Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Legend had it that the Creator Dragons were born in the gap between Order and Chaos. They received their shapes and lives from nothingness, and the gap was the beautiful home they grew up in. But in the end, the war between Order and Chaos spread to this land. After the five Creator Dragons realized they had no ways to resist Chaos, they left with the inhabitants and used this place as a foundation to build a brand-new refugee. This was the birth of the Dragon Soul Continent.
“Alright, we can take our time to learn about history after we head back.”
Rhode held his forehead and said in a helpless tone before turning around and scanning the surroundings.
“The biggest question now is how we got here… No, I think I figured out what happened.”
Rhode said and let out a snort. This reasoning couldn’t be simpler. When activating the channel, Rhode used the ‘coordinates’ seized from the ‘black rod’ that the black-clothed figures held. Marybelle had also confirmed there wasn’t any mistake, which proved only one thing: the channel that the black-clothed figures initially activated wasn’t connected to the Dragon Soul Continent, but was linked to the First Wilderness instead. Then, they used some unfathomable methods and got themselves to the Dragon Soul Continent. After their ambush on Erin was unsuccessful, they activated the channel and attempted to return to Earth, only to be fooled by fate. Not only were they unable to escape from Erin, but a disaster also fell upon them. It was due to this reason that Rhode subconsciously believed that their initial location was the Dragon Soul Continent… which was truly a tragedy.
“Well… there should be a way to return to the Dragon Soul Continent from here, I suppose.”
The situation wasn’t looking great. Rhode sensed the obvious nothingness in this place, and he was unable to properly use his powers. This place was also inferior to Earth. Even though magic spells were non-existent on Earth, their various rules were still robust. But here, perhaps not even the ‘robust’ rules had taken shape and even drawing power from the Illusion Crystal was somewhat challenging. It was apparent that this place was like a land of demise that would mercilessly devour and bring everything into an eternity of death.
“There is indeed a way, Your Majesty.”
Shortly after, Marybelle nodded and said in response.
“The First Wilderness and the Dragon Soul Continent are connected via the Seven Fantasy Boundaries. Back then, after the Creator Dragons established the Dragon Soul Continent, they abandoned the First Wilderness entirely. In order to prevent Chaos from taking advantage of a lapse, they sealed this world, linked it with the Seven Fantasy Boundaries, and put us in charge…” Marybelle said and waved her magic wand gently. Upon hearing her words, Rhode knitted his brows.
“If I recall correctly, shouldn’t the deity wardens be watching over the channel connecting the main plane of existence and underworld?”
“That is also our responsibility. Be it the plane channels of the Seven Fantasy Boundaries or underworld, they are under our jurisdiction. As a matter of fact, the plane channels of the Seven Fantasy Boundaries and underworld are connected. The passageway at the junction between hell and the abyss is nothing more than a projection. If any demon lords or devil lords were to arrive at the main plane via that channel…”
Marybelle paused, but Rhode fully understood what she meant. It seemed like the deity wardens were truly smart. They said that they were guarding the channel and yet, secretly turned it into a projection. If any demons or devils were that naive to rush into the channel, they would perhaps fall off and plunge right into the Seven Fantasy Boundaries, even if they managed to defeat the guards who were watching the channel.
Then… there was no more then. Rhode didn’t even want to imagine how the unfortunate demons and devils who fell into the Seven Fantasy Boundaries would be thrashed. But that wasn’t an issue he should be concerned about.
“So now, we just have to find and enter the sealed entrance to the Seven Fantasy Boundaries. I suppose you’ve felt it too, Your Majesty. This is a place of exile and far away from the core of the Dragon Soul Continent. The strength of Order is extremely weak here, so we need to pick up the pace.”
“No problem.”
Upon hearing Marybelle’s remarks, Rhode nodded in agreement and gazed at his group. Fortunately, even though there didn’t seem to be any signs of life here, they wouldn’t starve to death anytime soon. As long as one reached the level of Rhode, Mini Bubble Gum, Erin, and Lydia, one basically didn’t need to consume food anymore. On the other hand, Canary No. 2 and Bubble No. 2 were Phantom Guardians who didn’t need food either. As for the rest… they were fortunate that Marybelle prepared food supplies before leaving Earth. Rhode had to admit that he felt wonderful having such a meticulous person beside him who could handle everything. For instance, Rhode didn’t expect the teleportation to go wrong, so he wasn’t prepared for this situation. In his opinion, since they were heading back to the Dragon Soul Continent, they could use a group teleportation spell and return home straight after. But perhaps due to Marybelle’s experience in teleportation failures, she apparently was more attentive to details. Not only did she consider possible issues in teleportations, but she also thought about how to regroup and contact one another in case everyone was scattered to different locations.
Back then, Rhode thought Marybelle was too on edge. But now, it seemed like… it was better to be safe than sorry.
