As the Seventh Prince departed, Michael took a seat in front of Mage Lian’s desk, his eyes fixed on the Grand Mage.
Master Yuan stood off to the side, his presence unobtrusive yet attentive.
Mage Lian leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Michael’s face. “Sir Mic, I apologize for the… unpleasantness earlier. I had not expected Captain Ortega to react so strongly to your greeting.”
Michael’s expression remained neutral. “No need to apologize, Grand Mage. I understand that I may have unintentionally caused offense.”
Mage Lian nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Yes, well, Captain Ortega can be… enthusiastic at times. But I assure you, Sir Mic, that you will not be treated disrespectfully while you are my guest.”
Michael inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the Grand Mage’s words. “Thank you, Grand Mage. I appreciate your hospitality.”
Hearing this, Mage Lian smiled but quickly set aside the pleasantries.
“I’m sure Sir Mic knows why we’re here.”
“Yes, Mage Lian. I still recall our conversation about the Soul Pool Fruit.”
“Good. I’ve secured access to one of the kingdom’s flying ships, so we can leave anytime. Today was meant to discuss any necessary arrangements.”
“Are you saying we can depart immediately?” Michael asked.
“Yes,” Mage Lian replied, slightly surprised by Michael’s directness but still answering honestly.
“Then can we leave today?”
Michael’s bluntness was intentional. Though Mage Lian hadn’t suggested delaying the journey, he wanted to ensure it didn’t drag on any longer than necessary.
At Michael’s words, Mage Lian smiled.
Though the man was a bit too direct, he found it satisfying. He had only been considering the other party’s schedule, but if they were just as eager to leave, why waste time?
In fact Mage Lian had never thought of delaying the journey. Their transportation was ready to run at anytime today.
“Very well, Sir Mic,” Mage Lian said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “We shall depart immediately. Master Yuan, please escort Sir Mic to the flying ship while I attend to some last-minute arrangements.”
Master Yuan nodded, his eyes flicking to Michael before returning to Mage Lian. “As you wish, Grand Mage.”
Michael stood up, his eyes locked onto Mage Lian’s. “I’m ready when you are, Grand Mage.”
Mage Lian smiled, his eyes glinting with approval. “Excellent, Sir Mic. Let us proceed.”
With that, Michael followed Master Yuan out of the Grand Mage’s chambers, leaving Mage Lian to attend to his last-minute arrangements.
As they walked, Michael couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. He had no idea what lay ahead, but he was ready for whatever challenges came his way.
After a short walk, they arrived at a large open area where a group of kingdom guards were training. Michael’s eyes scanned the area, taking in the sight of the guards sparring and practicing their sword techniques.
He noticed a figure standing off to the side, watching the training session with a critical eye.
As they approached, the figure turned to face them. Michael’s eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of a tall, imposing individual with a stern expression. The person wore the uniform of a kingdom guard, and a sword hung at their side.
Master Yuan took notice of Michael’s gaze and took the opportunity to introduce the figure who wasn’t far from them.
“Ah, Sir Mic,” Master Yuan said, his voice firm and respectful. “This is Knight Commander Rachel, one of the most skilled warriors in the kingdom guard.”
Knight Commander Rachel’s eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping over Michael before returning to Master Yuan. “Master Yuan,” he said, his voice deep.
“I’ve been instructed to escort the Grand Mage’s companion to the flying ship. I presume this is him?”
His eyes locked onto Michael’s face, his expression unreadable. Master Yuan nodded, his expression neutral. “Yes, Knight Commander. This is Sir Mic, the Grand Mage’s chosen companion for the journey to the Dark Forest.”
Michael caught some key words.
Dark forest.
‘Is this where the soul pool fruit is?’ he secretly wondered.
Knight Commander Rachel’s gaze lingered on Michael’s face, his expression thoughtful. “I see,” he said, his voice measured. “In that case, I will ensure that the flying ship is prepared for your departure, Sir Mic.”
Michael nodded, his eyes locked onto Knight Commander Rachel’s face. “Thank you, Knight Commander,” he said, his voice polite.
