Outside the window, snowflakes danced as icy winds howled; the Northern Territory had fully entered the coldest time of the year.
Snow and wind swirled around the high windows of the Red Tide Earth Tower, forming layers of white frost.
The streets were deserted, with only knights draped in crimson cloaks patrolling through the wind and snow, their fighting energy surging into a cold-defying red glow.
In the distance, a Fire-backed Turtle was held in place while sleeping, its shell's furnace spewing steam, struggling to carve out a pocket of warmth amidst the blizzard.
This was winter in the Northern Territory, colder than enemies, more ruthless than battlefields.
Yet inside Red Tide Castle's inner hall, the temperature was akin to spring.
Within the thick stone walls, geothermal pipes installed years ago were still operational.
The warmth flowed across the castle floor; insulating fabrics hung on the walls, and the grey-red furnace copper emitted a faint glow.
