Chapter 3: Return to the Mainland

The sun climbed higher, approaching noon. After two hours of fierce battle, the fight between the White-haired Wind God and the mysterious man was still ongoing. Although the Dark Three-Headed Hound was now covered in wounds, the White-haired Wind God showed no intention of stopping. Perhaps he was waiting for something, or perhaps he knew that if he failed, everyone would lose their lives. Although the mysterious man held the advantage, he was in no hurry to end the battle. Maybe he was enjoying the thrill of combat, or perhaps he wanted to watch the White-haired Wind God struggle in agony before death.

The Fire Phoenix truly lived up to its reputation as a legendary powerful summoned beast. Even when facing a formidable creature like the Dark Three-Headed Hound, it toyed with its opponent like a cat playing with a mouse. Its fiery wings continuously traced elegant arcs in the air, while flaming magic missiles shot across the sky, again and again, charging toward its enemy. Against the Fire Phoenix's onslaught, the Dark Three-Headed Hound could only dodge repeatedly.

Seeing the White-haired Wind God, now locked in a desperate struggle with no means to fight back, Mels fretted intensely. However, he understood the current situation: no one dared intervene to help the White-haired Wind God, or else the other mysterious man hiding inside the Metal Giant would use his weapon to send the Ironclad Ship to the bottom of the sea.

In fact, it wasn't just Mels who thought this way; even the Mad Venerable, considering the safety of the Ironclad Ship, had delayed taking action to assist the White-haired Wind God. Otherwise, given the deep brotherly bond among the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes, they would have already rushed forward together to face the powerful enemy alongside him.

Although the White-haired Wind God kept stalling for time, he knew very well that defeat was inevitable. Initially, he had hoped the enemy would make a slight mistake, giving him a chance to counterattack. But the cunning stranger remained standing on the Metal Giant, showing no intention of approaching.

And whenever the White-haired Wind God tried to bypass the Fire Phoenix to get closer to the mysterious man, the latter would always command the Fire Phoenix to block his path. Due to the threat posed by the Fire Phoenix, after several failed attempts to attack, the White-haired Wind God had no choice but to give up the offensive, watching helplessly as the situation grew increasingly unfavorable.

Time passed minute by minute, and finally, the mysterious man had enough of this tedious battle game. With a smug expression, he raised a finger and said to the White-haired Wind God, "Foolish experimental subject, now you should understand the gap between us. Heh heh, this boring game ends here. It's time to send you all to hell." As soon as he finished speaking, he immediately turned and entered the Metal Giant, then raised the largest metal gun, aiming it at the Ironclad Ship as if preparing to attack.

Oh no! Mels's heart sank. Seeing the Metal Giant's actions, it wasn't just Mels; everyone on the Ironclad Ship knew the enemy was about to attack. Yet, even the White-haired Wind God had been unable to defeat his opponent, so how could Mels and the others possibly stand against such power? Watching helplessly as the Metal Giant drew closer and gazing into its deep, dark gun barrel, everyone's hearts were in their throats.

Although he desperately wanted to rescue the Ironclad Ship, the White-haired Wind God was pinned down by the Fire Phoenix. At this moment, he could barely protect himself, let alone extend a helping hand to save those on the ship from the crisis. He could only watch helplessly as the Metal Giant prepared to attack. Just as the critical moment arrived, and the Angry Thunder Fairy and the Cold Ice Deity were about to use their magic to try and resist the Metal Giant's laser cannon, a whirlpool suddenly churned on the sea surface not far from the Ironclad Ship. The seawater seethed and bubbled, and within moments, a massive black object gradually emerged from the froth. This sudden apparition not only stunned Mels and the others but also seemed to surprise the massive Metal Giant. The Metal Giant halted its advance toward the ship and turned, aiming its huge gun barrel at the black object. Almost simultaneously, the other Metal Giant also raised its weapon, targeting the black object, as if in their eyes, it posed a greater threat than the Ironclad Ship. Sure enough, before the Metal Giants could launch an attack, the black object swiftly shot two beams of blue light, instantly striking both of them.

