Vargan and Sarona slowed their steps as they moved deeper into the archipelago.

Both of them were clearly surprised.

This place was nothing like what they had imagined.

The buildings around them didn't resemble the tall halls or carved stone structures common in most clans.

Instead, they were simple, solid, and box-shaped with unnecessary decorations.

Vargan looked left and right, eyes scanning everything. "Huh."

Sarona's gaze followed the paths ahead. The ground beneath their feet was tinted red.

The trees lining the road carried faint crimson leaves, and even the clothes worn by the people passing by shared the same color.

They walked calmly, some carrying equipment, others stretching or talking as they moved.

Their outfits were practical, almost uniform-like, and unmistakably red.

Sarona frowned slightly. "Why is everything red?"

Rendric glanced back at them and smiled. "Because this is the [Flame God Island]."

Vargan let out a low chuckle. "That explains a lot."

Rendric gestured around them as they continued walking.

"The God Archipelago is made up of many islands, but there are three main ones."

He raised a finger. "[Flame God Island]."

Another finger. "[Thunder God Island]."

A third. "[Nature God Island]."

Sarona listened closely, eyes sharp.

"The difference," Rendric continued, "is the type of mana each island is saturated with. Each one favors a different path."

He tapped the ground lightly with his foot. "As for the colors, they're intentional."

Vargan raised an eyebrow. "Intentional?"

"Yes," Rendric replied.

"To make each island distinct. One glance is enough to know where you are."

Vargan laughed loudly and stretched his arms. "No wonder I feel so energized."

He clenched his fist, flames flickering faintly around his knuckles. "This place suits me."

Sarona, on the other hand, slowed her breathing. Her shoulders stiffened slightly.

"…That explains it," she muttered.

Rendric looked at her. "Something wrong?"

Sarona shook her head once. "Ice and fire don't mix."

She exhaled slowly. "No wonder my stamina is draining faster."

Vargan glanced at her and grinned. "Hah! Guess this island isn't welcoming everyone equally."

Sarona shot him a cold look. "Don't get smug."

Rendric smiled faintly as he led them onward.

They passed through several wide corridors before finally stopping in front of the largest building on the island.

It stood taller than the rest, solid and simple, with thick walls and broad doors.

Vargan tilted his head up, eyes gleaming. "So this is where the two of them are, huh?"

Rendric nodded. "Yes. Please, follow me."

He stepped inside, and the doors closed behind him with a quiet thud.

A moment later, the floor beneath their feet began to rise.

Sarona's eyes narrowed. She shifted her stance slightly. "We're moving."

Vargan looked down, then laughed. "Hah! What kind of magic item is this?"

Rendric didn't answer right away. He only smiled.

The space continued upward smoothly, without shaking or noise.

Sarona watched carefully. "…This isn't a teleportation array."

"No," Rendric said calmly. "It's just an elevator."

Vargan blinked. "Just?"

Before either of them could question further, the movement stopped.

The doors slid open to reveal a massive hallway and a single large door at the end.

Rendric walked up and placed a hand on it. When the door opened...

Heat rushed out.

Inside, Raviel Revalis and Aveline Avenora were training.

Raviel was shirtless, sweat dripping down his body as flames rolled across his arms.

Aveline stood across from him, calm and steady, green mana flowing smoothly around her.

Raviel stopped first. He glanced toward the door and laughed. "Oh? Rendric?"

Aveline lowered her hands and turned. "What brings you here?"

Rendric stepped aside. "We have two rather important guests today. I'll leave them to you."

And without waiting for a reply, he turned and left, the door closing behind him.

Raviel stared at the door for a moment. "…He ran away fast."

Aveline sighed softly. "He has a lot to handle. Let him be."

Raviel rolled his shoulders, then looked at the two figures standing there. "Alright. Who are you two?"

Vargan stepped forward, grin wide. "Patriarch Raviel Revalis. Nice to meet you."

He thumped a fist lightly against his chest. "I'm Vargan, patriarch of the Vulkran Clan."

Raviel froze.

Aveline's eyes widened slightly.

"…Vulkran?" Raviel said. "The top flame berserker clan?"

Vargan nodded proudly. "That's the one."

Before the surprise could fade, Sarona stepped forward.

"And I am Sarona," she said calmly. "Matriarch of the Shivera Clan."

This time, both of them went still.

"…Shivera," Aveline said quietly. "The top matriarch clan of ice."

Raviel stared at them, then laughed once, sharp and disbelieving. "You've got to be kidding me."

The shock wasn't just who they were...

It was the fact that the patriarch of the Vulkran Clan and the matriarch of the Shivera Clan were standing side by side.

For decades, their clans had clashed again and again.

Battles that ended in blood, grudges that never faded, and hatred passed down through generations.

And yet, here they were.

Together.

Raviel slowly exhaled, trying to steady himself.

He leaned closer to Aveline and lowered his voice. "Do you know why they're here?"

Aveline didn't even look at him. "If you don't know," she replied quietly, "how should I?"

She glanced at him. "We're now one clan, not a separate clan like before."

Raviel blinked, then let out a small laugh. "Oh. Right."

He straightened his posture and faced the two guests properly.

"Well," he said, clearing his throat, "standing around like this isn't very comfortable."

He gestured toward the inner room. "Please, follow us inside. It'll be easier to talk there."

Sarona gave a brief nod, her expression unchanged.

Vargan shrugged and grinned. "Sure. Lead the way."

Aveline turned and began walking, her steps calm and unhurried.

Raviel followed beside her, still stealing quick glances back at the two figures behind them.

As the doors closed and the group moved deeper inside, one thing was clear.

This meeting was no coincidence.

And whatever reason had brought fire and ice together…

It was going to change something.

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