A silver-white airship tore through the clouds high above, the wind howling around it.
Augustus, the Empire's legendary warrior responsible for overseeing the Archipelago Plane, stood side by side with Archmage Tavia, their robes snapping in the wind.
Traveling with them was also a legendary expert from the Rodriguez family—Stan Rodriguez.
He stood with his hands behind his back, his expression cold and stern, his gaze fixed on the distant Lizardmen City.
"You can see the smoke and dust from here," Augustus said gravely, a hint of scrutiny in his brow. "The battle over there was no small affair."
"I heard about it as well." Tavia stroked his beard, his voice deep and unhurried. "They say Count Ang led troops to attack Lizardmen City. Judging by this... the rumor was most likely true."
Stan gave a derisive snort, a trace of disdain in his eyes. "Hmph. The lizardmen are outsiders, after all. Conflict between humans and them was bound to erupt sooner or later. Still, I never expected a mere count to be the first to tear open the breach."
Augustus turned to glance at him and said meaningfully, "You do not sound as though you blame him. If anything... you seem to approve?"
Stan spread his hands, his expression flippant. "You think I am taking sides? Not quite. But compared with the endless scheming among humans, the lizardmen are easier to control. Loyal to profit, submissive before strength—such a race... is not without its uses."
"Are you trying to convince yourself?" Tavia said coolly, a chill in his voice.
Stan smiled at that without arguing, merely gazing ahead with an unreadable look.
"Regardless." Augustus's eyes gradually turned cold. "Since Ang attacked the lizardmen, he openly tore up the Truce Agreement between the Empire and the lizardmen. He must answer