Chapter 2: Communication
Noon, Black Forest Fortress, clear skies without a cloud. Although the wind on the streets was still bitingly cold, the blizzard no longer hindered people's movements. Soldiers organized supplies needed for defense near the city walls, while most of the civilians living within took advantage of this rare sunny day to tidy up the surrounding streets. Several robed mages and sorcerers rode horses, hurrying back and forth. They inspected the walls and towers for any damage or gaps, recorded them one by one, and prepared to use spells to begin repairs.
Throughout the city, all who still lived had their own work. Their expressions were calm, unburdened by their current predicament. The confidence and customs forged through countless great battles had long accustomed these Northerners to the present situation.
This was the sixth day of the Black Tide siege.
Outside the city, a purple-black mist permeated the Black Forest. No spell could detect what lay within. Apart from the occasional roar of beasts, no one knew what was happening inside. Several Silver Knights formed a squad and ventured outside the city to the fallen fortresses, intending to search for any usable supplies and equipment.
Inside the city, at the center of the Black Forest Fortress, stood a Gothic spire. He immediately opened the door and strode quickly inside.
This was a room of modest size. At its center was a stone platform resembling a round table. Dense silver-blue and golden patterns covered the platform, crafted from crystal, with faint glimmers of light. At the very center where these patterns converged, there was a small white surface like a mirror.
At that moment, the communication array, which had been silent for a long time, began to shimmer with light. The surface rippled, runes spun, and the sound emerged from within.
“…I am… crackle… the Lord of Moldavia, Joshua… crackle… Radcliffe.”
Suddenly, the chaotic noise was instantly eliminated. From the white mirror, a dignified male voice rang out: “Twenty-seventh connection attempt, target Black Forest Fortress. Can you hear my voice?”