The central continent Norlanta, in comparison to others, was relatively small. To put it into perspective, if a Level 3 were to run continuously from one tip of the continent to the other, they could complete the marathon in approximately 10 days.
Though small in size, the significance of the central continent, Norlanta, lay in its designation. Being referred to as the central continent bestowed upon it the role of serving as the midpoint of the entire world.
Norlanta is comprised of two countries, Rehtolar and Grewol, their borders meeting at the base of the ball-shaped continent, leaving an empty middle.
Rehtolar is the homeland of Leon and is characterized by a relatively modest landmass compared to the two countries on the continent.
Neaire, the touristic center of Rehtolar, served as one of the many cities with sea transportation facilities. It was entirely commonplace for both Rehtolar and Grewol to have numerous cities with sea borders.
their continent was molded with seas surrounding it on every side.
Norlanta resembled the head of a double-tipped spear. On the left side of the tip was Rehtolar, and on the right side was Grewol. These two countries were divided by a tailed ball-shaped sea, with the tail stretching all the way to the ocean, connecting to the Roaring Ocean that served as the gateway to the northern continent, Arcticia.
"Do they think we're already dead?" Sneered the muscular, white-haired man, his anger evident.
The leader of this operation hailed from Grewol, a country in Norlanta. Tasked with overseeing the entire mission, he was obligated to exert his utmost efforts to safeguard their precious cargo: 3 kilograms of Black Metal.
Yet, his challenges were heightened as he had to maintain constant vigilance, ever wary of the possibility that their assailants might summon reinforcements.
Being a leader proved to be a formidable task. One must contemplate every conceivable scenario and respond accordingly.
During the time Laima and Belenus were inside the ship, leader Michael murmured, "It'd be better to confront them when they're outside..."
Michael possessed a medium skin tone, snowy white hair, and ocean-blue eyes. Standing at a muscular height of 1.80 meters, his seasoned face bore the marks of a man who had weathered numerous challenges throughout his lifetime.
This was the man who had been yelling for a while, hoping that his adversaries were too engrossed in their battles to take notice.
His hopes were indeed met with reality. A multitude of spells coalesced around each guard of Sand Tier or above. As for the Feather Tier guard, he stood alone, as the others had already moved to engage with the adversaries, keeping a vigilant eye on them.
Truly, it was a magical spectacle. Wind, water, ice, fire, earth, and electricity manifested either as spheres or fists, hovering in the air. Nearly every elemental representation was showcased by those proficient in magic.
In fact, Michael was holding two balls: the one on the left had linear sparks continuously appearing within. This ball wasn't any different from the others; it was just an ordinary sphere made of electricity, albeit larger than the rest.
However, the one in his right hand stood out starkly from the multitude of spheres made of various elements. Faced with its pristine appearance, some opted to close their eyes, while others gazed at it in apparent awe, captivated by its sheer beauty.
Indeed, this was not a sight that the guards could witness every day. People with the ability to wield any of the special elements were a rarity.
This particular element was one of the two special elements that existed, standing alongside the shadow element. In fact, it was the complete antithesis of the shadow element: the light element.
The light element was specifically tailored for the humans of Earth. However, despite its uniqueness for humanity, it shared the distinction with the shadow element, being one of the two elements that they, like other races, couldn't learn.
These two elements held a special status for a particular reason.
Shadow and light, to acquire any of the special abilities, required fulfilling a specific condition first. This particular condition was challenging for people with aspirations of mastering either of these elements.
The stipulation needed to be met before even arriving in the world, creating an inherent unfairness in both specializations, bound together by the melancholy strings of fate.
Michael Artha, a man with medium skin tone, white hair, and ocean blue eyes. His white hair wasn't a sign of age but a characteristic from birth. The skin color of his race mirrored the color of his eyes. Blue, brown, or gray were the typical hues for the pure-blooded individuals who regarded themselves as the ancestors of humanity.
To learn the light element, one must be born as an Agarthanian.
