Chapter One: The Tripartite Meeting

Liu Zhongwu sat at the triangular table, unsurprised to find himself once again the earliest to arrive.

They were on the 77th floor of the Cangshou District Integrated Office Building. A decade ago, when the Sky Capital was built, the United States had provided abundant resources and technological support, sending their esteemed modern talents to participate in the entire project. Among them were world-renowned biochemical scientists, parapsychologists, military engineering experts, and neo-ancient architects—highly specialized individuals who integrated modern architecture with ancient mysticism.

The neo-ancient architects from Usters collaborated closely with the seers of Eternal Light and the royal mages of Morton, carefully designing an unprecedented blueprint for a modern city that ensured the smooth operation of the city’s vast array of magical formations. For both public and private reasons, Liu Zhongwu thought they had done well; after all, humanity had never before built a city in the sky, yet their flying city had been functioning for almost ten years. Still, there was one grievance he couldn’t help but voice... The elders of Usters had brought their peculiar superstitions into the architectural plans, such as consecrating every first room on every tenth floor, ensuring each floor had backup handwritten notes and pencils, and forbidding elevator buttons bearing the number “7” in key buildings.

He still remembered arguing with the foreign elder architect.

“You must believe me. I am the Empire’s most authoritative omen mage. I assure you, the number ‘7’ brings no ill omen. It won’t cause hair loss or raise your blood pressure, nor will you open the door on the 7th or 77th floor to find a freshly descended dragon.”

But the American expert insisted Liu was the one ignorant—either respect the mystical traditions summarized by their ancestors or the cooperation would end. Good-natured Liu Zhongwu chose the former, which was why every time he went to the 77th floor, he had to use the secret elevator inside his office—the public elevators didn’t even have a button for that floor, so ordinary staff couldn’t access it.

Now, alone on the building’s most ill-omened floor, he sat at the secret triangular conference table, waiting for the representatives from the other two nations to arrive. He had personally chosen this meeting place to express his determination with a number despised by Usters: the Empire no longer intended to beat around the bush. If talks failed this time, there would be no more talks.

The Empire’s senior official waited patiently. One minute before the agreed time, one side of the triangular table lit up, projecting the image of a middle-aged man. He wore a standard suit, his hair neatly combed, sporting a stylish mustache. His smooth complexion belied his age, making it hard to believe he was in his early fifties.

The Usters Minister of Foreign Affairs smiled warmly with a diplomatic grin. “Good morning, Director Liu Zhongwu.”

Liu Zhongwu returned the smile. “Good morning, Minister Silentro Anoya.”

After some polite exchange, the two waited for Morton’s representative. Just before the clock struck nine, the final projection appeared. Her greeting, accompanied by the meeting’s start chime, rang out: “Good morning, Director Liu Zhongwu. Good morning, Minister Silentro Anoya.”

Compared to the other two, Morton’s representative seemed particularly distinctive: barely in her twenties, a beautiful young woman with golden short hair. Clad in silver armor and bearing a heavy sword, she looked more like a noble knight straight from a medieval battlefield than a diplomat at a 21st-century negotiation table.

Yet the two middle-aged men didn’t underestimate her in the slightest.

No one had the right to underestimate a knight who had faced monarchs in battle, nor the courage to underestimate a boundary-crossing omen mage.

“I am Orianna Cavin, Seventh Knight of the Morton Royal Knights. I represent Her Majesty the Queen in today’s tripartite talks.”

After delivering her opening statement, the golden-haired knight fell silent.

Silentro’s heart tightened; he knew the meeting wouldn’t end smoothly today. The kingdom usually sent the knight Gavri to meetings—a serious middle-aged man whose negotiation skills were as sharp as his combat prowess. But Orianna was different... She sat at the table with the demeanor of an expert, speaking no more than necessary beyond objectives and conditions, reminiscent of the Dawn Knights of old.

The kingdom hadn’t sent her to negotiate—they had sent her to make a statement.

