While Lootwell searched beyond the world, the five continents changed within it.
Lucien noticed the difference gradually.
At first, there were fewer reports of factional disputes.
Then fewer territorial confrontations.
Then several longstanding rivalries suddenly began producing joint training agreements instead of casualty lists.
It was not because everyone had become kinder.
Lucien was not that optimistic.
People had simply begun calculating differently.
A neighboring faction might have been irritating.
The Black Mass was worse.
A rival family might have stolen business twenty years ago.
A Primordial Incarnation could erase both families together.
Old grudges had not vanished.
They had become less urgent.
•••
The result was something that looked peaceful from a distance.
Lucien knew better.
This peace was loud.
Training grounds remained active from morning until night.
Forging districts never truly cooled.
Alchemy facilities increased production.
