Chapter 203
Morning light streamed through the tall arched windows of the Rothchester Mansion, casting gold and rose hues over the marble corridors as Daniel stepped out from his chamber for the first time in fifteen days. His steps were slow but deliberate, the faint echo of his boots mixing with the distant hum of servants and guards already at work. Behind him, a ripple of soft energy shimmered , and from that gleaming light emerged his fused retainer, Vaenyx, the Twilight Chimera.
Vaenyx was a living marvel, a being that defied natural order and whispered of divine craftsmanship. Her body bore the grace of a silver-furred fox, her paws tipped with owl-like talons that clicked lightly on the polished floor. Vast, metallic-shadowed wings folded neatly along her back, their feathers iridescent and sharp like obsidian blades glinting in sunlight. From her spine flowed nine serpentine tails, each alive and curious, their scales reflecting faint motes of blue fire. Her face was both mesmerizing and unsettling , foxlike yet ethereal, with twin crescent horns curving backward and eyes that glowed with the duality of gold and silver. When she moved, she seemed both shadow and flame , a creature born from twilight itself.
To Melgil, though, Vaenyx was simply "Nyx." She adored the creature, often scooping her up like a pet and laughing at Daniel's "terrible naming sense.""Really, Daniel," she teased that morning, her voice carrying warmth that melted through the mansion's chill. "You fuse three ancient spirits into one divine being and call her Vaenyx? You could've gone with something simple, like Eirawen or Lunara."
Daniel had only smiled faintly. "That name came from the generator, remember? Back when we were designing characters for Arcane Crusade. It was random, but it stuck. Guess I never learned better."
" A name generator?" then Melgil chuckled softly. "Then it suits you perfectly."
"you always make the most peculiar answer i ever heard,"
Daniel could smile, he told the truth, but they really cant understand it, the inhabitants of the first floor just openly accepted thigs as they are they casually brush off certain thing they don't know, maybe its for the best, at times Daniel also forgets were he came from and what his background was in the past.
maybe the moment the unseen forgotten god re wrote his life history was slowly cathing up to his present life, it was really a rough and complicated past , maybe just maybe living the present is much better.
The two walked together through the corridor , Melgil in her light blue robe, her hair tied in a neat braid, and Daniel dressed plainly, his presence calm yet quietly magnetic. Staff members who passed by paused to bow or offer warm smiles. Whispers followed them , relief, gratitude, awe. Their young lord had finally awakened.
Even those who tried to maintain composure couldn't help but show emotion. Daniel's recovery had been uncertain; many had believed he might never rise again after his heart had stopped for a full minute. To see him alive , walking, breathing, even smiling , felt like witnessing a miracle reborn.
At Daniel's heel padded Nyx, who had shrunk herself to a mere foot in height to avoid alarming anyone. Most of the mansion's staff were too focused on their duties to notice the tiny, winged fox-serpent creature gliding beside them. Only one young maid paused, eyes wide with curiosity. She had been recently hired and was still learning the estate's ways. She wanted to ask what the little creature was , but something in Daniel's calm, measured gaze told her not to.
The senior staff had briefed her well: The young lord sees and does things for reasons none can yet understand. His methods may seem strange, but his foresight has saved lives. He was known as a Netherborn, a rare title found in old records describing mortals chosen by entities from beyond the veil , the watchers between realms. Such chosen ones, the texts said, were not bound by the rules of a single world. They walked between light and shadow, life and death, bearing the mark of divine purpose.
And Daniel had proved the stories true. It was he who foresaw the demon incursion before it struck. It was he who fought at the gates when everyone else believed escape was impossible. To the people of the Rothchester estate, he was not just their young lord , he was a living omen of hope.
As Daniel and Melgil entered the grand hall, sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows depicting the history of the Rothchester line, kings, knights, and heroes past. The air smelled faintly of polished wood and morning tea. At the far end, beneath the towering portrait of Duke Aereth in his younger years, stood Custodia, the head steward, who froze mid-step upon seeing Daniel.
Her old eyes widened, disbelief melting into radiant joy. "My lord… you're awake!" She bowed deeply, her voice trembling. "I shall inform the Duke and Duchess immediately!"
"Please," Daniel said gently, "discreetly. I'd rather not cause a commotion."
Custodia nodded quickly, her composure returning though her hands still shook slightly. "Of course, young master." She turned briskly and hurried down the corridor, her heart racing with happiness.
Melgil smiled faintly as she watched her go. "You realize she's not going to stay discreet. Half the mansion will know within ten minutes."
Daniel sighed but smiled. "Then let's make those ten minutes peaceful."
