Emberfall Chronicles

The investigation in A1 City had unearthed disturbing truths—the Noble Family knew more about the Strays than they ever admitted. One of their high-ranking members was found murdered, his room ransacked, and a forbidden spellbook missing.

The White Army, led by White, interrogated the remaining nobles, demanding answers. Their fear was evident. They knew exactly what had been stolen—a lost Earth Spell, divided into two parts during the Second War.

"Who gave you the right to hide such knowledge?" White's voice thundered across the grand halls of the Noble Estate. His golden eyes narrowed as he turned toward the eldest noble, an old man trembling in his seat.

"T-That spell should never be used again..." the noble stammered. "It was meant to stay buried."

White's patience was thin. "That decision is not yours to make. We have already lost one of your people to an assassin, and now a spell of this magnitude is in the wrong hands. If this is part of something bigger..." he trailed off, before turning to his soldiers. "Prepare the report. I will inform the First World Government Leader immediately."

The Arrival of Ulrich

Far away, in the heart of the World Government headquarters, a figure stood on a balcony, overlooking the vast capital.

Ulrich.

The First Leader of the World Government. A man draped in a flowing white cloak, a blindfold covering his eyes. But despite his blindness, he stood with a commanding presence, his aura alone exuding an authority few dared to question.

Behind him, a voice spoke.

"Sir, a request has come from White. The situation in A1 City has worsened. He believes this is bigger than just the Strays."

Ulrich remained silent for a moment. Then, he sighed.

"It was only a matter of time," he muttered, his voice deep and calculated. "Prepare my departure. The world's balance is shifting again."

Liang Bai's Warning

Back in A1 City, as White discussed strategy with his officers, he sensed a presence. He turned sharply to see a lone figure leaning against the balcony.

Liang Bai.

The Chinese warrior who had fought in the competition. But his face was not the same as before. His usual relaxed smirk was gone, replaced by a look of grim certainty.

"White," Liang Bai said, his voice firm, "this isn't just about a missing spellbook. I saw something when I was fighting the Strays. Something worse."

White raised an eyebrow. "Explain."

Liang Bai took a deep breath. "I saw... them. In the darkness of that tunnel. It wasn't just Strays down there. Something else is coming."

White's expression darkened.

Before he could respond, a soldier rushed into the room.

"Commander! The First Leader is arriving!"

White's eyes widened. Ulrich himself was coming to A1 City.

The chapter ends with a single thought echoing through White's mind:

If Ulrich is coming personally... then this is no longer just a crisis. This is war.