However, just as he was about to make a decision, urgent footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the great hall, and a bloodied messenger rushed in, breathlessly falling to his knees, trembling as he shouted:
"Your Holy Majesty, something terrible has happened! The delegation you sent to the Central Desert... was intercepted and killed by the Sand Ridge Tribe!"
At these words, Zel's pupils contracted sharply, and he tightened his grip on the Dragon Bone Staff in his hand. The Holy Blood Warriors standing on one side of the great hall widened their eyes, their hands unconsciously resting on the Obsidian Short Swords at their waists.
The entire hall fell into silence, not a sound could be heard, as if a needle's drop would echo...
It wasn't until the voice from the Golden Throne broke this heavy silence.
"The Sand Ridge Tribe..."
Iz's voice was cold, accompanied by the grinding sound of his teeth.