“Oh, I didn’t expect Miss Orianna to join today,” Silentro said with a smile, attempting to seize the initiative. “According to the agenda, the first item for discussion is... the follow-up investigation on the Zero Island Shigure Research Institute incident.”

Liu Zhongwu tapped the table firmly, leaving no room for doubt.

“Minister Silentro, this is no longer a matter for discussion. The Shigure Institute accident is shrouded in significant mystery, with many behind-the-scenes players involved, as you well know. More than a month has passed since the Glass Disaster. We have all reviewed the report issued by the Ritual Hall. Do I need to reiterate just how grave an incident involving a monarch-level dragon disaster is?”

“Certainly not, Director Liu,” the Usters diplomat responded solemnly. “However, I must remind you that the Eternal Light Empire’s deliberate allowance of dragon arrivals for the sake of slaying dragons...”

“I hope your words carry less prejudice born of ignorance.”

“As you wish. Let me rephrase. The Eternal Light Empire’s Ritual Hall failed in its duties and did not prevent the dragon worshippers’ plans, exposing the city and even the entire world to unimaginable danger, forcing reliance on dragonkind and civilians to avert catastrophe,” Silentro said with a trace of sarcasm. “Frankly, the United States finds it difficult to trust the Ritual Hall’s report. And according to the investigation by the Mythril Pillar, there is no so-called ‘conspiracy’ on Zero Island; the destruction of the Shigure Institute was indeed a research accident...”

“So you believe the Unification Formula was independently developed by the Shigure Institute under the support of its backers,” Liu Zhongwu said deliberately. “May I take this as the final stance of the United States on the matter?”

“Absolutely not,” Silentro replied evenly. “I was merely presenting expert opinions, which do not and cannot represent the United States’ final position.”

This back-and-forth had dragged on for over a week—debates over economy, politics, international affairs, and local livelihood, all avoiding the crucial issue of follow-up action. Liu Zhongwu knew that even extending this argument for three more months wouldn’t yield the answers he sought...

Because the initial funder and technical supporter of the Shigure Institute was the colossal entity behind Silentro’s nation: Usters.

Now was the time to lay his cards on the table.

He looked toward the kingdom’s female knight. Orianna, silent, nodded slightly and raised her hand.

“Gentlemen, could we cease the bickering and hear me out?”

“My honor, Knight Orianna.”

The blonde knight began, “First, I must emphasize that what I am about to state has no direct or indirect connection to the Glass Disaster of February 13. What I will present is a proposal put forth by the kingdom after comprehensive consideration of many factors.”

She waited until both men acknowledged before continuing: “As is well known, Morton suffered severe losses in the accident three years ago. According to the triennial rotation clause, the kingdom was to dispatch a new administrator to Sky Capital this year.”

“However, circumstances are different now. The kingdom’s reconstruction and stabilization demand vast manpower; currently, we cannot send a fully qualified administrator. On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, I hereby propose transferring this administrative authority to another nation capable of fulfilling the role. Specific terms will be discussed by designated personnel later. Today, I only wish to confirm one thing.”

She scanned the two diplomats, her clear, youthful voice asking, “To whom can the kingdom entrust this grave responsibility?”

Liu Zhongwu smiled but said nothing, showing no hurry to respond. Silentro, however, could not ignore the question.

The Eternal Light Empire had governed Sky Capital for three years.

Managing the city required enormous manpower and resources, bearing the risk of 5.7 million ticking time bombs, and carefully ensuring the dragons remained stable, even at the cost of their own people’s lives. But in return, Sky Capital offered unparalleled rewards. Dragons were unique and precious talents; research on them propelled science and technology at an unprecedented pace. Every year, every month, even every week brought breakthroughs rarely seen in a decade.

The nation wielding administrative power could harvest these precious fruits first and steer research with policies and funding toward its own needs... This city was a place that could destroy the world at any moment, yet brought immeasurable benefits to all humanity. It could not remain indefinitely in the Empire’s hands.