Just like when the Metal Giants had attacked the small sampan earlier, when the blue light hit them, two enormous flames blossomed on the sea's surface. Before the mysterious men inside could even scream, everything vanished like a dream before everyone's eyes. Only the flames still burning on the sea bore witness to the earlier fierce battle. Almost at the same time the two Metal Giants sank into the sea, the Fire Phoenix, which had been battling the White-haired Wind God for so long, suddenly disappeared into thin air. Everything vanished completely from sight as if it had never happened.

"Boss, what on earth is going on? Were those two swaggering Metal Giants really that fragile? What is that black giant thing? Is it here to help us? Or..." Sol tugged at Mels, firing off questions one after another.

Before Sol could finish, Mels immediately interrupted, "How should I know?! But at least we can be sure these guys are definitely human! And they possess advanced technology beyond our imagination. Judging by the situation, they seem to belong to different factions. That's why the two Metal Giants earlier tried to attack first when they saw the black object approaching, but the black object's firepower seemed stronger than theirs, so they had no choice but to meet a watery grave!"

"Boss, stop talking—the black giant is coming toward us!" Sol pointed at the sea as he spoke to Mels. Following the direction he indicated, Mels looked out and indeed saw the black object slowly approaching the Ironclad Ship. By now, the White-haired Wind God had returned to the ship. Exhausted, he leaned on the Cold Ice Deity for support, observing every move of the black object. Although no one knew whether the black object was friend or foe, its earlier attack on the Metal Giants had indeed saved everyone on the ship from certain death. However, fear of the unknown prevented them from openly expressing their relief. They could only watch the black object quietly, guessing its intentions.

As if observing a rare animal, the black object circled the Ironclad Ship once before gradually sailing into the distance. Under the watchful eyes of Mels and the others, it slowly submerged into the sea, disappearing from sight. The half-day battle thus came to an end. Mels didn't understand why those Metal Giants were so hostile toward humans. Why did they call the White-haired Wind God an "experimental subject"? Could it be true, as they claimed, that they were the "gods" who created humanity? But the answers to all these questions vanished along with the disappearance of the black object.

The Ironclad Ship slowly set sail again. This time, Mels had a premonition that they would return to the mainland smoothly. Although the journey to Frank Island left too many unanswered questions, Mels felt extremely fortunate to have experienced it all alongside the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes.

Although the Ironclad Ship couldn't compare to the technological level of the Metal Giants or the black object, it was far more advanced than the wooden ocean-going ship Mels and the others had taken earlier. The three-month voyage to Frank Island was reduced to just over twenty days on the return trip, and the outline of Bomat Harbor was already visible in the distance.

To prevent the advanced Ironclad Ship from causing unnecessary trouble upon returning to the mainland, the White-haired Wind God and the others ordered the ship to anchor offshore before entering Bomat Harbor. After a day of camouflage, disguising it with a wooden shell, they finally headed toward Bomat Harbor.

Bomat Harbor was already filled with members of the Magic Family waiting for the White-haired Wind God's return. With their help, the Ironclad Ship was quickly towed into the dock exclusively belonging to the Magic Family. Finally able to set foot on land, Mels and the others couldn't contain their joy and unanimously decided to take full advantage of the two-day stop to explore Bomat Harbor thoroughly.

"Awesome! Boss, let's go find some delicious food first!" Akafir said excitedly, his face beaming.

"You moron, all you think about is eating! Boss, I think we should go find some pretty girls first. Heh heh, after so many days at sea, all we've seen are old men—I'm practically bored to death!" Sol joked.

"Idiot, only you are into that kind of stuff! Boss, I think we should find a place to take a comfortable bath and get some sleep first!" Rek's idea clearly differed from Sol's and Akafir's, but Mels already had other plans in mind.

He deliberately fell silent for a moment, then turned to the others and said, "Since you all have your own ideas, I think it's best if we each go our separate ways. Akafir, go with Rek to find an inn and eat your fill there. Sol, go wherever you want to have fun, but remember to come back by tonight. Otherwise, when the ship sails tomorrow, we might not wait for you!"