They made their way toward the main hall's long table, where sunlight spilled over the polished surface. Servants paused their work to bow, their faces bright with relief. Laughter even broke out from one of the older knights standing guard a rare sound in recent weeks. The weight that had hung over the mansion since Daniel's collapse finally began to lift.
And then, at last, footsteps thundered from the far end of the hall.
Duke Aereth Rothchester, tall and broad-shouldered despite his age, strode in with a vigor that belied his years. His silver-lined armor clinked softly as he crossed the hall, his usually stern face overwhelmed with emotion. Beside him came the Duchess Elaina, her flowing blue gown swaying with her hurried steps, tears already forming in her eyes.
"My son…" she whispered.
Daniel barely had time to stand before his mother reached him and pulled him into a fierce embrace. Her arms trembled around him as if afraid he might vanish if she let go. "You scared us," she said, her voice breaking. "You scared us so much."
Daniel smiled gently, his voice low. "I'm sorry, Mother. I didn't mean to."
Duke Aereth placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder, his composure wavering for the first time in years. "You've always been reckless," he muttered , but his eyes shone with pride. "Reckless… and blessed. The gods themselves must've dragged you back."
Melgil stepped aside to give them space, her expression soft, her eyes glancing toward Vaenyx who now perched on a nearby chair, her tails swaying lazily. The little creature blinked, almost smiling, as though understanding the warmth of the moment.
For a brief span of time, the mansion , once filled with the noise of orders, steel, and strategy — became a place of quiet joy. The war outside, the tower above, and the chaos beyond the city walls all faded away.
In that hall, under the light of Solnara's morning sun, there was only family — reunited after darkness, their hearts finally steady again.
The afternoon sun bled through the glass murals of the Rothchester main hall, turning the air golden and warm. The servants had finally withdrawn, leaving behind only Daniel, Melgil, and his parents seated near the long oak table. A pot of steam rose from the silver teapot between them, though no one had touched it for some time. The calm that lingered after their reunion had softened into something quieter , a shared knowing.
Duke Aereth Rothchester leaned back in his seat, eyes half-shadowed beneath the stained-glass light. His voice was steady but carried the weariness of a man who had seen both glory and ruin."Your return brings me peace, Daniel," he said. "But I would be lying if I said I did not already know what you're thinking."
Daniel looked up, faintly surprised."You always had that look when something was brewing behind your calm. I saw it before your campaigns, before your studies… even before you entered the Tower for the first time." Aereth's gaze hardened slightly. "You plan to go again , into Valdyrheim."
Daniel exhaled slowly, the silence confirming what words could not."Yes," he said at last. "It's calling me again, Father. The gate… the land itself. The Second Floor isn't just another battlefield , it's something ancient, something meant to test us. I can't ignore that."
The Duchess Elaina Laeanna Rothchester, her beauty still regal despite the years, placed a gentle hand on her son's arm. "Then at least you will not go blind into that storm," she said. "Your father and I already began securing a foothold. The land granted to us lies near the mouth of that cave — the one the Valdyrheim natives call the Wound of Ouroboros."
Daniel's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "The resting place of the serpent that devoured its own tail."
Aereth nodded. "Aye. The locals claim that cave was carved from the corpse of the world-serpent itself. Whether that's true or not, the cavern walls still breathe , faint, slow pulses, as if the creature isn't quite dead. The Gate toward Valdyrheim opened there, right in the heart of its spine. It's as if the Tower itself wanted us to build upon its bones."
Melgil shivered slightly at the thought. "That's… unnerving."
The Duke gave a small smirk. "Perhaps. But it makes for a strong fortress. We've already begun establishing a garrison with Siglorr Bouldergrove overseeing the construction. You remember him the old forge master."
Daniel smiled faintly. "He used to scold you for requesting weird weapons." as the duke continued to speak, but all this are made up narrative that the unseen and forgotten primordial god created for him.
The Duchess laughed softly, her eyes glinting. "He nearly chased you across the courtyard with a hammer once."
Before any of them could say more, the double doors of the hall burst open with a thunderous crash.
"WHERE IS HE?!" bellowed a deep, gravelly voice.
The guards rushed after a stocky, broad-shouldered dwarf with a beard like a waterfall of silver and soot. His thick leather apron was smeared with ash and molten streaks of metal, his muscled arms flexing as he shoved the guards aside as though they were twigs. A long scar ran down his left arm a memento of the past younger self.
"Lord Daniel!" he roared, and before anyone could stop him, Siglorr Bouldergrove crossed the room in giant strides for a man of barely three and a half feet tall and crushed Daniel in a hug that was surprisingly strong.
