The Old Guard

As Wei Long stood alone, a door creaked open behind him. He didn’t need to turn to know who it was—his senses were sharper than ever. The familiar footsteps told him everything he needed to know. An Old Guard member, someone who had been with the Nine Dragons long before the fall. A remnant of a time that seemed so distant now.

“We’re with you, Wei Long,” the man said, his voice low and unwavering. “Wherever you go, we’ll follow.”

Wei Long turned, his expression unreadable. The man before him was older, worn by time and hardship, but there was still fire in his eyes—the fire that had once fueled the Nine Dragons’ rise to power.

“Loyalty is a rare commodity these days,” Wei Long said, his voice cold but not unappreciative. “But loyalty alone won’t win this war. We need more than just words.”