They were setting up camp on the mountain when a hubbub erupted.

  In the distance. Ark Town was approaching.

  Ark Town was a unique existence in the Storm Shores. It was a settlement build on the colossal wreckage of an ancient ship. A vessel so massive that people calculated it may have been the size of a small continent. Probably a relic from the giants. The town was built precariously on a fragment of what remained on enormous wooden hull.

  Structures rose in chaotic harmony, buildings stacked upon buildings in a vertical labyrinth of makeshift architecture. Bridges, ladders, and enchanted lifting platforms connected various levels, while magical lights glowed from countless windows, creating the illusion of stars scattered across the wooden mountainside.

  Ark Town appeared quite randomly in the Storm Shores. It had become a cottage industry keeping track of it and merchants sold special instruments to track it down.

  However people had worked out one thing. It always appeared near treasure. Always. Following its last owners wishes faithfully, even if only a fragment was left.

  Greed did the rest in establishing the town.

  They abandoned camp and jumped back on the ship to go to Ark Town. Staying in a hotel in Ark Town was much better than camping out.

  The thunder rumbled ceaselessly overhead as Tavalor's group approached Ark Town.

  The elven vessel glided through ominous storm clouds with remarkable stability, its enchanted hull repelling the occasional lightning strike that veered too close.

  From his position at the bow, Tavalor watched as the settlement gradually emerged from the perpetual mists that shrouded the Storm Shores.

  'Magnificent, isn't it?' Captain Lyrawyn remarked, coming to stand beside him. 'The Ark of Titans, they called it once. A vessel from the Age of Giants, supposedly designed to carry an entire civilisation across the endless seas.'

  Little Shadow peeked out from Tavalor's cloak, its violet eyes widening at the spectacle before them.

  'How did it end up here?' Tavalor asked, genuinely curious.

  'No one knows with certainty,' Lyrawyn replied, her voice dropping to a near whisper. 'Some say it was struck down in battle during the Giants' exodus. Others believe it was caught in a dimensional storm while attempting to reach the Upper Realms. Whatever the truth, it has drifted along the Storm Shores for millennia, protected by powerful and ancient magnetic forces that prevent it from being destroyed by the perpetual tempests.'

  As they drew closer, Tavalor and Little Shadow noted the bustling activity that filled every visible level of the town. Merchants hawked wares from ramshackle stalls, adventurers gathered in boisterous groups, and locals navigated the precarious walkways with practised ease.

  'The Storm Shores have always attracted the ambitious and the desperate,' Luneth added, joining them at the railing. 'The constant magical storms deposit treasures from across realms—sometimes even fragments from Unknown Realms. Add to that the wreckage of countless expeditions that failed to navigate the treacherous waters, and you have perhaps the richest hunting ground in the known world.'

  'Rich in both treasure and danger,' Captain Lyrawyn noted grimly. 'For every successful treasure hunter, a hundred perish. The shores are littered with the bones of the overconfident.'

  Their vessel docked at one of the higher platforms, secured by elven magic rather than physical moorings.

  As Tavalor disembarked alongside the elven party, he took note of the unique crowd that thronged the rickety dock. Cultivators from every known faction seemed to be present, their varied attire and magical signatures creating an interesting tapestry.

  Captain Lyrawyn led them through the crowded thoroughfares with confidence. She had visited many times before.

  'The Celestial Lobster,' she announced, gesturing toward an establishment built into what appeared to be an ancient ship's cabin. 'The finest restaurant in Ark Town, and a good place to gather information.'

  The restaurant was bustling with activity, its interior surprisingly elegant given the ramshackle nature of its surroundings.

  As they entered, Tavalor noted the effect that the elves had on the establishment. The elves were truly beautiful people. And powerful. Conversations faltered, heads turned, and appreciative glances followed their movements across the room. Both male and female attendants paused in their duties, momentarily transfixed.

  Tavalor attracted the most attention though. Even though Luneth was a Moon Elf, her rogue skills helped her blend into the background.

  'Your disguise was supposed to help you blend in,' Luneth muttered, amused by the attention he was receiving. 'I think you may have overcompensated in the other direction.'

  Tavalor shrugged indifferently. 'Beauty is merely a construct of perception.'

  Captain Lyrawyn secured them a private room on the third floor, which offered an unobstructed view of the spectacle that had drawn so many to the Storm Shores.

