Chapter 5: Destruction of the Island

As they watched the fire rage in the ruins valley, heard the massive explosions from the gorge, and felt the constant tremors beneath their feet, Mels and the others went pale, terrified and uneasy.

However, the gods dwelling high above in the heavens seemed to have no intention of stopping. One after another, deep crimson flames, like sharp swords wielded by a heavenly deity, slammed into the earth again and again, pushing those already crumbling humans further into the abyss of death!

"Divine Wrath? Do gods truly exist?" Mels murmured to himself. No matter what he had seen on Frank Island, no matter how novel this advanced technology was to him, nothing could compare to the shock brought by the "Divine Wrath" he now witnessed!

If this destruction wasn't caused by gods, then what was it? Could it be humans? Could humans possess such power? Mels didn't dare to think about it and couldn't believe it! So he could only believe this was all the work of gods—only divine anger could be so terrifying, so overwhelming!

"Indeed... it truly is divine punishment! Oh gods, forgive me! Forgive me!" Roani, his sanity shattered, dropped to his knees in a frenzy in the muddy puddle as if he'd gone mad, praying and prostrating himself incessantly to the torn sky! It seemed only this could alleviate his deep fear and indescribable agony!

"Master Roani! Snap out of it, snap out of it!" The White-haired Wind God, regaining his senses, suddenly noticed Roani's breakdown. He immediately grabbed the renowned Phantom Beast Mentor, lifting him up and shaking him violently by the neck.

As Roani gradually calmed but still stared blankly at the orange-red flames falling from the sky, the White-haired Wind God shook him, shouting, "What is Divine Wrath? Why did you recognize its name the moment you saw that light? What have you been hiding? Tell me! Tell me!"

"Opening the forbidden realm of the gods, obtaining the power to annihilate the gods, orange-red light would descend from the heavens, the Heavenly God's wrath knows no end! These words were left by ancient humans on an electronic display when I first led the ruins research team to officially open the third resource center in the ruins! At the time, no one believed this would become reality, including me. We always saw these warnings as part of the ancient humans' religious beliefs! But... but..." Roani trembled as he spoke.

"Is it truly gods?" The White-haired Wind God let go of Roani weakly, staring dazedly at the still-exploding ruins.

The destructive rays continued for over ten minutes. Almost every inch of land in the valley ruins had been scorched black. No one could have survived, and no intact structures remained either! The valley continued to burn, with waves of scorching, foul-smelling air carried on the mountain wind to Mels and the others outside the valley!

In magical civilizations, people had long believed in various deities. However, in the human world, no one had ever seen a true god! In human hearts, gods were lofty and unattainable, yet also vague and ethereal!

But today, after witnessing everything that happened on Frank Island with their own eyes, the image of the gods was seared into the minds of Mels and the others.

When the light in the sky died away and the flames in the ruins gradually diminished, the White-haired Wind God said gravely to those around him, "Let's go and see if there are any survivors."

With heavy hearts, Mels and the others rose, preparing to cross the boulders and enter the still-burning ruins. Just as they began to move, Mels spotted a black shadow high in the sky!

"Master, look at the sky!" Mels shouted as he noticed the object in the air rapidly descending.

Looking where he pointed, everyone immediately looked up! They saw the black object falling at high speed like a meteor. Half a second later, three more black shapes appeared in quick succession within the visible range behind it!

At first, they took these shapes for humans, but as they drew closer, they suddenly realized the figures were much too large to be human!

"Everyone, retreat into the woods! Now!" The White-haired Wind God, sensing something amiss, immediately shouted. At his reminder, everyone snapped out of their daze and swiftly used their best movement skills to vanish elusively into the dense forest! Boom! Just as everyone had taken cover, a massive black figure crashed to the ground! Its black body gleamed with a dazzling, gem-like radiance. On its round black head, a deep red eye sat squarely in the center, reminiscent of a demon's. The broad, bat-like wings on its back were slowly retracting into the black body with rhythmic mechanical sounds. The round barrel held in its metal, mechanical arm was as massive as the cannons equipped on Frank Island! Humanoid in shape, yet over seven meters tall! Body like iron, yet exceptionally agile!

Hiding in the dense forest, Mels and the others had no idea what this was. Even the knowledgeable Roani could only stare wide-eyed at this massive metal monstrosity! Everyone watched quietly, hardly daring to breathe, deeply fearing that the red single eye would turn toward them!

