While Ethan escorted Mary and Louisa through the majestic stone corridors of the outer sect, far below the mountain in the chaotic underbelly of the frontier town, a completely different game was being played.
Inside a dimly lit, smoke-filled tavern tucked away in the darkest alley of the market district, a cloaked man sat alone in a corner booth. He tapped a rhythm onto the wooden table before pulling out a small, high-tier communication talisman.
"Send the message to the Fourth Prince immediately," said the spy, his voice barely a low whisper that hissed through the shadows. "The frontier brat has successfully broken through. We failed to intercept or halt his progress. His raw martial strength is far too high for our current local assets to suppress."
