Archsage Solarian had not brought the Iron Front's enforcement units with him.
Not because he lacked manpower.
But because he understood their limits.
Those operatives were loyal when it came to killing non-humans and harvesting resources. They believed in it. They benefited from it. It aligned with how they had been conditioned to see the world.
But ordering them to massacre an entire human city?
That was different.
Most people could slaughter animals without blinking.
Very few could slaughter civilians and sleep afterward.
His two personal attendants were another matter.
They were non-human themselves.
They were bound by control seals.
They did not hesitate.
And if the incident ever leaked…
Even as the Iron Front's acting leader, Solarian would not escape consequences.
Which meant this had to be clean.
Vexar stared at the two figures who had appeared behind Solarian and let out a cold laugh.
"After all the dirty work I did for you over the years, I can guess why you're here."
His gaze sharpened.
"You want to pin everything on the dragons."
Solarian did not deny it.
Vexar felt no fear.
With three Dragon Kings present, and Rowan somewhere nearby, Solarian could not simply wipe them out.
Or so he thought.
Then the Western Sea Dragon Queen moved.
Mara Vale did not attack Solarian.
Instead, she drifted toward him.
"Care to make a deal, Archsage?"
The North Sea Dragon King followed.
"You oversee this place. You know the release incantation for our chains."
Silence fell.
Vexar's expression twisted.
"You're… defecting?"
The realization hit like ice water.
If the Dragon Kings switched sides, everyone else here was dead.
The South Sea Dragon King snarled.
"A thousand years ago, four brothers swore to defy the heavens together. Then one of us betrayed the rest and cast us into eternal confinement."
His eyes burned.
"Solarian wants to move against Aurelion. We're happy to help."
Mara Vale smiled faintly.
"Our strength isn't insignificant. Free us, and we will serve you."
The North Sea King added quickly.
"And we'll give you everything we know. The truth about the twin cores. Aurelion's plans. All of it."
Vexar felt sick.
"Have you forgotten your pride?"
Mara Vale's voice hardened.
"Pride doesn't survive a thousand years of torture."
Solarian stroked his beard, thoughtful.
"Words are easy. How do I know you won't betray me later?"
Mara Vale didn't hesitate.
"Bind us. Brand us. Do whatever you wish."
They knew the price.
Control seals.
Leashes.
But a leash was better than a cage.
Before Solarian could respond, a calm voice cut in.
"Dragon Kings, don't rush."
Rowan Mercer stepped forward.
The air shifted.
Solarian's gaze locked onto him.
"And you are?"
"Black Dragon," Rowan said lightly. "We've met by reputation."
Rowan turned toward the three Dragon Kings.
"I've studied your restraints. I know how to remove them."
Shock rippled across the battlefield.
"If you want freedom," Rowan continued, "I can release you right now."
Silence followed.
Heavy.
Tense.
The board had just changed.