Sky Capital—or the grim fate of Zero Island—posed a choice for the United States, pen in Silentro’s hand.

He had but one answer.

Straightening his posture, Silentro declared gravely, “The security and management of Sky Capital concern the safety and happiness of all humanity. The United States is willing to commit personnel and strength to bear this heavy responsibility.”

“The Empire highly praises the United States’ selflessness and courage in contributing to all humanity,” Liu Zhongwu replied blandly with a formal phrase.

Silentro continued calmly, “Returning to the previous topic, the United States attaches great importance to the report from the Eternal Light Empire’s Ritual Hall and fully recognizes the crisis hypotheses presented by the Empire’s experts regarding Zero Island. We propose that the Eternal Light Empire take the lead, with Usters and Morton cooperating sincerely to organize a professional, targeted investigative team to secretly visit Zero Island and conduct inquiries related to the Glass Disaster and the Shigure Institute.”

Both representatives expressed agreement. The Usters diplomat smiled and said, “We will continue discussing the details of the power transfer at the next meeting. For now, please allow me to withdraw and have our experts attend to professional matters.”

One side of the triangular table flickered as Silentro’s projection vanished. Knight Orianna exhaled quietly but quickly resumed her composed expression to mask her nervousness.

Liu Zhongwu noticed and smiled inwardly. He, too, felt relieved—the troublesome diplomat was finally gone, and now they could dispense with formalities and work in the manner of omen mages.

A new light flickered. Liu Zhongwu straightened up as a spirited man replaced the old diplomat. He appeared just over thirty, blond with slicked-back hair, piercing blue eyes, a top hat, and a finely tailored burgundy suit, meticulously adjusting his tie.

“My name is Will, a ‘Nameless Agent’ from the Mythril Pillar. You may call me Will.”

“Ah... the ‘Judgment Gun’ of the Mythril Pillar,” Liu Zhongwu said with a smile. “I’ve long heard of you.”

“Likewise, I extend my respects to both of you: the ‘Mystic Weaver’ of the Ritual Hall and the Seventh Knight of the Royal Knights,” James said succinctly. “You are both omen mages. I’m more familiar with the Zero Island issue. What are your thoughts?”

Orianna spoke first: “I do not recommend sending a boundary-crossing mage directly. Due to the Illusory Disaster’s influence, Zero Island’s terrain is extremely special, and local divinations of fortune and misfortune are astonishingly accurate. The information disturbance caused by a boundary mage’s actions would inevitably draw the attention of their omen mages.”

“I need to confirm a premise: what if the two of you cooperate?”

Liu Zhongwu sighed. “It’s difficult. Setting aside that Orianna is not an omen mage skilled in divination, both Sky Capital and Superior City are too far from Zero Island. To conceal a boundary mage’s presence for long, relocation is probably unavoidable.”

Both Liu Zhongwu and Orianna bore heavy responsibilities; asking high-level officials to leave their posts was impossible.

“Then we must abandon that idea for now.”

Will took out a notebook and jotted down a few notes. “Let’s first clarify the mission’s main objectives: to ascertain the true origin of the Unification Formula, uncover the goals behind seeking it, and identify the mastermind behind the Glass Disaster. These three points are critical, with no order of priority.”

Upon their agreement, the agent continued.

“This mission’s destination is complex; the enemy is strong, and overall danger is high. We need targeted strategies. The omen mage factions within Zero Island are highly fragmented. Due to political reasons, we cannot openly conduct investigations. Gaining support from one of these factions internally would be a viable approach...”

Will spoke at length, producing five highly feasible and detailed proposals within ten minutes, clearly well-prepared, some involving Zero Island’s clandestine ties with the United States. Orianna was surprised by the latter part. When he finished, she couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Will, no offense, but is this really the right time to share such details with us?”

