As the first light of dawn pierced through the neon haze, Leo stood at the threshold, the ancient mantle draped over his shoulders, ready to embark on his journey to the mysterious dimensional zone known as the Ancient Remnant. Gathering at the base of the cyber tower were all experts of the master level, some of them youth of various powers, and various noble families. There were even some people suppressing their evolution, so as not to miss this opportunity the government was presenting.
As Leo reached the crowd, due to the effect of the mantle he was wearing, his presence hardly drew attention. There were only three people present who directed their gaze at him: Maya Phantom, who was surprised by his presence, though she didn't try to communicate with him; another young man from her family, who gazed at Leo with a strange smile; and lastly, Dray Clinton himself, who gazed curiously, sensing that Leo's aura was very similar to his, yet different at the same time.
Suddenly, the bustling region went silent as two sovereigns of the government arrived: the Battle Goddess and the City Lord of Elyria, Morgan Jade. Their combined aura pressed down on the surroundings, making the very atmosphere tremble. The air felt charged with an intense, almost electric energy, compelling respect from anyone who dared to step within their vicinity.
Their mere presence seemed to distort reality, creating an invisible yet undeniable force that spoke of their immense power and authority. It was as if the very fabric of existence bowed in deference to these formidable beings, acknowledging their sovereignty and might.
"Now that you're all here, I'll keep it brief," the City Lord stated. "Everything you get in the zone will be split: you get to keep half, the rest goes to the government, and there are no exemptions to this rule." He added, "The entrance of the zone will be open for two years; after that, you're on your own. You are to exit before the two-year period ends."
After leaving this warning, he and Sarah directly left, not without Leo receiving a mental message from his mom: "Be sure to make us proud." On getting the transmission, a smile wore itself on his face.
Immediately, the two sovereigns left, and the city enforcers led the way as they went underground into the tower, stepping into the dark environment of the underground passage. Everyone was silent as they moved in smooth coordination, finally making their way into a huge empty hall. At the very end of the hall was a giant ring device that lay dormant.
Just as the last person made it into the hall, the gigantic ring began to pulse, with faint undulations visible at its center. It began to warp as a wormhole came into view after a few seconds. Leo looked at the wormhole; it looked different from the rift he and Maya had entered the last time.
The enforcers began to make their way into the zone, followed by the rest. Leo was among the very last to step through the portal. As he was assaulted by a nauseous feeling after a brief lightheadedness, he opened his eyes to see the mystic surroundings of the dimensional zone. The Ancient Remnant stood in eerie silence.
The zone was a landscape of dark wonder, its mystic surroundings filled with an unsettling beauty. The sky was an endless void, moonless and starless, enveloping the land in perpetual twilight. The air retained the faint metallic scent of blood, mingling with the ashes that covered the ground. Every step stirred up tiny clouds of dust, adding to the ethereal atmosphere.
The flora appeared as though painted with blood, their leaves and stems a deep crimson that stood out against the ashen earth. Each plant seemed to whisper secrets of an ancient past, their forms twisted and otherworldly.
The camp of the city enforcers, set up around the wormhole, seemed almost out of place amidst the surreal environment. High-tech tents and equipment contrasted sharply with the otherworldly surroundings, their lights casting long, eerie shadows.
Despite the unnerving atmosphere, the enforcers went about their duties with unwavering resolve. They were here to stay for the next two years, tasked with collecting the treasures that emerged from the dimensional zone.
Their presence was a stark reminder of the government's influence, even in this distant and enigmatic place. The Ancient Remnant, with its dark beauty and unsettling aura, was a place where the boundaries between reality and the surreal blurred, a realm that demanded respect and awe from all who dared to enter.
Leo went straight to the registration center and registered his name. The enforcer seemed to look at him strangely as he wrote his name as Leonard Night; it seemed even the House of Night was drawn by this zone. The enforcer thought to himself.
Not wasting any more time, Leo dashed into the zone, ready for whatever adventure awaited him. His eyes were lit with excitement as he moved rapidly, his improvement in power evident as he progressed into the dense crimson foliage of the forest.
Just as he made his way in, he was met with an arrow piercing straight into his head - an ambush! He thought quickly, tilting his head as the arrow flew by, drawing crimson droplets from his cheeks.
Quickly leaping backwards, he managed to avoid a barrage of arrows that landed on his previous position. He swiftly tried scanning his surroundings for the archer, but unfortunately, that was a big mistake. Just as he turned his head, a dagger flashed, aiming directly at his carotid artery. It was too close; he couldn't avoid such a slash.
Whoever his attacker was must have meticulously planned this ambush, as it was one of no escape.