Chapter 42: The Crucible

The weather was turning cool, with life retracting and grass and trees withering into yellow.

It wasn't just ordinary people who were gradually reluctant to go out; the battered Red Rose and Blue Rose also each called a truce and returned to their dens to lick their wounds and accumulate strength, waiting for the next year.

The scarred Paratu finally got a brief respite, as people mended their clothes and prepared for winter storage, enjoying the hard-won peace and tranquility.

However, in the remote and barren Iron Peak County to the southwest of Paratu, a scene of bustling activity prevailed.

Cavalry bearing green flags were en route to each village and town, delivering the first issue of the "Communications Bulletin."

The first Iron Peak County Consultative Meeting was also under intense preparation.