The Southern Continent.
An enigmatic piece of land of whose existence was theorized by the world before it's fall.
It could be said to be one of the very few legacies from the modern world that survived the apocalypse... Or so people believe.
The southern continent, although shrouded in mystery, has long been a beacon of hope for humanity. No one has ever seen it, yet the belief in its existence had always remained among the highest ranks of society.
The apocalyptic events that devastated Earth in 2034 nearly obliterated all traces of the previous civilization. Humanity's advanced technology, knowledge, and infrastructure were stripped away, leaving only fragments of a once-thriving world. As chaos continued to ensue and before the system completely failed, the diminutive remnant of the civilization theorized the existence of the elusive land.
It sparkled like glimmering hope, ever so slightly symbolizing the possibility of a fresh start.
Its discovery could mean new resources, safer habitats, and a chance to rebuild away from the horrors of the past. For many, it represents a new Eden, a place where humanity could rise from the ashes and begin anew.
However, for more than a decade now, all the efforts to reach the mysterious expanse have ended in futility.
Humanity tried to explore and battle the seas, but each face off would end in a humiliating defeat.
The seas were perilous. Over the years, many brave souls attempted to find this hidden continent. Expeditions were launched, but the relentless waves and monstrous sea creatures thwarted every attempt.
And after the stampede of 2043, all the efforts and attempts to reach the Southern Continent were halted completely.
The stampede brought along with it a devastating toll, a damage so huge that it took years for humanity to recover from it.
Amid such dire circumstances, there was no leeway of resources that could be alloted to the search for the Southern Continent. All of them were directed towards reconstruction and fortifications.
And this was also the decision of Ron, who had already assumed leadership by that point of time.
His own argument and reasoning for his decision was such that,
'There would be no future to search for in case come a time there's no present in and off itself.'
The meaning and rationale behind his decision was clear.
If they are not able to provide for food to the people and soldiers, and not establish the minimum required housing settlements, then finding the Soutern Continent would have no remaining meaning as there would be no one left alive to immigrate to the destination.
Due to such considerations, for years, no further attempts were made to search for the Continent.
But this wasn't going to remain the case forever as in the year 2046 of the earthen calendar, the same year in which Ron Ascended to the Marshall Rank, attempts at reaching the Southern Continents were again started anew.
And this time, not just some ostentatious attempts, but a whole new Stronghold was dedicated to the task.
And after years of hardwork and torment, their efforts have finally borne fruit.
"It's finally within reach."
Nash spoke with a wide grin on his face. His tone was playful but solemnity in his voice was apparent.
"The Southern Continent."
He said and everyone's eyes enlarged once again.
"Nash, are you serious?" Ryuto asked with a slight frown on his face.
He didn't doubt his capabilities but didn't want to take any chances given his personality.
"Of course, do you think I would joke about something as important as this?"
Nash replied with the same smirk, his voice getting more mirthful with each passing second.
'You can'
Everyone thought inwardly but didn't bother to say it out aloud. They had discovered a more pressing matter which needs to be addressed for now.
Tap.
Just as Ryuto was about to speak again, a low tap was heard from the end of the table.
The place which had gotten a bit noisy, instantly returned to it's usual quietness.
"Nash, stop with your silly games and provide everyone with a detailed report."
Ron ordered.
Nash didn't push his luck any further and immediately complied. "Yes, Marshall"
Just as he said that, his countenance changed as his eyes sharpened and back got straightened.
For the first time since the meeting started, his demeanor reflected a dignity befitting the title of a General, a leader of humanity.
He started speaking and this time, his tone was both playful and heavy. "I guess I will start by recounting some things from the past."
"As we all know, after the Third Change ended, barely any of the original habitable settlements from the previous civilization were left standing intact. Nearly all of them were obliterated and raised to the ground."
He started recounting the time of the borderline transition, when the disasters had ended and humanity officially ushered into a new age, a new era marked by endless suffering.
"The very few that managed to survive, retained the technology of the previous era. "
"For the modern tech too, the power of Mana was incomprehensible but such was not the case for other humanly factors."
"And so, with whatever manpower they had, they put it all to use in hopes of discovering any potential hope that might help humanity in their quest of survival in the now apocalyptic earth."
He took a small pause to gather his thoughts and then spoke again.
"Their pathetic efforts actually produced some results as the researchers, with what little information they had, theorized the existence of another piece of land. According to them, the continental lands at that time got reshaped and reformed to create not one, but two split chunks of landmass."
"One of them is the Continent we are currently living on, while the other being the aforementioned Southern Continent."
"Since the very first day after the speculation of it's existence, constants efforts have been made to unveil the curtains of its hidden existence, but none of them were of any avail."
"Throughout the years, we were persistent in our search due to the sheer number of possibilities it presents us with. The idea of a new beginning, a fresh start, was just too tempting to give upon."
Nash elaborated with an excited grin. His words were true. No matter how low the chances, humanity really didn't wanted to give up on the supposed chance of a reality in which the current horrors don't exist and they can begin anew with the recreation of the past civilization once again.
As everyone was reminiscing the past, Nash began once again and this time, the grin on his face faded and his expression turned grim.
"However, the monster stampede of 2043 changed everything. With the loss of resources, we also lost our capability to search and explore. Hence, all the exploration missions and expeditions into the seas were put to a complete stop."
"But"
The grin on his face returned again as he spoke.
"The situation changed once again as Marshall Ron came into power. Under his leadership, we were able to quickly reorganize our forces and reestablish the fallen strongholds."
"Not only that, some new Strongholds were set in place in order to diversify our revival efforts in all directions."
"And among these newly created strongholds was the Terra Australis Stronghold, a stronghold that was created with the singular aim of unveiling the elusive Southern Continent,....of whose command was eventually decided to be rested within my hands...." Nash spoke, his tone becoming more intense with each passing second.
There was reason for Nash being made the head of the newly created Terra Australis Stronghold, despite their being other candidates for the job.
His sheer confidence in his own abilities and the absolute fearlessness that he had showcased on several occasions...
Both of them were deemed to be the defining qualities that may lead to him conquering the seas.
There was a certain incident that happened some years back. An incident which highlighted the unwavering bravery that Nash is now known for.
Maybe it was more of idiocy than bravery, but he was someone who dared to question Ron, who had recently advanced to the Marshall Rank at that time.
And that too while looking him in the eye...
Impressed by his guts, Ron decided to lay the command of Terra Australis in his hands.
It could be said to be a gamble because Nash too had only recently advanced to become a General and hence lacked the necessary experience but...
That same gamble has now paid off.