Second Peak, the Azure Lotus Palace.
A palace shaped like flowing water—smooth curves, glass-like halls, and floating gardens connected by suspended bridges. Mana streams flow like living rivers.
Inside a serene meditation chamber perfumed with rare petals.
Marshal Vanthe sits cross-legged, surrounded by rippling blue lotus petals that dance in the air.
Elegant.
Calm.
Cold.
A female attendant kneels, head lowered.
"My lord… Duke Charles has reached Luminaris. He did not come alone. Knight Virtil is with him."
Vanthe opens his eyes slowly, revealing pupils that glow faintly blue.
"Virtil?" he repeats softly.
The petals in the air flutter and then fall lifelessly.
"…Charles moves sooner than expected."
He stands, brushing a lotus petal from his robes.
"Let us see," he murmurs, "whether the Duke comes to plead… or to provoke."
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Third peak, the Scarlet Serpent Palace
