The Blossom Dimension was vast, far beyond the scope of what Gok and his allies had seen. While the Eastern Chamber housed the Blossom Tree and its ominous Sleeves, the Western Lands held mysteries and dangers of their own.
The story begins with Dave Igneel, an ex-U.S. military soldier renowned for his bravery during alien invasions. Struggling to find purpose after the collapse of traditional governments, he had become a wanderer, chasing rumors of strange phenomena.
The Rift in Nevada
The news of a Blossom Rift appearing in the Nevada desert shook the remnants of the United States. People whispered about it being connected to the events in Korea—the dimension of magic and death.
Dave, now living a quiet life, watched the broadcast while sipping whiskey in a dimly lit bar. The footage showed a glowing rift above a decayed monument, eerily similar to the one over the 5 Saviors Statue in Seoul.
Bartender:
"You're not thinking of going in there, are you? Heard Korea barely made it out alive."
Dave (smirking):
"Barely is still alive. Besides, I've got nothing else left to lose."
Armed with his old military gear, Dave ventured into the desert. The rift pulsed ominously, surrounded by military barricades and scientists. Ignoring the warnings, he approached it, drawn by an inexplicable force.
Scientist:
"Sir, don't go near it! The last team we sent never returned!"
Dave simply nodded, his resolve unwavering. Without hesitation, he stepped through the portal.
The world on the other side was unlike anything he had imagined. The skies were a mix of crimson and gold, with towering cliffs and sprawling fields of glowing blue flowers. In the distance, massive Western Blossom Trees stretched to the heavens, their leaves shimmering in the light.
But this beauty was deceiving. The air was heavy with danger, and the ground trembled with the presence of monstrous creatures.
As Dave took in his surroundings, a group of humanoid figures emerged from the shadows—Western Sleeves, clad in armor that resembled cowboys from the Old West, yet infused with arcane energy.
Western Sleeve Leader:
"Welcome to the Blossom Wastes, outsider. Your kind doesn't last long here."
Dave unsheathed his combat knife, his instincts kicking in.
Dave (grinning):
"We'll see about that."
The fight was brutal. Unlike the Eastern Sleeves, the Western Sleeves wielded firearms powered by magical energy, their attacks precise and deadly. Dave relied on his military training, using the environment to his advantage.
As he dodged a barrage of energy bullets, he noticed a peculiar artifact embedded in the ground—a glowing, rune-covered revolver.
Artifact Voice (in Dave's mind):
"Pick me up, soldier. You'll need me to survive this place."
Without hesitation, Dave grabbed the revolver. The moment he touched it, a surge of power coursed through his body. His reflexes sharpened, and his vision became clearer.
With newfound strength, he turned the tide of the battle, taking down the Sleeves one by one.
After the dust settled, Dave stood amidst the ruins of the battlefield, his breath heavy. The Western Sleeve Leader, mortally wounded, looked up at him with a mix of fear and respect.
Western Sleeve Leader:
"You... you're not like the others. Perhaps you can reach the Heart of the West... and end this madness."
Before Dave could ask what he meant, the leader disintegrated into a cloud of golden dust, leaving behind only his hat.
Dave placed the hat on his head, a grim reminder of the challenges ahead.
A Message from the East
As he ventured deeper into the Blossom Wastes, Dave came across an ancient stone tablet. To his shock, it displayed a recording of Sung Min Ki, Gok, and the others during their journey.
Sung Min Ki (in the recording):
"If you're seeing this, then you've entered the Blossom Dimension. Be warned—the further west you go, the more dangerous it becomes. But if you've made it this far, you might just be the one to uncover its secrets."
Dave clenched his fists, his determination solidified.
Dave:
"Looks like I'm not alone in this fight. Let's see where this rabbit hole leads."
To Be Continued...