The barren mountaintop. Ottoman de Montmorency's place of residence.
The cloudy sky was blocking the afternoon sun. Yet, its blaze could still be felt in the air.
A giant condor-type demon beast was seen flapping its wings, stabilizing his flight a few meters above the ground. A man jumped from the beast's back and landed on the ground.
The beast screeched at its master before flying away, leaving the man on the barren mountaintop. The man walked towards a lone man practicing his weapon arts all by himself.
"Lord Demonmir, I have received a message from the royal court. They are inviting you to attend the meeting. It is going to be conducted in the capital city in a few days."
Ottoman stopped his ax movements when he heard the man speak. He didn't look surprised that the summons had arrived for him.
"Haah! The war seems inevitable. That old man Isen is out for blood."