An archipelago in the land. That's what people will describe Indo as a country is. Philip can be the same, however, as one of the largest country in the continent, rivalling even the size of Xianxia and Empire, it's hence called as such
It's such a unique country that it's the largest freshwater lake in the world, with bunches of small islands in it. The lake even extends beyond their country. That's how big the lake is.
To connect the country with the rest of the world, ancient civilization make a singular road right in the middle of the lake, which then connect it to Philip and Kor of today via land travel. It's a marvelous piece of engineering, as the main road here is sturdier, grander, and better than any other country I've ever seen. Even Teacher Tiara says it's better than the one in the Empire's capital. Peddlers selling their wares left and right is also a pleasure to see.
However, the main mode of transportation here is still by water. Boats of various sizes, shapes and decorations can be seen. Some are trying to catch fish, while others are transporting people around different islands. There's even a floating house where the people in the house literally live in the boat instead of on an island.
From what I have read and from my previous experience traveling through this country, each island has its own unique system and hierarchy. It also has its own culture. However, generally speaking, each island will have its own leader or noble and all of them will then be called to their highest leader or royalty in this country in an annual meeting.
To make it easier for them, in the center of this main road is their small capital, where their royalty as well as several important facilities such as Adventure Guild, Merchant Guild and various government facilities are stationed. A truly unique land
"Look who's here" [Soerjadi].
"It's been a while" [Nar]
"What did I tell you, I'll catch up with you soon" [Randy]
"We still haven't decided who will be the next Saga, but it should definitely be me" [Soerjadi].
"Dana will be the next!" [Diana]
"Dana, oh your older sister and Miss Khamisah's younger sister. Well, then she has to beat me first" [Soerjadi].
"Are you by any chance the Wave Rider Soerjadi?" [Dana]
"The only one" [Soerjadi].
"One of the twelve S-rank adventurers in the entire continent, fierce for his powerful water magic" [Sas].
"I thought I should be the next Saga, but no, somehow my influence isn't as far-reaching as our previous Saga" [Soerjadi].
"That's just how influential she was, and even today, I'm sure tales of her adventures are sung by minstrels in various taverns" [Savel].
"Make me proud to be her little sister! I'm sure my tales be the same as her" [Diana]
"Look who's talking. Only your naughty deeds are being sung by minstrels" [Soerjadi].
"Nonsense! If anything, it should be about how I helped people!" [Diana]
"No. I first heard about you for being the mischievous sister of Nar and Sas, not for your accomplishments" [Soerjadi].
"That can't be true!" [Diana]
(Actually... I am the same... I know her because they always cause trouble. Words of her accomplishments were sung by bards later) [Farhana]
The one who helps us in this land is none other than Soerjadi, the S-rank adventurer of this land. He's older than Sister Khamisah. He is known to be a warrior of the lake, commanding the waves as he pleases. When it comes to water magic, he's definitely one of the best users in the world.
"Our registration to enter Indo is now complete" [Oreforged].
"I don't remember it being this strict, did something happen?" [Elegast]
"About that, there's been a number of illegal hunters who have brought in monster attractors to catch exotic fish and monsters, thus disturbing the ecosystem and people in general. Even the Lake Guardian is affected" [Soerjadi]
The Lake Guardian, the largest goldfish, is affected? Poor thing. I bet she's got a stomachache right now.
"Her appetite, as you guessed, it's decreased because of these illegal activities. How about you take a look. You made friends with her when you passed through this land before" [Soerjadi].
"Why am I not surprised?" [Marianne]
"Believe me, when she asked the Lake Guardian to stand up just so she could greet the Guardian, we were all shocked" [Soerjadi].
"That is why young lady Diana Vars is also called the Guardian Lake Priestess here."
"I believe in you" [Liya].
"I'm hearing about this title for the first time. Shall I call her now?" [Diana]
"Hmm... I'll just tell the others to clear the area first. In the meantime, how about you install the mana core for the Magic Motion Orb first?" [Soerjadi]
"Excellent suggestion. We are behind schedule after all" [Einstein]
It will take us about an hour to install the core and wait for the area to clear. Tourists, our team, even the locals gather around to see the Lake Guardian in the flesh. They really treat me like their priestess for some reason. All I did was communicate with the Lake Guardian, and when I was able to talk to it
"It... It's huge!" [Snake]
"The size... It's even bigger than an island."
"Really!?" [Stacy]
"And the Priestess of the Lake Guardian really summoned it!"
"How did you do that?"
"How? I just asked her. That's all." [Diana]
"Ordinary people can't just ask the Lake Guardian to rise" [Soerjadi].
"Even Mermaid, the one called Elves of the Sea, will have a hard time understanding what you just did" [Linda].
"I thought Elves were called Mermaids of the Forest?" [Adnan]
"It's interchangeable" [Kat].
They're all surprised by the sheer size of it. I'm not sure which is bigger, Adamantoise or Guardian Lake. The Guardian Lake is as usual, filled with water and dark mana. Everyone can appreciate the beauty of its water miasma. Clear as the blue sky. I greeted it and it remembered me from back then.
It did say it had a decrease in appetite. It did say it had one, but not because of the previously mentioned activity, rather
"Really! Congratulations!" [Diana]
"What just happened?" [Jean]
"Well, Lake Guardian will have her offspring soon" [Diana]
"SAY WHAT!?"
My statement caused everyone to be in shock.