The Silent War

Crackle. Snap!

Everything was consumed by flames, ignited by Cheonghwa. No, it was still burning.

The mansion's servants, all the valuables, Martisa's cherished sculptures and equipment—everything was being reduced to ashes, even the butler.

"..."

If she hadn't instinctively created a protective barrier, Martisa would have suffered significant harm herself.

Amidst the crumbling remains of her mansion, she stood frozen, as if time had stopped.

Tap! Tap!

All that could be heard was the sound of the fire devouring its prey.

After a moment of daze, Martisa realized that Cheonghwa's flames were spreading into the garden.

In an instant, water energy gathered in her palm.

Whoosh!

A massive wave of water surged over the garden. With thick steam rising, black smoke curled up from the charred remnants.

While she successfully quelled the flames, that wasn't her only concern.

Her lovingly nurtured roses had all been scorched and shattered.

"This is…."

Servants could be hired again. The butler could be replaced, and valuables could be purchased anew.

But a rose garden couldn't be recreated overnight. The sight of it in ruins struck her deeply.

"Who dares…!"

Martisa was utterly bewildered by this sudden act of terror.

In all her years, such an event had never occurred.

She had only ever been the assassin; this was the first time she had been attacked.

The fierce power struggles were usually among those of Arahan bloodlines; the elders kept their distance and observed from afar.

While the elders would recruit and deal with their subordinates, it wasn't particularly difficult either.

At just twenty years old, Arahan lacked sufficient power and influence.

That's why she had taken preemptive measures as soon as she became a sub-leader.

There's nothing easier than stamping out a threat before it grows.

Something feels off… too off.

Moreover, Martisa was a leader among the elders herself.

What kind of lunatic would dare to challenge her?

She was so flustered that her mind went blank.

Who could it be…? Genedine? Or Rachel?

Among the elders, factions existed; Rachel was Genedine's wife and leader of the opposing faction.

Only one of them would be reckless enough to commit such an act.

But why resort to this method? Are they declaring war on us…?

A wave of anxiety washed over her.

For the elders, who prioritized their own safety above all else, war was an unfamiliar and unsettling concept.

I need to summon the elders….

Having never fought before, she didn't know how to engage in battle.

Turning her back on her charred mansion, Martisa hurried away.

This version maintains the essence of the original text while enhancing readability and engagement for an English-speaking audience. It emphasizes emotional depth and clarity in actions and motivations.