The metal monster seemed utterly uninterested in whether anyone was in the woods. It suddenly took three swift steps forward with its huge metal legs! Moments later, the other three monsters that had fallen from the sky landed. Like the first, they cautiously scanned their surroundings before following the lead monster toward the ruins.

The monsters' target seemed to be solely the ruins. When the first black metal monster was blocked by rocks at the entrance to the valley ruins, it slightly raised the cannon-like metal tube in its hand. A red light shot out from the tube. In the ensuing explosion, the rocks and the entrance vanished, leaving only patches of scorched earth turned to dust.

With the obstruction gone, the mechanical footsteps continued forward. Though their figures soon disappeared from view, explosions echoed one after another from the valley! It went without saying—everyone knew where these explosions came from!

Though Mels and the others wanted to know what these metal monsters were, not one dared to step out and face them! Perhaps their clumsy steps couldn't match the group's agile movements, but who could withstand the terrifying weapons in their hands? Everyone could only watch silently, quietly waiting for these monsters from who-knows-where to disappear soon!

Slightly regaining his composure, Mels suddenly felt a tremor from the body pressed close to him. Turning, he saw Lannis curled up, hiding behind him. Seeing the delicate girl's fearful expression, Mels smiled slightly and said, "Don't be afraid, I'm right here with you! Don't worry, no one will harm you!"

"Really?" Lannis said, her body trembling slightly.

"Yes, I swear on my honor that I won't let anyone hurt you!" Mels whispered. "You said it yourself, you little pervert. Remember what you just said, or I'll definitely kill you!" Lannis suddenly lowered her voice, threatening Mels.

"Huh?" Startled by Lannis's sudden change in tone, Mels turned to look at the girl again. But this time...

"You... you... Bagina!" Mels nearly jumped up as if he'd swallowed a poisonous snake, only to find Bagina gripping his arm tightly. Forced to maintain his position, Mels inwardly prayed to the heavens not to let Bagina beat him up like a toy again!

"What are you looking at!" Bagina glared, scolding Mels in a low voice as he tried to sneak a glance. The moment she spoke, Mels shrank back in fear, not daring to move recklessly again.

"What are you afraid of? Afraid I'll eat you? You said it yourself just now—you'll protect me!" Bagina whispered sharply.

"Young lady, you fear nothing under heaven or earth. Why would you need my protection?" Mels said with a pained expression.

"None of your business! I just... just fear these ghost-like things!" Bagina said, involuntarily trembling slightly when mentioning the black metal monsters. Her reaction surprised Mels as if he'd discovered a new continent!

Since they'd met, Bagina had always called Mels a "little pervert" and never given him a kind look. Yet now she was actively asking for his protection?

More importantly, the always haughty Bagina was afraid of ghosts and monsters? Thinking of this, Mels secretly rejoiced: "Heh, you nasty woman, see if you dare bully me again! Hmph, I'll definitely find a chance to dress up as a ghost and scare you properly!"

Just as Mels was secretly delighted, the White-haired Wind God suddenly whispered to everyone, "Everyone, no matter what has entered the ruins now, I'm certain they're extremely dangerous! If they discover we're here, our situation will be perilous! Since the ruins are already destroyed, I think we should leave here as soon as possible!" After hearing the White-haired Wind God's words, everyone nodded in agreement.

Thus, led by the White-haired Wind God, everyone carefully made their way along the path they came, heading deeper into the mountains.

At that moment, dark clouds began gathering in the pitch-black sky. Soon, a light rain began to fall over Frank Island. Unlike usual rain, it lacked freshness, instead carrying a pungent odor.

The pattering raindrops occasionally fell through the dense foliage of the mountain forest onto everyone. Though puzzled by the sticky, paste-like rain, they pressed onward. The destruction of the ruins, the mysterious Divine Wrath, and the black Metal Giants—these inexplicable mysteries weighed on everyone's minds, making them even more eager to leave this terrifying island.

The night was already dark, and the dense clouds and thick forest made the island seem like hell. In the pitch-black space where they couldn't see their own hands, Mels and the others could only rely on the faint sounds of footsteps ahead to determine their direction. In such an environment, a sliver of white light suddenly appeared in the dark night sky. In an instant, two men dressed in black bodysuits, with glass-like hoods covering their heads, appeared in the sky.

One tall, one short—both mysteriously dressed figures floated in the air, scanning the ground around them. On their glass-like hoods, a deep red light flickered with a strange radiance.

When the shorter mysterious figure turned his head toward the direction Mels and the others were heading, he suddenly spoke: "Commander, enemies detected three kilometers to the west. Should we eliminate them?"

