World Setting: On the planet Ensi, the rise and fall of national fortunes are governed by astrological cycles such as the "Purple Fire Great Fortune" and the "Red Horse, Red Goat." Regions containing mysterious powers, such as the "Land of the Gods," are also strategic prizes fiercely contested by the Long Kingdom and the Jipa Kingdom.
Political Background: The Long Kingdom is a powerful nation focused on defensive counterattacks. After 80 Ensi years of accumulating national strength, it has risen across technology, military affairs, and people's livelihoods, and holds some of the core secrets of the Land of the Gods. The Jipa Kingdom is an aggressive, vengeful nation. After losing the Great War of the Century, it was stripped of the right to maintain armed forces abroad, but secretly developed underground military power. It believes the prophecy that "the Red Horse, Red Goat year will break a nation's fortune" and seeks to reclaim its hegemony.
Core Conflict: The Jipa Kingdom seizes the astrological opportunity of the Red Horse, Red Goat year to launch a surprise attack. The Long Kingdom goes from initial defense to a full-scale counteroffensive, eventually dismantling and annexing the Jipa Kingdom, then remaking it and finally ending their ancient enmity.
Central Themes: Exploring the patterns behind the rise and fall of national fortunes; the dialectic between war and peace; the costs and significance of remaking a civilization; and the choices individuals make amid the tides of their era.
