Zone 8, categorized as danger level: extinction, lacks available information. What is known is that in this zone lie the graves of past heroes, and their bodies could not be recovered. It is also known that ancient monsters roam this zone, and only a few primordial creatures can be counted. Unlike other zones, there is no detailed map. Only a few chosen ones can enter this zone: individuals, elves, dwarves, or sacred-ranked dragons, and even some have not returned.
The reason mythical ranks cannot enter is that a barrier prevents their advance, and if they cross it, pressure is applied to their bodies, as if a sword were aimed at their neck.
Zones 1 to 7 each have an extent of 50 kilometers, except Zone 8, which is double that, 100 kilometers. But some say it is much larger...
Currently, there are three sacred-ranked individuals: one from the human domain, another from the elven domain, and the last from the dwarven domain. They are the shield and sword of the union in case of a past war. There are also two more hidden from the public.
The dragons disappeared, and nothing is known about them, but it is believed they became extinct as the strongest race that ventured the most into Zone 8. One day, they simply vanished from the union domain.
Duchy Aureliano is near the endless forest. However, a 10-day journey is required to a small adventurer's town, where various objects and potions can be found, but there are also swindlers who take advantage of newcomers. There is also a black market. Being a city near the endless forest, a 5-day journey is needed to enter the forest. Adventurers looking to buy or sell are always present in the city. It is a bustling city with many people, and although being an adventurer is very dangerous, the rewards are high.
Each zone contains respectively each rank, for example, Zone 1=monsters, Zone 2=beasts, Zone 3=demons, and in Zone 4, where I have to go, titans are found. Of course, sometimes creatures intrude into a zone larger or smaller than their own, leading to territorial fights.
"System, do you have some kind of shop where I can buy things?"
[Ding! The system has a shop, but to unlock it, the host needs to kill their first monster.]
"I see."
I only have one week left to leave. First, I need a mask and to change the color of my hair. I don't want to attract attention in a place like that. I'm thinking of leaving without telling anyone, except my sister, of course. I want to leave on good terms with her.
I'm not worried about money. I'll bring 100 gold coins that I've saved. I'll also bring my dimensional ring to store the things I need for these 6 months.
I'm super excited about this journey I'm about to embark on. My blood jumps with excitement and anticipation.
Feeling my eyelids heavy, I close my eyes to sleep.
***
Pov Emily Von Valeriano
In these months, I have felt very strange. Lately, this had never happened before. My blood reacts in some way when I am near my brother. I feel it heating up and making me feel strange. Searching in the book my father gave me to see if there's anything causing this, I find nothing.
In these months, I have been watching my brother and his training. I have been surprised by his speed of learning and adaptability. Also, his appearance has changed; he's a bit taller and has become more handsome. But I consider myself a very proud person. My bloodline will not accept him until he sincerely asks for my forgiveness...
I always watch his duels from afar; his aura is black, it looks very elegant and beautiful, his movements are too fast and lethal.
My brother has really changed. I don't know why the change of attitude, but I actually like his current attitude more. He has also been trying to start conversations with me, but I still can't forgive him, I'm still hurt from the past.
I don't understand what's happening to my heart, but every time I see him, I feel happy and disappointed at the same time. I don't understand my own feelings; this is new to me.
Today, Friday, I was practicing my sword skills. I have always liked practicing and training. It was already late, I was in a training ground different from my brother's, and I was alone. However, I hear footsteps heading towards me. I feel my blood heating up and getting restless. By the behavior of my blood, I already have an idea of who it is.
Looking towards my brother's position, I look him directly in the eyes and he does the same. Somehow, I feel his bloodline calling to mine and vice versa.
"Sister, I challenge you to a sword duel," he says with a smile on his face.