“This is a mission related to the dragon phenomenon, Miss Orianna,” Will adjusted his collar. “We don’t discuss politics here, only dragon slaying.”

Liu Zhongwu pretended not to hear. Only a fool would take an agent’s words at face value. By laying out intelligence so plainly, Will was signaling his stance; what could not be said would remain unsaid. Liu was happy to work with such a straightforward man.

“I had prepared a simple plan earlier.”

He tapped the table, and a file materialized at its center.

Liu Zhongwu smiled warmly. “I believe we need an agent who meets the following criteria: moderate combat strength, at least enough not to spook the enemy; ability to stabilize situations under emergency conditions; experience facing the dragon phenomenon, preferably having encountered monarchs; most importantly, someone with enough attraction to the people of Zero Island that they would risk everything to see him enter... I’ve selected an experienced combat specialist as the core of this investigation team. What do you two think?”

Orianna looked at the photo in the file, her expression shifting slightly, but she said nothing.

The Nameless Agent studied the file carefully. He had heard the specialist’s name and seen his résumé before, but this detailed dossier surprised him even so. Nine years of combat experience against modern armies, top-tier dragons, boundary-crossing mages, and two monarch-level dragons... and crucially, he survived it all.

The ace agent couldn’t help but praise, “Very suitable, Mr. Liu. He’s a legend.”

“My own combat experience probably doesn’t match his,” Liu Zhongwu said sincerely. “Miss Orianna has worked with him during the catastrophe three years ago. You might want to hear the Seventh Knight’s evaluation.”

He was a self-righteous, mischievous fool constantly scolded by Mo and Arandia... Knowing this “legendary specialist’s” character well, Orianna nearly blurted out her true thoughts at their earnest praise.

“Ahem.” She cleared her throat. “He is a reliable comrade and a friend to all Morton knights.”

“I have no reason to object,” Will said, jotting down another note. “Let us make him the core of the plan and consider other team members...”

·

Three hours later.

Will tipped his hat and bowed. “A pleasant meeting. I suggest a half-hour recess so we can report progress and discuss details.”

“No problem, Mr. Will.”

The agent took his leave first. Orianna covered her forehead, sighing silently.

“Mr. Liu, you should know just how dangerous his situation is.”

Liu Zhongwu smiled gently. “Don’t worry, Miss Orianna. Tianji is acting as his personal tutor. I believe Lord Yan can help solve some of his problems.”

As a knight, Orianna was not worried; as a friend, she was deeply concerned.

Zero Island was by no means safe; it hid many perils... Without Morton Kai’s help, could he break through on his own?

“You didn’t even ask for his opinion.”

“He’ll definitely agree—100 percent. Young people, who doesn’t love to travel?” The stout middle-aged man picked up a large teacup and swallowed a mouthful.

Orianna frowned, showing no intention of hiding her concern. “Good heavens... I think I must contact them. Where is Gongsun Ce now?”

·

Where was Gongsun Ce now?

He had no idea he had just been chosen as the volunteer heading into the dragon’s lair. Nor did he know an old friend planned to contact him today. He didn’t even know what time it was.

Gongsun Ce cursed involuntarily.

“Damn it.”

Boom! Boom! The powerful legs of the bio-engineered kangaroo struck the sand pit, propelling him two meters high.

The sky was a clear azure, the clouds thin and distant. A black sun hung in the sky, scorching everything beneath with fierce light. Half the sky was occupied by an unimaginably huge steel warship; the land below was covered by endless golden sand dunes, rolling like mountains. Through the heatwaves, buildings could be faintly seen deep in the desert—an old-style apartment block from the 1990s.

Gongsun Ce, clad in shirt and pants, rode the five-meter-tall bio-kangaroo, bouncing across the desert. Thirsty and drenched in sweat, he was nearly collapsing under the desert’s intense heat.

In this surreal world, the silver-haired youth screamed in frustration.

“Where the hell am I?!”