Robin and his crew had spent a few days in Ignisara. Their next destination was a land controlled by the nomadic factions of Ignisara, located on the other side of the River of Life. Robin was excited to see what nomadic people do in advance civilizations like Arora.

The River of Life flowed with clear water, reflecting the sunlight. They departed from a small town near its banks. The ship crossed the massive river which looks like Sea.

On this side, the world seemed untouched by the technological advancements that defined Ignisara. Dense forests stretched endlessly and lack of skyscrapers and flying vahical made it feel like they had stepped into another era. Although it looks like a giant forest, it is home to over a million people.

Robin's first stop was the national park renowned for its wildlife, but before he could proceed, they needed to visit a nearby military base. The base, positioned near the river, served as the border checkpoint between the technologically advanced and the traditional parts of Ignisara.

The base was a small but heavily fortified outpost, blending into the surrounding forest with its green camouflaged structures. Robin and his companions landed their hover ship at the designated docking area. Soldiers in simple uniforms greeted them politely but remained cautious.

After a brief talking, Seraphina led them to their next mode of transport a horse-drawn carriage. Robin stared at the carriage in disbelief. It was just a normal carriage, pulled by two sturdy horses. It felt like stepping back centuries in time.

“A horse-drawn carriage? Seriously?” Robin exclaimed, unable to hide his surprise.

Seraphina, ever calm and patient, explained, “The nomadic factions on this side of the river are deeply rooted in their traditions. They are hostile to technology, viewing it as a threat to their way of life. To maintain peace, the government has strict laws protecting their culture. Outsiders are forbidden from using advanced machinery in their territories. If we want to avoid offending them, we have to respect their customs.”

Robin glanced at Andrew, his stoic guard, who shrugged. “It’s their rules. We just follow them,” Andrew said simply.

Oliver, smiled. “Think of it as a unique cultural experience, Master Robin. Not many people get to travel like this anymore.”

Reluctantly, Robin climbed into the carriage, his movements awkward as he adjusted to the unfamiliar seating. The interior was surprisingly comfortable, with soft cushions and enough space for all of them. As the horses began to trot, the carriage moved smoothly along the dirt path, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature.

As the carriage rolled along the uneven dirt path, Raylan, sat at the front with Andrew. Raylan held the reins, expertly guiding the horses through the terrain, he is using his terminal as a map.while Andrew kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. Robin, Seraphina, Marla ,norman and Oliver sat in the back of the carriage, elric and silas was on the ship to look after it. Robin felt bad for them but Oliver said if they're in a pinch they can bring the ship. Besides elric will be delighted he can gather hurbs in the surrounding forest and do his thing and silas already made friends with the people from the military base.

The contrast between this side of the river and the main part of Ignisara was striking. Here, the air felt fresher, filled with the earthy scent of the forest. Birds chirped in the distance, and the occasional rustle hinted at wildlife . Robin couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm, even as he thought it's funny they were riding in a horse driven carriage in an advanced civilization.

As they traveled, Seraphina continued to share insights about the nomadic people. “They live in harmony with nature, valuing balance and tradition above all else. Their communities are self-sufficient, relying on farming, hunting, and trading. Technology, to them, represents chaos and destruction. That’s why they’ve chosen to isolate themselves, even as the rest of the world advances.”

Robin nodded, though he still found it hard to imagine life without the conveniences he had grown used to. “So, what happens if someone violates their rules?” he asked.

Seraphina’s expression grew serious. “The consequences can be severe. The nomads have their own laws, and outsiders who disrespect their ways risk being exiled from their territory or worse. That’s why the government enforces such strict regulations. Peace with them is delicate and must be preserved.”

The journey to the military base had been fast, but now, their pace was much slower. Robin found himself growing impatient at first, but as the scenery unfolded, he began to appreciate the tranquility. The dense forest was alive with vibrant greens, and shafts of sunlight pierced through the canopy, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow.

Occasionally, they passed small villages, where people dressed in traditional garments went about their daily lives. Children ran barefoot, laughing as they played, while elders sat in circles, weaving baskets or carving wood. The simplicity and sense of community were both alien and fascinating to Robin. He thought they had a striking resemblance to Amish people from earth.

Robin turned to Seraphina and smiled. “Alright, I’ll admit it. This is...different, but not bad.”

Seraphina smirked. “Different is good, Robin. You might even enjoy it.”

