World creator system

"General Shao requests Commander Wu of the Tiger Corps! Commander Chen of the Eagle Corps!" The runner, clutching a black signal flag, was small and wiry. Dressed in a simple uniform of shimmering black silk, he scurried through the complex, intertwining corridors of the massive fortress like a worker ant through the tunnels of a colossal nest.

"Commander Deng of Deer Corps!" he shouted, scampering along a corridor lined with Deer Corps soldiers in their resplendent purple armour, metal antlers curling from their elaborate, tight fitting helmets. Down another corridor, then another. He knew this vast interior structure like the back of his hand. A wave of red-armored soldiers, their helmets resembling beaked eagles, parted like a crimson sea before him. Another corridor, and here was a set of downward-leading stairs, which in turn led to a long, wide tunnel, where a line of soldiers at least three hundred strong, their armour yellow, their helmets molded into the shapes of glaring tigers' heads, were passing crates of arrows and bolts and other weaponry from hand to hand with tireless mechanical efficiency.

"General Shao summons Commander Lin of Crane Corps!" the runner shouted. "Immediate request for Commander Lin of Crane Corps! Commander Lin is needed at once!" He sprinted around another corner. Ahead of him stretched another staircase, leading upwards this time. Seeing him, a dozen guards jumped to attention, pushing open a pair of burnished, exquisitely embossed metal doors as he flew up the stairs. The runner shot through the doors and along another corridor, lined with soldiers in gleaming blue armour. At the end of this corridor was yet another set of double doors, even grander than the last. A blue-armored soldier opened this door for him, and he shot through into a huge, high-ceilinged room. "Commander Lin of Crane Corps!" he shouted again. "Immediate request for Commander Lin of…" He halted. On the far side of the room, at least two dozen officers and adjutants, who were huddled around an expansive desk, turned to regard him. The wiry little runner, still clutching his flag, stared back at them impassively. Then he opened his mouth. "General Shao requests Commander Lin! Immediately!"

A huge powerhouse of a man, well over six feet tall, stepped forward from the throng, his black armour topped with a helmet molded into the shape of a snarling bear's head. The man's shoulders were so broad that the armour seemed to fit him like a second skin. He took another clumping step towards the runner, the deep blue, highly polished floor seeming to vibrate as he did so. Then he moved to one side, gesturing with his hand. "Here she is." Commander Lin Mae, visible now through the gap that the Bear Corps officer had created by stepping aside, rose elegantly from her seated position behind the desk. Like the rest of the Crane Corps soldiers, she was a lithe and athletic young woman, her shimmering blue armour more lightweight than that of her male colleagues in order to better accommodate the seemingly gravity-defying aerial acrobatics that the Crane Corps were renowned for. Her features were delicate, bird-like, beautiful, her hair framing her face like shimmering blue-black raven wings. Her movements, as befitting her stature, were so economical they seemed barely to disturb the air. She gave the runner a single sharp nod. "Tell General Shao that I am coming."

The Great Hall was a huge gathering space, simply but beautifully furnished in black, white and gold. The stone floor was dominated by a massive ceremonial table, which could have sat four dozen people with ease, its dark lacquered surface gleaming. Lin Mae was the last of the Corps commanders to arrive. Commander Wu of the Tiger Corps, Commander Chen of the Eagle Corps and Commander Deng of the Deer Corps were clustered around General Shao in their lavishly vibrant armour and flowing capes, and looked up at her as she walked in. Lin Mae was flanked by her lieutenants Xiao Yu and Li Qing and a number of Crane Corps soldiers, whose job it was to pass on through the ranks any information or instructions conveyed here today. Arrayed behind the commanders were at least fifty other officers and attendants, all of whom were standing in respectful silence, deferring to the central figure of General Shao, the man who had called the impromptu conference.