"Oh... so the boss already has plans! Heh heh, Rek, Akafir, we definitely shouldn't be third wheels. If we ruin the boss's good time, we'll be in big trouble!" Sol nudged Rek and Akafir lightly, giving Mels a knowing, mischievous grin.

"Get lost! If you don't scram far away from this Young Master, I'll beat your head so hard you won't be able to go have fun!" Mels laughed awkwardly, then raised his arm as if to hit them, shooing Sol and the others away from the harbor. In truth, Sol was completely right—Mels did have other plans. During the voyage, Mels hadn't had a single chance to be alone with Lannis, so he wanted to take advantage of this rare day off to enjoy some "alone time" with her!

Not long after Sol and the others left, Lannis emerged from the harbor accompanied by the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes. Seeing his beloved arrive, Mels felt a surge of happiness, but when he noticed the Seven Immortals beside Lannis, a hint of hesitation crept into his heart. However, the White-haired Wind God and the others weren't as old-fashioned as Mels had imagined. Spotting Mels from afar, they smiled slightly. Then, after the White-haired Wind God whispered a few words to the Cold Ice Deity, the latter led Lannis toward Mels.

"Silly Boy, are you waiting for someone?" the Cold Ice Deity asked with a smile.

"I..." Before Mels could finish, the Cold Ice Deity interrupted with a smile.

"Alright, no need to explain. We know what's on your mind. Today, we're giving you special permission to take Lannis around the harbor. But remember, you must return to meet us by evening. Otherwise, you won't get another chance like this!" the Cold Ice Deity said, smiling warmly at Mels.

"Thank you, Fifth Master! I'll definitely remember!" With that, Mels took Lannis's hand and quickly ran out of sight of the Seven Immortals. Honestly, as long as he could be with Lannis, Mels was overjoyed. And Lannis's favorite person was also Mels, but due to her usual upbringing and the presence of the Seven Immortals, she didn't dare to be openly affectionate with him.

They ran for who knows how long until they reached a quiet little park.

"Brother Mels, slow down a bit. I'm so tired, really tired," Lannis said, slightly out of breath, patting her chest.

"S-sorry. I... I just..." Holding his beloved's small hand, Mels stammered a little.

"Brother Mels must think I'm useless," Lannis said softly.

Seeing her slightly dejected expression, Mels grew very nervous. He waved his hands repeatedly and said, "No, I absolutely don't think that! You were born into the Magic Family, so many people must dote on you. I imagine you always travel by carriage, of course not like us mountain bandits who run everywhere! Heh heh..."

"Brother Mels, you're so kind." Lannis was indeed a bit tired. She walked over to a stone bench, sat down, and said, "Actually, living in a wealthy family isn't as wonderful as you might think, Brother. Since I was little, my elders have always been busy with business. Apart from guards and subordinates, I've never had any real friends around me. I'm like a golden canary in a cage—no matter how ornate the cage, it still robs me of the ability to fly freely." Lannis spoke with a lonely expression.

After hearing Lannis's words, Mels momentarily didn't know how to respond or how to explain and comfort her closed-off heart.

He slowly approached Lannis, mustered his courage, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Maybe you really think you're unhappy, and I used to feel the same way. I never had parents since I was little. My three foster fathers found me, raised me, and brought me up. Every time I saw other families happily gathered with their parents, I'd resent fate for being so unfair to me—why didn't I have my own birth parents?

Although my foster fathers gave me lots of love, taught me martial arts, and instilled principles in me, they still aren't my birth parents. But after leaving them, I met a group of people. Those people were scorned as 'useless,' but in reality, they had only lost their summoned beasts. Yet their plight was like being stripped of their right to be human. Those children lacked clothes and food, and some didn't even know how to eat candy. Looking at them and then thinking about myself, I realized how truly fortunate I am!

