In the bustling streets and shadowed alleys of New Port, two figures moved with practiced ease. Katherine and Irene had been rooted in this land for years, mastering the secrets whispered on every street corner. Their true identities were meticulously concealed—no longer the royal sisters once esteemed in a Western Continent kingdom, they had become leaders of a local gang, living a covert and perilous life.
Whether in Strongson's taverns, casinos, brothels, or grimy docks, the sisters could seamlessly blend into any environment. Their gang affiliations granted them countless opportunities to access all kinds of information, but the most valuable were political secrets.
One night, Levin, a gang leader and one of Strongson's underworld kings, entered their hideout with a group of subordinates. Though his status was relatively low, Levin's vast intelligence network often allowed him access to noble secrets. Tonight, he brought news that piqued Irene's sensitivity—it touched upon a matter the sisters had long been keeping an eye on: Eryndor.
"I've heard rumors that Fire Crystal Stones from the Western Continent have appeared at recent auctions," Levin said in a hushed voice, his tone tinged with uncertainty and fear. "And some sources suggest they're likely from Eryndor."
Katherine and Irene exchanged a tense glance. The name Eryndor was no stranger to them. A kingdom on the Western Continent, Eryndor had long held deep and unspoken grudges with their family. Now, its influence had quietly crept into Strongson. This meant the crisis looming over their family was growing even more dire.
"People from Eryndor?" Katherine asked calmly, her voice steady and resolute. "Fire Crystals are a vital resource to Eryndor—they wouldn't casually appear elsewhere. What's their objective? Do we know who these people are?"
Levin shook his head. "That's precisely what we can't figure out. While some nobles and merchants have had dealings with Eryndor, no one has ever seen their true faces. The only certainty is that they seem to be trying to establish some sort of foothold here."
Irene's heartbeat quickened slightly, but she kept her composure. Her gaze swept across the room before she spoke slowly. "Eryndor—the name has always loomed over the Western Continent like a shadow. What else have you learned?"
Levin hesitated, swallowing hard. Under the sisters' intense scrutiny, he reluctantly shared more. "Their capabilities... some claim to have seen Eryndor envoys, but these envoys are like ghosts. No one knows how they arrive or why they're here. What's clear is that they've been present in the Eastern Continent for a long time."
Katherine's expression grew grave. She murmured, "It's highly likely they've already been setting up their plans in secret. This kingdom's king has ambitions of dominance, aiming to place his power above all nobles and traditions."
Irene nodded, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. "Yes. While Leon's ascent to the throne has brought new turbulence to Strongson, he has unwittingly become Eryndor's entry point. If we don't act preemptively, our family's fate will forever be entangled with Strongson and Eryndor."
The sisters shared an unspoken understanding—their plans were already quietly taking shape. The Seed of the World in Eldenia, a key to connecting life and death, might be their only chance to change their fate. Eryndor's arrival was undoubtedly a threat but also the rekindling of a blood feud long buried.
"For now, the priority is gathering more intelligence," Katherine said softly. "We can't let Eryndor's people gain access to the Seed of the World before us. Until then, we must control the flow of information and ensure we have the upper hand in this contest."
Irene nodded. "I'll continue searching for more traces of Eryndor in the Eastern Continent." A hint of ferocity flickered in her eyes. "And if I do find anyone from Eryndor, they'll learn that the Golden Family is not to be trifled with."