The port city slowly faded from view as Rui and Fenrir, flanked by the other emissaries and guards, left the bustling docks behind. The ship had already docked, and though the sight of the Central Continent had piqued Rui's curiosity, there was little time to indulge in it. Their purpose was clear. Fenrir moved with a determined pace, his silver hair flowing behind him, and Rui followed closely, his steps steady but his mind still racing from the whirlwind of recent events.
"Where are we headed?" Rui asked, his voice steady but filled with curiosity.
Fenrir glanced over his shoulder, his eyes scanning the horizon ahead. "To the capital. But we'll take a more direct route."
Rui nodded, the journey ahead weighing heavily on his mind. He had heard stories about the roads between cities, about how long it could take to cross the land. The capital seemed so far away, but Fenrir had assured him this path would be much quicker. What struck Rui most, however, was the mention of the Beast's Domain. Fenrir had made it clear that they would need to cut through it—a dangerous area, teeming with creatures so powerful that even the best cultivators tread carefully when passing through. It was risky, but it would cut their travel time down to just four days, half of the usual journey.
Rui's eyes narrowed as he thought about the vast, untamed region. The Beast's Domain wasn't just any wilderness; it was a place where humanity's control had waned. Only the bravest—or most foolish—ventured into its depths. Rui didn't fear the beasts, but he understood the risk. The very air felt charged with that raw, primal power.
The group moved swiftly, the clatter of boots echoing through the narrow streets as they made their way out of the city. Fenrir led the way, his emissaries and guards flanking him in tight formation, their expressions steely, prepared for anything. Rui walked quietly alongside them, keenly aware of the attention he was drawing. It wasn't just Fenrir that commanded respect. It was the entire group, and Rui could feel the eyes of the city on him as they passed. He was the unknown—someone who didn't belong here, someone whose power was whispered about, though few truly understood it.
Once they reached the edge of the city, the landscape around them began to shift. The wide streets gave way to dirt paths, then to dense forests. The towering buildings of the city receded into the distance, and the oppressive quiet of the wilderness crept in. Fenrir stopped briefly to check the map, his eyes scanning the route ahead.
"We'll take the eastern path through the Domain," Fenrir said, his voice low and steady. "Stay close. Keep your guard up. The beasts here don't just attack—they stalk. They're drawn to power."
Rui nodded, his silver eyes gleaming with quiet resolve. He could feel the presence of the surrounding wilderness—the air was thick with the promise of danger. But he wasn't intimidated. His power, though still raw and unrefined, was there. He was more than capable of handling anything that came his way. And if he needed more strength, he was sure Fenrir would offer guidance, just as he had promised.
The group moved forward, navigating the dense forest at a steady pace. The trees grew taller as they ventured deeper into the wilderness, their thick branches weaving together, blocking out most of the sunlight. It was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant cry of some unseen creature. Rui could feel the tension in the air. Something was out there, watching them. He didn't need to be a master of perception to know it.
As the hours passed, Rui's muscles began to burn with the exertion of the journey. His body was strong, but even the enhanced stamina of his training couldn't completely stave off the fatigue. Fenrir noticed his slight weariness and turned to him with a measured glance.
"You're used to being in the academy, training within walls, but out here, it's different. The environment will test you, Rui. It's not just about strength. It's about endurance, mental fortitude, and adaptability."
Rui raised an eyebrow. "I'm prepared."
Fenrir gave a brief nod. "We'll see."
As they moved through the wilderness, Fenrir began to share more about the area and the creatures that inhabited it. "The Beast's Domain is not just full of mindless creatures. These beasts are powerful, yes, but they're also cunning. They sense weakness. And they'll exploit it."
Rui absorbed every word, his mind already processing the information. He had learned how to harness his strength in a controlled way, but in a place like this, even the smallest lapse in concentration could be deadly.
The day wore on, and the sky slowly began to darken, signaling the approach of night. Fenrir ordered a brief halt, and the group set up camp for the evening. Guards took watch as the others began preparing food. Rui sat at the edge of the clearing, gazing into the distance, his thoughts momentarily drifting to his journey ahead. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he knew one thing for certain—this journey would be a test in every sense of the word.
As the campfire crackled, Fenrir approached him, sitting down across from him, his expression unreadable. "You've come a long way already, Rui. But there's much more ahead. The trials in the Central Continent are not for the faint-hearted."
Rui met his gaze. "I'm not faint-hearted."
Fenrir gave a small smile, almost imperceptible. "We'll see. The real test will come when you're forced to confront your own limits."
Rui didn't respond, but his mind sharpened. He had always known that his journey wasn't just about strength. It was about understanding his own limits and pushing beyond them. The Central Continent, the Beast's Domain—everything was part of that challenge.
As the night stretched on, Rui lay down beneath the stars, the distant sound of the forest around him sending a quiet shiver down his spine. But there was no fear in him, only determination. Tomorrow, they would continue their journey. Tomorrow, he would take one step closer to understanding what he was truly capable of.