Maybe your life is dull, maybe you feel you've lost a lot of freedom, but have you ever considered that while you complain about having too many material comforts, there are many pitiful children out in the cold wind, hoping only for a single meal? Compared to them, we really shouldn't complain about anything. Don't you think?" Mels lowered his head, gazing at his own palms as he spoke softly.

This was the first time Lannis had seen Mels with such a solemn expression, and only now did she realize that beneath his cheerful exterior lay such a burdened heart. Perhaps because the December weather was already cold, or perhaps because Lannis wanted to warm Mels's frozen heart, she slowly leaned against him, quietly feeling the warmth emanating from his body.

"Heh heh, listen to me rambling about all sorts of nonsense. I promised to take you out to have fun. Come on, let's go see what interesting places we can find!" Mels prepared to stand up and leave, but Lannis tightly held onto his arm, lowering her head without saying a word.

"What's wrong? Are you still very tired?" Seeing Lannis not moving, Mels asked with concern.

"No, I just want to sit here quietly. Is that okay, Brother Mels?" Lannis said softly. Looking at her expression and feeling the warmth from her, what else could Mels say? Perhaps at this moment, they wished heaven would let time stand still, allowing them to fully savor this warmth.

The sun gradually sank in the west, and the twilight glow dyed the earth a golden hue. In this beautiful dusk, the figures of Mels and Lannis merged together as if they would never part again.

Early the next morning, Mels, Sol, Rek, Akafir, and the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes set off in over a dozen carriages toward the capital of the Fijinando United Kingdom. Actually, the Magic Family's base wasn't within the Fijinando Kingdom, but because the current head of the Magic Family—Lannis's father, Rebat Magic—was on official business in the capital of Fijinando Kingdom, he had ordered the Magic Family members waiting for the Seven Immortals at Bomat Harbor to escort Lannis and the Seven Immortals to the capital of the Fijinando United Kingdom.

Although the Seven Immortals didn't understand why Rebat Magic was so eager to see them and Lannis, regardless, they were responsible for protecting Lannis, so they had no choice but to follow the instructions and alter their original itinerary. However, this change of plans gave Mels a major headache. Originally, they had planned to visit his foster fathers at Skull Ridge on their way back to the Karanth Empire before continuing with the Seven Immortals to learn martial arts. But now they had no choice but to go to Fijinando.

Still, for Mels, as long as he could be with Lannis, even a small problem like this didn't matter. Perhaps this was fate's subtle design—this change in itinerary would eventually prevent Mels from ever seeing his three foster fathers again!

On January 17th, year 3000 of the Kashu Continent calendar, this was the day the Blue Whirlwind bandit organization disappeared from the continent. Perhaps most people didn't care whether a small bandit group existed or not, but for those who cared about it, this was undoubtedly devastating news.

Sarikat, this brave man who was once a first-class general in the Relkes Empire—why did he change his name and come to the Chaotic Country? And why did he form a bandit organization? This story must begin twenty years ago...

Sarikat was born in a small town in the southwestern part of the Relkes Empire. Although the area wasn't very wealthy, it was peaceful and quiet. Kerjes and Skete had been Sarikat's good friends since childhood. When they turned eighteen, the local empire began conscripting soldiers, and the three young men joined the Relkes Imperial Army together.

Fortunately, due to their outstanding performance, they were quickly assigned to the Capital Defense Force. In the Relkes Empire, aside from the Dragon Knight Corps, the Capital Defense Force was the most valued by the military. Sarikat had studied various martial arts under a local martial arts instructor since childhood, and after joining the army, he learned many techniques only professional soldiers could master.

Thanks to his talent and diligent practice, he soon caught the attention of Imperial Marshal Res Bolt with his exceptional skills and was taken as a disciple. From then on, Sarikat's career soared.

Because of Bolt's influence, Sarikat's friends Kerjes and Skete also entered the Imperial Mage Academy and the Imperial Dragon Cavalry Corps for training, respectively. During his ten-year military career, Sarikat, relying on his own abilities and numerous achievements in defeating demon races and suppressing bandits, finally rose to the rank of first-class general in the Relkes Empire! Sarikat also became good friends with Keluos, and together they served under Marshal Res Bolt.