Shao, Commander of the Bear Corps, and overall leader of the Nameless Order, was, appropriately, a bear of a man. Taller, broader and a couple of decades older than the other Corps Commanders, the bearded giant cut an impressive figure in his black armour. When Lin Mae entered the room, he was leaning forward over the ceremonial table, his gauntleted fists resting on its edge, staring broodingly down at an object that had been placed on its lacquered surface. Lin Mae barely had time to register that the object appeared to be a multiples bodies of Taotei

equipped with curved black talons, when her attention was snagged by two figures sitting off to one side, one was definitly Valyrian by description and other had red cloak and red hair.

The war room buzzed with tension as Advisor Wang approached Merlin and Melisandre. His deep-set eyes gleamed under the torchlight, a strained smile barely masking the weight of the invasion looming over them. He inclined his head respectfully to the wizard.

"I am Military Advisor Wang," he began, his voice steady despite the chaos outside. "I was informed of your arrival but must apologize for not receiving you sooner."

Merlin offered a calm smile, his weathered face exuding an otherworldly grace. "No need to apologize, Advisor. I understand the burden you carry with an invasion at your doorstep."

Wang nodded, his smile softening. "My grandmother once owed her life to your magic. Without your intervention, I would not be standing here."

Merlin's gaze turned thoughtful. "I merely saved her life. You've risen to your position through your own skill and determination."

Before Wang could respond, the sharp clink of armored boots on stone echoed across the room. Lin Mae, clad in blue armor that shimmered like tempered steel, rounded the strategy table with purpose. Her piercing gaze landed on the remains of the Taotei sprawled across the table.

"Where were these creatures found?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

Wang turned, his tone sharp but measured. "Lin Mae, show respect. This is Great Master Merlin."

Lin Mae hesitated, her cheeks flushing as she dipped her head. "My apologies, Master Merlin."

Merlin waved a hand dismissively, his tone gentle. "No need for formality. These creatures were found north of the mountains, near the foothills."

The room fell silent. Lin Mae's eyes flicked to General Shao, who stood at the head of the table, his expression carved from stone. Slowly, his narrowed eyes met hers.

"A scout," Shao murmured, his voice low and dangerous. "They're moving sooner than we anticipated."

He turned sharply, his gaze landing on Advisor Wang. "Strategist Wang, your thoughts?"

Before answering, Wang's attention shifted to the object in Merlin's hands. A smooth, translucent stone glimmered faintly, catching the light like a shard of the night sky.

Merlin spoke, his voice carrying the weight. "This is a sky stone, I heard you have very little of them left."

General Shao and Strategist Wang's eyss lit up, the sky stone was created by Merlin it was given to first Yellow Emperor as way to fight the Taotei. It was crafted to sever the Taotei from their hive mind. When in proximity, it renders them powerless—silent and still.

General Shao and Strategist Wang explained this to Lin Mae and others.

Lin Mae, Captain Deng, Caotain Chen exchanged grave looks. The implications of the stone were clear.

Strategist Wang, still examining the artifact, finally spoke, his tone resolute. "If they've already sent scouts, we're running out of time. We must accelerate our preparations."

General Shao nodded, his expression hardening like tempered iron. "Then we move now. There's no room for hesitation."

General Shao turned to Merlin, his steely demeanor softening with gratitude. He stepped forward, inclining his head deeply. "Thank you for coming all this way to aid us, and for bringing the sky stone. It could very well turn the tide."

Merlin gave a small wave of dismissal, his expression calm but resolute. "There's no need for thanks, General. I am here to help in any way I can."

The war council shared a moment of quiet relief. Strategist Wang, Commander Chen, Deng, and Lin Mae exchanged subtle glances, a flicker of hope evident in their eyes. The weight of the invasion seemed, for a brief instant, slightly less oppressive with a sorcerer of Merlin's renown standing among them.

As the discussion turned to strategy and logistics, maps spread across the table and voices layering over one another, Lin Mae couldn't help but let her gaze drift to Merlin. Her stern expression faltered with curiosity as she stole quick glances.