The Shadow Lord

When the other countries heard about the harsh decision taken by the Iron Kingdom, they were filled with great shock and anger. The technological embargo not only disrupted trade but also deeply shook the balance of power. The leaders and advisors of the five great nations held emergency meetings to discuss how they should respond to this new situation.

Crystal Kingdom: On the Brink of Economic Disaster

The Crystal Kingdom was one of the largest buyers of technological devices. The advanced equipment provided by the Iron Kingdom was used in mines, trade, and even magical research. King Cypron gathered his advisors and, in anger, threw a crystal orb onto the table.

“This is a declaration of war!” he shouted.

The chief advisor tried to calm the situation. “Your Majesty, a direct declaration of war has not been made yet. However, this embargo will deeply affect our economy. The productivity of our mines may drop by 30%, and if we lose the analysis devices provided by the Iron Kingdom, our research in the magical academies could fall behind by at least 10 years.”

Other nobles began whispering to each other. “If they cut off our technology, let’s cut off their crystal power.”

The chief advisor shook his head. “If we do that, the Iron Kingdom will view us as outright enemies. Perhaps we should look for an ally.”

King Cypron squinted. “Contact the Land of Shadows. If we cannot weaken the Iron Kingdom, we should at least learn their plans.”

Land of Shadows: Silent and Threatening:

The leading lords and assassin guilds of the Land of Shadows received the Iron Kingdom’s harsh measures with deep silence. They did not show an official reaction, but movements began within the shadow networks. Any power offering a high bid could now approach these guilds for sabotage within the Iron Kingdom. While the Land of Shadows did not openly condemn the decision, they began restricting commercial and intelligence connections.

Land of Flames: Anger and War Preparations:

The Land of Flames was one of the countries that relied heavily on technological trade. The Iron Kingdom’s decision to cut off trade increased the anger of the warlords and generals. They believed this move was a deliberate attempt to weaken the military power of the Land of Flames. Some lords argued that this was a declaration of war and a proposal for a preemptive strike came up in the council. However, the King of Flames stated that they should not engage in war just yet and that they needed to develop new strategies first.

Land of Lakes: Bewilderment and Hesitation:

The Land of Lakes was one of the regions that benefited the least from technological trade, but the Iron Kingdom closing its borders could create serious imbalances in the trade routes. The lords of the Land of Lakes stated that, for now, they did not wish to impose sanctions or take immediate action. To them, this decision was a domestic issue for the Iron Kingdom and should be resolved through diplomatic means. However, some merchants began making plans to increase smuggling, using the trade blockage as an opportunity.

North Kingdom: A Silent Storm:

The North Kingdom took the Iron Kingdom's harsh decision very seriously. For them, the cutoff of technological trade was not a major obstacle since they had always relied on traditional methods, ancient magics, and natural resources. However, they suspected that there might be a larger plan behind this decision.

When the royal council gathered, the elder scholars and warlords discussed the possibility that the Iron Kingdom’s decision to isolate itself might be a harbinger of the “great change” mentioned in ancient prophecies. Many believed that this was not a defensive move but the preparation for a major attack.

Lord of the Ice Spears interpreted this decision as an explicit preparation for war and advocated for a preemptive strike. However, the ruler of the North Kingdom was cautious. He knew that the Iron Kingdom was the most technologically advanced country, and entering such a conflict would likely result in significant losses.

Instead, the North Kingdom began mobilizing its magicians and spies to investigate how the Iron Kingdom had sealed its borders and how they could penetrate this technological shield. At the same time, secret meetings were held in sacred places to re-examine the ancient prophecies and awaken magical energies.

For them, this was not just a commercial decision; it was the first sign of a great war that could change the course of history.

The Emergency Call of the Land of Shadows:

In the dark towers of the Land of Shadows, the highest council had gathered. The Iron Kingdom's decision to stop trade and isolate itself completely from the outside world was a move that threatened to reshape the global balance of power. This was not just an economic decision; it was also a power struggle.