However, at this time, although the Relkes Empire appeared prosperous on the surface, undercurrents were swirling. Due to the emperor's old age, the imperial court split into two factions: the military faction led by the Imperial Marshal supported the crown prince, while the civil officials led by the prime minister backed the third prince.

Originally, according to the traditional rules of the Relkes Empire, the throne had to be inherited by the crown prince. Unfortunately, the current crown prince was frail and sickly, while the third prince was exceptionally intelligent and deeply favored by the emperor. Thus, power-hungry ministers began siding with the third prince, sparking a struggle for the throne.

Initially, Sarikat and the others had no place in these discussions. But the problem arose because the three of them, along with Keluos, were gaining increasing prestige in the military day by day, and Keluos seemed to lean more toward the third prince, which displeased Duke Res Bolt.

One night, Duke Bolt summoned Sarikat and the other two to his ducal residence, secretly handed them a map, and ordered them to "clean up" the location marked on the map within a day.

As disciples of Duke Bolt, Sarikat and the others weren't new to such assassination missions. So after confirming the location on the map, they immediately led thirty warriors they usually trained and quietly headed toward the target on the outskirts of the capital.

However, Sarikat never expected that the mission Duke Bolt gave them this time was to eliminate their own good friend—Keluos. Because Keluos had purchased a new estate and immediately led troops to the border afterward, he hadn't had time to inform Sarikat and the others. Thus, Sarikat had no idea that the building marked on the map Duke Bolt gave him was actually his friend's new home.

On a dark and windy night, over thirty agile, strong men suddenly descended from the sky and stormed into Keluos's residence. Keluos's family members had no time to escape—not even enough time to light a lamp or put on clothes. In the pitch darkness, dozens of lives were extinguished.

Having completed their mission, Sarikat and the others were about to leave, but he never expected that just before departing from this hell, he would come across something he recognized.

When he learned the truth, Sarikat gazed at the corpses strewn across the ground, filled with both rage and regret. But unfortunately, there's no cure for regret in this world, and the dead can never come back!

Unable to contain his burning anger, Sarikat ignored the objections of Kerjes and Skete and charged straight for the duke's estate to demand justice. However, the cunning duke had already anticipated Sarikat's reaction. Before Sarikat could even approach the estate, archers lying in wait launched an attack on him and his companions.

Realizing that he had not only fallen into the duke's trap but also become the killer of his own friends and kin, Sarikat wished he could die on the spot. Yet, after Skete persuaded him otherwise, Sarikat decided to flee the Relkes Empire and start a new life elsewhere, while also building up his strength in hopes of one day avenging Skete's blood debt.

After Sarikat and the others escaped the capital, Duke Bolt immediately issued a warrant for their arrest on charges of rebellion. In doing so, he not only used Sarikat to severely undermine Keluos but also kicked the three threatening young generals out of the kingdom. Though forced to flee the Relkes Empire branded a rebel, Sarikat never forgot his plan to get revenge against Duke Bolt.

Over the past twenty years, Sarikat had sent assassins to kill the duke more than ten times, but none succeeded. The leader of the Dragon Knight Guard, Xiu Lante, who protected the duke, possessed unparalleled martial prowess and meticulous thinking, making it as difficult as scaling the heavens themselves to assassinate the duke under his watch.

In truth, ever since Sarikat left the Relkes Empire twenty years ago, he knew Duke Bolt could find him at any time. When Keluos reappeared before him, Sarikat realized his days on the run were nearing their end. That was why he had asked Mels to leave the Blue Whirlwind. However, he never expected Duke Bolt to act so swiftly—merely four months after Mels left the Blue Whirlwind, assassins appeared on Skull Ridge...

The Fijinando United Kingdom is located in the southwestern part of the Kaxiu continent, bordered by the sea to the east and south, connected to the Free Cities Union to the north, and adjacent to the Chaotic Kingdom to the east.

