The wind over the Barren Lands carried the rusty stench of blood and scorching sand.
It lashed relentlessly at Zahid's forward camp.
The campfires flickered unsteadily in the wind.
Casting light over the mottled dark-red bloodstains and deep-yellow mud on the tents.
Though the sounds of battle in the distance had long since ceased, the taut, snapping hum in the air wound tighter around everyone's nerves than ever before.
The threat of the Dust Demon Lord hung overhead like circling vultures, waiting for its next dive.
Inside the command tent, the candlelight was dim.
Zahid sat before the table, his fingertips repeatedly brushing the icy communication ring, which was now trembling violently without pause.
From the moment he received the news, he had endured until night fell once more.
At last, the latest message arrived.
"Uncle," he murmured softly, staring at the intricate patterns on the ring.
Yet when he immersed his consciousness in it, he discovered that the message had not come from his uncle Tuck, but from the God-gifted Archbishop Ude.
A mental message that only Zahid could identify, accompanied by Ude's smug, animated phantom, surged into Zahid's mind in an instant.
"Blockade. Powerful enemies surround you. Bloodline succession crisis. Northern College of Cardinals' Chosen sanctuary. Escape immediately! Remain absolutely covert!"
The message struck at Zahid's defenses like an ice spike.
News of his father's death left him hanging over a bottomless abyss.
Beneath that throne of radiant power lay a vortex capable of devouring everything!
The tent flap was lifted, bringing in a gust tinged with sour sweat and blood.
The one who entered was Azim, the captain of his personal guard and confidant.
An Epic Grade expert who had followed him since his youth, loyal as stone.
Azim's expression was frighteningly grave.
In his hand, he