The Tanqueria officials sent to mediate wore grim expressions.
Though they tried to posture with authority, deep down, they knew—they had already played their strongest hand.
No matter how formidable the man from Tanqueria Palace was, he would never resort to unconventional weapons over a single man.
What's more, he was already aware of the recent activities of the Eight Great Royal Houses in Draconia.
Especially the return of Lord Southmere, who had now taken charge of the Draconia National Security Command Center.
High-ranking officers like Martin and Steven were immediately promoted and brought into headquarters, joining the pre-war command unit for this winter training operation.
Each of the Twelve Great Warriors of Dragon Soul was assigned to lead a defense zone, among other key deployments.
These sweeping strategic shifts sent a powerful message to the world — Divine Drakebane is not fighting alone!
Perhaps in times of peace, internal strife and divisions ran deep.
But the moment an external threat emerged,
this seemingly fragmented nation would rally as one—standing united, shoulder to shoulder, against any enemy.
This was the unshakable spirit that anchored that great nation through the ages.
Thomas froze, Robin's words striking deep into his core.
There was a time when he'd drifted into compromise, numbed by the grind of reality.
The fire of his youth had been quietly smothered by the years, leaving behind only ash.
He, too, had once longed to stand tall, to hold firm in his beliefs.
But in the end, he couldn't withstand the dull weight of bureaucracy and the world's relentless compromises.
He let out a weary sigh and pushed himself up with effort. "Mr. Ramsey, I once had the honor of working alongside your father. I ... I truly don't want to see you repeat his fate ... Tanqueria is not a force to take lightly!"
"Politics ... politics often demands that individuals be sacrificed for the so-called greater good ... " Thomas murmured, his voice tinged with helplessness.
Robin let out a cold laugh. "My actions aren't something a spineless compromiser like you has the right to judge!
"No matter how mighty they think they are, no one has the right to take human lives lightly!
"Besides, those bastards struck Snow Valley with malicious intent!
"They fear my appearance —because it would rip the mask off their lies and expose their hypocrisy to the world!
"They were complicit in the attempt to kill me!
"To protect their own interests, they were willing to sacrifice countless innocent lives without a second thought.
"If I hadn't made it out alive by sheer luck, would I even be standing here to reveal the truth behind their crimes?"
"Death has never scared me.
"But when I think about the people waiting for me to come back, I remind myself—I can't die.
"If I fall, it would be a devastating blow to them.
"I'm not fighting alone anymore. The whole meaning of my life is for those who believe in me and walk this path beside me!
"So if any nation or faction dares to come for my life—then I'll make sure they suffer until they're groveling at my feet, begging for mercy!"
Robin's words crashed down like a war chariot thundering through the room, leaving behind only fear and dread in its wake.
They say the Divine Drakebane is ruthless and terrifying.
Those who've never seen him in person might believe he's just a myth.
But the moment you stand face to face with him... even breathing feels like a risk.
In the midst of a sudden snowstorm, under the brutal grip of winter's icy darkness,
the night was thick with blood, death, despair—and a silence so heavy it swallowed every sound.
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