As January neared its end, a cold wind blew over Lake Texcoco, bringing ice-cold sharpness and solemnity.
In recent days, on the southeast side of Lake Texcoco, two Heavenly Fire Islands had been tightly secured. Nearly a hundred Samurai were stationed on the first Heavenly Fire Island, and those wishing to land must have approval from the King and the prince. The boatmen of the Naval Forces patrolled the nearby waters, using the idle second Heavenly Fire Island as their base to inspect passing trade ships and suppress smuggling.
Thus, this place had become a patrol army outpost that civilians would avoid. There were also rumors that the Priesthood was secretly conducting sacrificial rites to pray for power from evil spirits.