"Ye fool of a boy! Why didn't ye summon me when ye woke up?! I've been hammerin' my beard grey worryin' over ye!"
The guards drew back in alarm, but Duchess Elaina waved her hand gracefully. "Let him be," she said with a smile. "He's earned this much."
Daniel, slightly winded but amused, patted Siglorr's back. "I needed to get my bearings first, old friend. I didn't want to bring a crowd before I understood where I stood."
Siglorr pulled back, eyes red beneath his bushy brows. "You and your cursed calm! You've the soul of a statue, lad. I near thought you'd gone and joined the Netherborn ancestors."
Daniel's smile turned faintly serious. "Not yet. There's still work to do , I hear you've been building our first garrison."
The dwarf's chest puffed proudly. "Aye, that I have! And you'll be pleased to know, it's no ordinary pile of stone. The land down there… Valdyrheim, ye call it , it's restless. It quakes, it burns, and the clans fight like storms. So I built the garrison to move."
Daniel's brows lifted. "Move?"
Siglorr grinned, his teeth flashing beneath his beard. "Aye! The base sits atop a frame of adamantine wheels and forged runes, powered by a heartstone engine. She can shift positions along the rough land of Valdyrheim, if the land turns hostile. The Valdyr clans won't be able to siege what they can't catch. I call her the Ironhold Wyrmfort."
Melgil's eyes widened. "You built a fortress that walks?"
Siglorr smirked. "Rolls, lass , but aye. And my wife Wrenla's been workin' on the enchantments for the emblem you left us, lad. The Abyssal Sigil."
At that, he reached into his satchel and pulled out a small iron crest, gleaming faintly with violet and crimson hues. Even dormant, its presence filled the air with an otherworldly hum. The emblem's thorns curved inward like grasping claws, its central spiral sun turning faintly with slow, deliberate rhythm.
"When infused with mana," Siglorr continued, "the spiral spins, and the crescent flame breathes like a beast wakin' from slumber. Black for the void ye command, crimson for the bloodline ye carry, violet for the magic that binds the Nether realm, and silver for the unbreakable will of yer name. Wrenla said it's a symbol that lives , a mark of what ye are, Lord Daniel. Eterna Umbra. Eternal Shadow."
Daniel studied the crest for a long moment, his reflection caught in the silver curve of its flame. "You've outdone yourself again, Siglorr."
The dwarf crossed his arms, trying to hide his grin. "Aye, I know. And don't think I don't know what ye're planning. You're goin' down there, into that serpent's wound. You'll need the garrison , and my people , more than ye'll admit."
Daniel's eyes softened. "You're not wrong. Valdyrheim isn't a place for negotiation or treaties. It's a land that respects only strength. The clans fight not for wealth, but for worth , their entire belief built on earning the right to exist."
Duke Aereth nodded solemnly. "Then our foothold must stand on the same foundation. If you're going to lead this expedition, you do it not as a prince or scholar , but as what you are now."
Daniel looked up, meeting his father's gaze. "A Netherborn."
The Duke's lips curved into a faint, proud smile. "Exactly. You were never meant to stand under another's light. You forge your own in the dark."
Melgil placed a hand over Daniel's, her eyes steady and resolute. "Then let's make Valdyrheim remember the name Rothchester , and the Abyssal Sigil that rises with it."
Daniel glanced at her, at Siglorr's grin, at his parents' unwavering pride , and for the first time since awakening, he felt something deep stir inside him.
Not just resolve.But destiny.
Daniel leaned back on the heavy oak chair as the golden light of morning filtered through the tall windows of the Rothchester estate's main hall. The air still smelled faintly of incense , a lingering remnant from the prayers made while he was asleep. His fingers brushed the crest engraved on the armrest the Void Sigil , and for a brief moment, the faint violet shimmer pulsed beneath his touch, as if the emblem itself knew he had returned.
Melgil sat quietly nearby, her usual confidence softened. Her expression was serene, yet her eyes constantly observed every gesture, every breath Daniel made. nyx , still in its miniature cuddly form perched lazily on the arm of Daniel's chair, her nine serpentine tails coiling protectively.
Before him sat his parents , Duke Aereth Rothchester and Duchess Elleena Laeanna Rothchester flanked by Siglorr Bouldergrove, who still wiped the last of his tears with his thick, calloused hand, his broad chest heaving from the earlier rush of emotion. The air between them was filled with warmth, concern, and a sense of heavy anticipation.
Daniel: "Fifteen days… I've been asleep that long." His tone was calm but edged with unease. "A lot can happen in two weeks , especially now that the gates to Valdyrheim are open. Tell me… what did I miss?"
