seen leaving the border town as well, his destination unknown. The aftermath of the Amber Fell Clan's defeat left Emery with a lingering sense of curiosity about the realm's justice system. Unlike the Magus Universe, where the Magus Alliance held supreme authority, the kingdom of Pardera operated under a much weaker form of governance.
Throughout the entire conflict, Emery noticed the kingdom's officials were nowhere to be seen. The Azure Cloud Faction had been forced to handle the entire crisis alone—investigating, fighting, and ultimately defeating the Amber Fell Patriarch without any governmental support.It was only after the dust had settled when Vernon was already defeated and bound in chains, that the kingdom's officials finally intervened. They distributed punishment, confiscated assets, and allocated reparations to the victims.
Emery's thoughts drifted back to the Magus Alliance.
For all its flaws, corruption, and heavy bureaucracy—provided a firm and undeniable authority. They held thousands of factions together under a single law, preventing chaos and maintaining a fragile peace. If a faction rose too aggressively or broke the rules, the Alliance would act decisively.
Without such oversight, factions like the Nephilim would have run rampant, their overwhelming power crushing smaller factions underfoot without consequence.
"Flawed, yes… but better than here."
Notably, this realm was filled with powerful individuals, and without strong oversight, it resembled more of a law of the jungle—survival hinged entirely on one's strength. Emery had to be extra careful not to mess with the wrong factions. At the same time, he didn't need to worry too much about breaking any laws as long as he had strong enough supporters.
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It had been a week since the intense battle that shook the foundation of the Azure Cloud Faction. Within the grand estate, peace had finally settled, and the air was filled with a sense of relief.
In one of the estate's sunlit courtyards, Ella, the faction patriarch's daughter, smiled brightly as she watched her father stretch his arms with newfound vigor. The elderly man had finally purged the last traces of poison from his body.
"All thanks to Master Emery…" the patriarch said, his voice carrying deep gratitude. "It's truly fortunate that you met someone like him."
As the patriarch spoke, he noticed his daughter's cheeks turning slightly red at the mention of Emery's name. A sly grin crossed his face as he chuckled softly.
"I don't believe Master Emery will stay in our estate for much longer," he said with a knowing look. "If you don't want to lose your chance, my dear, you should take the initiative."
"Father!" Ella's face turned crimson as she protested, but despite her embarrassment, her father's words lingered in her mind.
Over the past few days, their special guest had kept himself secluded in his assigned residence, completely absorbed in his alchemical research. Occasionally, visitors would come and go. Curiosity gnawed at Ella's mind. What was he doing in there? Was he alright?
Determined to check on him—and, admittedly, spurred on by her father's teasing—Ella decided to prepare a feast herself. She carefully arranged a tray with exotic fruits, aromatic dishes, and a pot of fragrant tea before making her way towards Emery's residence.
Her steps were light, her heart pounding slightly in anticipation. As she approached the door, she took a deep breath and adjusted her dress, ensuring everything looked presentable.
With a soft knock, she pushed open the door.
However, what greeted her was not the sight she had imagined.
Standing in the middle of the room was a young girl—her hair a radiant silver, cascading like liquid moonlight down her shoulders. Her youthful face was strikingly beautiful, but her sharp, unwelcoming gaze immediately made Ella freeze in place.
The girl's piercing eyes locked onto Ella, her voice cold and commanding.
"Who are you?! What do you want?"
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