The Northern Sea.
A hazy fog blanketed the endless expanse of ocean. A Carrack warship, its sails billowing with wind, bore the flags of crimson lilac and black eagle, laden with extraordinary soldiers, cutting through the fog toward its depths.
At the edge of the sea mist, a shadowy landmass lood faintly, shrouded by rolling black clouds. Flickers of lightning occasionally illuminated the sky, accompanied by distant rumblings of thunder, hinting at so foreboding force brewing in the heavens.
At the ship’s bow.
A red-haired elf in traditional elven robes lowered the monocular in his hand, his brows knitted tightly in thought.
Beside him stood the ship’s captain, clad in the naval uniform of the Starfall Kingdom, his posture upright and his deanor respectful.
“Lord Sebastian, ahead lies Luna Island. Since the northern border was sealed last year, we are likely the first visitors to set foot here.”
The captain reported with deference.
Sebastian remained silent, his gaze fixed on the swirling lightning above the island. After a mont, he asked.
“How long has this phenonon persisted?”
“Roughly over a month.”
The captain replied, his tone tinged with unease.
“Over the past year, the island has been completely sealed off with no elves leaving. Based on our periodic reconnaissance, the clouds began gathering about forty days ago. Around two weeks back, the thunder started, and it’s been intensifying since then.”
“Do we know the cause?”
Sebastian asked.
The captain shook his head slightly, his expression troubled.
“We don’t. Intelligence is scarce. According to the Royal Mages’ assessnts, they suspect a legendary-level ritual might be underway on the island, altering the local magical density and causing this weather anomaly. But that’s only speculation.”
“A ritual-induced magical anomaly…”
Sebastian murmured, his frown deepening.
The fall of Helios and the eradication of the corrupted ancestor elves should have concluded that chapter. Yet, this phenonon over the island suggested sothing far more complex.
His eyes narrowed, fixating on the lightning above.
“Storms… Lightning… If I recall correctly, those are powers associated with the Sea God.”
“Could it be… tied to the Sea God’s disappearance?”
Suppressing his unease, Sebastian issued a command.
“Everyone, prepare for battle! Mages, equip specialized sealing runes!”
Hearing Sebastian’s words, the senior mages on board exchanged nervous glances.
“Lord Sebastian, are you suggesting… Could an Evil God have been resurrected on Luna Island?”
One mage asked, his voice trembling.
Sebastian shook his head.
“Just a precaution.”
Despite his reassurance, tension aboard the ship only grew.
Seeing the unease on their faces, Sebastian added.
“There’s no need to fear. Even if sothing has resurrected, it won’t yet be strong. And if the situation turns dire, I will invoke a divine descent from our great Lord.”
The soldiers seed to relax slightly, knowing full well the identity of the “Lord” Sebastian referred to.
Ever since the Holy Court rescinded its purification edict against the dark races, rumors of the divine battle in the Holy City had spread across Myria, fueling debates among nobles and commoners alike. Among these tales, one truth had beco a widely accepted consensus.
The Starfall Kingdom’s patron God—God Nyx—had been officially recognized and accepted as a God of the Holy Court’s Pantheon, not as a subordinate God, but as a chief God.
This monuntal event had shaken the church hierarchy, particularly in regions like the Crescent Diocese, where dissatisfaction ran deep.
For the citizens of the Starfall Kingdom, however, it was a cause for celebration. After all, the Nightshade Cult had already taken root across the land, and God Nyx’s identity had beco public knowledge through the battle in the Holy City.
That God was none other than Queen Charlotte, the sovereign of their kingdom.
The realization that their monarch was a living deity filled the nation with both shock and pride.
Thus, when Sebastian spoke of invoking divine aid, none doubted his ability to do so.
…
Fifteen minutes later.
The warship docked at Luna Island’s deepwater harbor, “Port Longing.”
After a century, Sebastian finally set foot once more on the land that had once exiled him.
There was no ti for nostalgia.
As his gaze swept over the desolate dock, his frown deepened. Reports began filtering in from scouts sent to investigate the surroundings.
“Lord Sebastian, the dock is completely deserted, as is the entire port.”
“The hos of the port’s residents are thick with dust—no one’s lived here for at least a year.”
A year…
Sebastian clenched his fists instinctively.
Those “elven bloodbornes” were exposed and the island sealed was also happened a year ago!
“Arm yourselves and proceed to Moon City!”
Sebastian commanded after a deep breath.
Moon City was the island’s main settlent, ho to over 100,000 elves and half-elves.
But as they ventured deeper, Sebastian’s apprehension grew.
The island felt abandoned—eerily so.
Not a single living soul crossed their path. The oppressive silence was broken only by the distant roar of thunder and the soldiers’ heavy footsteps.
By the ti they reached Moon City, the unease had reached a climax.
“Lord… Lord Sebastian, Moon City… it’s deserted too!”
A trembling scout reported.
Sebastian’s expression darkened further.
Moon City was as magnificent as he rembered—its alabaster towers and lush greenery were unchanged. But the absence of inhabitants made it seem hauntingly empty.
Not just residents—there were no signs of any living creatures on the island.
Squatting down, Sebastian examined the ground. The pale elven cobblestone path was coated with fine, ashen dust. Picking up a pinch, he felt a sinking weight in his chest.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. When he opened them, his gaze fixed on the Moon Temple Tower at the center of the storm.
“Move out. We’re heading to the Moon Temple.”
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