Duchess Elleena smiled faintly, brushing back a strand of silver hair. "You missed the sleepless nights your father and I spent arguing with the High Council," she said softly. "They wanted to claim Valdyrheim as a joint territory, a neutral zone under the Guild Alliance. But your father refused."
Duke Aereth: "A neutral zone, they said," he growled, "but we both know what that means , division of resources, loss of control, and endless bureaucracy. I made it clear that the Rothchester estate already holds the gate's proximity, and by right of discovery, it falls under our protection."
Daniel: nodded slowly. "Good. I would have done the same." He glanced toward Siglorr. "And the garrison? You told me you built something movable?"
Siglorr: his chest swelled proudly. "Aye! A proper fortress-on-wheels, lad. I used the blueprints of the old Ironmarch design , it can shift positions across terrain using the mana rails beneath the cave's roots. You can relocate it anywhere within a twenty-league radius without tearing it down. The Valdyrheim terrain's tricky , jagged cliffs and soft tundra , so a stationary fort would be suicide."
Daniel: grinning faintly. "You never disappoint, old friend."
Siglorr: snorted, scratching his long beard. "You say that now, but it took me five sleepless nights, ten barrels of ale, and three angry wives to finish that blasted contraption."
Everyone laughed lightly, even Melgil, who tried to hide her amusement behind her sleeve.
Daniel: "And what of the others? The Guilds , they won't sit idle while we make progress."
At that, Elleena's expression grew serious. She retrieved a parchment scroll from the nearby table and spread it open. The map showed the Valdyrheim region, drawn with thick black ink and dotted with crimson markers.
Elleena: "While you were unconscious, three major guilds made their move. The East Lazarus Guild, known for their planning and political cunning, has already established two settlements near the northern fjords. They've allied with several of the Valdyrheim war clans , apparently through trade and… marital pacts."
Daniel: "Marital pacts?" He raised an eyebrow.
Aereth chuckled bitterly, his silver eyes reflecting a mix of awe and grim amusement."Yes, they've begun marrying off their strong single female guild members to clan chiefs. After the Empire of Graves quest was cleared, many of the East Lazarus Guild's women volunteered for such unions. Addison Lazarus and Charlotte, their current guild leader, couldn't afford another war. Their guild might still have numbers, but most of them are women—and not all are battle-ready. So they resorted to something… unconventional, yet effective."
He leaned back, resting his armored hand on the pommel of his sword."The Valdyrheim people value blood ties above gold or law," he continued, his tone half admiring, half resigned. "To them, a woman is not just a companion—she's the foundation of an entire clan. Every war clan in Valdyrheim protects its women fiercely. They treat them as sacred treasures, more precious than any crown or treasure hoard. A healthy, fertile woman is regarded almost like a queen or a princess within their halls."
Aereth's gaze darkened slightly as he recalled what he had witnessed in his travels."And their way of conceiving children... it's unlike anything known to outsiders. In Valdyrheim, men and women no longer need to lie together for a child to be born. The Eldstruna Tree, the ancient Tree of Life, grants them a sacred rite. A Valdyrheim male, or a man born under the Skald-bloodline, merely needs to let a drop of his blood fall upon a woman's stomach while standing before the Tree. The Tree itself blesses the womb, and the child begins to grow."
He shook his head slowly, as if still marveling at the mystery of it."The pregnancy lasts only four and a half months, and the Handmaidens of the Bough ,the Seiðr priestesses devoted to the Tree, oversee every birth. Their magic ensures the process is painless, smooth, and free of death or agony. No cries of pain echo through their birthing halls—only the chanting of the Seiðr and the whispers of leaves from the sacred boughs above."
Aereth let out a low sigh, voice deep with understanding.
"So when the East Lazarus Guild sent their women there, they weren't just making political marriages, they were binding their fate to an ancient people whose bloodline carries the blessing of life itself. Crude? Perhaps. But in Valdyrheim… no strategy could be more powerful."
Melgil: quietly adding, "Smart. For warriors who see death as a gift, binding them through family might be the only form of peace they understand."
Daniel leaned forward, his brows knitting in thought as Aereth's explanation sank in. The air in the room grew heavier, filled with the weight of political calculation rather than emotion.
"So," Daniel began, his tone calm but edged with curiosity, "if the East Lazarus Guild truly went through with this… how many births could be done in a year, assuming all their willing female members married into the Valdyrheim clans?"
Aereth looked at him, clearly expecting the question. A faint, humorless smile crossed his scarred face.
