The moment the cracks appeared in the sky, strong individuals from each continent started floating to investigate. After finding nothing, they contacted the other continents to see if they had any information.
Eventually, they all gathered together because no one could figure out the reason behind the cracks. Just then, their communication crystals buzzed, and they received unbelievable news from the East Continent. The same continent they had ignored for the past few months.
Cedric and the other kings from the East Continent personally delivered the news that the planet was in danger. They lacked proof to support their claims, relying solely on what Alec, a young man who claimed to have found many secrets in the ancient realm, had told them.
However, when the cracks appeared in the sky, they knew something was wrong. That's why they did their best to spread the word and urged everyone to gather together to prepare for the unknown enemies that would soon attack.
All the continents reacted differently to the news. Some people believed, but the majority didn't. Instead, they scoffed and ignored the absurd warning given by the East Continent.
It was a shock when the Sea Continent suddenly cut off all contact with the land and disappeared deep into the sea. They even called back all their people and closed off all their entrances without saying a word. As time passed, the cracks in the sky grew wider, and the signs became undeniable. Slowly, skepticism turned into fear, and those who had dismissed the warning began to realize the gravity of the situation.
But it was too late because, before they could even prepare, the West Continent, which had been the safest of all, was attacked by a strange woman and a man. The enemy's number was only two, but the duo managed to destroy one of the biggest cities on the continent in just a single day.
The West Continent was the most developed compared to the other three, but its vast collection of arrays and weapons became useless in the face of the sudden attack.
The woman, named Diora, who led the attack with her companion, was incredibly powerful. Instead of targeting the weak, she sought out the strongest guardians of the Continent and mercilessly killed them in front of a horrified crowd.
Diora wanted to destroy the Tower of Opportunity, which stood tall in the center of the West Continent, but she failed. That's why her anger increased. Within a short time, news of Diora and Hay's actions quickly spread to the East and Central Continents.
King Istalian, who had been secretly plotting to capture the fire phoenix, slumped into his chair with a solemn expression. He may have been a bad person, but he knew that if the West Continent collapsed, the Central Continent would be the next to fall. That's why he immediately dispatched his strongest soldiers to aid the West Continent.
Istalian wanted to join the soldiers as well because he knew he was the strongest in his continent. But then, the shadow hiding behind his back materialized and stared at him with an emotionless expression.
"I don't care about the people who die... but I know if you fall, I'll also suffer the consequences. No, maybe the remnant of my consciousness will completely disappear from this universe. That's why let me give you some advice."
"Instead of fighting head-on, first secure your own place. I believe you have a lot of array masters. Call upon them and construct something that could save you when the real enemy attacks. The two people who are attacking the West Continent are nothing in front of the army that will soon... come knocking at your door."
Istalian's eyes widened as he stared at the shadow. He paused, and after a few seconds, nodded and quickly contacted all the array masters and every capable individual he knew. He ordered them to first construct a sturdy shield with countless arrays around his Kingdom and then around the whole Central Continent. He didn't care about the resources and emptied his treasury to ensure immediate results.
Amidst the chaos, Istalian forgot about the phoenix he was supposed to capture for the shadow.
In the East Continent, Cedric and the other kings gathered their strongest soldiers and sent them to the West Continent to help. They didn't receive help when they needed it the most, but how could they just let their fellow people die at the hands of some evil individuals?
Yet, the news of failure arrived earlier than they expected. Afterward, Alec, Jian, Carcel, and many others stepped forward to fight the two individuals who were causing havoc in the West Continent.
King Cedric was reluctant to send the kids, but he knew he had no other choice. That's why he agreed and sent them with a large group of people. He wanted to join as well, but Alec told him that more enemies would arrive soon. That's why he stayed behind to gather Retric and all the array masters so they could construct a shield that could protect his people if more enemies were to attack.
....
Alec and Jian were furious about what happened with Kyle. That's why they used everything they had to fight against Diora and Hay. However, the power difference was too great, and they were pushed back, almost losing their lives. Fortunately, a short dwarf with brown hair and eyes suddenly appeared and saved them.
The dwarf had a large bag on his back as he rubbed his chin, wearing a serious expression.
"I had a feeling something was wrong, but how could this happen?"
He glanced at Diora and Hay, who wore unpleasant expressions on their faces.
"You two are killing mortals when you're clearly much stronger? Do you think I would let that happen?"
Jian stared at the dwarf, or rather, at the storage rings on the dwarf's fingers, his eyes filled with shock. The red-haired man raised his finger with a gasp.
"Those... rings... aren't they mine and Kelvin's??"
He shouted without caring about his injuries. The dwarf moved forward and grabbed Hay's neck with his hand before tossing him aside as if he were nothing more than a piece of clothing. Hay's body was thrown backward, crashing into a tall building.
Diora's eyes widened, she gritted her teeth and retreated because she knew that the dwarf in front of her was not someone she could fight. The dwarf raised his eyebrow and turned back to stare at Jian, who had his jaw dropped to the ground in astonishment.
"Kid... these rings are mine? How could you accuse me of theft when I just saved your life?"
