The gate stood as an ominous bridge between two vastly different worlds, its black stone a constant reminder of the chaos it had brought. In Gaia, Myra sat at the grand council table, surrounded by her advisors and the leaders of Lirien.
"They struck first," one of the councilors, Lady Tessa, argued. "We should retaliate with everything we have."
"And escalate the conflict further?" Myra countered. "We don't even know the full extent of their strength. Charging into the unknown could lead to ruin."
The room fell silent. Myra's logic was difficult to argue against, though the tension in the air was palpable.
"What do you propose, Myra?" Tessa asked after a moment.
Myra hesitated, knowing her next words would spark debate. "Diplomacy. We send an envoy to their world. If there's a chance to resolve this peacefully, we must take it."
The room erupted in protest.
"Diplomacy?" another councilor spat. "They attacked us! They see us as weak already. Extending an olive branch will only confirm it."
"And what would you have us do?" Myra shot back. "Throw away countless lives in a war we might not win? Our goal should be to understand them, not annihilate them."
The council murmured among themselves before reluctantly agreeing. Myra was chosen to lead the envoy, her status and strength making her the ideal candidate.
---
On the other side of the gate, Zhen Wei and his forces prepared for their next move. Though the first encounter had ended in a stalemate, Zhen Wei viewed it as a victory. To him, the women's retreat was a sign of their inferiority.
In the command tent, Zhen Wei stood over a map of the city of Lirien, his mind already devising strategies for invasion. Beside him was his second-in-command, Li Feng.
Unlike Zhen Wei, Li Feng was calm and thoughtful, his demeanor a stark contrast to his superior's arrogance. Though he was only a Golden Core cultivator, his mastery of cultivation techniques and his tactical mind made him an invaluable asset to the army.
"What do you make of them, Feng?" Zhen Wei asked, his tone dismissive.
"They are strong," Li Feng replied simply. "Their coordination and magical prowess rival our own. Underestimating them would be unwise."
Zhen Wei scoffed. "Strong? They hide behind spells and shields. They lack the discipline and resilience of cultivators."
Li Feng remained silent, knowing it was pointless to argue. Zhen Wei's pride blinded him to the truth: the women of Gaia were not to be taken lightly.
"Prepare the troops," Zhen Wei ordered. "We'll march through the gate tomorrow."
Li Feng frowned. "With respect, General, shouldn't we assess the situation first? If their retreat was strategic, we could be walking into a trap."
Zhen Wei waved off his concerns. "Your caution is admirable, Feng, but unnecessary. We will crush them, trap or no trap."
---
The next day, Myra and her team approached the gate. She wore the formal robes of her station, a symbol of her authority and intent. Beside her were two skilled mages, their presence a precaution against potential hostility.
As they stepped through the gate, they found themselves in the men's world. The air was different—thicker, charged with spiritual energy. Floating islands loomed in the distance, their majestic forms defying gravity.
They were quickly surrounded by Zhen Wei's troops, their weapons drawn.
"Hold!" Myra called, raising her hands. "We come in peace."
Zhen Wei appeared, his smirk returning as he saw her. "Peace? From you? I thought your kind only knew how to retreat."
Myra's jaw tightened, but she forced herself to remain calm. "We wish to speak, not fight. Surely a man of your stature can appreciate the value of diplomacy."
Zhen Wei laughed. "Diplomacy? From a woman? Amusing."
Li Feng stepped forward, his expression neutral. "General, perhaps we should hear them out. There may be merit in understanding their intentions."
Zhen Wei hesitated, clearly annoyed by the suggestion but unwilling to outright dismiss his trusted subordinate. "Very well," he said finally. "You may speak. But know this: any sign of deception, and you will not leave this world alive."
Myra met his gaze, unflinching. "We seek to understand the purpose of this gate and its implications for our worlds. This conflict benefits neither of us."
Zhen Wei smirked. "The only implication is that your world will bow to ours. That is the natural order."
Li Feng observed the exchange, his sharp mind analyzing every word. Unlike Zhen Wei, he saw the wisdom in Myra's approach. While he didn't trust her fully, he recognized that continued conflict could lead to unnecessary casualties.
As Myra continued to argue for peace, Li Feng found himself intrigued. She was unlike any woman he had encountered—strong, intelligent, and unyielding.
For now, the meeting ended in a tense stalemate. Myra and her team were allowed to return to Gaia, but the shadow of war loomed ever closer.
---