"Hmm... no need! Orders have already been given to destroy this island. We're only here to supervise the execution of the order. No need to do anything unnecessary!" the one addressed as commander said after a moment's thought.

"But... my detector shows the enemies have high life energy! At least half of them possess Summoned Beasts capable of destroying our attack units! Would letting them go pose a threat to the attack forces?" the shorter mysterious figure said again.

"That is a concern! According to our intelligence, the enemies here shouldn't possess high-energy Summoned Beasts. I suspect these enemies likely come from the Carshu continent!" the commander nodded slightly. He then took out a white rectangular metal box from his waist pocket and pressed some buttons on it, seemingly conducting some kind of scan.

After a while, the commander put away the box and said, "Based on life energy readings, they belong to a special type of human, including high-level mages and warriors! They possess six Sacred Beast Summons, two Super Sacred Beast Summons, three intermediate Summons, and one undetermined-type Summon! Though our Summons could easily eliminate them, the new regulations explicitly forbid attacking any enemies with undetermined-type Summons!"

"Undetermined-type Summons? That's practically a miracle—none have appeared for centuries! The council will be thrilled to know about this! Commander, should we notify the western attack units to clear a path for them to leave?" the shorter mysterious figure asked excitedly.

"No need! Given their combat capabilities, they should be able to overcome the attack units. If we easily clear a path, they might come and go freely on this island. It's more advantageous for us to let them leave on their own! Now, head to the south. The attack units there seem to be under attack by local enemies. Help them speed up clearing the enemies!" the commander said to the other.

After the other mysterious figure left, the commander still floating in the air suddenly chuckled coldly and said, "Undetermined-type... heh, the heavens treat me quite well!" After this cryptic remark, he immediately dove straight from the sky toward the ground, his target precisely the depths of the dense forest where Mels and the others were!

In the dense forest, Mels and the others trudged forward step by step with great difficulty. Unfamiliar with the terrain, their progress was very slow!

Originally, Roani could have served as a guide, but after witnessing the power of the heavenly fire, this Phantom Beast Mentor seemed mentally unhinged, only muttering, "Divine punishment!" Left with no choice, the White-haired Wind God had to rely on the map previously made by the Frost Death God to feel his way forward, but the pitch-dark environment still prevented him from speeding up!

In the darkness, Mels suddenly felt someone gently tugging the corner of his clothes from behind, while Sol's whispered question reached his ears. "Boss, do you think we can make it back to the mainland alive? I keep feeling those black metal machines aren't monsters at all, but something controlled by someone! If humans really possess such powerful weapons, then we'll definitely be killed! Because we've discovered their secret, and I don't think anyone would want that secret exposed!"

"Sol, don't overthink it! Even if those are human creations, so what? With the Summons our masters possess, I'm sure they can defeat them! It's just that we need to hurry back to the port now, or we might come under attack! Don't dwell on it now. Pay attention to your footing. If you're really tired, let Rek or me carry you!" Mels said to Sol.

In truth, Mels knew that traversing these mountain paths, which required considerable stamina even for himself, would be very taxing for the physically weak Sol. That's why he suggested Sol let him or Rek carry him.

However, Sol's response took Mels completely by surprise.

Sol said, "Heh, no need! Though I'm a bit tired, I can still manage! Boss, if we make it back alive, you have to teach me some methods to use Qi energy. Otherwise, I'll always be a burden when we need to run!" Simple words, yet Mels heard deep affection in them!

Just as Mels and Sol were whispering, a white light suddenly descended from the sky, instantly enveloping the entire dim forest. The sudden change naturally drew everyone's attention. However, no one could keep their eyes open in this white light, only instinctively drawing their weapons to guard against possible enemies around them!

The intense white light gradually faded. As Mels and the others slowly adapted to the light, they nervously scanned their surroundings for possible enemies! Yet the forest remained as peaceful as ever, with no unfamiliar figures appearing in their sight! After a while, at the White-haired Wind God's gesture, Mels and the others slowly moved closer to him. They gradually formed a circle, backs together in a defensive formation.

"Old geezer, did you hear anything unusual?" the Mad Venerable whispered to the White-haired Wind God.

"Not now! Earlier, there was a sound of wind passing by—very fast. I couldn't determine what it was!" the White-haired Wind God replied.

"Hmm, I heard the same. Seems like a master passed by! Regardless, this place is dangerous. Let's leave here first!" the Mad Venerable said after cautiously scanning the surroundings, addressing the White-haired Wind God.

