Published at 13th of February 2026 7:17 am

Chapter 1499 Major Developments

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The City of Everlasting Warmth was in full motion from early morning, stretching outward in dense rows of three-and-four-story buildings packed tightly along winding streets.

Between those clustered blocks, tall Magus towers rose at irregular intervals. Although these towers were only restricted to the Scholar Ward, a handful of them could also be found in the High Ward.

The eastern gates leading to the Trade Ward were especially chaotic. Caravans arriving from distant cities of the Union stood in long lines, their carts piled with grains, ore, textiles, and livestock slowly inching forward while merchants argued with officials over tariffs and paperwork.

Adventurers carrying packs or leading pack animals squeezed through gaps wherever they could, while porters yelled out directions and laborers unloaded goods nearby, adding to the constant noise.

Although Amberfall in the south was widely known as the City of Merchants, it still couldn't compare to the sheer volume of trade flowing in and out of Springdale.

The City of Everlasting Warmth, after all, was the largest city in the Union, as well as its political and economic heart, the seat from which power itself was exercised.

Security, however, seemed far tighter than usual. Armed guards stood in doubled numbers along the towering walls and the gates themselves. They carefully inspected cargo, questioned travellers, and watched the crowd for suspicious movement.

Magi stationed above scanned the incoming flow with detection spells, ensuring nothing dangerous slipped through, while patrols constantly moved along the perimeter.

A dwarf stood atop the wall of the eastern gates, as he stared down at the packed road below, his sharp eyes scanning the endless stream of carts and travelers moving through the checkpoint.

His brown hair was pulled back, and his thick beard was split into twin braided ponytails that rested against his chest. His face was rough and weathered, and a thin scar ran across his left eye, giving his already stern appearance an even more daunting vibe.

Where is he?

Krummor Grimriver thought to himself as he watched the crowd with careful attention, searching for someone among the sea of faces below.

Six months had passed since the incident that had shaken the Brotherhood and upended its internal balance of power.

Needless to say, much had changed in the months that followed. Three major developments, in particular, drew widespread attention across the secret order.

First, it was publicly announced that Nyle Damon and Vaelor Voris had been killed. The true circumstances of their deaths were not disclosed to ordinary operatives, only the Wardens were briefed, and even then, selectively.

To the wider Brotherhood, it was said that the two Councilors had fallen while carrying out a dangerous mission. The consequences were immediate. Their respective factions, the Shadowblades and the Wildwatchers, lost considerable power and influence.

Second, Shaw Jidu and Carlton Yates had emerged from the shadows and began taking a far more active role in the operations of the Brotherhood.

Most members assumed this was only natural since two Councilors had fallen, so the leaders of the Seekers and the Reformers were simply stepping forward to stabilize the organization in a time of crisis.

Third, a quiet wave of optimism began to spread among the Preservationists. Not only were they, along with the rest of the organization, made aware of the truth surrounding Vulwin Preskian's death, but they were also informed that Gerald Acadia's protege was returning from exile.

And today was the day…

Is he even going to arrive from this gate? Krummor couldn't help but think in frustration.

Mana Core Magi were forbidden from entering the city freely, whether by flight or foot. Special arrangements had to be made in advance, and entry required explicit security clearance from the Sovereign Council.

If one attempted to enter without prior authorization, their presence would be detected almost immediately, and within moments, powerful Magi of the Union would converge on their location.

That was why Krummor was waiting at the entrance for the new Councilor of the Preservationists. Arrangements for Berger's arrival had already been made in advance.

Besides, the dwarf and the gnome were old comrades, so it made sense for the Krummor to be the one to welcome him.

He craned his neck, scanning the crowd below to see if he had somehow missed his old friend, when suddenly his gaze landed on a hooded, cloaked figure of small stature standing in the middle of the road, looking straight up in his direction.

Perched casually on the figure's shoulders was a small black puppy, happily licking his paw without a care in the world.

The moment Krummor's gaze landed on them, his lips involuntarily curled into a wide grin, and then he burst into a jolly fit of laughter.

***

Far back along the busy road, a procession of carriages slowly pushed forward through the packed line of travelers and merchants waiting at the gates.

Progress was slow, but steady, as people reluctantly moved aside, sensing that this was no ordinary convoy.

Armed Magi rode alongside the carriages, their presence alone enough to silence nearby arguments and complaints.

When onlookers noticed the flag carried by the escorts, bearing the insignia of one of the mighty kingdoms of the Sovereign Union, the mood shifted immediately. Carts were hurriedly pulled aside, and travelers stepped back without protest.

Clearly, whoever was inside those carriages was someone important.

The procession finally reached the eastern gates. The escorting Magi halted briefly while officials stepped forward to inspect the banners, their postures stiffening the moment they recognized the insignia.

Almost immediately, the guards straightened and bowed respectfully, clearing the way without delay. The convoy was granted swift passage into the city after a brief but thorough security inspection.

Scenes like this were once rare in Springdale, but they were becoming increasingly common as the date of the Sovereign Conclave drew closer.

Envoys and dignitaries from kingdoms, principalties, and powerful city-states were steadily arriving, each bringing their own retinues, guards, and political agendas.

The procession of carriages that just passed below the city gates belonged to none other than…

The Ignisra Kingdom!

In one of the carriages in the convoy, the curtains were drawn back just enough to reveal the passenger inside. A handsome man with crimson hair and bright ruby eyes, gazed out at the bustling streets with a faint smile.

His lips parted, and he murmured softly, almost to himself, "The weather in Springdale is always so pleasant."

Representing the mighty Ignisra Kingdom and its Mana Core-level monarch, Prince Marlow Fireborne had arrived in the City of Everlasting Warmth.

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