"That's what makes their plan dangerous, Daniel. The numbers are staggering. The East Lazarus Guild had around fifty-five surviving female members after the Empire of Graves campaign. If even half of them, say, twenty or so offered themselves for alliance marriages, each could give birth twice in a single year. Once every five months."
He paused, letting the math hang in the air before continuing in a lower tone."That would mean forty births a year, forty new heirs of mixed Valdyrheim and Lazarus blood. Each of those children would carry the right to inheritance in both worlds: the magical heritage of the guild and the warrior lineage of the clans. Within just five or six years, their offspring could form an entirely new generation of warriors and mages stronger, unified, and bound by blood."
Daniel's eyes narrowed slightly, his analytical mind already racing ahead."So… they're not just forming families," he said quietly. "They're planting roots inside Valdyrheim's future. By blood and by law, those children will bind the two powers together."
Aereth nodded, impressed by Daniel's quick deduction."Exactly. Valdyrheim's law of blood ties forbids the disowning of a clan child unless proven unblessed by the Tree. These new bloodlines will make the East Lazarus Guild untouchable from within. No warlord or council can turn against them without betraying their own kin."
Daniel crossed his arms, his gaze thoughtful.
"So Charlotte and Addison Lazarus managed to turn tide into something greater than survival. They're transforming their guild into a dynasty, one the Valdyrheim clans must protect by their own customs."
Aereth gave a slow nod, his voice low and respectful."And you see the brilliance of it. They've avoided open war while ensuring influence for generations. Each child born under that sacred tree will inherit both magic and might. By the time those children come of age, East Lazarus will no longer be a guild, it will be a blood empire."
Daniel's gaze drifted toward the flickering brazier nearby, the orange light dancing across his face."Then this isn't just a political move," he murmured. "It's the start of a quiet conquest, one waged not with swords, but through the womb and the bloodline. In ten, maybe twenty years, Valdyrheim won't just respect East Lazarus… they'll become East Lazarus."
Aereth exhaled slowly, his expression grave."Aye. And perhaps that's why even their enemies have gone silent. No one dares fight a people whose future is already written in their children."
Elleena frowned, her arms crossed as she spoke, her voice carrying a sharp edge of suspicion."They've been quiet… too quiet. Their leader, Alexsei Sokolov, hasn't made any public moves lately. But reports say they've been sighted near the far corner of the territory assigned to us,beyond the gate cave. The land out there is enormous, covered in dense forest that hides movement perfectly. It's the kind of place where entire armies could vanish without a trace."
She exhaled slowly, her brows tightening."And much like the East Lazarus Guild, the White Devil Guild seems to be following a similar pattern. But unlike Lazarus, they never allowed ordinary female players to join. The White Devils are composed almost entirely of men, and the few women among them are hardened combatants, merciless, battle-scarred, and rough around the edges.
Aereth's brow furrowed. "You mean the same Sokolov Syndicate that ran the Iron Exchange and the Shadow Market in the other World outside the towering gate?"
Elleena nodded grimly. "Exactly. Alexsei Sokolov may have turned away from that life, he's been trying to build a reputation as an honorable, disciplined guild master, but we can't say the same for the rest of his clan elders who are still active in some capacity .
Many of his blood kin and former associates are still active in the black zones, where law doesn't reach. In a realm like this, where power and survival rule above morality, we have no idea which side they'll choose when the balance tips."
Daniel leaned forward slightly, studying the edges of the map where the Ouroboros border lay shaded in red."So the White Devil Guild isn't just hiding, they're waiting. And they're building influence in the one way the Lazarus Guild didn't: through fear and control of trade."
Elleena's expression darkened.
"Yes. If the Lazarus Guild seeks to conquer through lineage and legacy, then the White Devils aim to do it through dominion and debt. They'll own every black market, every supply chain, every hidden route that armies depend on. Once war begins again, everyone will be forced to deal with them either as allies or as slaves to their economy."
"From what we've gathered, they're offering something else entirely to the war clans near the Ouroboros Basin. Not alliances through marriage or bloodlines like East Lazarus, but something darker. They're trading… services. Mercenaries, smuggling routes, rare alchemical reagents, things that border on the forbidden. And it makes sense, because the Sokolov clan's roots run deep in the underworld. They were once part of a massive criminal network before the Great Reset."
Siglorr rubbed his beard, his expression darkening as the discussion grew heavier."There's one more thing, lad," he said, glancing toward the Duchess. "It's about the women of Valdyrheim. There are no maidens or gentle healers among them anymore. Most of their women have carried blades longer than they've carried children. Their lives are forged in blood and ash."
