The Shadow Garden... One of the most Mystical Places in the Northern World that everyone knew about, yet none managed to fully explore.
It was said that this was a forbidden land. However, despite that, the greed of the Major Clans and their arrogance didn't allow them to give up on the treasures that were supposedly inside the Shadow Garden.
Everyone was waiting eagerly outside, to see the results. Most of them were feeling optimistic this time, especially the Skyler Clan.
The Head of the Skyler Clan kept taunting the Stein Clan Head every so often, telling them to leave since this place wasn't for cowards who couldn't even protect their own people.
His taunts also worked well in irritating everyone in the Stein Clan. However, they couldn't do much. When it came to brute Strength, the Skyler Clan was much stronger.
On the contrary, the Head of the Skyler Family remained calm, as he occasionally kept glancing toward the Shadow Garden.
Just like the Skyler Clan, he was also very optimistic. If Gabriel could actually get the legacy, and teach them the long lost way to create the Ancient Golems, then they could finally regain their old glory... At least to some extent.
While the family head was lost in thought, Ulesis approached him.
Her head was down and her eyes were full of regret. "I'm sorry. It's all because of me. If I hadn't brought him to the Clan, you never would've trusted him. His betrayal and everything that happened is my fault."
The Stein Family Head turned around, revealing a beautiful smile. He patted the head of his daughter before speaking.
"Reality is often not what it seems. Just wait. I have a feeling that you have something to look forward to..."
He still didn't tell his daughter directly. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, but he just didn't want to change anything before everything was over.
"I just hope that everything works out..." He further commented, letting out a sigh.
****
The Inner Zone and the Core Region of the Shadow Garden were separated by a weak barrier.
The barrier couldn't be broken, but it also didn't stop people from entering. However, there was one problem. There were certain limitations on who could enter the Core Region.
Gabriel recognized that when he tried to walk inside with Ezil.
The resistance of the weak barrier was so strong that even he couldn't pass through. It felt as if he was only going to be hurt if he forced his way.
He placed Ezil on the ground next to him.
"There's a barrier ahead of us. This should be the threshold of the Inner Zone. However, it feels impossible to pass through it."
As he spoke, he subconsciously placed his fingers on the barrier. However, strangely enough, as soon as he placed his fingers on it, he felt no resistance at all.
His hand was easily able to pass through. He soon retracted his hand, frowning.
If it was that easy to pass through, then what was that previous resistance?
Ezil also appeared somewhat curious. From this point on, she had no information as to what was ahead. Her clan hadn't managed to reach this place either.
Even if someone did, they probably never returned alive.
She reached out her hand, placing it on the barrier.
She managed to verify Gabriel's statement as she felt the resistance. She pulled her hand back, frowning.
"Is it possible to break this barrier?"
Wondering, she pulled out her heavy sword. Gathering all her strength, she attacked the barrier even though she wasn't able to see anything.
Her Sword landed on the barrier, which managed to create some ripples on the barrier. However, it wasn't enough to break it.
If anything, the barrier reflected most of her attack, sending her flying back as if she was a doll.
Ezil crashed on a distant tree, coughing out a mouthful of blood. The attack that was reflected was even stronger than her own attack. Moreover, since she couldn't see it, and wasn't expecting it, she was taken aback even more.
Gabriel approached her, helping her up. "Are you alright?"
"This barrier is much stronger than I thought. Is there no other way to enter? The Teleportation Formation of the Inner Zone might be the only way to enter the Core Region."
Ezil wiped the blood off her lips, as she stood up.
"There is another way. However, that way only works for me," Gabriel responded.
"What way?"
"That barrier doesn't seem to resist me. The only reason I was stopped previously was because I was carrying you," Gabriel explained. "Finding a small teleportation Formation in this huge place seems impossible. It'll also waste too much time."
"So you want me to stay behind as you go ahead?" Ezil inquired.
"Unless you have another way?" Gabriel asked in return.
From this point on, Ezil also had no information on what they were going to find. Her usefulness had ended when they reached the end of the Inner Zone. There really wasn't any need to take her further.
He wasn't doing charity either. The Legacy was something that he wanted for himself after all.
He thought Ezil would offer some resistance in response.
However, to his surprise, Ezil agreed right away. "Alright. I'll wait here for you."
"Hmm?" Gabriel frowned. "You aren't going to throw any tantrums?"
"Did you think I was a child?" Ezil rolled her eyes. "In any case, I had no interest in the Legacy of this place. My clan has no interest in the Golems. We focus more on our own strength."
"However, don't forget our deal. You owe me a favor later."
"I never agreed to that." Gabriel turned around, letting out laughter. Even though Ezil could end up being his enemy, he quite liked her straightforward personality.
Before Gabriel passed through the barrier, he didn't forget to say one last thing.
"If your favor doesn't make things difficult for me, I'll do it."
