The tattered flag burned with brilliant light. Viewed from high above, it resembled a radiant star rising from a sea of darkness and dying embers, casting its light across the city.

Within the enormous projection, everyone’s gaze was fixed even higher upon the terrifying shadow that blanketed all of Spring City. A soft sigh came from the darkness. “It’s already too late. The gloom of the four seas has converged, with the Mortal World Abomination serving as its pillar. The entirety of Spring City is sinking into the vortex’s shadow.

“Changsheng is gambling. He’s betting that he can withstand Tao Cheng’s Origin assimilation, and that he can realize his ambitions. I told all of you long ago: once that madman wins one round, he will only want to win another. After getting a taste of success, he immediately wants more. How can someone like him ever know when to stop?” 

Among the five seats arranged around the projection, an agitated middle-aged man demanded, “Then why are you still wasting time? Skyrail’s legacy is being misused, and the Federation keeps sending messages demanding an explanation. They’re acting as if we deliberately violated the T5 Protocol. When Skyrail collapsed,...