The Dark Age.
It existed only in legends and knightly novels. At present, the official records of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy contained no information whatsoever about the Dark Age.
That era had lasted nearly four or five thousand years.
Volcanoes were still brewing beneath the earth, giant dragons had not yet begun to soar, and neither wyverns nor elves had been born.
Without dragons and the warmth they brought, humanity had faced endless cold.
"There are no records of how humanity in the Dark Age reproduced generation after generation, but humans couldn't possibly have sprouted from warm lands like weeds for no reason, could they?" Russell said. "Humanity must have had some way to survive during the Dark Age."
"Indeed."
"So perhaps Phantom Beasts had already been born in that era, and humanity relied on their protection to endure the cold. Those Cold Spring Points that still remain today may have been survival outposts opened up for humanity by Dragon Domain Lords during the Dark Age."
"Your deduction is quite reasonable." Baron Roman nodded in agreement.
"In that era, the Frost Trolls probably had not yet crossed the Gate of Another World. They may even have only projected their power onto the Dragon Sleep Continent." Russell continued speculating. "Perhaps a batch of Snow Ghosts was born first, then, after their power had accumulated for long enough, Snow Demons emerged. Once Snow Giants appeared, the giant dragons should have erupted as well."
After a pause, he continued, "Now that humanity is on the verge of defeating the ice and snow and reclaiming the warm land, the Frost Trolls have also fallen from the sky like meteors."
"Very interesting."
"It's only my guess, Father."
"It is hard to say whether it is true or false, but it would make a fine play.