"It is in the hands of the Violet Star Palace," Lucia said, her voice calm yet carrying a trace of respect. "They are regarded as one of the strongest third-rate forces within this region of the Divine Realm."
Max repeated the name under his breath.
"Violet Star Palace…"
The words stirred something faint in his memory, like a ripple spreading across still water. He frowned slightly as he searched through his thoughts, then a scene surfaced in his mind.
"Was there not an elder from that force who came to our trial grounds before?"
Lucia gave a small nod.
"Yes. He came to Cyrus personally."
Her gaze shifted toward the transparent crystal wall of the star shuttle, where rivers of starlight flowed endlessly outside. The vessel moved smoothly through the dark void, silent and steady, as if gliding across a sea of eternity.
"He came to deliver an invitation to our Black Dragon Clan for the upcoming Smelting Trial."