  They had a good view. Beyond the edges of Ark Town, a massive whirlpool churned in the depths, its surface occasionally flashing with ancient alchemical symbols. The water around it shimmered with spatial distortions, as if reality itself were being warped by whatever lay beneath.

  'Veridian's Realm,' Captain Lyrawyn said, gesturing toward the phenomenon. 'According to our scouts, the entrance will fully manifest in approximately one month, when the spatial fluctuations reach their peak.'

  'A month?' Tavalor couldn't hide his disappointment. 'I hadn't anticipated such a delay.'

  Little Shadow chirped in agreement from its hiding place, projecting an impatient image into Tavalor's mind.

  As they settled at their table, several attendants arrived with an array of exotic dishes—seafood harvested from the magical waters surrounding the Storm Shores, fruits preserved with enchantments to enhance their flavour, and spirits distilled using techniques unique to the region.

  While they ate, Tavalor's gaze drifted beyond the whirlpool to the sky above. Far above the permanent storm clouds that encircled the Storm Shores, a massive shape shimmered like a mirage—an enormous landmass floating impossibly in the heavens.

  Its edges blurred and shifted with the atmospheric currents, but its presence was undeniable.

  'The Giant's Continent,' Captain Lyrawyn said, following his gaze. 'Or rather, its echo. What you see is a dimensional reflection, a vague shadow of it.'

  'So it truly did exist here once,' Tavalor mused. A rumour that was actually real and not gossip. Amazing.

  I wonder where the giants came from? Or the dragons? Everyone seems to be an outsider to this place. Where did everyone come from? Why did everyone come here?

  'Indeed,' Lyrawyn replied. 'According to elven histories, the Giants' homeland originally hovered above what is now the Storm Shores, tethered to our realm by enormous chains of magical energy. The Giants split into factions over time. The history as to why had disappeared long ago. There were many battles and then eventually one faction severed those chains, casting the continent into the void between realms.'

  'But not before the Giants launched a desperate counterattack,' Luneth added. 'Scholars think that the magical backlash from that conflict is what created the perpetual storms that give this region its name. The dimensional instability caused by the continent's removal is why treasures from other realms occasionally fall here—like ripples in a pond when a stone is removed.'

  Captain Lyrawyn nodded in agreement. 'For millennia, the continent was thought lost forever. Its recent return—or at least, its dimensional echo heralding its return—has sent shockwaves through the world. Many believe it heralds a fundamental shift in the boundaries between realms.'

  Is the Watchers cage getting weaker?

  'What about all of the newspapers and all of the images in them? They seem recent?' Tavalor asked.

  Captain Lyrawyn was surprised that Tavalor even read them. 'All fake. Just gossip to sell more copies.'

  'How far away do you think the Giants Continent is before arriving?'

  'Nobody knows.'

  Tavalor contemplated this information, his mind connecting it with what he had learned about the Watchers and their systematic restructuring of magic. The Giants, with their innate connection to wild magic, would represented a significant threat to the Watchers' carefully constructed order.

  Another incoming big battle.

  Their conversation was interrupted by the approach of two young elven women—the same ones who had attempted to engage Tavalor in conversation aboard the ship. They seated themselves at the table uninvited, their eyes fixed on Tavalor with undisguised curiosity.

  'We never properly introduced ourselves,' the silver-haired one said. 'I am Gyselda of House Silverleaf, and this is Lyn Yu of the Jade Blossom Sect.'

  'A pleasure,' Tavalor replied with deliberately minimal enthusiasm.

  Undeterred, Lyn Yu leaned forward, her jade eyes gleaming. 'We were hoping you might share more about yourself. Moon elves rarely venture from the Lunar Isles. Your presence here is... intriguing.'

  'I'm a vagrant,' Tavalor said simply. 'I left the Isles long ago and have been wandering ever since.'

  'A vagrant with connections to Captain Lyrawyn?' Gyselda pressed, her tone sceptical. 'That seems unlikely.'

  Before Tavalor could respond, Captain Lyrawyn intervened again, her expression stony. 'His history is his own business, ladies. As is his reason for joining our expedition.'

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

  The pair got the message and changed the topic.

  The conversation shifted to more general topics—speculation about what treasures might be found within Veridian's Realm, discussions of recent developments in elven politics, and assessments of the other factions gathering at Ark Town. Throughout it all, the two young elves continued to cast furtive glances at Tavalor, clearly hoping to draw him into deeper conversation.

