711 The Forsaken Land
In a desolate expanse, stripped of all greenery and littered with skeletons, a colossal flying ship emerged from a rift in the sky, before gracefully descending onto one of the many floating islands hovering above the bleak landscape.
The moment the ship touched down, numerous powerful individuals residing in the magnificent residences on the floating islands emerged to see who had arrived in the area after sensing numerous unfamiliar presences within the ship, as only a select few were granted permission to land directly on the floating islands.
Under their gaze, a wooden ramp began to extend from the center of the ship to allow the passengers to disembark, but before it could even touch the ground, a young man leaped out of the ship, a curious glimmer flickering in his golden eyes.
"So, this is the place where the war is happening? But why is it so quiet...?"
Nine straightened his clothes before glancing ahead at the massive residence in front of him. He saw many floating islands around the one he had just landed on.
"Oh... these islands bear a striking resemblance to those we encountered in the ancient realm on the blue planet."
He noticed the many eyes upon him and waved at the floating figures watching from all around, flashing them a smile. After him, Sinon flew out of the ship. The demi-human didn't land on the ground; instead, he began to fly and survey his surroundings.
Alec and Carcel joined Nine as well, somewhat speechless that he had jumped out of the ship instead of disembarking normally with the others. Unlike Nine, the duo nodded politely at the many figures watching them from the sky.
Behind them, Mia, Lara, Yue, and Elli descended from the ship, followed by Ronan and Wesley, the two elves. Nox was the last to leave the ship. The lynx let out a yawn as he leaped down from the ship and then walked toward the group.
He climbed onto Nine's shoulder with a curious expression.
"This place looks kind of ordinary. I thought everyone would be fighting in here—!"
His words were abruptly cut off by a thunderous explosion in the distance. Instantly, everyone turned their gaze toward the sound, only to see dark clouds billowing up from a distant location, accompanied by crimson flames that engulfed the sky.
Carcel narrowed his eyes. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
Even from such a faraway location, he could hear the haunting cries of many.
He looked over at Ronan and Wesley.
"Are we in a safe zone?"
Wesley responded to his question as all eyes turned to the old elf and Ronan.
"You can indeed consider this area a safe zone because there's a barrier protecting it, but it's not completely secure. This place does experience attacks as well; it's just that the floating islands here operate on spiritual energy, which is why even though they have been destroyed many times, they revert to their original state after some time."
Everyone nodded at him and began to survey their surroundings. The group had barely taken in the scene when two women clad in purple robes, adorned with a large gray sword intricately engraved on the chest of their garments, landed before them.
Upon hearing her words, the crowd around her gasped in astonishment. Nine was the one who responded to her.
"We know. He vanished with Ceano right before our eyes. Since he left on his own, I believe he can manage the situation. So, I don't think we need to worry about him."
Alec and the others around him nodded in agreement. They had no doubt that Kyle could handle the situation since they had witnessed how he obliterated the entire lost treasure tomb right under Azazeal's nose!
Elizabeth chuckled at Nine's words.
"Indeed, considering Kyle, I am sure we don't need to be concerned about him."
She clapped her hands to get everyone's attention and raised her voice.
"I realize I haven't adequately welcomed all of you here, have I? So, welcome. This place is known as the Forsaken Land, and here, if one lacks strength and intelligence, they will surely meet their end."
Her words were followed by a loud explosion that didn't echo in a distant place; instead, it resonated quite near them, accompanied by wicked laughter that filled the air.
Immediately, all eyes turned toward the source of the sound, only to witness a supreme-rank demon, followed by many others. They had breached the barrier surrounding the floating islands.
Elizabeth's gaze hardened, and many individuals around her disappeared to confront the demons and repair the crack in the barrier. She steadied her expression and glanced at Alec and the others.
"Don't worry; this is completely normal."
Alec and the others could only nod in response to her words. Elizabeth motioned for them to follow her as the crowd around them began to break apart. She started to speak as they walked toward the residence on the floating island.
"You won't be sent to the frontlines right away. Instead, you will have the chance to learn a variety of new skills alongside the other young individuals who come here to join the war. I know you all want to learn a lot, because simply being strong is never enough. Just look at Kyle, for example..."
Her words hadn't even settled when a startled cry from Wesley pierced the air, filled with panic. Immediately, everyone turned to gaze back at the old elf.
Ronan, who had just begun to fly to assist those battling the demons that had attacked the barrier around the floating islands, also glanced back at Wesley, only to witness the old man's pale face and a communication crystal in his hand.
Alec and Nine were the first to rush toward Wesley, catching the old man before he lost his balance. Alec furrowed his brows as he noticed the crystal in the latter's hand.
"What happened? Are you alright?"
However, instead of responding to Alec, Wesley glanced at Ronan, who had landed before him with a concerned expression. The old elf voice trembled as he spoke.
"The Tree of Fate... it has fallen into slumber."