“How unruly,” Luxia whispered under her breath in response to Hakros’ sudden outburst.
“Since I have gathered you all here, naturally, it is to discuss entering the Secret Realm. But, before that, allow me to introduce to you the sixth member who will be joining us in the Secret Realm, Izroth. Izroth, this is…” Zouren went on to introduce everyone.
Izroth gave a small nod in response. Besides Zouren, he was not familiar with any of those present and did not recognize any of them from the second team’s selection on Zushuatri’s Sky Palace. However, Izroth could tell at a glance—if any one of these individuals participated in the second team’s selection, they would have easily made it into the top ten!
After he finished basic introductions, Zouren lightly cleared his throat and said, “As you all know, we will be entering the three-star Secret Realm: Era of Titans.”
The moment Zouren mentioned the name of the Secret Realm, the atmosphere turned heavy.
“Titans… I’m not sure if our luck is really good or extraordinarily bad.” Agromin sighed.
“Indeed. Every Secret Realm containing the word Titan is known for the great treasures that reside within. However, it is also equally as known for its difficulty being infinitely close to the next stage. Meaning, even if it is listed as a three-star Secret Realm, we have to approach much like one would a pseudo-four-star Secret Realm.” Luxia chimed in.
“Precisely. That is why I would like to make a proposal. Entering a Secret Realm while fragmented will leave us gaining little to no benefits. In order to maximize our rewards and minimize our losses, we should choose someone to act as the leader. In this way, not only can we avoid internal strife, but also-“
“Ridiculous!” Hakros did not wait for Zouren to finish before cutting him off.
He then continued, “Leader? What’s the point! Let me tell you, once we enter the Secret Realm, I will do things my own way! As for what the rest of you do, I could care less! As I’ve said before, I don’t have time to babysit.”
“I never thought these words would leave my mouth, but Hakros is right. What’s the point of electing a leader when there’s no trust present? Instead, how about this—we split into two groups of two. This way we can cover more ground inside the Secret Realm since our time will be limited. At the same time, we can ensure one another’s safety in case any unexpected problems arise. After half the time has passed, we’ll rendevous at a predetermined location.” Agromin suggested.
“I agree with this approach. Seeing as how Hakros is determined to move alone inside the Secret Realm, we should not stop him. But, if it is like this, I am afraid someone else among us will have to travel by themselves.” Luxia chimed.
“I don’t mind moving with the fifth princess,” Agromin stated.
“Then, I shall graciously accept your offer,” Luxia replied with a gentle smile.
“These two bastards—they planned this all along…!” Zouren internalized as his expression darkened.
Agromin and Luxia must have known that he would make a suggestion to be the leader since he held two out of six of the fragments. They also knew how Hakros would respond to it with his headstrong nature. But, instead of supporting his decision or flat out rejecting it, they used it to further their own agenda!
“Now, there is no need to have such a grim expression, Young Zouren. I am sure our new friend here is more than willing to accompany you—since the two of you have quite a close connection, after all.” Luxia said in a friendly tone.
She then faced the Thousand Blossom Maiden, Sychia, and continued, “Ah, this is unfortunate. It looks like you will have to move independently within the Secret Realm, Sychia. No, how can I allow a maiden such as yourself to wander a Secret Realm alone? I could never be at ease if anything happened to you. How about you just join me and Agromin? That way, we can all watch each other’s backs.”
“Your offer—I refuse,” Sychia replied without haste as she glared at Luxia.
“My, that’s a shame. I was truly looking forward to traveling together with you. Indeed, such a shame.” Luxia giggled softly before lightly clapping her hands together.
“Then, since everything has been decided, shall we depart?” Luxia said as she held her hand out. The following moment, the earth a few meters away trembled within the Moonlit Dove Garden as a single sapling rose from the earth.
This sapling grew rapidly and blossomed into a tree with overflowing magical power. Afterwards, exactly six branches extended downward from the top of the tree as the tip of the branches curled to create a makeshift platform.
Izroth examined the tree with his Energy Vision Sense and immediately noticed that it was intrinsically connected to the entire plant life inside the Moonlit Dove Garden. Whether it was a blade of grass or wildflower—it was all being influenced by the tree.
‘It’s my first time seeing it in person… Is this the rare Nature Magic of the trephasia race?’
Due to their high affinity with nature and mana, it was no surprise that the trephasia created a branch suitable for their use.
Just as its name suggested, Nature Magic involved control over nature and acted as the doorway to an even more amazing magic—Creation Magic!
However, according to what he read from a book at the Wiseman of Everpeak’s estate, Creation Magic was considered to be a lost magic. Though there was some speculation that the Guardian of the Forest, who protected the Tree of Provenance in the Mother of All Forests, was the only entity in the Mortal Realm capable of using Creation Magic.
Regardless, even using something like Nature Magic, which acted as a close second to Creation Magic, was an impressive feat by itself.
‘It’s too bad that guy isn’t here to see this. I am sure it is something he would appreciate more than most. But, perhaps… a bit too much.’
The makeshift platform crafted from the tree’s branches finished forming as Luxia was the first to step on, followed by Agromin, Hakros, and Zouren.
In truth, Zouren wanted to continue the discussion about becoming the leader, but with half of the group turning their head at his suggestion, he knew that persisting any further would only cause him to lose face.
“I still need to gain the full support of the fifth princess. Once I do, I will be one step closer to becoming the future master of the Eight Heavens. Until then, I will let her have her way.” Zouren thought to himself with a grin.
Izroth and Sychia were the last two to step onto the makeshift platforms. And, after everyone was on a platform, the branches retracted back towards the top of the tree as the group was pulled into the tree itself!
Inside the tree was a spacious wooden room with hundreds, or possibly even thousands of mirrors encompassed by wooden branches.
Each mirror was roughly 1.5 meters in length and displayed various images that ranged from a luscious verdant forest to a peaceful lake.
‘This should be an isolated pocket of space formed within the magic tree. Is this also the work of her Nature Magic?’
“We will arrive in a few moments. Until then, feel free to make yourselves comfortable.” Luxia said as six wooden chairs sprouted from the floor.
But, despite her hospitality, no one took a seat. The atmosphere was heavy and the auras around everyone became intense. Right now, the only thing on their mind was entering the Secret Realm!
…
A few moments later…
In a quiet forest located on a distant mountain range, a lone sapling rose from the earth.
Rmmmmble!
The ground shook as a large tree emerged and shot out six branches that impaled the earth.
Zeeeut! Zeeeut!
The branches disappeared and in their place appeared Izroth and the others who were inside the magic tree. Then, just as fast as it grew, the magic tree sunk into the earth and vanished, leaving no trace of itself behind.
“We’ve arrived,” Luxia announced.
‘So, this is the entrance to the Secret Realm. I have to say, it’s somewhat different than I expected.’
Located several meters away from Izroth and his group was a dark purple portal approximately one meter wide and two meters in length. The portal was surrounded by a white ring of energy with ancient golden text engraved on its surface.
