The Devouring Whale Overlord's spirit had been utterly crushed, but the irony wasn't lost on him.
For all its power, all its pride, the whale had never been a match for him. And now, it was a reminder to any who dared cross him.
Linsley gazed out, satisfied with his conquest. The Sinclair Order had just acquired a powerful new set of guardians.
As if to prove his point, the entire Devouring Whale Clan began to shift, their massive forms moving in unison.
The Devouring Whale Overlord, now a puppet under Linsley's control, lowered its enormous head into the water before him, its once-mighty presence diminished.
The other whales followed suit, their massive bodies undulating through the depths as they knelt in submission.
In a voice devoid of emotion, like that of a puppet, they spoke as one, "All hail Lord Sinclair!"
The words echoed through the ocean depths, a chilling testament to Linsley's power.
A sense of triumph surged within him as he surveyed the scene. This once-proud clan, formidable and feared, now belonged to him, bound by his will.
"Rise, my guardians," Linsley commanded, his voice steady and authoritative. "From this day forth, you serve the Sinclair Order. Protect our interests, and you shall find your purpose renewed."
The whales lifted their heads in unison, the hollow echoes of their obedience resonating in the water.
Linsley felt a surge of satisfaction at the sight. The tides of power had shifted, and he was now the master of an entire clan of oceanic titans.
Linsley's gaze hardened with purpose. "Devouring Whale Clan," he commanded, his voice echoing through the depths. "You are to clear the core area of the Devouring Whale Ocean. I will create the island of the Sinclair Order at its center. The rest of the ocean will remain your territory, and you shall surround and guard the island. Move!"
The whales responded immediately, their massive bodies surging through the water with newfound vigor. They moved in perfect synchronization, creating powerful waves that echoed across the ocean.
The once-bustling heart of the Devouring Whale Ocean began to empty as the clan heeded Linsley's command, clearing the way for the island to rise.
Ted gave a small smile. "More time to train means more time to get stronger. It'll be worth it."
Satisfied with their resolve, Linsley led the way toward the island. As they ventured deeper into its vast expanse, the sheer size of it became more apparent.
It was as large as a massive country, with forests, rivers, and mountains stretching out in every direction. But despite the natural beauty of the land, Linsley's thoughts were focused on making it a true sanctuary.
Without hesitation, he called upon his Real Fantasy gift once again, using it to recreate the home they had lived in during their years of seclusion in the remote forest of the Gale Continent.
The house appeared instantly before them, exactly as they remembered it—its familiar wooden structure nestled comfortably in the greenery of the island.
With their new home created, Linsley, Lucy, and Ted settled in.
It was as if nothing had changed—only the location. Their routines resumed effortlessly, with days spent training, strategizing, and strengthening their bond.
The island offered them peace, security, and above all, time—time to prepare for the day when they would reemerge, stronger than ever.
...
A few days passed, and the mist of secrecy had fully formed around the edges of the Sinclair Order Island.
The mist was thick, swirling and shimmering with an almost otherworldly quality. It clung to the borders of the island, masking its presence from the outside world.
To any who ventured near, it would seem as though the core area of the Devouring Whale Ocean was completely empty—just another stretch of endless water.
No one would suspect the existence of the island hidden within, not unless they dared to challenge the Devouring Whale Clan and risk their wrath.
The mist created a perfect illusion of emptiness, safeguarding the island from unwanted eyes.
Linsley observed the final touches of the concealment, nodding in satisfaction. "It's done. We'll have our peace here, and no one will know this place even exists."