As the tension began to ease, a calm, unhurried voice broke the silence.
"Quite the display of heroics, Jay."
The three of them turned sharply, instantly on alert. From the shadows, a man emerged, his presence exuding a quiet menace.
He wore a sleek, deep-blue robe, a thin sword hanging at his waist, and a faint, mocking smile on his face. His steps were relaxed, as if the chaos and battle around him were mere trifles unworthy of his attention.
"Jay, Vilk, and Sheila, who's been hiding in the background, correct?" the man said with a slight smile. "Finally, we meet."
Jay frowned, his energy surging subtly as he prepared for a confrontation. His tone was cold as he asked, "Who are you?"
The man inclined his head politely, his demeanor calm. "My name is Ken, from the Celestial King's Court. I'm here to address your foolish actions."
Vilk scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "The Celestial King's clowns dare to send someone to court death?"
Ken remained unfazed, even chuckling softly. "Clowns? Vilk, you underestimate us. The loss at Silverleaf Town... do you really think such a setback would shake the Celestial King's Court? You're far too naïve."
Jay gripped the Scorching Sky Halberd tightly, his voice colder than steel. "Since you've come, don't think you'll leave. Your life stays here!"
Ken met Jay's glare with a deepening smirk.
"Whether I leave or not isn't up to you," he replied coolly. "Silverleaf Town? We're letting it go. And the Silverleaf Tree? It's not something we care much about. If you want to guard it, feel free. We've already found a better alternative."
Sheila's eyes narrowed, her tone cautious. "A better alternative? What do you mean?"
Ken glanced at her, a flicker of contempt in his gaze.
"It's simple," he said calmly. "The Silverleaf Tree is valuable, but it's not irreplaceable. The Celestial King's goals are far greater than you can imagine. As for this place, consider it a consolation prize for yourselves."
Jay snorted, his spiritual energy flaring as he lunged toward Ken, the Scorching Sky Halberd burning with lightning and fire as it struck down.
Yet, in the blink of an eye, Ken's figure dissolved into a shadowy illusion, dissipating into the air.
"Tsk, so reckless. Not very smart," Ken's voice echoed around them, disembodied. "Mark my words, Jay. This is only the beginning. By challenging the Celestial King's Court, you've ensured your own downfall."
His voice faded into the distance, leaving behind an ominous silence.
Jay lowered the Scorching Sky Halberd, his expression dark. "That guy sure knows how to run."
Vilk tightened his grip on his spear, his tone grim. "A better alternative? What was he implying? Could it be the Barrier Tree?"
Sheila stepped forward, shaking her head lightly. "Whatever their target is, our priority now is securing Silverleaf Town's safety. This battle was just the beginning. The Celestial King's Court won't stop here."
Jay took a deep breath, his gaze resolute. "You're right. Whatever their plans are, we need to be ready. Silverleaf Town is ours now, and we need to protect it."
Vilk looked toward the distant Silverleaf Tree, a cold smile crossing his lips. "Let them come. Let's see if their ambition is stronger than our resolve."
Jay looked at Sheila and asked, "Vilk and I are planning to create a faction. Are you interested in joining us?"
Sheila smiled at Jay and replied, "Sure, it seems like a good way to secure a place for ourselves."
Jay looked into the distance and said, "Alright, with this, we can also protect the undead and the natives around the nearby towns. Let's name our faction after the Silverleaf Tree. It will be called the Silverleaf Sanctuary!"
Jay gazed at the massive Silverleaf Tree in the distance, its shadow stretching long across the ground in the sunset, symbolizing the protection and tranquility of the land. He softly said, "Silverleaf Sanctuary, let it become the symbol of this land, so that everyone can feel the power and protection here."
Sheila nodded, a look of satisfaction on her face. "Silverleaf Sanctuary, the name holds power. I hope we can protect this place and provide a safe home for those in need."
Vilk also gave a slight nod, gently spinning his spiritual spear in his hand, his tone thoughtful. "From today on, all the townsfolk in this area will be protected. The Silverleaf Sanctuary will not only be our base but also our fortress against external threats."
The three of them walked side by side through the streets of Silverleaf Town. The scene around them remained peaceful, and the residents were finally able to live their daily lives without the disruptions from the outside world. However, the tension in the air had not fully dissipated—the threat from the Celestial King's Court still loomed large.
Jay furrowed his brow, quietly pondering the challenges ahead. The Celestial King's Court was not to be underestimated, especially Ken, whose threat had not disappeared—it seemed as though it was just beginning. The establishment of the Silverleaf Sanctuary meant they would have to face not only the Celestial King's Court's threat but also protect every resident here.
Sheila seemed to sense Jay's silence and spoke softly, "We might face stronger enemies ahead, but as long as we work together, there's nothing we can't overcome."
Vilk looked at her, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "You're right, Sheila. Our goal isn't just to survive; it's to make this place stronger."
Jay took a deep breath and finally spoke, "Alright, let's head back. The construction of the Silverleaf Sanctuary starts today, and our mission is far from over."
The next morning in Silverleaf Town, Jay and Vilk held their first meeting in the town square, with Sheila joining the discussion.
Jay stood in the center of the square, his gaze resolute as he looked at the townspeople and the undead surrounding him. "From today onward, the Silverleaf Sanctuary will be the protector of this place. Our responsibility is to protect every inch of this land so that all good lives can remain safe here. We must build a strong defense to face the challenges ahead."
He paused for a moment, looking at Sheila and Vilk beside him, then continued, "Not only will we protect Silverleaf Town, but we will also extend our protection to the nearby towns. The Celestial King's Court is just the beginning. Our true goal is to make this entire region an unshakable sanctuary!"
Vilk gripped his spiritual spear, his eyes filled with a fighting spirit. "As long as we stand united, no power can destroy our resolve."
Sheila smiled slightly, her gaze unwavering. "I will do everything I can to help the Silverleaf Sanctuary grow and protect everything here."
The townspeople bowed their heads, expressing their willingness to contribute to the Sanctuary. The atmosphere became even more united. Everyone's hearts were filled with hope and strength.
With the official establishment of the Silverleaf Sanctuary, Jay, Vilk, and Sheila led the townspeople to begin their first task—strengthening the defense of Silverleaf Town while gradually extending their protection to the surrounding towns.
Jay didn't stop. He knew that the peace of this land would face countless trials. The threat of the Celestial King's Court, the schemes of the Fallen Organization—these would all test the strength of the Silverleaf Sanctuary.
But he also knew that as long as they stood united, there was nothing that could stop their forward march.
The future of the Silverleaf Sanctuary had only just begun.