After making the decision with Marybelle, Rhode instructed her to organize and get everyone ready. Meanwhile, he gathered Erin, Lydia, and the others to explain the details of the current situation. After listening to his words, the group had different reactions.
“How boring, I just wanna head back as soon as possible.”
Mini Bubble Gum pouted and said in a restless tone.
“I wanna show Christie and the others the high tech stuff I brought back from Earth… Sigh, why did we face such a troublesome problem? Hurry up and let’s go, Leader. I’ve had enough!”
“No problem, Rhode. I’ll heed your advice.”
As usual, the two Canarys didn’t have any complaints. They held each other’s hands and said with a smile.
“First Wilderness, huh… I read about it on the historical records, but I didn’t expect to actually come here…”
Erin mumbled, lifting her head and scanning this abandoned land with a complicated gaze. At a glance, it appeared so illusory and lifeless as though it were dumped in a corner to be wrapped in spider webs over time, causing it to lose its vibrancy and turn into dust. Just by looking at this scene, one felt a deep loneliness that came from being abandoned.
“There comes a day when all things pass away. No one can escape the current of time. All glory and splendor will turn to dust after a hundred years, not even the most beautiful sculpture will be preserved forever. But… When I witness this scene for myself, I can’t help but feel like it’s a pity…”
Lydia was as poetic as usual. But this time, Rhode gazed at her with an odd expression.
“Erm… Your Highness Lydia?”
“Hmm? Is anything the matter, Your Majesty Rhode?”
“Please pardon my rudeness, but do you not intend to change your clothes?”
Even though they were back to the world of the Dragon Soul Continent, Lydia apparently had no intention of changing her attire back as a native. On the contrary, her dress-up was extremely erotic. She wore super-short jeans that revealed the elegant curves of her snowy thighs to everyone, as well as a pair of white calfskin boots. On her upper body was a short-sleeves t-shirt that exposed her bellybutton. She had also put on a slanted sunhat and seemed just like a hot chick who would show up at bars… In all fairness, if Lydia were to wear this attire to a bar and danced, Rhode didn’t feel like anything would be out of place. But now, they had returned to the Dragon Soul Continent and were discussing an important topic… the level of contradiction was full to bursting!
“Oh? Why would you bring that up, Your Majesty Rhode?”
Upon hearing his words, Lydia blinked curiously and revealed a delighted smile. Then, she leaned forward and gazed at him slyly. Rhode couldn’t help but narrow his eyes. He had to admit that this attire suited her a lot. But…
Rhode shifted down his gaze to the two pointed spots on the young lady’s towering chest that were poking through the t-shirt. Looking at this magnificent view, Rhode let out a helpless sigh.
“In any case, you are an archangel. So I don’t think it is too appropriate for you to… Well, at least wear a bra or something…”
“That thing is too tight and unbearable. I feel like women in that world are torturing themselves to dress up that way. I just can’t figure out why they would allow that thing to restrict their bodies.”
Well said, Your Highness Archangel! After I transmigrate the Dragon Soul Continent to the solar system, I will make sure you spread this doctrine to the rest of the world!
1
Rhode held his forehead helplessly but despite that, his mind was thinking about how he was going to put Lydia on the pedestal in the name of the ‘Topless Goddess’, educate the rest of Earth with this beloved divinity, and make those foolish humans comprehend the wills of the gods.
“No matter what, the clothes you’re in right now aren’t suitable for battle… and there can easily be issues…”
Upon hearing Rhode’s answer, Lydia swirled her eyes and the corners of her mouth perked up into a smile.
“Oh? Your Majesty Rhode, what you mean is that you don’t want others to see me dressed like this?”
“That’s for sure. After all, all men are selfish. I would be pleased to welcome you if you wore it for me in private or even didn’t wear anything at all. But in public… that is a totally different issue.” Facing Lydia’s tease, Rhode answered in a shameless way that suited his style. To a certain degree, he was a man who followed his desires. Besides, he had never thought of it as something bad. All humans had desires and one should always be brave facing them. One would be truly pretentious if one who loved looking at beauties turned away deliberately from a beauty. In Rhode’s opinion, why must he care about what a beautiful woman would look like after a hundred years? Wasn’t it enough as long as he could spend a romantic night with the other party at that very moment? Why must one stare at beauties, but imagine how unsightly her white bones looked like after she decomposed after a hundred years? Rhode felt like the obsession of this kind of person definitely wasn’t relatable for most people.
Upon hearing his answer, Lydia widened her eyes in surprise, sized him up for a few moments, and turned around with a smile. Facing this behavior of hers, Rhode shrugged in response. He had said what was necessary and it was up to her next. Judging from this point, Erin was less worrisome than her. Although Erin also wore clothes that she bought on Earth, they were still matching in this world. The plain black dress wasn’t eye-catching, but accentuated her personal charm perfectly. Compared to Lydia’s unseemly clothes for this world, Erin looked much better and appropriate.