Though the Fijinando United Kingdom has a relatively small population, its natural harbors and abundant deposits of non-ferrous metals have made it the second-largest economic power on the continent, surpassed only by the Relkes Empire. It is precisely because of this strong economic foundation that it has been able to wage a war against the Karanth Empire in the west for over a hundred years.

The Fijinando capital, "Segna," is situated in the eastern part of the united kingdom and was built as a fortress city just 150 years ago. The relocation of the capital here was not only to avoid threats from the Karanth Empire but also to promote economic development in the numerous eastern harbors.

This fortress city had not only sturdy walls but was also protected by six smaller surrounding cities. From a military perspective, its formidable walls alone are enough to intimidate enemies, let alone the large garrison stationed within.

During peacetime, Segna's main city is open to civilians, but in times of war, it is completely sealed off. Therefore, the six surrounding cities not only bear the crucial mission of defending the capital but also serve as the practical centers for food reserves, military supplies, commercial trade, and resource allocation for Segna. The destination for Mels and the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes is none other than this most prosperous city in the southern continent.

"Boss, we've been riding in this carriage for so many days, and we still haven't seen that so-called capital. How much longer until we reach our destination?" Sol, unable to endure the bumpy journey any longer, complained to Mels.

"Sol, stop asking! You've asked so many times already. Can't you just be quiet?" Mels frowned as he spoke to Sol.

In truth, Mels understood that seven days of bumpy carriage travel was indeed torturous for a physically weak mage. However, Sol's complaints more than ten times a day had become unbearable, which was why Mels snapped.

Originally, the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes had planned to take the main road to the Fijinando capital, as it would have taken them only seven days to arrive. However, after meeting with a special envoy sent by the Magic Family, the White-haired Wind God suddenly decided to avoid the main road and take a quieter, smaller path to the capital. Though Mels didn't understand the reasoning behind this change, as a junior, he couldn't speak up to alter the White-haired Wind God's decision. That was why, seven days later, they were still bumping along the small path.

Though the White-haired Wind God said nothing, Mels felt a vague sense of unease. This wasn't just because the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes were overly tense about their surroundings but also due to a warrior's innate sense of crisis. Time quietly slipped away amidst this unease and anxiety.

At noon that day, the carriage caravan carrying Mels and the others finally crossed the central mountain range, leaving only about three days' journey to the capital. From here on, the road gradually became smoother, as if the danger had quietly passed...

"Halt!" With a clear shout from the Cloud-reaching Sword God, the carriage caravan slowly came to a stop.

"Boss, what's going on?" Sol, who had been looking out the window, turned to Mels.

"I'm not sure either," Mels shook his head and then said, "I'll go check. You take care of Akafir." With that, Mels jumped off the carriage and walked toward the front of the convoy.

Mels paid special attention to Akafir because, a few days earlier, Akafir had begun suffering from a continuous high fever. Perhaps due to growing up in the mountains, his body couldn't handle the strain after months at sea. Upon returning to the mainland, his health collapsed, and he fell ill immediately.

Though Mels wanted Akafir to stay in Bomat Harbor for a few more days to rest, he received a negative answer after consulting the White-haired Wind God. Reluctantly, they had to bring the ailing Akafir along. During the journey, Sol, the only one among the youths who knew healing magic, naturally became Akafir's personal "nurse."

"Second Master, what happened? Why have we stopped?" Mels walked up to the Cloud-reaching Sword God and asked.

"Nothing serious. Big Brother said there's a forest ahead. For safety's sake, he and Fourth Brother went ahead to scout the situation, so we're waiting here for now," the Cloud-reaching Sword God replied with a slight smile.

"Oh, I see," Mels said, though he felt something was odd, he knew he shouldn't ask too many questions and let the matter drop.

Just as Mels was about to turn and leave, five large birds suddenly appeared in the sky.

It was normal for a few birds to fly across the sky, but Mels suddenly noticed that these birds were not only circling above the group but also looked like they were about to dive toward the convoy. Sensing something amiss, Mels turned to the Cloud-reaching Sword God and said, "Second Master, what are those things? Are they Summoned Beasts?"