  'You could come visit us on the Elven Continent after this expedition,' Lin Yu suggested eventually. 'The High Elves would welcome someone of your... unique heritage.'

  'I prefer my independence,' Tavalor replied, his tone making it clear the subject was closed.

  Their meal was interrupted by the arrival of another elven party. Led by a tall, lean elf with hair the colour of autumn leaves, they approached Captain Lyrawyn's table with formal precision.

  'Captain Lyrawyn of the Silverleaf,' the leader said, executing a perfect elven bow. 'What an unexpected pleasure to find you here.'

  Lyrawyn's expression remained neutral, though Tavalor noted a flash of discomfort in her eyes. 'Zaloryn Zephyrwood,' she acknowledged. 'I'm surprised to see the Zephyrwood Clan taking an interest in human artefacts.'

  'Knowledge is power, regardless of its source,' Zaloryn replied smoothly. 'May I present my elders?' He gestured to the older elves behind him.

  As introductions were made, Tavalor observed the subtle dynamics at play. Zaloryn clearly held Captain Lyrawyn in high esteem, while she seemed barely remember him.

  'You're... one of the ones beaten by Mira of the Starlight Twins in the last tournament, correct?' she said eventually, causing Zaloryn's face to flush with embarrassment.

  His composure quickly recovered, however. 'A minor setback on a greater journey,' he said. 'But yes, that was me. I'm honoured you remember our encounter, however brief.'

  Tavalor suppressed a smile.

  Captain Lyrawyn had clearly mentioned the most embarrassing thing she could recall about the elf, deliberately or not.

  'I'm sure you are,' she replied, her tone neutral. 'What brings you to our table, Zaloryn?'

  'An offer of alliance,' he said, stepping closer. 'The Veridian Realm will be challenging, even for cultivators of our calibre. Combining our resources would benefit both our factions.'

  Captain Lyrawyn's gaze flicked briefly to Tavalor before she shook her head. 'I appreciate the offer, but we have our own plans. Ones that don't involve teaming up with... anyone.'

  Zaloryn's disappointment was palpable, though he maintained a dignified expression. 'Of course. The offer remains open should you reconsider.'

  As he and his elders retreated to another table, Tavalor noted the slump in Zaloryn's shoulders and the whispered conversation among his companions.

  'That was rather cold,' Tavalor remarked quietly to Captain Lyrawyn.

  She shrugged. 'The Zephyrwood Clan has been trying to curry favour with the Silverleaf for centuries. Ever since they lost their seat on the council, they've been useless. They're ambitious but ultimately unremarkable. I see no benefit in an alliance that would tie us to their mediocrity.'

  Their conversation was interrupted again by the arrival of yet another elven party. This group was led by a striking female elf with hair the colour of spun gold and eyes like polished amber. Her bearing was regal, her attire impeccable, and her magical aura significant even by elven standard

  'Ysolde Yaven,' Captain Lyrawyn murmured, straightening in her seat. 'Leader of the younger generation of the Yaven Clan. She's one to watch.'

  One to watch? Another potential [A-Class]?

  Ysolde approached Zaloryn's table first, her beautiful features arranged in an expression of mock sympathy. 'Rejected again, Zaloryn? How unfortunate.' Her musical laughter caused several heads to turn in admiration.

  Zaloryn's face darkened with suppressed anger, but before he could respond, Ysolde bypassed him and headed towards Captain Lyrawyn after getting her jab in.

  'Captain Lyrawyn!' she exclaimed, her tone shifting to one of genuine respect. 'What an honour to encounter you here. I had heard rumours of your interest in Veridian's Realm, but I scarcely dared believe them.'

  Captain Lyrawyn inclined her head in acknowledgement. 'Ysolde. Your reputation precedes you as well.'

  As pleasantries were exchanged, Tavalor noticed Ysolde's gaze repeatedly drifting toward him. Her interest was far from subtle, and it clearly irritated Gyselda and Lyn Yu, who had been attempting to monopolise his attention throughout the meal.

  The atmosphere in the restaurant suddenly shifted as a commotion arose from the entrance. Whispers spread through the crowd like ripples on water, and all heads turned toward the doorway.

  'Lady Feng has arrived!' someone announced, their voice filled with awe.

  A collective hush fell over the establishment as a slender figure entered, flanked by attendants who moved with the silent precision of seasoned warriors. Lady Feng, the 'holy maiden' of the Jade Court from the Eastern Continent, was renowned not only for her extraordinary beauty but also for her formidable magical prowess.