"Venerable Brother makes a good point!" White-haired Wind God nodded slightly, then turned to the others. "Everyone, follow me! Second Brother, you escort Master Roani; Sixth Brother, Seventh Brother, carry Third Sister and Fifth Brother on your backs; Fourth Sister, the young lady is in your care. Mels, look after your friends! We need to get out of here as fast as we can!"

No sooner had he spoken than everyone acted, shouldering their charges and rushing forward. White-haired Wind God and Mad Venerable took positions at the front and rear, acting as the group's guards, vigilantly protecting everyone as they left the dense forest.

However carefully White-haired Wind God and the others watched their surroundings, they never imagined the enemy was not on the ground, but floating a kilometer above, looking on coldly as Mels and his companions retreated cautiously. A mysterious figure in the air wore an inscrutable cold smile. In his eyes, one could see expectation and ambition!

Two hours later, Mels and the others huddled in a cave not far from the mountain path. Their original plan had been to leave the forest quickly and take a steam car away from the dangerous ruins. However, after Roani gradually regained his senses, he warned them that driving a steam car in the torrential rain would be extremely dangerous.

Left with no choice, and after considering everyone's safety and Roani's warning, White-haired Wind God decided to first find shelter from the rain and wait for dawn before figuring out how to leave the mountains. That decision led them to their current refuge. Yet in this cave, they could not light a fire, speak loudly, or rest peacefully. The cold, damp environment tested not only their bodies but also their spirits!

At that moment, Mels and Rek were down to their underwear, their outer clothes now draped over the shivering Sol. The mage's weak physique had nearly caused him to collapse from the rain; without the others' garments, he might have succumbed to using fire magic for warmth.

Everyone sat quietly in the cave. In the darkness, they could only see each other's eyes and listen to the rain outside. Roani had recovered from his earlier shock and was now conversing carefully with White-haired Wind God. Mels, meanwhile, sat silently, mulling over all he had seen and heard in recent days.

"Rek, why do you think Frank Island is being attacked? Are those things really a god's minions?" Mels asked.

"...I can't say for sure. But I feel they aren't gods. They seem more like beings—or humans—with abilities far beyond ours!" Rek ventured boldly.

"Humans? If people with such advanced technology exist, why haven't they conquered the mainland? Why destroy this small island?" Sol interjected.

"That's what puzzles me too! If they are peaceful and wish to avoid war, they could have used gentler methods to destroy the ruins or erase the technology, even if it was stolen. But their current approach is sheer massacre! So..." Mels laid out his thoughts slowly.

"Yes, I agree! Also, if their numbers are too small to fight the entire Carshu continent, starting a war here makes even less sense! They'd need to eliminate everyone, or word would reach the mainland, exposing their secret and putting humans on guard," Rek continued.

"Sigh, nothing fits. Could they truly be divine attendants, descended from the heavens?" Sol said. His words were met with heavy silence. No one knew what controlled those metal machines, nor who the true mastermind behind Frank Island's destruction was.

"Look!" Akafir suddenly stood, pointing toward the western sky outside the cave and shouting. Following his direction, everyone looked up to see a crimson light shrouding the western horizon. Though faint in the rainy night, they were almost certain it was the glow of flames from the port city.

Flames visible from dozens of kilometers away through the downpour—what could that mean? The answer was obvious. The port city was surely engulfed in divine wrath, destined to be utterly destroyed like the ruins.

"Master!" Mels cried out, staring at the distant flames.

White-haired Wind God looked grimly at the sky. After a long moment, he sighed. "I never thought these mysterious machines intended total annihilation. Our fleet must be lost." His words confirmed they were all trapped on the island, their hope of returning to the mainland shattered.

"Big Brother, what do we do now? Can we still build ships to return?" Cloud-reaching Sword God asked gloomily.

"Assembling a fleet is no simple task! The seas are rough; without large vessels, return is impossible. A three-month voyage needs food, water, and crew—all problematic. We must first evade the enemy's slaughter, then hope to signal a passing fleet for help," White-haired Wind God said.

Just as despair set in, Roani spoke up. "I believe there may still be a way back to the Carshu continent."

His words made everyone turn to the Phantom Beast Mentor like drowning men grasping at straws.

Roani calmly took two steps forward. "I did not expect to meet you all here. To prevent Frank Island from falling under military control, I secretly gathered opponents of invading Carshu and prepared for action. Using my annual research grants, I built an underground base years ago on a small island west of Frank Island, a refuge in case of failure.