Elleena nodded gravely. "The reports came only three days ago. It seems many of the White Devil Guild's women use… substances , forbidden alchemical compounds that heighten strength and numb pain. But those same toxins corrupt the spirit. The Tree of Life itself rejects them."
Melgil frowned, her voice low. "Rejects them?"
Elleena met her gaze. "Yes. Those who drink the tainted mixtures find themselves unable to step near the Tree's roots. The very air around it burns them. The people call it the Curse of the Mother's Breath , a divine punishment for those who allow poison to taint their blood."
Siglorr gritted his teeth, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "And as if that weren't bad enough… there's talk that the White Devil Guild has begun buying women from the lower sectors. Some came from the brothels near the Tower's base , sold off like livestock. They're using them as substitutes, trying to force the Tree to respond to their false purity."
Daniel's expression hardened, his golden eyes narrowing to a dangerous calm. "So they're desecrating sacred ground… with stolen lives."
Melgil whispered softly, the words trembling with quiet fury. "That's not just blasphemy. That's war."
Duchess Elleena looked at her son , at the faint shadow that passed across his calm demeanor and spoke gently, though her tone was edged with warning.
"The women of Valdyrheim may be hardened and fierce, but they are still bound by faith. To see outsiders twist that faith for personal gain could ignite something uncontrollable. If the White Devils continue, this land will burn before any of us can stop it."
Daniel rose slowly, his hand resting on the edge of the table as if to ground himself. "Then we act first," he said firmly. "We'll protect the Tree of Life before it becomes a weapon. If we're to survive here , or even earn their respect — we must do what the Guilds cannot: treat their faith as sacred, not as a tool."
Siglorr nodded, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. "Aye. The Valdyrheim folk don't bow to kings or gods… but they do bow to strength. Show them power , absolute, undeniable power — and they'll follow you willingly."
Daniel's eyes glimmered faintly with that familiar golden fire , the light of resolve.Then, with a quiet nod, he spoke:"Then that's what we'll give them."
Daniel's gaze sharpened slightly at that, but Elleena continued, pacing near the table where the map of the frontier lay spread open.
Aereth let out a low whistle. "A blood empire on one side… and a Berserker empire on the other."
Elleena nodded grimly. "And between them, us. The only Family left trying to fight without binding ourselves to blood or gold."
"We will dominate them and show them that real power comes from a disciplined mind and a well-trained body," Daniel said, voice even and cold as steel. He straightened, every inch the commander. "We fight to protect what we are, not to buy loyalty with bargains or bind futures with bargains of womb and coin. We fight for choice , for the right of our people to live by their own courage, not by ancient bargains or shadow markets."
Duke Aereth rose, an ugly half-smile returning to his face. "Then let them see discipline in action. Let them taste defeat by those who sweat and learn. They'll find out soon enough: blood and coin can buy numbers, but not the hearts of those who fight for what they choose."
Duchess Elleena folded her arms, fierce. "We'll show them what honor looks like when it's earned. No bargains. No bought loyalties. Just steel and will."
Siglorr's voice cut through the charged air, blunt and unromantic. "Waging war is not a sin," he said, "but it needs reason and justification. You don't send men to die for vanity, nor for petty revenge. Every campaign must have an aim that holds when the blood dries and the bones are counted."
Daniel felt the weight of that truth settle on him. He looked from his father to his mother, then to the war-forgemaster and the others gathered. "Our reason will be simple and clear," he said, voice steady. "We act to defend choice, to protect our people from being bought, bound, or erased. If the Lazarus plan makes families into instruments of power, and Sokolov turns supply and shadow into chains, then we fight to keep people free to choose their fate."
Aereth nodded once, curt. "That will give the men something to believe in besides pay and promises."
Elleena's eyes softened, but her resolve did not. "And when we march, we must be able to show the world that our justice is measured, not savage. That is how we keep hearts, not by taking them, but by earning them."
Siglorr folded his arms, already thinking as a commander. "So we train so our men survive. We secure supplies so they do not starve. We win small, meaningful battles that prove our cause true."
Daniel placed his hand on the map, fingers splayed over the Ouroboros Basin. "Then let every order we give, every life we risk, be guided by that reason. When we strike, it will be to free, not to enslave; to defend, not to dominate. That is our justification."
A quiet agreement passed through the room. The brazier snapped and popped, and beyond the gate cave the forest held its breath, while inside, a plan shaped itself around a single, iron conviction: they would fight, but they would fight with purpose.
Elleena: "Then there's the High Strategy Guild. They've taken a slower but more cautious approach , studying local ruins and old markings carved into the mountain ridges. They believe Valdyrheim is built upon the remains of something much older , perhaps a civilization predating even the Tower itself."
