On the far side of the Southern Region, within a sub-dimensional secret realm not far from the ice walls surrounding Starcrest.
A colossal castle stood at its center, its architecture reminiscent of the Victorian era, imposing and ancient.
Hooded figures filled the skies.
More than a thousand of them moved through the air in organized formations. On the ground below, even greater numbers gathered, their presence dense and oppressive.
Around the castle, military squads stood stationed in layers.
Ten thousand or more.
Every single one of them existed at the second rank.
Not a single first ranker could be seen.
They had already been sent out.
Sent to their deaths.
Their purpose had been simple.
Delay.
Buy time.
Time for the High Order to prepare for what was coming.
Then, abruptly, a grey hooded figure emerged from the depths of the castle, dressed in the same robes as the others below.
His expression was grim.