The enemy likely won't find it. If we evade them, then after they leave, we can build a small boat and reach the base. Once there, constructing a mechanical ocean-going vessel in a few months should be feasible."

"Excellent! Truly excellent!" White-haired Wind God exclaimed excitedly. Roani's words were a timely lifeline, rekindling hope for Mels and the others.

Boom! Just as they awaited dawn, a deep red mechanical eye appeared in the forest near the cave! Heavy footsteps, a massive body—like a monster, it crashed through the trees toward them!

"Scatter!" White-haired Wind God roared, charging the giant metal monster. But the seemingly clumsy machine reacted with shocking speed.

Seeing his elusive form, it knew it had no time to use its large beam weapon and instantly opened chest plates. Before Mels and the others could react, a dense barrage sprayed from its body toward White-haired Wind God!

The robot's mobility far exceeded expectations. Though desperate to help, they could only watch as the barrage engulfed him. The metal giant seemed certain of its kill. But as it strode majestically forward, a furious shout came from above!

"Wind God Palm, Toppling Mountains and Oceans!" White-haired Wind God, unharmed, now leaped at the mechanical warrior's head, channeling his full Qi into a massive palm strike aimed at its head!

The moment the chest plates opened, White-haired Wind God had anticipated an attack. Before the barrage came, he used his supreme combat skill to leap clear! While the giant fired at his former position, he had circled behind, gathered his Qi, and launched his assault!

His attack was sudden and swift. The mechanical giant reacted, trying to raise its left arm to block with its shield, but was too slow! Deep blue Qi surged from White-haired Wind God's palms as they struck the round metal head, the impact deforming it instantly.

The battle ended in a flash. As White-haired Wind God landed softly, the giant metal robot resembled a turtle, its head crushed into its torso. In the rain, sparks sprayed from the deformed neck like gushing blood.

Seeing the motionless giant, everyone cheered. No one expected such a powerful foe to fall so quickly. But Mels felt differently. Watching White-haired Wind God approach, he sensed something wrong. Sure enough, after a few steps, his master staggered and collapsed.

Everyone was aghast. Mels, closest, sprinted to his mentor.

"Master, what's wrong?" Mels cradled him. His hand brushed White-haired Wind God's chest and came away sticky. In the dim light, he saw it was covered in blood! A finger-sized circular wound on his chest bled profusely.

"Big Brother's hurt! Third Sister, hurry!" Cloud-reaching Sword God shouted urgently.

In the flurry, White-haired Wind God was carried into the cave. Angry Thunder Fairy, skilled in medicine, bandaged him while Cold Ice Deity used ice magic to staunch the bleeding. Despite their efforts, he showed no improvement. Beyond severe blood loss, the wound showed signs of festering.

"Let me see," Roani offered, stepping forward after watching helplessly.

After a careful examination, he wiped his brow. "His condition is grave. A weapon of immense destructive power wounded him. I don't know what it was, but it generated intense heat. After being hit, he seemed fine briefly, but exertion caused vascular rupture, and the damage is spreading."

"Master, how can we save him?" the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes asked almost in unison.

"The conditions here are insufficient. But at the base, with its medical equipment, it should be manageable. The priority is to prevent worsening. You must take turns channeling your Qi into him to maintain circulation. We must hurry to the western coast. I have a small boat there; it will get us swiftly to the base." Roani spoke after a moment's thought.

Saving a life was like fighting a fire. Hearing there was hope, the Seven Immortals wasted no time. Cloud-reaching Sword God moved to lift his brother, but strong arms took him first.

Mad Venerable, bearing White-haired Wind God on his back, eyes bloodshot, growled, "Bastards! You've really pissed me off! Stick close, kids. From now on, anyone blocking our path dies!"

The night wore on. Forced to abandon their plan, Mels and the others moved through the darkness toward Frank Island's western coast.

Under the pitch-black sky, Frank Island's three cities burned. The military resisted valiantly, but against the giant metal robots, it was futile. Cities, streets, homes—wherever people were, there was weeping, death, and blood.

The black metal robots descended like demons and vanished like demons. New technological achievements melted into red molten steel under their dark gun barrels. Many Frankians perished in flames, unaware of what happened. Perhaps, as Roani said, humans should not wake sleeping demons or steal divine wisdom. Yet regardless, prosperous, advanced Frank was no more. At dawn, only burning ruins and endless weeping would remain.