The Southern Continent stands apart from the rest of the world due to its less population, lack of centralized empires or kingdoms, and the absence of a unified legal or political system.

This makes it a unique and often unpredictable land, where power is decentralized and survival depends on resourcefulness and adaptability.

In the eastern region of the Southern Continent, five prominent cities are situated along the Nyxian Flow River: Ikorrah, Urun'gazi, Thalasiri, Zul'vharra, and Kalimaru.

These cities thrive thanks to the life-giving waters of the river, which flows from the southern highlands to the northern Pontus Expanse Sea, a vast body of water separating the Southern and Central Continent.

The Nyxian Flow River is a lifeline in southern Continent harsh environment, earning it the nickname "the pearl in the desert."The western part of the continent is dominated by an expansive desert, which covers nearly 70% of the land.

This arid region is sparsely populated, with approximately 80% of the continent's inhabitants living along the Nyxian Flow River. The desert is a challenging place to survive due to the scarcity of water and food, making the river's presence even more vital.

At the heart of the Southern Continent lies the Dream Realm, a mystical and revered place. Every three years, young students embark on a sacred journey to the Dream Realm to become "Echoes", a highly respected role that is the dream of every child born on the world of Senthora.

The Echoes are said to possess unique abilities tied to the Dream Realm, and their journey is a rite of passage that shapes the future of the continent.

Without a centralized ruler, the Southern Continent is governed by noble families, who wield power over their respective territories. These families are locked in a constant struggle for dominance, creating a competitive and often volatile political landscape.

Areas not controlled by any noble family are considered No man's land, where lawlessness and danger prevail due to high crime rates and the absence of authority.

Despite its challenges, the Southern Continent is a land of opportunity and mystery. Its people are resilient, and its unique geography and culture make it a place where legends are born and destinies are forged.

After his conversation with Dorian, Levi quietly took his leave. Dorian remained in contemplative silence, turning the glasses over in his hands as Levi walked away, heading towards the campsite for a meal.

Most of the students had already begun making their way to the campsites, drawn by the promise of food and a brief respite from their rigorous routines.

The air was filled with the hum of chatter and the clatter of utensils as the students gathered in small groups, sharing stories and laughter.

When Levi reached the area near the campsite, a servant emerged from the shadows and approached him with a respectful bow. "Young Master," the servant said, "your meal is ready at your camp." Levi nodded in acknowledgment and followed the servant without a word.

Unlike the majority of students, who gathered in communal spaces to eat together, those from noble families enjoyed a different privilege. They had private camps with personal chefs who prepared exquisite meals tailored to their tastes.

These chefs were masters of their craft, creating dishes that were not only delicious but also a reflection of the family's status and wealth.

Levi stepped into the camp, a space that struck a balance between practicality and modest comfort neither overly dull nor excessively luxurious.

A servant led the way, guiding him to a spread of food laid out on a beautifully woven rug.

The meal consisted of roasted rabbit meat, freshly caught from the forest, alongside an assortment of fruits and other delicacies that enhanced the quality of the feast.

The aroma of the roasted meat mingled with the sweetness of the fruits, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Seated to one side was Levi's brother, who glanced up briefly as Levi entered but said nothing.

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The servant who had escorted Levi to the camp spoke nervously, his hands trembling slightly as he explained the meal. "Young Master, we began our journey five days ago, and the fresh bread we stored has since dried. To compensate, we roasted fresh rabbit meat from the forest and gathered some fruits. I hope this will suffice." He wiped his brow, clearly anxious about Levi's reaction.

In truth, it wasn't just this servant who was on edge. All the servants attending to the meal shared the same unease.

They moved cautiously, their eyes darting toward Levi as they arranged the food, their hands shaking as they placed each dish on the rug.

Everyone knew the reputation of the "young devil" from the House of Veyrathis, a name that carried with it tales of a sharp temper and little patience for imperfection.

Levi Veyrathis, the youngest son of the prestigious House of Veyrathis from the city of Zul'vharra, was an enigma to most. Outside the family's boundaries, very few commoners knew him, and even among the noble families, only the younger generation recognized his name and face.

However, within the walls of House Veyrathis, every servant was acutely aware of Levi's peculiar demeanor. He was a boy who never smiled, not even to his parents.