Eventually, Lydia didn’t change back to her original clothes. According to her, she loved wearing this combination of t-shirt and shorts. Not only was she able to move freely, but she also appeared more glorious. But despite this remark from her, she put on an additional white leather jacket, which eliminated the hidden danger of exposing herself. Rhode was at a loss for words toward the stubbornness of this archangel, which was why he kept quiet and set out on a journey shortly after.
The path heading to the Seven Fantasy Boundaries wasn’t hard to find. Marybelle reminded Rhode that as long as he adapted to the bright light of the dome above and continued to lift his head, he would easily spot an enormous, cylindrical tower erected on the ground by the horizon that covered almost one-fifth of the sky. The other end of the tower would be piercing through heaven. According to Marybelle, that was the connecting point of the Seven Fantasy Boundaries and this world. As long as they reached the tower, they could enter the Seven Fantasy Boundaries and return to the Dragon Soul Continent.
Something worthy of a mention was that spatial teleportation wasn’t possible in First Wilderness. Rhode attempted to activate the spatial channel earlier, but to no avail. The impression this place left on them was clear and turbid at the same time, like a constantly-stirring coffee milk. Even though the coffee and milk were distinct, it was impossible to separate them completely. And this was the feeling that First Wilderness gave Rhode.
That was why he didn’t have other ways apart from walking by foot.
It also wasn’t a comfortable experience for everyone. Although the white, cylindrical tower seemed to be within their reach, the distance between them didn’t seem to shrink at all even after several hours.
However, Rhode wasn’t concerned as he continued to raise his head and look ahead. The gentle breeze brought along dust and sand to conceal the scenery ahead. Rhode wasn’t mindful about it. On the contrary, he was pondering over something else. He shifted his gaze to Erin because just a few moments ago, they were discussing another matter.
Based on the current situation, it was now confirmed that the black-clothed figures had set their initial coordinates in First Wilderness. In this case, the question now was why? Indeed, Rhode’s group wouldn’t be able to find out if it were here because it was far away from the Dragon Soul Continent, without a dragon soul protection, and located in the gap between Order and Chaos, where not even Alice’s ‘Historical Tracing’ could work. If the black-clothed figures hid in this place, Rhode’s group wouldn’t be able to do anything to them. However, was it just a coincidence that they set the coordinates here? Or was it premeditated?
In this world, would the black-clothed figures establish bases like humans on the moon? If they would, perhaps the situation would be even more troublesome. But it was a pity that Rhode had no time to waste searching this world. Besides, according to Marybelle, this place was dangerous and unsuitable to stay on for a long time. That was why Rhode could only hold down his uncertainties for the time being. After all, their main goal now was to return to the Dragon Soul Continent safely. Thereafter, he could bring some of them back to this place and check on the situation if possible.
“…?”
But at that moment, Rhode suddenly came to a halt. Not only him, but Lydia, Erin, and the rest also slowed down their pace and gazed ahead with a heavy expression.
“What’s wrong, Rhode?”
Canary asked curiously, while Rhode remained silent and nodded.
“Sounds like there is a battle ahead.”
“Huh?”
Canary and Mini Bubble Gum were taken aback. They were ordinary humans, so naturally they didn’t have incredible hearing. But to Rhode and the rest, the sound was so crisp as though it was ringing at their ear.
“It should be right behind the mountain. About… a thousand people.”
Lydia narrowed her eyes and got her answer instantly.
“Should I fly there and check it out?”
“No, wait a moment…”
Facing Lydia’s question, Rhode waved his hand and turned to Marybelle.
“Marybelle, are there any remaining inhabitants here?”
“I’m not too sure. After all, we’re representatives of rules created to stabilize Order after the Creator Dragons created the Dragon Soul Continent. We’ve only heard about some things that happened here from the Creator Dragons. As for the specific details…”
“Okay.”
Rhode nodded in response. Then, he raised another question in his head.
“Do you know what’s going on?”
“… I’m not too sure, Big Brother.”
His younger sister’s hesitant voice sounded in his head.
“The only thing I’m sure is that not everyone was willing to leave with us back then. And some didn’t leave with us in time, so they must have remained here. But I didn’t think they were able to survive until now under these harsh conditions… Big Brother, I suppose you’ve realized that this is an abandoned land. Logically speaking, no living thing should be able to survive.”
“After all, that is only a theory. It seems like the truth is otherwise now.”
Rhode said, lifting his head and swinging his right arm slightly, and a sword appeared in his hand.
“Looks like we have to get ready. They seem to be heading toward us.”
At the same time, as though proving his words, shadowy figures appeared above the hills ahead that were covered in rising dust.
