(Planet Ixtal, Supreme Master Argo's POV)
The shuttle pierced through the gray clouds with a low hum, its descent steady as the vast, scarred surface of Ixtal finally came into view beneath them.
What once stood as a thriving Cult planet of ancient cities, rivers, and magnificent architecture had now been reduced to a graveyard of blackened stone and cold ash, stretching endlessly in every direction except one.
Only the Lost Forest remained untouched, its canopy shimmering faintly with primal green light, and beyond it, rising like a silent monument that refused to bow to tragedy, stood the Lord's lone castle.
Argo felt his chest tighten as the craft banked toward the encampment stationed near the castle gates, his expression darkening as he realized just how bad the devastation must have been for the Cult's people who were left behind during their retreat.
"Supreme Master, we will be landing in a minute," the pilot announced.
However, Argo gave no answer.