Robin, ever curious, couldn’t help but notice the little details that contradicted the seemingly untouched wilderness. His eyes caught glimpses of surveillance cameras cleverly hidden among the trees, their lenses blending seamlessly with the bark and leaves. Every now and then, a drone buzzed overhead.

It struck Robin as strange. These nomadic people prided themselves on rejecting modern technology, yet there was evidence that they were constantly being watched. The thought unsettled him. Were these people truly free, or were they unknowingly under the control of government?

The carriage rocked slightly as the horses trudged forward, their hooves crunching against the dirt and scattered leaves. Robin’s mind came up with questions. Who was behind the surveillance? Was it the government, ensuring the nomads stayed in line? Or was it the nomads themselves, monitoring their own people in secret?

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His thoughts wandered further. Why allow such intense surveillance in a place that seemed so committed to living free from modern interference? The contradiction was difficult to ignore. However, as these questions bubbled up, Robin remembered the words of the William family head: “Don’t interfere with the lives of normal people. We William family are like the heaven they're earth. You have to remember even a small favor from us can change a normal person's life forever.”

With a deep breath, Robin pushed the thoughts aside. It wasn’t his place to question how these people lived, no matter how unusual it seemed. He is here to see the world not to improve it, he tried to focus on the scenery around him.

Despite the forest’s artificial origins, it was breathtaking. The towering trees seemed to touch the sky, their branches forming a dense canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, golden glow. Hills rose and fell like gentle waves, their slopes covered with bushes and grass. Every element of the landscape was designed to feel alive, vibrant, and natural.

“This forest,” Seraphina explained, noticing Robin’s thoughtful expression, “is entirely man-made. Thousands of years ago, this area was barren, nothing but a massive desert.with William family's help and joined work from scientist and engineer took it generations to terraform it, turning it into what you see now.”

Robin looked out at the forest again, his appreciation growing. “It’s hard to imagine this was once a desert. They’ve done an incredible job.”

Seraphina nodded. “They have, but it wasn’t without sacrifice. It took generations of effort, and even now, the land requires constant maintenance. That’s why you see the cameras and drones. They monitor everything wildlife, vegetation, even the people to ensure the balance is maintained.”

Robin frowned slightly. “It feels...a little oppressive. Like even in a place that’s supposed to be free, someone’s always watching.”

“True freedom is complicated,” Oliver chimed in, his voice calm as ever. “Sometimes, even freedom comes with rules.”

Robin leaned back against the cushioned seat, his thoughts swirling. He decided not to dwell too much on the surveillance, instead choosing to enjoy the journey. The forest, artificial or not, was stunning. Birds flitted from branch to branch, their songs echoing through the trees. A light breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the earthy scent of the forest to the carriage.

Occasionally, the path would curve, revealing glimpses of distant hills or small clearings filled with colorful flowers. In one clearing, Robin saw a group of children playing, their laughter ringing through the air. They seemed carefree, unaware of the surveillance or the history of their home.

After an hour of traveling through the forest, the carriage finally slowed. The sound of its wheels against the dirt road stopped, replaced by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Robin peered out of the carriage and saw the towering entrance to the National Park of Ignisara.

The wooden gate loomed above them, intricately carved with depictions of wildlife. The carvings featured animals both familiar and alien wolves howling under a crescent moon, birds with impossibly long tail feathers, and strange, scaled creatures with too many legs. Statues flanked the gate, resembling a mix of mythological beasts and real-world predators. Robin couldn’t help but marvel at the artistry.

“This is the National Park of Ignisara,” announced Raylan, hopping down from the front of the carriage. He began untying the horses, patting their necks to soothe them after the long journey.

Seraphina started to take after a stretch “It’s one of the most unique places in the region. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else.”

Robin climbed out of the carriage and took a deep breath. The air was crisp, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil mixed with the faint sweetness of blooming flowers. The temperature was cooler here, the thick canopy of trees blocking out most of the sunlight.

Seraphina, brushing a few strands of her hair out of her face. “This park is where the true marvels of terraforming can be seen,” she explained, her tone a mixture of awe and seriousness. “It’s not just the success stories that make this place unique, but also the mistakes.”

“mistakes?” Robin asked, his curiosity piqued.

“You’ll see soon enough, when you forcefully change a climate and environment the animals have to rapidly evolve to keep up” Seraphina replied cryptically.

