In Archsage Solarian's mind, one thing was non-negotiable.
Vexar's father would never be released.
Compared to turning the entire dragon race into refined resources, Solarian had a far more valuable long-term design. A design meant to secure the Iron Front's dominance in the coming celestial upheaval and push every rival faction into decline.
And at the center of that design stood Vexar.
Vexar's wide network of relationships, especially among members of the Abyssbound Path, made him indispensable as a living chess piece.
Which meant Vexar had to be controlled.
And the leash was his father.
That was why Solarian would not budge.
"What exactly do you want from me?" Vexar demanded, shaking with restrained fury.
Before Solarian could answer, Rowan Mercer's voice slipped quietly into Vexar's mind.
Agree for now. Stabilize the situation. I can find your father.
Vexar's breath hitched.
After everything Rowan had already accomplished, he believed him.
"I agree," Vexar said stiffly. "But you'd better keep your word."
Solarian smiled.
"Good. Three days from now, come to the Jade Sanctum."
With that, he turned and departed in a swirl of cloud and light.
No promises he had spoken were meant to be honored.
They were only meant to buy time.
Once Solarian was gone, Rowan stepped back to Vexar's side.
"How much do you trust anything he said?"
"Not at all," Vexar replied.
Rowan nodded.
"I've already located your father's general position. He's being held somewhere inside the Jade Sanctum."
Vexar's eyes widened.
"You're certain?"
"Close enough," Rowan said. "Getting him out will be difficult. But not impossible."
Vexar bowed deeply.
"I owe you my life. And my family's."
Rowan stopped him.
"We're friends. That's enough."
Then Rowan's gaze shifted to the three Dragon Kings.
"Storming the Jade Sanctum with just the two of us would be suicide," Rowan said calmly. "We need leverage. Allies. And strength."
The South Sea Dragon King opened his mouth, but Mara Vale raised a hand.
"We owe you for freeing us," she said evenly. "But we're not throwing ourselves into the Iron Front's headquarters."
Rowan wasn't surprised.
Instead, he laid out reality.
"You're free… for now. But you're still fugitives. Your subordinates are still chained in the abyss. And Solarian will hunt you again unless you accept his control seals."
Silence followed.
Rowan continued.
"Or we hit him first. We infiltrate the Jade Sanctum. Rescue Vexar's father. Steal every refined resource Solarian has stockpiled. Split the spoils. You gain strength. We all gain leverage."
Mara Vale's eyes narrowed.
"And the abyss?"
"I'll convince Aurelion to dismantle the suppression arrays," Rowan said. "Your people walk free."
The Dragon Queen did not answer immediately.
Then she exhaled slowly.
"If you can truly make Aurelion abandon the prison… I'll consider it."
A dangerous gamble.
But in this world, only dangerous gambles created future.