The sky grew dim as random snowflakes drifted down.
Rita's modest grave, nestled in the ground, was slowly being covered by a blanket of snow, transforming the scene into one that echoed years of quiet, peaceful living and harmonious human connection.
Centuries of civilization had led to an era filled with confusion and uncertainty.
Yet, the winds of Dragon Ridge Valley, howling through the mountains for millions of years, continued their mindless path, utterly unaware of the direction they should follow in this life.
They roamed aimlessly, foolishly, through the cold and barren valley, blocked by towering cliffs.
Day after day, year after year, they remained oblivious to the sorrow within them.
Unknowingly, the deceptive cliffs had tirelessly worked to trap them in this shadowy gorge, keeping the winds from experiencing the freedom that lay beyond the mountaintop.
A sharp gust of wind swept through the valley.
It shook the ice hanging from the bare branches of a peach tree.
The frozen shards fell and struck Robin's shoulder.
He looked up, seeing the familiar landscape.
The Dragon Ridge Valley, shrouded in darkness, had remained unchanged through countless millennia, unaffected by the supposed progress of civilization.
Behind it all, the hidden hands manipulating events continued to deceive the masses, generation after generation, ensuring they remained in ignorance.
"Mr. Ramsey!" Maverick, Elliott, and Brendon appeared behind Robin. "The Foreign Affairs Bureau has called. Please return to the capital with General Quintana. The higher-ups urgently need your presence.
"The Panacea Ocean Warriors Alliance has invited representatives from Autreynia, Tanqueria, Mecria, and Centraline to discuss your past conflict with Shepherd on a private island in the South Panacea Ocean."
Robin glanced at Rita's grave, then turned to Daphne and Rowan. "Take care of things in Harmonfield and head to Qacalisle Island. This place is no longer safe for you."
Daphne and Rowan bowed deeply. "Got it, Mr. Ramsey!"
Before leaving, Robin handed Shirley the water from the Snow Dragon Pool. Once her grandfather's funeral had concluded, he would take her to Qacalisle Island, far from this turmoil.
Their wedding would be postponed for a time.
Robin promised Shirley that once everything was resolved, he would give her the most romantic wedding on Qacalisle Island.
...
In a conference hall in Draconia's Decision Bureau.
On the left side of the 30-feet-long conference table sat Declan, the newly appointed director of Draconia's National Security Bureau and the son of Lord Northville, along with his accompanying officials.
On the right side were Robin, Jethro, Hannibal, Franco, Jack, Hunter, and others.
Declan made an announcement.
The former head of the Decision Bureau, Hadley, had been taking bribes from Dark Syndicate agent, Snivy, for an extended period, engaging in illegal and treasonous activities.
When agents from the Security Bureau arrived to arrest him, they found that Hadley had taken his own life rather than face justice.
The higher-ups decided that Ryder, the son of Lord Southmere, would immediately take over as head of the Decision Bureau.
The mistakes of the previous Bureau would be swiftly corrected.
Lord Southmere, Rhett, was appointed as Deputy Director of the Supreme Strategic Advisory Center.
Steven, Martin, and Hannibal were cleared of any wrongdoing involving foreign agents and were immediately released from investigation.
Due to health reasons, Steven and Martin returned home to recover and would no longer hold office.
Hannibal resumed his position as the head of the Westeria Intelligence Agency.
Due to health concerns, he resigned as director, opting to retire and recover.
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