"They have already begun expanding," she said, her voice calm but edged with restrained fury. "My kingdom was only the first. The usurpers did not stop after seizing Lechia. They moved swiftly..too swiftly for it to be simple ambition."
The King's brows drew together. "Reports have reached us of northern cities falling silent, but… we thought it was due to the boundary corruption spreading."
"No," the Empress replied quietly. "It is deliberate. They are destroying cities that resist and enslaving those that surrender. Villages near the borders are already empty. Those who were not killed have been taken."
Lucas clenched his fists, feeling cold bloom instinctively along his palms. "They are consolidating their rule."
"More than that," she said, turning to him. "They are gathering resources...cultivators, Qi stones, relics, rare elemental beasts, anything that could strengthen their growing army. But the worst part is the influence behind them."
