Ultimatum [Webnovel Edition]

The Empire is on the brink of war after centuries of tranquility as three princes, Ganymede, Mordred, and Bayamon, fight one another for the Throne of the World to determine the shape of the future. Far over the horizon, the mysterious enigma of William arrives in the city of Mirage, only to find a conspiracy that shapes every life within the desert oasis. A conspiracy revolving around monstrous aberrations called oleum and a colleague of William's calling himself 'Lucifer', the truth of which may be more destructive than a world spanning war could ever be. This story is what you may consider a slow burn to start. Much of the early chapters are dedicated to set up, character introductions, and the dual mysteries which are central to the story. There are, in fact, two stories being told at once in Ultimatum which may not seem connected at first glance but are none the less linked to one another. The context of one informs the context of the other. There are details within which reward theorizing and interpretation, multiple reads, and hindsight. It is not for the faint of heart or a casual, quick read. Dedication and patience are rewarded with intrigue and climactic payoffs that lead into further mystery and and wonder. Questions are left unanswered, things are dangled without much explanation. This is by design. This is also only the first of 4 books that are planned to be written for this story in particular. Do not go into Ultimatum expecting a complete story which is wrapped up on the final page. Instead, approach it with the knowledge that there is more to come. What to expect: - A slow burn, character driven drama in the beginning - A mystery adventure in the A plot, a political military drama in the B plot - Imaginative, ever expanding worldbuilding  - A romance subplot - Explorations of familial trauma and tragedy revolving around the death of loved ones - Tragedy as a core thematic element - Vivid descriptions, particularly of action sequences, violence, and appearances