Chapter 77: The dimensional gate opens 2
Across the Pocket World, the very lands quaked violently, and the skies rippled as dimensional cracks appeared and shattered like glass. Many looked on in fear and helplessness, while others anticipated the chaos, seeking opportunity or plotting their moves for whatever was to come. Blinding light tore through every region, causing a mass of explosions.
In the Fae Region, the Fanged Elf World Tree had, at some point, begun to glow with a vibrant green and white light, projecting a barrier wide enough to cover most of the Celebi Forest Kingdom. In the other three Elf Tribes, while their world trees were much smaller, they used them in tandem, extending coverage to the remaining uncovered parts of the Celebi Forest Kingdom. Every capable power employed their own means to guard against as many threats as they possibly could.
Standing at the edge of one of the three golden fanged branches outside the Nightbloom Domain entrance, observing the devastation from afar, was a large group of individuals. This group included Elton, Zoro, Ramiro, Shayleaf, Shirleaf, Seralily, Joe-Pine, Luno-Oak, Dino-Oak, and many others. All over the Kingdom, or rather, in every single region of the Pocket World, armies had been mobilized, braced for war. No… war had, in fact, already begun long ago. The Whispering Expanse True World had made its move, throwing the entire Whispering Expanse into chaos!
The power structure there had never been simple, as the Whispering Expanse True World itself contained more than one dominant power. War had erupted, scattering far into the giant prison land of the Whispering Expanse. This conflict dragged in many powers that initially wanted no part of it, and slowly, it had begun to expand, breaching into Upper Land territory. The primary reason this was possible was due to the emergence of so many new and old Upper Land regions appearing through the ripped-open dimensional rifts, forging new connections to the Upper Lands. For many, this was a huge disaster, but for others, especially the Shackled, this was an extremely joyous occasion! The Whispering Expanse's sharp, corrosive, and thick aura played a part in empowering the Shackles; thus, once a person left that land, it became far easier to forcefully remove them without the deadly explosive mechanism triggering.
Elton and the others continued to observe the unfolding events from the tree branch, a hint of dread in their eyes.
Ramiro couldn't help but try to lighten the mood with a nervous yet heroic laugh. "Hahaha! What an awesome sight! Right, guys? Aw man, just… Look at that."
Seralily, as if snapping back to herself upon hearing his voice, similarly offered a heroic laugh. "Hahaha, right, right! You're absolutely right, Rami. Haah… We've all become stronger, so there's no need to fear…"
Shirleaf looked around at everyone, her formerly dreadful expression transforming into one of envy and happiness. Then she spoke. "You all have done well to get to where you are. Honestly, I don't think you have as much to fear, given your current strengths. Hahaha, our Fanged Elf tribe has produced five new Gold Tier experts with all of you guys in just these two months alone… If only I had another three or four weeks, perhaps I would be the sixth…"
Everyone looked at her with a smile on their faces. Shayleaf nodded, saying, "Don't worry, Big Sis Shir! I will definitely protect you! Also, you have to continue to thank Brother Elly for helping you swiftly reach your current rank, almost at the Gold Tier 1, okay?"
Shirleaf smiled, nodding in appreciation as she looked at Elton. Elton returned her smile. "Haha, no need to thank me. We are friends, after all."
Suddenly, a voice echoed from a Fanged Elf Royal who had just stepped out of a flying magical vehicle. "Kufufufu!! My Royal Self will continuously thank Sir Elton a hundred times over!! Hahaha! Look! Look! I've reached Silver Tier 5 so quickly, thanks to the lascivious love, care, and princely treatment from this beloved man! Kufufufu!!!"
"Lascivious?" Ramiro looked at Elton with a strange expression.
"Eh… No…" Elton paled slightly in discomfort.
"Yes!! The way Sir Elton utilized that special technique, channeling his energy through me and I him back, while I nibbled on his finger in glorious pleasure! My pure Fanged Elven bloodline burned with passion, and the ecstasy truly overwhe—"
"Amber!!!! Please shut up speaking so much about Brother Elly!!" Shayleaf shouted in annoyance.
The very somber mood that had gripped the onlookers completely dissipated as many people in the area stared at Elton and Amberleaf with utterly bewildered expressions.
"M-Margrave Elton… what have you done to Lady Amberleaf… You… you…!" stammered one of the guards, his face paling with a mix of shock and confusion.
