Scorching midday sunlight poured through the skylight in the dome, dust motes dancing in the beam. Breathing grew heavier around the round table. Derino swallowed, his small eyes darting about, and broke the silence first. "My lord, do you mean the Conqueror from the legends?"
"That's him!" Scarface Elder cut in. "The Conqueror is Golden Sand Midnight's blade. He destroyed every civilization before ours, and their ruined cities became the Cities of the Dead we know today."
Old Priest frowned and shot Scarface Elder a displeased look. "Knowledge mentor of the Tree Herders, it isn't your place to speak. Only those of the highest standing may serve Lord Xia Lun. What gives you the right to speak here?"
Scarface Elder said nothing. He turned to Xia Lun first.
Xia Lun had been quietly watching everyone's reactions. Noticing Scarface Elder's gaze, he gave a slight nod.
Scarface Elder grinned at once. "I was the High Priest of the First Empire. When the empire fell, I turned myself into a Lich, and that's how I've lived until now. No one in this room knows more about the Conqueror than I do."
White Line, Derino, Old Priest, and the Great Leader of the Tree Herders all looked stunned. Only Xia Lun remained as calm as ever.
"In any case, this era is coming to an end. The Golden City faces utter destruction, and we have little time left." Xia Lun let the silence linger for a few seconds before speaking softly.
"My lord, we must flee at once!" Old Priest's wrinkled face went deathly pale as the news sank in. "All fifteen previous dynasties fell to the Undead Swarm. The dead vastly outnumber us. We can't possibly hold them off!"
As he spoke, his expression eased a little, and a fervent light entered