Three days had passed since the system shutdown. In that quiet stretch of time, tension had risen like a low tide across the continent. But here, in the far western region of the Valderian Empire, nestled among the emerald waves of tall grass and rich farmland, a black carriage rolled steadily along a polished stone road. The crest of the winged lion shimmered on its sides—undeniably the mark of House Velebrandt.