"No, no, no, no!! I didn't do anything, I—"
Just as Elton was trying to defend himself from such strange accusations, a giant, explosive crashing sound ripped through the air, audible for hundreds of miles, as a blinding light suddenly surged across the lands. It was also at this moment that a huge ripple spread across the barrier produced by the Fanged Elf World Tree, as a white beam of light phased completely through it. This caused widespread alarm throughout the entire Celebi Forest Kingdom.
"What was that?!?"
"Wait, look! I—intruders!!!"
Within the ball of light that was initially shooting towards a certain area of the World Tree, two figures could vaguely be seen. Just as the Fanged Elves were preparing to launch an assault to apprehend them—
Boooom!!
Another crash echoed, as a faster, more chaotic beam of blazing light flashed straight from the exact same location the first one originated from. The direction both beams of light were rapidly heading towards just so happened to be the Nightbloom Dukedom. Like a flash of lightning, they appeared in the area, and the light covering both parties completely faded as they began falling from a height that could easily cause their deaths.
Elton and Zoro, upon seeing the four figures falling, paled in fright and moved at their fastest possible speed towards them.
Ramiro, too, began to move, shouting, "How did you guys get here?!?"
Seeing the boys' actions, all the soldiers paused their movements to apprehend and perhaps kill the intruders. Far faster than Elton or anyone else could reach the four falling people, who were riddled with blood and injuries, a giant, four-winged Faery Duck with a silver crown flashed by with lightning-like speed. It grabbed all four individuals and swiftly flew to a specific area on the Golden Branch, landing beside Aeloria, whose current aura was hidden.
"Madam Aeloria!" all the soldiers, clansmen, and various others bowed in acknowledgment.
Elton, Zoro, Ramiro, Shayleaf, and their entire crew ran over to her. Elton and Ramiro had terrified expressions on their faces, which eased upon seeing that their friends had been rescued. Zoro adapted the quickest due to his stoic temperament. As for the four figures atop the four-winged Faery Duck, the first to come to their senses was Christy. She looked around, her eyes instantly spotting Elton and then Zoro. Her eyes began to water as tears poured down in relief.
"Brother Zoro… Big Brother Elton… I'm so happy that you are safe…"
Zoro nodded with a smile on his face, and Elton muttered her name. "Christy… H-How did—"
"El Onyem!!!! You're alive and well!!! You too, Zoro and Ramiro!!!" shouted Erica as she swiftly leaped off the Faery Duck.
Numerous guards were about to spring into action to stop her, but Aeloria's magic echoed in their ears, telling them to stay put. Erica swiftly ran over and threw herself into Elton's embrace, crying, while Elton patted her head with a sigh. Christy also leaped off the Faery Duck and bowed to Aeloria, offering her thanks.
"This lady here would like to thank you for rescuing us from our dangerous fall just now."
Aeloria looked at her with a slight smile, accepting her thanks. "Of course, child from the True World. Actually, I'd like to speak with you about what's currently happening outside, and… various other things."
Christy nodded in acceptance. "Yes, give me a moment to say something to my friends, and I'll certainly return. And… thank you for taking care of them."
Christy ran towards Elton and the group, greeting them warmly. After she moved, both Kageha and Kuroha finally leaped off the Faery Duck as well, wearing extremely wary yet awkward expressions as they looked at those around them. They, too, began to thank Aeloria for rescuing them from their dangerous plight. They then headed in the direction of Elton, Zoro, and the others. Upon coming into contact with Zoro, they both became utterly shocked as they sensed his aura.
Kageha began to stutter. "Z-Z-Z-Zoro…! You're actually at the Gold Tier 1 rank already?! But just a few months ago you were…"
Ramiro patted Kageha's shoulder, letting out a heroic laugh. "Hahahaha!! Are you surprised by our genius might? We have all reached the Gold Tier stage now! What? Don't tell me you're only Silver Tier 4s now… Whew! You've got to catch up, you slackers. Hahaha!"
Upon hearing that, the twins became dismayed and extremely annoyed. Everyone began to introduce themselves. Christy was the only one who didn't really know anyone but Elton and Zoro, so she finally got to formally meet Ramiro, Erica, Kageha, and Kuroha as well as the new Fanged Elf friends Elton made. When she looked at Kuroha, she felt no threat in certain areas as she noticed Kuroha occasionally steal glances at the uncaring Zoro. But…
"Brother Elly has such kind and beautiful friends! It's a pleasure to meet you all," Shayleaf said, holding onto Elton's arm.