  Another potential [A-Class].

  Even from across the room, Tavalor could sense the power that radiated from her slight form. Her features were a perfect arrangement of Eastern delicacy—porcelain skin, midnight-black hair that fell to her waist, and eyes like polished obsidian that seemed to contain galaxies within their depths.

  'Lady Feng!' Captain Lyrawyn called out, rising from her seat. 'What a pleasant surprise!'

  The eastern cultivator's expression brightened upon seeing the elven captain. She made her way through the crowd with graceful efficiency, ignoring the admiring gazes that followed her every movement.

  'Captain Lyrawyn,' Lady Feng said, her voice like the soft chiming of silver bells. 'The Jade Keeper said I might find allies here, but I scarcely dared hope it would be you.'

  The two clasped forearms in the traditional greeting of those who had fought side by side. 'You saved my life against the Chitari,' Lady Feng continued. 'That is a debt not easily forgotten.'

  'No debt exists between friends,' Captain Lyrawyn replied warmly. 'Please, join us. These are my companions for the expedition.' She introduced each member of her party in turn, ending with Tavalor. 'And this is Tavalor, a friend from the Lunar Isles.'

  Lady Feng's gaze lingered on Tavalor, her perfect composure momentarily disrupted by a flash of genuine surprise. 'A Moon Elf? How extraordinary. I had thought your kind never left your secluded realm.'

  Exceptions exist to every rule,' Tavalor replied simply, meeting her gaze without hesitation.

  Something passed between them in that moment— Lady Feng's lips curved into a subtle smile before she turned her attention back to Captain Lyrawyn.

  'I'm travelling mostly alone,' she explained, her tone shifting to something more sombre. 'The Jade Court has suffered... significant losses in recent months. I just arrived now because of attending my Great-Uncles funeral. We lost a lot of people as well in the Southern Continent.'

  He was the only [A-Class] who had died, the Jade Court nobleman who had sacrificed himself to let his people retreat. So she's his Grand-Niece?

  Captain Lyrawyn's expression grew serious. 'That explains the rumours we've heard. I had hoped they were exaggerations.'

  'If only they were,' Lady Feng replied. 'I am the only one left of our expedition force with the strength to potentially benefit from Veridian's legacy.'

  Without hesitation, Captain Lyrawyn extended her hand. 'Then join us. A lone cultivator, even one of your calibre, would face unnecessary risks in the realm. Together, our chances improve substantially.'

  Across the room, Zaloryn's face twisted with barely contained outrage. Tavalor could practically feel the elf's thoughts—accusations of hypocrisy, of favouritism based on gender and beauty rather than merit.

  Lady Feng considered the offer for only a moment before nodding. 'Your offer is kind. I accept with gratitude.' A smile crossed her beautiful face. A female waiter serving tea in the corner was so hypnotised she over-poured.

  As the evening progressed, Tavalor observed the dynamics of their newly expanded group.

  Captain Lyrawyn and Lady Feng reminisced about past encounters, the young elven disciples listened with rapt attention to tales of distant lands, and Luneth engaged in a spirited debate about magical theory with one of Lady Feng's scholars.

  Throughout it all, Tavalor noted the frequent glances cast in his direction—from Lady Feng, whose initial curiosity had evolved into something more thoughtful; from Ysolde Yaven, who had positioned herself to maintain a clear view of him despite being seated at another table; and from Gyselda and Lyn Yu, whose competitive attention had only intensified with the arrival of these new admirers.

  Being beautiful is annoying. Tavalor thought to himself. No wonder the elves acted so haughty and kept to themselves.

  Little Shadow stirred restlessly within his cloak, projecting impatient images of the whirlpool and the treasures. Tavalor shared its sentiment—this socialising, while mildly entertaining, was ultimately a distraction.

  He pushed his plate away, having finally satisfied his appetite, and leaned toward Captain Lyrawyn. Using a whisper of [Intimidation] to ensure their conversation remained private, he said, 'I want to enter Veridian's Realm tonight.'

  Captain Lyrawyn nearly choked on her wine. 'Tonight? That's impossible. The seal won't fully open for another month.'

  'I have a way,' Tavalor replied with quiet confidence. 'If you're willing to trust me.'

  She studied him for a long moment, then nodded curtly. 'Very well. Who should accompany us?'

