In the war room deep beneath the central military compound of Beijing, the mood was heavy.
A long, oval table dominated the chamber, its surface projected with live magical readings of mana activity across the country. Mana flared on several borders. Signs of probing scouts, disrupted patrol routes, and ominous stillness in the forests. All signs pointed to one truth:
The beast tide was coming.
Seated at the head was President Jiang herself, expression grim, hands steepled under her chin, her sharp gaze surveying the room with quiet intensity.
Across from her sat Grand Marshal Li Qingshan, his presence steady and cold, like a mountain long used to bearing the weight of empires.
To his left and right were the battle-hardened legends of China's military might—the Eight Heavenly Generals.
General Riki, the Lightning Sovereign.
General Maru, Compression Master and battlefield terror.
General Hong Fei, the Inferno Brawler.
General Liang, Wind Spear and air commander.
