An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

Grace explained, “The Skull Covenant is pure evil. They sacrifice human lives and commune with death itself. Wherever they go, they leave nothing but ruin.

“It was their heyday 30 years ago. They had hundreds of core members and over 10,000 followers. They were all masters of the dark arts and posed an enormous threat.

“30 years ago, they nearly conquered the entire Ashen Coast and threatened the stability of our nation. Later, my grandfather ordered my father to lead 200,000 troops in an extermination campaign.

“It took three months to annihilate them.

Afterward, my father established an intelligence and assassination organization to hunt down any remnants because he vowed to erase them from existence.

“It took several years to root out every last remnant of the Skull Covenant. I thought we’d wiped them out for good. Still, I never imagined that 30 years later, these evil monsters would return.”

Grace’s expression grew stern as she frowned slightly. Just when she thought one crisis was ending, another began.

She still had pressing matters to handle, and now the evil Skull Covenant had emerged again. How could she not feel troubled?

“I’ve heard rumors about them as well,” Dustin said thoughtfully. “They worship dark gods and are brutally violent. Every year, they’d offer mass sacrifices in its name. Sounds like this plague is just another one of their rituals.”

“These bastards just won’t stay dead. I don’t understand why anyone would join such a cult.” Grace sighed.

“People who join cults are either mindless or consumed by greed. Their mindset defies all rational thought,” Dustin said, and shook his head.

the Skull Covenant, knowing

“Your medical skills are exceptional. Would you accompany me to

Dragonmarsh, I naturally cannot refuse such a duty,” he replied

is urgent, so we’ll leave now,” Grace

ordered her people to arrange transportation. They boarded a

was approximately 1,900 miles from Oakvale. Even flying by

Aylka from the throne hall.

their golden decrees along with secret edicts. Though the

immediately. They gathered their trusted retainers and set out for the Ashen

outbreak of plague in Ashen Coast, and it required swift intervention. Each prince would govern a different city, and whoever successfully contained the outbreak while minimizing civilian casualties would receive

channels. Under normal circumstances, there would’ve been no need for such secrecy, let

more than a simple rescue operation. Instead, it was meant to

event within

in response to this plague

stake. Whoever handled that crisis most effectively would prove their worth to their father. The journey to Ashen Coast would prove

their secret edict as they raced against each other to

initiative, and whoever contained the plague most swiftly while minimizing civilian casualties would return to Oakvale to receive royal commendation. This mission represented the

Dustin and Grace’s plane touched down in Reedcrest, the transportation hub of the Ashen Coast. This bustling city had earned the grim distinction of being where the plague was