Who were the Asara Hunters? Where do the sons of the Sihori people come from, and why are the Green Fields called the Black Valley? Why has Crimson, the orphaned girl, wandered alone through the Known World since time immemorial?
Could it all just be a legend? Or perhaps a true tale? Either way, one thing is certain; many still whisper about these peoples and their deeds across the world.
Would you like to know their story? Then come, Traveler, make yourself comfortable, for it will be a long tale!
The inhabitants of Pathway Forest are feverishly preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival. Star Reader Ganga has foretold the return of a long-forgotten son of an ancient people, and the camp’s cheerful residents eagerly await the mysterious stranger.
Bazu, the leader of the Asara Hunters, recounts legends by the fire when the enigmatic wanderer arrives. Serpent’s sudden appearance disrupts the lives of the tribe and the people of the Known World at once.
However, the joy of newfound friendship will be short-lived. Grim news spreads that in the west, beyond the Roaring River, a cruel tyrant is preparing to set the world ablaze.
Serpent sets out to find his scattered friends among the peoples of the Known World. They must discover who their true enemy is and what his plans are.
Along the way, they venture into the magical Shadowy Meadow, where they uncover secrets that may help them overcome the looming peril.
In the Known World, only the Black Valley’s empire is strong enough to stand against the common enemy. But it can only triumph if it can rally its former allies: the Asara Hunters, the King of Castle Is, the Prince of Row, and the Twin Cities of Rikal and Makal, and Serpent.
Yet there’s a problem; Serpent and the Black Valley are sworn enemies. Both have vowed blood vengeance against the other.
Cover art by Ariel Petris, with translation assistance provided by ChatGPT
