Chapter 93: Untitled

Spring comes and autumn goes; in this year, time rushes past like flowing water, leaving ripples in its wake.

This is a year of chaos, a year of upheaval. As some unseen crisis gradually approaches, the once stable order of the world is repeatedly shattered. In the Northern Territory, the two waves of unrest centered around the powers of the north and south have begun to subside.

In the south, with the old powerhouse, the Principality of Enderly, defeating the coalition of five neighboring enemy states, the last resistance in the south was eradicated. The kings of the five principalities were forced to their deaths one by one, the south pacified entirely, and Enderly's influence began to radiate northward.

As this influence fermented, countless previously neutral city-states in the north yielded to the threat, pledging allegiance, and the dominance of Enderly began to solidify.

Meanwhile, in the north, Adis rose forcefully. After capturing Roya and Balo, two traditional city-states of the Northern Territory, his tens of thousands of troops swept across the region. Many tribes of the northern desert seemed to submit, and in a short time, his power became formidable, almost rivaling that of the south.

With the rise of these two powers, the struggle for supremacy in the north reached its most intense moment. Dozens of city-states and principalities that once stood independent were now all but gone, annexed or destroyed by these two forces, their previous situation lost forever.

Those that remained were mostly tucked away in remote corners, powerless to influence the contest for dominance.

Now, the situation in the Northern Territory is clear. Anyone with discerning eyes can see that the new overlord will emerge from one of these two great powers. Nobles and knights rush about, eager to pledge themselves to the side they favor, hoping to align themselves in advance.

Most flock to the south. Although Adis's rise has been swift—his reputation even matches the south for a time—the longstanding nobles still find the old southern principality more reliable.

After all, Adis's new policies have, in some ways, infringed upon their interests, and his youth is another important factor. This is only the second year since Adis raised his army; he is but seventeen, not yet an adult. While his achievements inspire admiration, they also breed profound distrust.

When the fate of entire families hangs in the balance, an established principality is far more trustworthy than a barely grown youth.

Yet, as most hurry south, a small number choose to head north.

...

Upon a desolate plain.

A caravan moves slowly along an ancient, barren road, horses galloping and kicking up clouds of dust.

Several knights ride ahead, vigilant and scanning the wilds around them, wary of sudden dangers.

In their guarded midst, a middle-aged man sits with a calm expression, gazing quietly ahead.

"Father, are we truly right to head north and pledge ourselves to Adis?"

Beside him, a handsome young man speaks hesitantly.

"Dean, what is on your mind?" The middle-aged man turns, smiling at his doubtful son.

"I'm just struggling to understand," Dean says. "The Principality of Enderly is clearly stronger, its king powerful and fierce. Why must we split from our family and pledge ourselves to the newly founded Principality of Adis in the north?"

"Then what do you think the reason is?" The man shakes his head.

Dean hesitates, then replies, "I believe, father, your reasons are first: in Enderly, with its centuries-old legacy, although it is strong and has many talented people, the nobility is already full; power is tightly held by the established nobles, leaving little room for outsiders like us."

"But in Adis, though its king also comes from nobility, his principality has only existed for a few years. He has suppressed rebellious nobles, so power there is far from monopolized. If we pledge ourselves, we could gain a much higher position than we would in the south."

He pauses, lifting his head slowly. "There is another reason—likely the family's decision."

"After all, the new overlord of the Northern Territory will certainly rise from one of the two principalities. To hedge against unexpected outcomes, the family decided to send our branch north. That way, whatever the result, our family can endure."

This is the principle of betting on both sides. As nobles who have survived centuries of chaos, they know full well not to put all their eggs in one basket. It is only natural to hedge their bets, just as Dean expected.

Yet even as he says this, his tone remains puzzled. "What I can't understand is, given your status in the family, the patriarch shouldn't send us north."

This is a matter of priority. Even if the family bets on both sides, there is always a main and a secondary. If the south is favored, the northern branch should be one less valued, not important members of the family.

Ahead, hearing Dean's words, the man nods in appreciation, his gaze growing warmer.

"Dean, your insight is excellent."

His expression grows complex. "But beyond those reasons, the most important is that I favor the northern Principality of Adis over the south. That is why I requested to lead our people north."

Dean was startled, momentarily speechless.

The familiar voice continued beside him.

"Since coming to the north, Dean, have you noticed any changes?"

"Changes?" Dean asked, puzzled.

"It seems there are fewer wild, corrupted beasts here; even the strange spirits that used to roam at night appear less frequently."

He spoke in wonder, as if some realization was dawning in his mind.

"Not only that, but after entering northern lands, the countless wild tribes and bandit gangs that once filled the wilderness have become pitifully scarce."

The man urged his horse forward, speaking, "Did you know? After Adis founded his state, I studied it closely—even visited myself."

"Do you know what I discovered?" He turned to his son, his face solemn. "The magical miasma that once constantly eroded the skies has begun to disappear!"

"What!" Dean exclaimed, staring at his father in disbelief.

"You know I possess an unusual sensitivity, able to sense the magical energies nearby. But there, I clearly felt the miasma receding, driven away by another force."

"The priests of Adis call it divine power, the strength of their god of nature, whom they worship. Adis himself is said to be the reincarnation of this god."

His expression grew grave. "If this is true, then the god of nature behind Adis may be far more powerful than the ancestral deity of Enderly."

"If so, then it is worth the risk."