Chapter 23

In the aftermath of Mount Tianshan, Rin, Kitay, Venka, and Quan Cholang assess the damage: roughly two-thirds of the Hesperian fleet in Nikan is destroyed. With the Consortium wavering, they decide to exploit the moment and consider the once-unthinkable—taking Arlong.

Rin and Kitay outline a two-front strategy: a northeastern thrust through Ram, Rat, and Tiger Provinces as a feint to strain Republican resources and seize industry, while a main force strikes the heartland. Venka will lead with Cholang in the north, drawing off Nezha’s limited manpower.

Short on soldiers, Rin proposes training new shamans to counter the Hesperian Maker, aiming for only a handful to multiply battlefield impact. Despite reservations, Cholang allows volunteers; Kitay engages logistics. Rin commits to Cike discipline—culling those who lose control—accepting the risks to gain decisive divine power.

In camp, a crude puppet show mocks Nezha, boosting morale. Kitay notes the people believe the Trifecta died heroically at Tianshan; Rin chooses not to correct the myth, preferring a unifying legend while she shapes the future.

That night, Rin meets Chaghan as the Ketreyids break camp. He praises her gambit and confirms the Trifecta are dead. He explains Nezha’s abilities stem from the Nine Curves Grotto at Arlong, a thin place where a physical manifestation of the Dragon’s power lays claim to him, owning and anchoring him.

Chaghan concludes that as long as Arlong endures, the waters will heal and protect Nezha. The strategic implication is clear: to end Nezha and the Republic’s core strength, Rin must seize—and ultimately destroy—Arlong.