Daniel: his eyes narrowing. "That would explain the Ouroboros cave. Melgil mentioned the gate's magic had traces of ancient runes… not Tower-made, but something deeper."
Siglorr: nodding grimly. "Aye. I tested the ore near the gate's edge , it ain't normal metal. It's like the bones o' the world itself were melted and re forged there. The locals say the cave is the corpse of their world serpent , Ouroboros , whose body became the land itself. I'd say it's no myth. The entire rock formation breathes faint mana at night."
Daniel: leaning forward, intrigued. "And the last one ,the White Devil Guild?"
Elleena frowned, her arms crossed as she spoke, her voice carrying a sharp edge of suspicion."They've been quiet… too quiet. Their leader, Alexsei Sokolov, hasn't made any public moves lately. But reports say they've been sighted near the far corner of the territory assigned to us—beyond the gate cave. The land out there is enormous, covered in dense forest that hides movement perfectly. It's the kind of place where entire armies could vanish without a trace."
She exhaled slowly, her brows tightening."And much like the East Lazarus Guild, the White Devil Guild seems to be following a similar pattern. But unlike Lazarus, they never allowed ordinary female players to join. The White Devils are composed almost entirely of men, and the few women among them are hardened combatants—merciless, battle-scarred, and rough around the edges. There are no courtesans or healers among them, only fighters and killers."
Daniel's gaze sharpened slightly at that, but Elleena continued, pacing near the table where the map of the frontier lay spread open."From what we've gathered, they're offering something else entirely to the war clans near the Ouroboros Basin. Not alliances through marriage or bloodlines like East Lazarus, but something darker. They're trading… services. Mercenaries, smuggling routes, rare alchemical reagents—things that border on the forbidden. And it makes sense, because the Sokolov clan's roots run deep in the underworld. They were once part of a massive criminal network before the Great Reset."
Aereth's brow furrowed. "You mean the same Sokolov Syndicate that ran the Iron Exchange and the Shadow Market in the Old World?"
Elleena nodded grimly. "Exactly. Alexsei Sokolov may have turned away from that life, he's been trying to build a reputation as an honorable, disciplined guild master, but we can't say the same for the rest of his clan. Many of his blood kin and former associates are still active in the black zones, where law doesn't reach. In a realm like this, where power and survival rule above morality, we have no idea which side they'll choose when the balance tips."
Daniel leaned forward slightly, studying the edges of the map where the Ouroboros border lay shaded in red."So the White Devil Guild isn't just hiding, they're waiting. And they're building influence in the one way the Lazarus Guild didn't: through fear and control of trade."
Elleena's expression darkened."Yes. If the Lazarus Guild seeks to conquer through lineage and legacy, then the White Devils aim to do it through dominion and debt. They'll own every black market, every supply chain, every hidden route that armies depend on. Once war begins again, everyone will be forced to deal with them—either as allies or as slaves to their economy."
Aereth let out a low whistle. "A blood empire on one side… and a shadow empire on the other."
Elleena nodded grimly. "And between them, us. The only guild left trying to fight without binding ourselves to blood or gold."
Daniel's eyes flickered with quiet resolve. "Then we'll need to do what neither of them can afford to: win through truth and unity. Because if they control the womb and the coin… we'll need to command the will of the people."
Some unconfirmed report mention that they are already made connections with the strongest war clan in the north east part of the Ouroboros mountain cave that it located at the southern tip of Valdyrheim realm,
A moment of silence followed. The air grew heavier.
Daniel: softly but firmly: "Then it's settled. I can't rest any longer. If the others are moving, we must move faster. I won't let them shape Valdyrheim's fate before we understand it."
" the quest here is different, ther are no guilds no nobility to set rules, who even conquers all of the war clan are the only thing that matters.
Duchess Elleena: placing her hand gently on his. "We knew you'd say that. That's why we started preparing the moment you fell asleep."
Aereth: "We've already secured alliances with minor clans who respect your name — they call you the Netherborn who walks the light. It's poetic, in their way. They believe you're the bridge between death and rebirth."
Siglorr: grinning proudly. "Aye, and they've even started carving your emblem on their shields. You've got followers, lad , whether you want them or not."
Daniel chuckled softly, though a flicker of guilt crossed his eyes. He wasn't sure if he deserved their faith yet.
Daniel: "Then we'll honor it properly. We'll establish the first Netherborn Outpost near the base of Ouroboros's Spine. Siglorr, prepare your mobile fortress , I want it deployed within the next three days. Mother, Father, handle the political front. Make it clear we're not here to conquer, but to understand , to coexist if possible."
