Chapter 319: Chapter 292: Parting Ways

The Iron Hill Kingdom.

This region of low hills in the eastern part of the continent featured gently rolling terrain. Its soil was so fertile it seemed blessed by the heavens.

It was home to over a dozen human-dominated states and autonomous towns, all bound together by a complex and fragile network of marriage alliances, trade, and military pacts.

「Dusk, in a remote town.」

In the reception hall of the City Lord’s Mansion, a fire blazed in the hearth. The orange-red glow of the flames mingled with the soft white light from a few Magic Crystal Lamps on the walls, filling the room with warmth and brightness.

A long, dark walnut table occupied the center of the hall. Its surface was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the light of the magic lamps above.

Four figures were seated around the table, each separated by a carefully measured distance.

Ignatius surveyed the hall’s furnishings, his gaze lingering on the Magic Crystal Lamps for a moment before he finally broke the silence.

"Grant, why did you arrange for us to meet here?"

Grant sat at one side of the long table, dressed in a well-tailored, dark blue casual suit. He wore no armor, and his signature greatsword was nowhere to be seen. He seemed less sharp-edged and more approachable than usual.

Hearing Ignatius’s question, he smiled faintly. "This is a friend’s territory. I’m just borrowing his place for a bit."

"It may be remote, but the roasted meat and ale are excellent. You should all try some later."

He said it offhandedly, his tone as casual as if he were inviting old friends for a meal.

But the other three present were all exceptionally shrewd and instantly understood the subtext.

The Iron Hill Kingdom was in the eastern part of the continent, a great distance from the Holy Dragon Mountain Range.

This was not the heartland of any of the five major powers.

By meeting here, they could all relax a little more.

At least for this moment, as they sat down to talk, they could temporarily forget the strife and smoke of war outside.

"You know, it’s been a long time since we’ve all gathered like this. Before the Dragon Slaying War ended, everyone was so busy with their own affairs we didn’t even have time to sit down for a cup of tea."

"It’s rare for us all to be able to sit together now. It’s just a shame Seline couldn’t make it."

Alicia said softly, "Seline has already been chosen by the Tide Hall as the next Saintess. She won’t be leaving the Great Vortex Islands again unless absolutely necessary."

"The Saintess, huh," Ignatius remarked with a sigh. "Before I knew it, Seline has come this far. I still remember when we first met. She was just a little girl, curious about everything, always tugging at my sleeve and asking questions..."

A cold snort suddenly interrupted Ignatius.

"There’s no need for reminiscing."

Rek’sa turned to Grant, his face etched with impatience. "Grant, why exactly did you call us here today?"

With those words, the atmosphere in the reception hall suddenly tensed.

Both Ignatius and Alicia frowned, clearly displeased with Rek’sa’s attitude.

But both restrained themselves and said nothing.

Grant saw this and sighed inwardly. "I just wanted everyone to sit down and have a proper talk," he said.

"I don’t want to see friends who once shared a common goal turn on each other and become enemies."

Rek’sa stared at Grant for a few seconds, then scoffed.

"Grant, I never knew you were so naive."

"Of the Five-Star Pillar, besides you and Seline, the remaining three—myself included—are all core figures in our respective factions. Once our factions go to war, it’s almost inevitable that we’ll end up on opposing sides."

"No one can change that, and a few pleasantries from you here won’t prevent it."

The atmosphere grew even more strained.

Alicia lowered her gaze, remaining silent.

She disliked war and had no interest in power struggles or the division of spoils.

But her position meant there were some things she was destined to be unable to avoid.

Ignatius said nothing, merely lifting his wineskin and taking a long swig.

He was the Guardian of the Myriad Furnaces of the Heart of the Mountains.

He had once sworn an oath before the Primordial Fire Furnace to protect his people.

Now that his people faced war, it was even more impossible for him to stand aside.

It wasn’t a matter of want, but of being in a position that came with certain responsibilities.

Grant saw their silence, and his feelings grew more complex.

In truth, from the moment the flames of war reignited in the Holy Dragon Mountain Range, he knew this day would come sooner or later.

But knowing it was one thing; he still held on to a sliver of hope, wanting to avoid this outcome.

Even if it was in vain.

He remembered the scene from many years ago, when the five of them first gathered to discuss founding the Fallen Dragon Association.

Back then, they were just five idealistic young people.

They came from different races and had different backgrounds, but their goal was the same.

To overthrow the Dragon Race!

And now, the Dragon Race was annihilated.

The goal that had united them was gone.

Naturally, the former companions had drifted apart.

It wasn’t a matter of right or wrong.

It was just fate playing its cruel hand.

Rek’sa clearly had no intention of staying any longer.

He rose from his chair, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the lamplight that shrouded half the table in darkness.

"Our positions are different. There’s nothing more to say."

"If we meet on the battlefield in the future, I will not show any mercy."

Rek’sa turned to look at Grant, a fleeting, hard-to-read emotion in his eyes that was instantly masked by cold indifference.

"Grant, a word of advice. Since you aren’t entangled in this war, don’t go looking for trouble. Otherwise, if the day comes when you face me, I won’t hold back either."

With that, he lingered no longer and turned toward the door.

The reception hall fell silent once more.

The fire in the hearth crackled, casting the shadows of the remaining three people onto the walls, making them stretch and shrink erratically.

After a long moment of silence, Ignatius also rose.

He hung the wineskin at his waist and looked up at Grant, his gaze complex.

"Grant, I don’t want it to come to this either."

"But the Heart of the Mountains is my home. My people need me. I can’t disregard the safety of my kin for the sake of personal friendship."

Grant looked at Ignatius, sighed, and simply nodded without trying to make him stay.

Ignatius gave him one last look, then turned and walked toward the door.

The door was pushed open, then closed again.

Alicia then stood up as well. "I should be going too."

Grant looked at her, wanting to say something but holding back. In the end, he just said softly, "Goodbye."

Alicia gave a slight nod and walked toward the door.

When she reached the doorway, she suddenly stopped, turned sideways, and her gaze fell upon Grant.

"We all have our own positions and responsibilities. It’s not about right or wrong... we’ve just chosen different paths."

Grant was taken aback for a moment, then a bitter smile touched his lips.

"Yes... different paths."

Alicia said no more, pushed the door open, and left.

The door closed behind her, shutting her slender figure out.

At last, only Grant remained in the reception hall.

He sat in his chair, gazing at the three empty seats across from him, and was silent for a long time.

Outside the window, night had completely enveloped the town.

From the distance came the occasional bark of a dog, echoing in the vast night before being swept away by the wind.

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