This had given rise to a phrase that circulated among the servants: "Even the devil smiles, but Levi? Levi's silence cuts deeper than any grin."

It wasn't that Levi had ever harmed a servant or acted cruelly; rather, his aloofness and unreadable nature fueled curiosity. Servants whispered about him, their curiosity growing into questions, and those questions feeding rumors. Yet, Levi paid no mind to the gossip.

He spent most of his time in the library or at the academy, immersed in his studies, seemingly indifferent to the world around him.

When Levi smiled and said,"Very well, this is also good," while picking up a piece of roasted meat from the pot, the servants were stunned. A boy who never smiled, smiling?

The shock rippled through the camp like a sudden gust of wind. The servants exchanged glances, their eyes wide with disbelief.

Among themselves, they communicated silently with eyes, a skill they had honed in the noble houses to maintain the comfort of their masters.

One thought echoed in their minds: "A servant's days are short."They couldn't help but wonder what this rare smile might signify.

Levi's brother, seated nearby, noticed everything. His sharp eyes caught the subtle shift in the atmosphere and the unease among the servants.

With a discreet hand gesture, he signaled to a figure standing behind him, a man of middle aged dressed in attire starkly different from the servants, wearing a monocle and exuding an air of authority.

The man, understanding the unspoken command, gestured to the servants, who immediately began to withdraw from the camp, leaving the brothers and the monocled figure in privacy.

Levi's brother couldn't help but notice the rare occurrence of his younger sibling smiling, not once, but twice in a single day. "Perhaps he's nervous about the Dream Realm trial," he thought to himself, studying Levi's calm demeanor as he ate.

"Should I try to calm him down? Though, I must admit, he does look somewhat handsome when he smiles." His thoughts were interrupted by the memory of Levi lying unconscious in the carriage earlier that day.

A sight that had filled him with dread. Determined to ease Levi's nerves, he cleared his throat and spoke while casually biting into a piece of apple.

"Don't worry," he began, his tone reassuring. "I know the Dream Realm trial is difficult. When I was your age.." He paused abruptly, cutting himself off as a wave of embarrassment washed over him.

"Just leave it," he thought, shaking his head slightly. "Some heroic deeds are better left unsaid."

Levi, who had been quietly enjoying his meal, looked up with curiosity. "You can tell me," he said, his voice calm but intrigued. "Maybe it will be helpful."

Before Levi's brother could respond, the man standing behind him Alaric Veyrathis, the family butler chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Actually," Alaric said, his tone dripping with mock solemnity, "your big brother peed in his pants during the trial."

The camp fell silent for a moment, the air thick with tension.Then, like a volcano erupting, Levi's brother turned on Alaric, his face red with fury. "Alaric Veyrathis!" he roared, each word laced with anger as he grabbed the butler by the collar with one hand and brandished a skewer in the other, holding it dangerously close to Alaric's neck. "If you were not the butler of House Veyrathis, I would have killed you today!"

Alaric, however, remained unflinching. Instead of showing fear, he placed a hand over his chest and declared with pride, "If I can sacrifice my life while recounting the golden feats and immortal deeds of my younger generation, then it is an honor for me!"

The tension was suddenly shattered by the sound of Levi's laughter, a deep, genuine laugh that echoed louder than the argument between his brother and Alaric.

It was a sound so rare that it caught everyone off guard. Levi's brother, still fuming, turned to see his younger brother doubled over with laughter, tears forming in the corners of his eyes.

Levi's brother, his cheeks burning with embarrassment, tried to justify himself. "A lion doesn't need to pee in private! When nature calls him, he answered immediately!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of defensiveness and exasperation.

As Levi's laughter subsided, his brother couldn't help but notice the smile still lingering on his face. "How many years has it been since I last heard you laugh, little brother?" he said softly, his anger fading into a mix of relief and nostalgia.

"If I told Mother, she wouldn't believe me. Instead, she would probably beat me while scolding, 'When did you start drinking? Alcohol is forbidden in the Veyrathis family! Blah, blah, blah!'" He chuckled, shaking his head as he gazed at Levi, who was still smiling.

The camp, once filled with tension, now felt lighter, as if Levi's laughter had lifted an invisible weight. Even Alaric, still held by the collar, couldn't suppress a small smile.