Shadow Skull
The old man glanced out the narrow window of his chamber, his thoughts momentarily drifting to the bleak landscape surrounding the black fortress. The Lawless Nation, along with the Forbidden Areas and the neighboring small nations, was considered a backwater region—an afterthought in the grand scheme of global magic politics.
The mana here was weak, a diluted force that paled in comparison to the rich magical energy found in the more prosperous parts of the world. This lack of interest had allowed the Shadow Skull and other dark factions to thrive in the shadows, hidden from the prying eyes of the Mage Union.
The fact that the Mage Union seldom ventured into these parts had been a blessing. It had allowed them to conduct their operations, build their influence, and strengthen their ranks without attracting unwanted attention.