The study of Duke Tan was a place where power and intellect converged, its atmosphere heavy with the weight of decisions that could alter lives—or end them. The MagiNet terminal on his redwood desk hummed softly as it projected an official document into the air, its glowing text flickering faintly in the dim light. Behind him, a calligraphy painting depicted MagiTech floating platforms hovering over a bustling metropolis—a symbol of progress built upon secrets. Through the large picture window, other platforms drifted lazily across the sky, while massive Rocs carried cargo and passengers between them like living bridges.

  Duke Tan sat at his desk, his greying hair and long beard framing a face etched with authority. His sharp eyes were fixed on Captain Feng, who stood rigidly before him, his military-short hair and clean-shaven jawline marking him as a man of discipline. Between them lay the unspoken tension of what had transpired in LongTu village—and what remained unfinished.

  “Report,” Duke Tan said, his voice low but commanding, cutting through the quiet hum of the room.

  Captain Feng nodded curtly. “LongTu village has been eradicated, my lord. Every inhabitant—man, woman, child—eliminated. No survivors were left within the village proper.”

  Duke Tan leaned back slightly, steepling his fingers. “And yet you’ve returned here instead of confirming your mission’s completion. Why?”

  Captain Feng hesitated for only a moment before replying. “After the attack, I ordered my men to set up camp away from the site. Blood and ash linger; they cloud judgment. When we returned to the village to… arrange things so it appeared bandits were responsible, we found anomalies.”

  “Anomalies?” Duke Tan’s tone sharpened.

  “The bodies had been buried.” Captain Feng’s words hung in the air like smoke. “Not hastily or carelessly, either. Someone took the time to give them proper rites. There were also signs of scavenging—food stores emptied; basic equipment taken. And tracks leading out of the village.”

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  Duke Tan’s brow furrowed. “Tracks belonging to whom?”

  “We couldn’t be certain, my lord. They led into dense woodland. Whoever survived is skilled enough to cover their trail after some distance. My initial assessment suggests three individuals, though one appears particularly adept at moving unseen.”

  “A shadow mage,” Duke Tan murmured, almost to himself. He tapped a finger against the desk, his gaze distant. After a pause, he looked back at Captain Feng. “You didn’t pursue these tracks?”

  “No, my lord. Given the circumstances—and the possibility of survivors being mages—I deemed it prudent to await further orders. Pursuing without sufficient intel risked exposing our involvement.”

  Duke Tan studied Captain Feng for a long moment, then gave a slow nod. “Wise. This matter cannot afford any mistakes. If commoners discover that magic exists among us—not just among nobles—it would unravel centuries of control. Secrecy must be maintained at all costs.”

  He rose from his chair and moved to the window, gazing out at the floating platforms beyond. “Three fugitives, you say. One likely a shadow mage, guiding the others. Tell me, Captain, do you believe this group poses a significant threat?”

  “They are resourceful, my lord,” Captain Feng replied carefully. “But if they are indeed only three, I doubt they have the means to challenge the Heavenly Court directly. Their survival thus far seems more a result of caution than rebellion.”

  “Caution can breed defiance,” Duke Tan countered sharply. Turning back to Captain Feng, he continued, “Send a small team—five elite enforcers, no more. You will lead them personally. Hunt down these survivors and ensure there are no loose ends. Do not fail me, Captain.”

  Captain Feng straightened, his expression resolute. “Understood, my lord. We will leave immediately.”

  As Captain Feng turned to go, Duke Tan added, “And remember—no witnesses. Not even among yourselves. Once this task is complete, report back to me alone.”

  Captain Feng bowed deeply. “It shall be done.”

  With that, he exited the study, leaving Duke Tan standing by the window. Outside, the world seemed serene, oblivious to the darkness brewing beneath its surface. But Duke Tan knew better. Secrets, once uncovered, had a way of spreading like wildfire unless extinguished completely.

  He glanced at the calligraphy behind his desk—the image of floating platforms above a thriving city. Progress required sacrifice; he reminded himself. And sacrifices, however grim, were necessary to maintain order.

  For now, the shadows of LongTu village would remain hidden. But soon, even those shadows would vanish entirely.