"Ha. Ha. Ha. Right. So, umm, Shayleaf right? El Onyem's arm… Oh, maybe it's an Elf thing? No, this…" Erica said, her hand never leaving Elton's side after hugging him.
Christy felt an irritation she'd never felt before prick at her heart. With smooth movements, she kindly pried Erica and Shayleaf off, telling them they should be focusing on something very important such as the incoming wars. Both obliged, as if suddenly remembering their circumstances. In the same smooth and sneaky manner, she grabbed Elton's hand and walked him over to Aeloria. Ramiro, watching how easily Christy did all of this, broke out in a cold sweat.
"No way… if they were to live a polygamist lifestyle, she would definitely be the first wife. No, the boss…"
Seralily, the only one paying close attention to Ramiro, heard his muttering and asked him, "Hmm? Rami, what are you talking about? Polygamist? Ah! You mean… Wait, are you into that?"
Ramiro, lost in his thoughts, barely heard her but responded, "Ah, it's the dream for heroes, I think? Wait, huh? What were you asking, Sera?"
"I understand now… Yes!! As a hero, you dream and conquer! Th-then as… the number one, I will help you!" Seralily said shyly but with determination.
"Huh? Help me with what again?" Ramiro asked in confusion, a slightly uncomfortable feeling he couldn't describe gnawing at him.
It was because of this day that a future legend was created about a heroic spear wielder of a certain powerful sect having a bloodline 'fleet' by various means…
Large numbers of guards and soldiers from various other places around Celebi Forest City swiftly found themselves flying to the Nightbloom Dukedom's area on the branch to investigate what had happened. Aeloria swiftly called for a meeting with this in mind for the many representatives and leaders who had showed up. In the Nightbloom Dukedom, Aeloria set everything up and gave Christy the floor to relay all the information. Although some were skeptical of certain things stated, the vast majority had no choice but to believe what was to come, and they were positive that she had quite a high status in her sect.
When they began to subtly ask about 'Margrave Elton,' 'Sir Zoro,' and 'Sir Ramiro's' status, Christy truthfully provided information while withholding just enough as well.
"Naturally, they each hold a decent status in our sect. Or rather, they were on the verge of truly becoming core disciples before war somehow brought them here. Erica is quite aware of their circumstances too, as she was with them more than I was, given I'd long since been picked as a core disciple due to my age and talents."
As they looked at her and secretly calculated her age through magic, they nodded with certainty. Both she and Erica were younger than Elton by nearly a year, yet they were already Gold Tier 1. Eventually, Aeloria, keenly aware that time was short, shifted the conversation in another direction.
"Seeing that you yourself have a much more confirmed high status, not only in a sect but apparently a powerful bloodline clan as well, not to mention your current cultivation at your age, I feel as though you'll be able to help in organizing an agreement as a bridge between our Fanged Elf Kingdom — no, our alliances centered around our Fanged Elf Kingdom — and your Bright Brilliant Blade Sect, and perhaps even the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan."
Upon hearing this, Christy pondered for a minute, then nodded. "Yes, it's definitely possible given my status, though there's more likelihood with my clan. But… well, with Big Br—no, with Margrave Elton, Lady Erica, and perhaps Sir Ramiro, who is actually from a noble family of our country, perhaps we can truly negotiate something."
"Good, but there's just one thing to keep in mind. Our Fanged Elf Royal Family and Nobles, while we'd like to partner with your sects and clans, ultimately desire all contracts to go through Margrave Elton as our representative, a future great leader. We have already placed a lot of importance in him."
Erica, Kageha, and Kuroha looked around in shock upon hearing this, disbelief written all over their faces. What had Elton done for them to bet on him to such an extent? Christy had a look of uncertainty as she glanced toward Elton, who offered a wry smile, before she finally nodded and told Aeloria she would try her best. Erica also personally committed to trying her best, even for her Soloman clan, to which the Nobles became overjoyed, seeing the possibility of joining hands with three powerful outside factions.
Suddenly, the loudest glass-shattering sound was heard as a huge rumble quaked the lands all over the Pocket World. Waves of monsters and beasts ran amok in chaos, and a bright, stormy light flashed, engulfing everything. In the next minute, the light that had covered everything vanished. Far in the distance, the once enormous spatial gate disappeared as an entirely different world, The True World, became completely connected, and many of those sects, clans, tribes, and organizations were swiftly pulled into the Pocket World. Instantly, a huge, chaotic war erupted from every side.