Metallic energy is recognized as one of the most powerful and ancient forces on Earth, believed to influence the planet at every level.
As humanity gradually learned to harness this energy, it unveiled extraordinary capabilities, discovering ways to enhance living standards and extend life itself. By mastering this formidable natural force, humans not only ensured their survival but also utilized it for a multitude of purposes, reshaping the trajectory of human history.
In ancient times, mythological beings regarded humans merely as sources of sustenance and servitude. To these formidable creatures, humans—fragile beings of flesh and blood—were inconsequential, even less significant than ants. These fearsome beasts treated humans like livestock, preparing them for their next meal.
Over time, humanity learned to manipulate this energy to prolong their existence, developing powerful weapons and structures to defend against the overwhelming strength of historical beasts.
In their struggle for survival, humans harnessed this metallic energy, banding together to form villages, cities, and ultimately powerful kingdoms, empowering both themselves and future generations.
The ability to harness and control this force of nature is arguably one of the most transformative milestones in human history. The foundation of humanity's dominion over this planet rests upon this metallic energy. Its potential is limitless, and even today, humanity continues to discover new applications and techniques for its use.
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**Present Time, Evening.**
Great Wilderness Continent.
Territory of the ‘Divine Water Mystic Academy.’
Serene City, East Division.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky was bathed in a warm orange glow, while a brown moon began its ascent in the eastern expanse.
In a carriage, a striking woman gripped the reins with fierce determination, steering her horses toward the looming city gate, illuminated by the flickering light of stone lamps. The road ahead stretched straight for ten kilometers, divided into two lanes—one for incoming traffic, the other for those departing.
Drawing closer, she admired the city gate, crafted from a unique stone that shimmered under the lamplight, its impressive width of fifteen meters accentuated by a grand wall clock at its center. This modern timepiece, a creation of the illustrious inventor John Abraham, had replaced the ancient hourglass that once marked the passage of time. Alongside the clock, Abraham also introduced hand compasses, stone lamps, auto-carriages, farming tools, and other innovations that propelled humanity into a new era.
A throng of hundreds gathered at the gate, their murmurs blending with the evening air. In front of the entrance, a small booth housed two clerks meticulously recording names and addresses while collecting entry fees.
As Kelly approached her carriage, her heart raced in sync with the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the cobblestones.
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“Next, what is your name?” called the man on the right.
“Kelly.”
“What is in the carriage?”
“My nephew... a boy. He is asleep; nothing else.”
“Where are you coming from?”
“From Elena Town.”
“Elena Town, good. And what is the purpose of your visit?”
Kelly hesitated, the weight of her recent trauma pressing heavily upon her. “A few hours ago, our town was attacked by beasts. I have come seeking shelter.”
The man raised his hand, signaling two guards with a flick of his finger. “Guards, check the carriage…”
Before he could finish, the man on the left, dressed in an elegant long red shirt emblazoned with the Lu family's insignia, black trousers, and a small black hat, interjected authoritatively, “My lady, you will come with me.” He stepped out of the booth, gesturing for her to enter the gate.
Surprise flickered across Kelly's face, but before she could voice her thoughts, the man on the right called out again, “Next.”
An elderly woman behind her shouted, “Why are you still standing there like a fool? Move your carriage; it is my turn now!”
Startled, Kelly climbed back into her carriage, complying with the man’s directive as she passed through the gate. After securing her carriage and horses at the stable beside the entrance, she collected her carriage token and began to follow the man, the child resting securely on her shoulder.
Moments later, anxiety coursed through her, prompting her to ask, “Sir, could you please tell me where we are going?”
“To the Lu family's residence,” he replied tersely.
Kelly's brow furrowed with concern. “To the Lu family residence? Why? I do not understand. Our town has already been attacked…”
Before she could finish, the man raised his hand, irritation creeping into his tone. “Support has already been dispatched to your town. Additionally, orders have been issued to nearby towns to safeguard those fleeing in fear.”
Internally, Kelly scoffed, a bitter realization settling in: 'Help to protect? If there were any ordinary people here, he might have believed it, but not me. Surely, the Lu family's officials have some hidden agenda, or perhaps they have made a significant demand of Lord Jihun.'
Doubt unfurled in her mind, yet her current situation urged her to trust the man. Moreover, they have already been seen by hundreds of people at the city gates and this was not the Lu family's territory, where they could act without consequence.
As they navigated the bustling night street, the darkness deepened.
After a while, they arrived at a crossroads branching off in three directions within the city. The man confidently approached the fork and chose the third road on the right. After about ten minutes of walking, they took another right turn, delving deeper into the city's core.
In the dim light of the stone lamps, Kelly noted the houses and shops growing increasingly disordered and unkempt. Few individuals lingered nearby, their ragged clothing and furtive glances indicating this was a lawless area, inhabited by thieves and the destitute.
After trudging further, they encountered two roads diverging in opposite directions. Kelly followed the man down the dark right-hand path. Ahead, a few narrow alleys appeared like shadowy pits, waiting to ensnare the unsuspecting.
Suddenly, a foul odor assaulted her senses. As she looked around, she realized the stench emanated from heaps of garbage and nearby underground sewers. An unsettling silence enveloped the area; there were no signs of life.
Kelly forced herself to look ahead, suppressing any revulsion. The man had already begun moving toward the narrow alley.
The atmosphere grew heavy with darkness, silence, and decay, while the broken road was nearly swallowed by grass that reached up to her knees.
Anxiety surged through Kelly, causing her to freeze in her tracks. The seed of doubt had blossomed into a suffocating vine.
Placing a trembling hand on the boy's head, who slept peacefully on her shoulder, she said, “Sir, although I have never been to the city before, I am certain this road is not leading toward the esteemed Lu family residence…”
The man replied, his voice laced with excitement, “You are moving too slowly, and this is not taking you to the Lu family. It is leading you to your hell.”
This revelation hung in the air, a dark promise that left Kelly’s heart pounding, the shadows around them deepening as her fate spiraled out of her control. The tension thickened, each step forward becoming a descent into uncertainty, where trust and fear danced perilously close.