Agartha, the city, lies slumbering within the Earth. It serves as the home of the firstborns, the only race born with their specialty. They were the inaugural human race to delve into the art of magic, choosing seclusion within the Earth.
Their awakening occurred during the First God War, but not as allies; they rose as adversaries.
Agarthanians were labeled as lackeys of the Gods, bootlickers, egotistical maniacs, and a race that birthed the most psychopathic and disabled offspring. These stigmas, especially prevalent among the Rebellious and those sympathetic to their cause, marked the perception of Agarthanians.
Choosing to align themselves with the powerful and wielding their swords against their own kin, against the valiant warriors who risked their lives to safeguard freedom, ignited a fiery hatred in the hearts of some.
Naturally, hatred brewed within them. After all, the entire Agarthanian race arrived as a collective force to assail their protectors, offering no assistance to the valiant defenders.
Hatred doesn't dissipate in a day or two, not even over a hundred years, especially when the actions that spark that hatred persist.
Yet, exposure to the outside world, interactions with other people, and the emergence of mixed-race children worked wonders. The hatred towards the Agarthanians gradually diminished. In fact, some even joined the ranks of the Rebellious, showcasing the transformative power of understanding and connection.
This, too, was a reality, one that materialized only through the profound and distinct changes brought about by the passage of time.
Every single guard onboard readied themselves, awaiting the order.
Seconds stretched into moments until their other adversary, Belenus, emerged on the horizon.
It was then that their operation leader once again opened his mouth and swiftly uttered a few words, "Rebellious maggots! I'm Michael Artha! My surname reflects my formidable connections!"
Both Laima and Belenus easily heard what he had said, comprehending the reasoning behind his words. However, they were utterly indifferent to his affiliations or connections. In fact, they simultaneously uttered the same response under the oblivious gaze of Michael.
""What the f*ck is this motherf*cker saying?""
"Fire at will!!"
Their long-awaited order had arrived. The sky was already adorned in a rainbow of colors, mirroring the hues of the buildings in Neaire. However, while one side was a sight to behold, the other side was perfect for fleeing.
Both sides possessed a captivating beauty in their own right. However, one side emanated a menacing aura to the extent that exposure could result in death within a matter of seconds.
Booooooommm!!!
The sea shook to its core. An explosion of such magnitude had the potential to generate a tsunami capable of engulfing the entire city if it occurred at the ocean's depths.
Waves swung violently, forming water hills that rose alongside the lifeless bodies of some creatures that had managed to retain their form.
A hellish sight befell those residing under the sea, wrought by the very hands sworn to protect them.
Once again, a sorrowful reality unfolded at the hands of the powerful, extinguishing the lives of the defenseless. However, the number of perishing creatures was surprisingly low compared to what one might anticipate.
Immediately after they voiced their sensible question, Laima spoke once again, this time in a hushed whisper.
"We are diving."
Diving beneath the sea was the best course of action available to them, and that's precisely what they did. Yet, it wasn't a blind descent.
Both Laima and Belenus extended their hands to the fullest, transforming their auras into a watery carpet that they laid out for the sea animals, akin to fishermen catching fish. They endeavored to gather as many sea creatures as possible to bring them along.
"Belenus, there's an Agarthanian here."
"Yes."
Communicating under the sea was also an advantage for Merpeople.
"He wouldn't let me get to the city."
"Most likely."
"Should we gamble it?"
Narrowed his eyes, "Do you mean, should we have the kids do your job?"
"Do we have any other way?"
"We don't."
"That was a quick answer."
"Let's just say I'm aware of the situation we are in right now."
"Then I'll send the signal."
"Alright."
After swimming a bit more, they swiftly resurfaced. Immediately following that, Laima launched three substantial water balls into the air to act as a signal.
The time to wait in hopeful anticipation had arrived for them. They gazed at the city, eager to witness the outcome of their aspirations.
And there it was—the dust cloud of the explosion.
"It's time to go back, Belenus."
"Haha, yeah? They pulled it off."