Knight Commander Rachel nodded, his expression remaining stern. “It is my duty to ensure your safety, Sir Mic. I will escort you to the flying ship immediately.”
With that, Knight Commander Rachel turned and led Michael and Master Yuan to the flying ship.
Along the way he called a nearby knight.
Michawl overheard their conversation as the two didn’t hide it that he should go and inform the ones ahead to get ready.
As they walked, Michael couldn’t help but notice the Knight Commander’s stern demeanor.
He seemed like a man who took his duties very seriously.
After a short walk, they arrived at the flying ship. It was a magnificent vessel, with sleek lines and a sturdy hull.
With that, Knight Commander Rachel led Michael and Master Yuan onto the flying ship.
On the ship we’re already several knights who were operating it.
As they prepared for departure, Michael noticed that Mage Lian was nowhere to be seen. He wondered when the Grand Mage would arrive, and how he would get to the ship.
Just as Michael was about to start observing his surroundings, a figure appeared on the horizon.
It was Mage Lian, flying towards the ship on his staff.
Michael’s lips twitched as the Grand Mage landed gracefully on the ship’s deck.
“Ah, Sir Mic,” Mage Lian said, smiling. “I see you’re ready to depart. Excellent.”
Michael nodded, still feeling a bit awestruck. “Yes, Mage Lian.”
Mage Lian chuckled. “I’m glad to hear that, Sir Mic. Very well, let us depart.”
As they flew over the kingdom, Michael couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder.
He had never seen the kingdom from this perspective before, and it was breathtaking.
The rolling hills and green forests stretched out as far as the eye could see, with the occasional castle or village dotting the landscape.
As Michael prepared for his journey with Mage Lian, elsewhere in the Land of Origin, a girl was finally emerging from the vast desert.
Well, about to.
This girl was Mira.
However, just as she spotted a patch of low green fields ahead, something burst from the sand.
“Ahh, shit! Another sand worm!”
These monsters had started appearing a few days ago. They weren’t high-level, and their bodies were soft, but killing them was like dealing with cockroaches—annoyingly persistent and hard to finish off.
With limited bombs left, Mira had no choice but to handle them with her bare hands.
Fortunately, she had armor covering them now—unlike when she had first started.
Mira clenched her gauntlets, the metal shimmering under the harsh desert sun.
The sand worm lunged, its massive, segmented body writhing as it shot toward her with its gaping maw.
Mira didn’t hesitate.
With a sharp exhale, she leaped forward, dodging to the side just as the worm slammed into the ground where she’d stood a second ago.
Sand exploded into the air.
Damn things never stop moving.
Mira adjusted her stance, feeling the weight of her gauntlets.
The sand worm twisted back, rearing up for another strike. But this time, she was ready.
Boom!
Her fist met the worm’s hide with a forceful impact, sending a shockwave through its body. The creature shrieked, thrashing violently, but Mira didn’t let up.
She pivoted on her heel, driving another punch straight into its side, then another.
Each hit sent tremors through the worm’s body, breaking its momentum.
Finally, with one last, devastating strike, she shattered the creature’s soft underbelly.
The worm convulsed before collapsing, its body slowly sinking into the sand.
Mira exhaled, flexing her fingers.
She glanced toward the horizon, where the green fields beckoned.
“Finally,” she muttered, wiping sweat from her forehead.
But before she could take another step, the ground trembled beneath her feet.
Mia froze.
Another worm?
No.
It was bigger.
The sand split apart, and from its depths, a massive shadow loomed.
A colossal worm, at least three times the size of the one she had just killed, emerged, its mouth filled with rows of gnashing teeth.
Mia clenched her fists again.
‘Of course there’s a big brother.’
The sand worm lunged, its gaping maw lined with jagged teeth.
Mira didn’t flinch.
Instead, she exhaled sharply, shifting into a fighting stance.
Mana surged through her body, condensing around her fists as she whispered the name of a skill.
“{Iron Fist}”
She stepped forward and met the sand worm’s charge head-on.
Her fist slammed into its open mouth, shattering its fangs with a sickening crunch.
The impact traveled through its body, causing the entire creature to convulse violently.
A second later, it exploded from the sheer force, chunks of its body scattering across the desert.