Daniel leaned back on the heavy oak chair as the golden light of morning filtered through the tall windows of the Rothchester estate's main hall. The air still smelled faintly of incense , a lingering remnant from the prayers made while he was asleep. His fingers brushed the crest engraved on the armrest ,the void Sigil , and for a brief moment, the faint violet shimmer pulsed beneath his touch, as if the emblem itself knew he had returned.
Melgil sat quietly nearby, her usual confidence softened. Her expression was serene, yet her eyes constantly observed every gesture, every breath Daniel made. Nyx still in her miniature form perched lazily on the arm of Daniel's chair, her nine serpentine tails coiling protectively.
Before him sat his parents Duke Aereth Rothchester and Duchess Elleena Laeanna Rothchester flanked by Siglorr Bouldergrove, who still wiped the last of his tears with his thick, calloused hand, his broad chest heaving from the earlier rush of emotion. The air between them was filled with warmth, concern, and a sense of heavy anticipation.
Daniel: "Fifteen days… I've been asleep that long." His tone was calm but edged with unease. "A lot has already happened in two weeks especially now that the gates to Valdyrheim are open. Tell me… what did I miss?"
Duchess Elleena smiled faintly, brushing back a strand of silver hair. "You missed the sleepless nights your father and I spent arguing with the High Council," she said softly. "They wanted to claim Valdyrheim as a joint territory — a neutral zone under the Guild Alliance. But your father refused."
Duke Aereth: "A neutral zone, they said," he growled, "but we both know what that means — division of resources, loss of control, and endless bureaucracy. I made it clear that the Rothchester estate already holds the gate's proximity, and by right of discovery, it falls under our protection."
Daniel: nodded slowly. "Good. I would have done the same." He glanced toward Siglorr. "And the garrison? You told me you built something movable?"
Siglorr: his chest swelled proudly. "Aye! A proper fortress-on-wheels, lad. I used the blueprints of the old Ironmarch design — it can shift positions across terrain using the mana rails beneath the cave's roots. You can relocate it anywhere within a twenty-league radius without tearing it down. The Valdyrheim terrain's tricky — jagged cliffs and soft tundra — so a stationary fort would be suicide."
Daniel: grinning faintly. "You never disappoint, old friend."
Siglorr: snorted, scratching his long beard. "You say that now, but it took me five sleepless nights, ten barrels of ale, and three angry wives to finish that blasted contraption."
Everyone laughed lightly, even Melgil, who tried to hide her amusement behind her sleeve.
Daniel: "And what of the others? The Guilds — they won't sit idle while we make progress."
At that, Elleena's expression grew serious. She retrieved a parchment scroll from the nearby table and spread it open. The map showed the Valdyrheim region, drawn with thick black ink and dotted with crimson markers.
Elleena: "While you were unconscious, three major guilds made their move. The East Lazarus Guild, known for their planning and political cunning, has already established two settlements near the northern fjords. They've allied with several of the Valdyrheim war clans — apparently through trade and… marital pacts."
Daniel: "Marital pacts?" He raised an eyebrow.
Aereth: chuckling bitterly. "Aye. They've begun marrying off their female members to clan chiefs — a crude but effective strategy. The Valdyrheim people value blood ties above gold or law."
Melgil: quietly adding, "Smart. For warriors who see death as a gift, binding them through family might be the only form of peace they understand."
Elleena: "Then there's the High Strategy Guild. They've taken a slower but more cautious approach — studying local ruins and old markings carved into the mountain ridges. They believe Valdyrheim is built upon the remains of something much older — perhaps a civilization predating even the Tower itself."
Daniel: his eyes narrowing. "That would explain the Ouroboros cave. Melgil mentioned the gate's magic had traces of ancient runes… not Tower-made, but something deeper."
Siglorr: nodding grimly. "Aye. I tested the ore near the gate's edge — it ain't normal metal. It's like the bones o' the world itself were melted and reforged there. The locals say the cave is the corpse of their world serpent — Ouroboros — whose body became the land itself. I'd say it's no myth. The entire rock formation breathes faint mana at night."
Daniel: leaning forward, intrigued. "And the last one — the White Devil Guild?"
Elleena: frowning. "They've been quiet… too quiet. Their leader, Lyceron Vayne, hasn't made any public moves, but reports say they've been observing from afar — shadowing explorers, sabotaging trade routes. Some claim they already reached the Valdyrheim capital and are experimenting on the locals' blood to create stronger war mages."
A moment of silence followed. The air grew heavier.
Daniel: softly but firmly: "Then it's settled. I can't rest any longer. If the others are moving, we must move faster. I won't let them shape Valdyrheim's fate before we understand it."