“Here!” Zouren’s voice sounded, followed by the whistle of an object flying through the air.
Bang!
Izroth reacted quickly as he lifted his hand, catching the object in his palm. Although it was a casual throw and there was no killing intent behind it, the force it generated was not something the average player would have been able to handle without falling over.
Izroth inwardly shook his head at Zouren’s childish antics. He looked down at the object given him and briefly inspected it.
Just like the previous Realm Fragment he received, it was a metallic black icosahedron. The only difference was that instead of a faint silver light pulsing at its core, there was a barely discernable black light.
Name: Realm Fragment VI
Realm: Era of Titans
Difficulty: ★★★
Fragments Located: 6/6
Realm Status: Closed
Usage: Once all six fragments are discovered, the location of the «Secret Realm: Era of Titans» will be revealed. However, the Secret Realm can only be opened when all six fragments are gathered at the access point. Those without a «Realm Fragment» for that specific Realm are unable to enter.
Special Note: This item has a 100% chance to be dropped upon death. This item’s owner will continuously have their location revealed to others who hold a «Realm Fragment» for «Secret Realm: Era of Titans». After all six fragments have been located, this item’s owner cannot be protected by safe zones.
The moment Izroth received the Realm Fragment, the white ring of energy with ancient text dissipated as the surrounding area violently trembled. At the same time, a couple of system alerts sounded in Izroth’s head.
But, what surprised Izroth was that the Realm Fragment in his hand sunk into his skin. Once the Realm Fragment disappeared, a white and gold magic circle materialized on the back of Izroth’s right hand. The appearance of this magic circle matched the white energy that encompassed the portal just seconds ago.
After flashing a few times, the magic circle vanished and entered a dormant state.
〈System Alert: The «Secret Realm: Era of Titans» Realm Status has been updated from [Closed] to [Open].〉
〈System Alert: You have been affected by «Realm Stability».〉
Izroth did not feel any different; however, he could vaguely sense the presence of the Realm Fragment inside his body. As for how the Realm Stability affected him—Izroth had no clue. For whatever reason, the system did not bother to further elaborate.
‘There’s a good chance I will get some answers once I enter the Secret Realm. For now…’
Izroth set his sights on the portal as it slowly expanded until it was double its original size. In addition, it turned from a dark purple color into a light lavender.
At first, the portal appeared unstable. But, not too long after it underwent a transformation, the violent trembles ceased and the portal stabilized.
Izroth tried to use his Appraisal skill on the portal; however, his current mastery was too low to uncover anything.
‘It’s just as I suspected. Appraisal is unable to see through the portal, but—perhaps that will work.’
〈System Alert: [1] Flaw has been discovered in «Secret Realm Portal»!〉
〈System Alert: Flaw [1]: The (redacted) inside this (redacted) has been completely (redacted) from the (redacted) making it (redacted) for its inhabitants to (redacted) to the (redacted).〉
‘This is…’
Izroth inwardly furrowed his brows. He did not have the Deep Insight skill for long and so he expected some surprises. But, this was the first time the information he acquired was blanked out. Was it trying to say that his mastery level was too low? Or, was it information someone or something wanted to purposely keep confidential? Of course, there was also the possibility that every Secret Realm’s portal did this to protect the contained mysteries within.
Nonetheless, Izroth could not shake this gut feeling that there was something more to this Secret Realm than what lied on the surface.
“The Secret Realm is now open. But, before we enter, I would like to make one last suggestion.” Luxia said as she stepped forward.
She then continued, “We do not know what dangers may lurk on the other side of this portal. There have been some reported cases of people being transported right into the middle of danger. That’s why I propose we enter in a specific order—that is, to lower our chances of being caught off guard.”
“I agree with the fifth princess. It would be too much of a loss for any of us if we were to be injured before we could even begin to explore the Secret Realm.” Agromin commented.
Zouren nodded and said, “We should at least do this much as a group. Once we’re all safely inside then we can stick to the original plan.”
“Excellent, then we are all agreed. Hakros, since you are the most eager and durable of every present here, why don’t you go in first?” Luxia said without waiting for Izroth and Sychia to express their opinions.
As for Hakros, with his personality, there was no chance of him refusing the opportunity to be the first to enter the Secret Realm.
“Hmph, want to use me as a shield? Fine! I’ll go along with it just this once and clear the path if need be. But, don’t expect me to wait for any of you once I’m on the other side.” Hakros stated as he walked towards the portal and halted his steps right in front of it.
A grin appeared on Hakros’ face as the wild fighting spirit in his eyes could not be hidden. As someone from the Wild Lands, the need for battle was in his blood!
“I hope you don’t disappoint me..!” Hakros growled to himself as he stepped through the portal.
The following moment, the portal released a brief flash of light as Hakros vanished!
“Now, Agromin should go in, followed by myself and then Young Zouren. After that, Sychia and then our new friend here will enter.” Luxia stated with a warm smile.
Izroth narrowed his eyes as he felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere after Luxia spoke.
“Then, I’ll-” Agromin was about to make his way towards the portal to the Secret Realm; however, out of nowhere, an elegant and sweet scent filled his nostrils.
‘Hm?’
Swoosh!
A gentle breeze blew past Izroth as his view was filled with the sight of cherry blossoms that appeared out of thin air.
It was not long before Izroth’s eyesight was completely obstructed by a storm of cherry blossoms. But, just before the last of the cherry blossoms blocked his view, Izroth spotted a figure running through the storm of cherry blossoms without issue. This figure was the Thousand Blossom Maiden, Sychia!
Followed by a short flash of light from the portal, the cherry blossoms disappeared. And, the Thousand Blossom Maiden was no longer anywhere to be found.
“My, how impatient… Do you think you can escape from me?” Luxia spoke in a sweet voice; however, there was no hint of warmth this time around.
“We’re going.” The look in Luxia’s eyes turned cold and was filled with hidden killing intent as she sped into the portal after Sychia along with Agromin!
‘Oh? I can see why she took off with such haste.’
Back in the Moonlit Dove Garden, Izroth was not blind to Luxia’s targeting of Sychia. However, he initially believed that it was just a simple form of rivalry. But, judging from what had just occurred, it was obvious that some form of bad blood existed between Luxia and Sychia.
Whatever the case, he did not plan on getting caught up in the middle of their feud. After all, it had nothing to do with him.
“I’ll give you some advice if you want to live. Don’t even think about sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong, understand?” Zouren said before he rushed into the portal without waiting for Izroth’s response.
‘Don’t stick my nose where it doesn’t belong, is it…? Well, now—I’m a bit interested.’
A carefree smile appeared on Izroth’s face as he walked into the portal. As he did so, the world around him went black and fell into total silence.
…
Zeeeeut!
Izroth’s vision slowly returned as he left the world of darkness and emerged in an unfamiliar place. Though there was a familiar sound that rang in his head upon his arrival.
〈System Alert: Warning! The «Secret Realm: Era of Titans» will close in 24 hours! If you fail to reach the exit portal before time expires, you will be unable to leave the Secret Realm!〉
At last, Izroth had arrived in the Secret Realm, Era of Titans!