The Shadow Lord stood in the center of the council with an expressionless mask. Surrounding him were assassins and intelligence experts, silently waiting. For several seconds, only the flickering light of candles filled the room. Finally, the Shadow Lord spoke:

“The Iron Kingdom has closed its borders and cut off trade routes. Their move is an effort to reshape the world. If we do not unite now, it may be too late.”

The council quickly made a decision: An emergency meeting would be called with the other five nations, and the Iron Kingdom's move would be put on the table. The Land of Shadows, though usually neutral, had no choice but to act.

Responses to the Call:

Crystal Kingdom

When King Cypron read the message, he furrowed his brows. Sitting on his transparent crystal throne, he turned to his advisors.

“The Iron Kingdom's move affects more than just them. The blockage of our trade routes will weaken our people. If the Land of Shadows is calling us to the table, this is serious. Respond positively to the call.”

Land of Flames

The King of Flames struck his fist against the throne as soon as he received the message.

“For decades, we’ve strengthened our weapons with their technology. Now, with a single order, they’ve taken everything from us. This is unacceptable! If the Land of Shadows is willing to take action, we must be at the table as well.”

North Kingdom

In the hall of the North Kingdom, the torches flickered with a dim light. When the King read the message, he turned to his advisors.

“The Iron Kingdom’s isolation is a challenge for us. If we do not act with the other countries, it will mean they will eventually leave us isolated as well. If the Land of Shadows has called, we cannot leave it unanswered.”

Land of Lakes
The Lord of the Land of Lakes read the message in silence. In his large palace in the middle of the ocean, he gathered his advisors.

“This is not just the Iron Kingdom’s issue. This decision will affect the entire world. If the other countries are meeting, we should be there as well.”

Preparation of the Five Kings and Journey to the Land of Shadows
The call from the Land of Shadows had echoed in the palaces of the five nations. Kings and lords, along with their advisors and most trusted companions, were preparing to depart. Each would move in a way that represented the strength and identity of their nation.

Crystal Kingdom: A Journey with Glittering Guards
King Cypron, sitting on his throne, read the message one last time. The sun reflected off the transparent towers of Crystal City, casting a magical glow across the country. This journey was not just a meeting; it was a display of power.

He took with him one of the strongest magicians, Prince Althar of the Pearl, who was armored with magical crystals. Alongside him were the elite guards of the Crystal Kingdom, warriors wearing Reflective Armor, famous for their ability to absorb and reflect any incoming attack with magic shields. The Crystal Kingdom would make an entrance that was as swift as light, but just as hard.

Land of Flames: Shadows of Dragons
The Land of Flames was echoing with the sounds of wings flapping. The King, too proud to travel in a simple carriage, was not going to the Land of Shadows that way. Accompanying him were the elite warriors known as the Fire Guards.

Looking to the sky, the King mounted his dragon, Varka, and his guards rode smaller dragons, rising from the Crimson Mountains. The shadows of dragon wings cast down on the lands below. The arrival of the Land of Flames would shake even the heavens.

North Kingdom: The Awakening of Ancient Magics
The ruler of the North Kingdom was preparing in a palace filled with magic. The ancient seers found this meeting dangerous, but the King could not ignore the call of fate. He took with him the Storm Magician Haldir and the mystical warriors known as the Wolves of the North.

Their journey would not be made by an ordinary cavalry. They passed through a portal, lost in the dark mists, and stepped into the depths of the Land of Shadows. For them, there were no distances, only the echoes of ancient magic.

Land of Lakes: The Silent Power of Water
The Lord of the Land of Lakes left his palace in the middle of the ocean, accompanied by the Water Magician Nyssa. Alongside them were the Silent Deep Guards, who moved through the waters.

The caravan from the Land of Lakes did not travel above the surface. They moved through magical passages beneath the water, flowing toward the Land of Shadows. The masters of the waters would silently but powerfully take their place at the table.

Gathering at the Land of Shadows

The representatives of the five nations arrived in the dark lands of the Land of Shadows. Each traveled in their own way, in their own style... Now, the moment of decision was approaching.