  'You, Luneth, Lady Feng, her guards, and your five most capable disciples,' Tavalor decided. 'We'll move at midnight, when most eyes are turned elsewhere.'

  ***

  Despite their attempts at secrecy, their departure from the Celestial Lobster attracted immediate notice. In a place like Ark Town, where information was as valuable as physical treasure, their purposeful movements toward the whirlpool sparked immediate speculation.

  'Look there—Captain Lyrawyn and the Jade Court's holy maiden,' a voice called from one of the lower walkways. 'Where are they going at this hour?'

  'The seal isn't due to open for weeks,' another replied with a mocking laugh. 'Perhaps they enjoy midnight strolls along the edge of dimensional rifts!'

  Captain Lyrawyn ignored the commentary, leading their small group along the treacherous paths that descended toward the water's edge.

  Lady Feng matched her stride, her expression serene despite the occasionally precarious footing.

  Behind them followed the selected disciples, their expressions a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

  When they reached the shore nearest to the whirlpool, Captain Lyrawyn turned to Tavalor. 'Well? What's your plan?'

  In response, Tavalor approached the edge of the water, where the dimensional distortions were most visible. The seal manifested as a shimmering barrier of interlocking alchemical symbols that pulsed with ancient power. He studied it for a moment, his [Dragon Sight] revealing layers of complexity invisible to others.

  'Let me try first,' Captain Lyrawyn said, stepping forward. She extended her hands, channelling her considerable power into a focused beam of spirit energy. The seal flickered but remained intact, absorbing her attack without visible damage.

  After several unsuccessful attempts, she stepped back, breathing heavily. 'It's as I feared. The seal is designed to resist even [A-Class] power. According to reports, three [A-Class] experts from the major powers together couldn't breach it.'

  Tavalor nodded, then stepped forward. 'Stand back,' he instructed calmly.

  Without ceremony, he reached out with both hands and gripped the edge of the seal.

  [Ancient Scales] activated. There was a huge tremor. The entire Storm Shores shook. Although the Storm Shores were full of chaotic storms, it was regular. This shaking was abnormal and felt apocalyptic.

  It scared animals. It caused stampedes. Storms increased in intensity.

  Tavalor stood there pulling hard. The outline of scales appeared in in the flesh underneath his skin. His fingernails elongated a tiny fraction.

  The shaking continued in the Storm Shores. But standing there at the centre of the cause it was quiet. For a moment, nothing happened—then, with a sound like tearing fabric, he pulled the barrier apart, creating an opening large enough for ten people to walk through side by side.

  The shaking in the Storm Shores stopped.

  A collective gasp rose from their companions. Even Lady Feng's perfect composure cracked, her eyes widening in astonishment.

  'How—' Captain Lyrawyn began, but Tavalor was already stepping through the opening.

  'Questions later,' he called back. 'This won't hold forever.'

  Captain Lyrawyn recovered quickly, gesturing for the others to follow. 'You heard him. Move!'

  One by one, they passed through the tear in reality, entering the shimmering passage that led to Veridian's Realm.

  Lady Feng was the second last to enter, pausing briefly to cast a wondering glance at Tavalor before stepping through.

  Tavalor was the last to enter. There was a restriction that was supposed to stop anybody above [C-Class] entering. He felt something. Like an invisible wall stopping him from entering.

  He used a tiny bit of strength, a small push, he was able to step directly through it. The restriction after he exerted more strength felt like mist to him.

  From Ark Town, the sight of the seal being torn open sent shockwaves of panic and excitement through the gathered cultivators. What had seemed impossible—early access to Veridian's Realm—had suddenly become reality.

  'The seal is breached!' The cry echoed through every level of the ancient ship-city. 'Veridian's Realm is open!'

  Within minutes, a stampede began as cultivators of all factions rushed toward the shore.

  Mostly [C-Class] experts led the charge, their superior speed and power allowing them to outpace the lesser cultivators in the frantic race for advantage.

  As the tear in the seal began to close behind Tavalor's group, the first wave of opportunists reached the shore, desperation lending them speed. Most made it through before the passage sealed completely; the ones who were left behind, were bitter, their curses lost in the chaotic din.

  Inside the passage, Tavalor led his companions forward, Little Shadow now perched openly on his shoulder. The creature's violet eyes gleamed with anticipation as they journeyed toward whatever wonders—or horrors—awaited them in the ancient alchemist's domain.