They took some essentials from the carriage and started their journey in the park.

“Stay close,” Andrew advised. “i have feelings some of the wildlife here isn’t exactly friendly.”

As they ventured deeper into the park, Robin began to notice the diversity of life all around him.

The first few creatures they encountered were strikingly similar to those on Earth. A herd of deer grazed near a crystal-clear stream, their coats shimmering under the dappled sunlight. Robin observed that their antlers were larger and more intricately shaped than those of Earth deer, resembling sprawling tree branches.

“Those are ‘Sylvan Stags,’” Seraphina said, noticing Robin’s interest. “They’re one of the first species introduced to this environment. They adapted well, so they’re relatively unchanged. ”

Birds darted between the trees, their feathers vibrant shades of green, blue, and orange. Their songs were hauntingly beautiful, a mix of Earth-like melodies and strange, harmonic undertones that echoed through the forest. Robin recognized some of their shapes—parrots, finches, and even a species that resembled hummingbirds—but their colors and sizes were unlike anything he had seen before.

Robin paused to watch a group of small, furry creatures scurry across the path. They resembled squirrels but had elongated tails that glowed faintly, like embers in the dim light.

“Glowtails,” Seraphina explained. “Harmless, but they can be a bit of a nuisance if they think you have food.”

As the group ventured deeper, the animals began to grow stranger. They encountered a creature that resembled a wolf, but its fur was iridescent, shimmering like oil on water. Its eyes glowed faintly in the shadows, and its tail split into three distinct appendages, each tipped with a tuft of glowing fur.

“That’s a ‘Lunawolf,’” Seraphina said. “One of the species that mutated during the terraforming process. The radiation and chemicals used to change the soil and atmosphere had unintended side effects on some animals.”

Robin watched as the Lunawolf sniffed the air, its keen eyes scanning the group before disappearing silently into the underbrush.

Further along the trail, they came across a grove of trees where massive insects flitted about. One creature, which Robin initially mistook for a dragonfly, turned out to be a reptilian insect hybrid. It had translucent wings, scaled legs, and eyes that glowed a soft yellow.

“Terraforming wasn’t just about creating a green environment,” Seraphina explained. “It was about making an ecosystem that could sustain itself. Some of these creatures are engineered.”

Robin shivered as a particularly large insect buzzed past his head.

The trail led them to a clearing, where a massive creature was lounged by a shallow pond. It had the body of a bear but the skin of a reptile, covered in dark, scaly armor. Its head was elongated like a crocodile’s, and its tail thrashed lazily in the water. When it felt there were some people here it tried to come for them. But Andrew released his aura at the animal and flew like it was never there.

“Definitely not friendly,” Andrew said and warned, keeping his voice low. “Best not to make any sudden movements.”

The group walked around the edge of the clearing, careful not to disturb it. Robin couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and unease.

“This place feels like stepping into another world,” Robin said quietly.

“It is, in a way,” Seraphina replied. “Terraforming changed this area so drastically that it’s almost unrecognizable from what it once was. And the creatures here...well, they’re a testament to human ingenuity and error.”

Robin heard a gunshot in distance. Andrew said "someone is hunting."

“These people may reject technology in their day-to-day lives,” Robin remarked, “but they’re clearly not as disconnected as they seem.”

Seraphina nodded. “They use guns and some even use terminal and small vahical. But you’re right this is far from a primitive society.”

As they continued their journey, the forest began to thin, and the trees gave way to rolling dunes of golden sand. The air grew warmer, the scent of vegetation replaced by the dry, crisp tang of the desert.

“This is the heart of the park,” Raylan said, gesturing to the expanse before them. “What’s left of the old desert, preserved as a sacred site by the nomads. They see it as a reminder of what this land used to be and what it can become.”

Robin stepped onto the sand, feeling the heat radiate through his boots. The contrast between the lush forest and the barren desert was striking. In the distance, he could see strange, skeletal trees, their gnarled branches reaching toward the sky like the fingers of some ancient giant.

The group paused to rest under the shade of a large rock formation. Robin took a moment to reflect on everything he had seen—the harmony of the forest, the strange mutations, and the delicate interplay of human intervention and natural evolution.

“This place,” Robin said, “it’s...a miracle, in its own way.”

Seraphina smiled. “It is. But it’s also a reminder of the consequences of playing god. Terraforming can create wonders, but it can also create monsters.”