Chapter 58 - Fugitives in Heavenly Jade City

The group stood frozen, stunned by the sheer force with which Park Zhen had deflected Li’s laser attack. Adam, Drake, Kazue, and Nikolai were particularly affected, recalling how, during training sessions, that same spell had been a guaranteed victory, since in the sparring arena, this spell had been unstoppable and a direct hit meant an automatic end to the match. The safety system in the training area was the only thing that had prevented the spell from killing them. And yet, the Don had diverted it effortlessly with a single arm.

As the spell's effect faded, the enormous metallic zeppelin summoned by Li vanished, leaving behind a gaping hole in the palace’s structure. The ceiling and one entire wall had crumbled, opening the space to the sky beyond, but even with the destruction around him, Park Zhen remained seated calmly behind his desk, taking a deliberate sip of tea, as though oblivious to the chaos that had just erupted.

The wailing alarm continued blaring, and shouts and hurried footsteps echoed deeper within the palace. Staff and guards were mobilizing, and the entire building was roused to respond to the intruders. The group began to stir, and the realization dawned that Park Zhen wasn’t making any immediate moves to attack, perhaps this was their chance to escape—but how?

They turned to the ruined wall, eyeing the immense drop outside with a mix of dread and determination. They were impossibly high, perched near the upper levels of the palace, and only a few of them could survive a fall from such a height without injury.

"We’ll have to jump! There’s no time!"

Li shouted over the noise, however, Drake raised his voice, countering.

“Everyone, grab whoever’s closest to you and hold on!”

At that moment, a contingent of guards poured through the broken entrance, dressed in dark suits, each of them shouting commands and taking positions. Unlike martial artists who might charge at an enemy, these guards had taken out guns—classic revolvers and even an old-fashioned machine gun. The appearance of such archaic firearms took everyone aback; these were relics from a time resembling America’s early 1900s, yet here they were, aimed directly at the group.

Before the guards could fire, Falk chirped a sharp warning, causing Sebastian to jolt into action. With a quick nod to the bird, he summoned a metallic cube, which materialized in his hand before he threw it to the ground in front of them.

As gunfire erupted, the cube activated, forming an almost transparent wall of electricity that flickered into existence between them and the guards. Bullets struck the barrier and ricocheted, the faint hum of energy mingling with the rattling of bullets. Adam’s eyes widened in surprise, recognizing the cube as one of the experimental devices the old man had developed in collaboration with Isaac Volta just before they had entered the scenario.

[ Portable Electromagnetic Shield - Rank E ] ⌠Additional Information⌡ ⌠A compact, mechanical one-use cube designed through the collaboration of user Sebastian Rüegg and scientist Isaac Volta. Upon being thrown or activated, it unfolds into a slender pole, anchoring itself into the ground, releasing a powerful electric barrier then radiates outward, forming a semi-transparent wall that pulses with electromagnetic energy. This shield is highly effective against metallic objects, deflecting or repelling them upon contact by disrupting their trajectory with intense electromagnetic fields.⌡

Sebastian was visibly shaken but did his best to keep calm as the strain was evident, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he tried to steady himself.

"This barrier won’t last long.”

He warned with his voice steady but tinged with fatigue.

Taking his cue, the group quickly clustered into smaller units. Emir and Nikolai clung tightly to Drake, while Adam reached out, securing Chloe and Sebastian by the arms. Kazue found herself with Katya wrapping her arms around her neck, and Gregor, after a moment’s hesitation, grasped Kazue’s shoulder firmly. Kazue shot Gregor with a brief and impatient but reassuring look, one that Katya had caught with a fleeting expression of irritation before suppressing it.

Li took a deep breath and muttered under his breath, casting the spell [Physica Naguru]. His body became enveloped in an intense, golden aura that flared like fire, reinforcing his physical form and providing the protection he’d need to survive the fall, and without a moment’s hesitation, he leaped, vanishing from view as he plummeted toward the ground.

Drake followed, carrying Emir and Nikolai with him. The wind rushed around them, and he realized quickly that the force of impact would be brutal, even for him… Desperation flickered across his face as he wracked his mind for a solution.

“Come on, think!”

The blonde muttered to himself, willing an idea to come, and then, in a moment of inspiration, he activated his trait [Single Step], moving his legs as he was trying not to sink in the water and, to his own surprise, managing to take a few strides through the air. Though it didn’t allow him to fly, it broke his fall enough that when they hit the ground, the impact was manageable, sparing Emir and Nikolai from harm.

Adam, bracing himself with Chloe and Sebastian in his grasp, summoned two large spectral wings that unfurled from his back. The wings carried them gently downward, and though they were buffeted by gusts of wind, he landed with relative ease, ensuring their two companions remained secure.

Kazue, however, was still falling, panic mounting as she realized she had no way to cushion her landing. Driven by her emotions, she had leaped on instinct, but she now found herself at a loss for a solution as the ground rushed up to meet her… Her mind raced through countless options, each more desperate than the last, but none seemed feasible. She was mere meters from the ground when, abruptly, she felt an unseen force grip the collar of her robe, jerking her upward and slowing her descent just enough to land softly.

Kazue staggered, bewildered, and glanced around in search of whatever had saved her, but found nothing, what exactly just happened? Shaking her head in disbelief, she joined the others, who had already started moving.

After they were all safely on the ground, they broke into a run, racing away from the palace. Behind them, they could hear the clamor of more guards spilling from the building and the sound of alarm bells echoing through the air. As they sprinted, Sebastian, despite his age, managed to keep pace by activating small wheels that emerged from the soles of his shoes, transforming them into skates, something that made Adam pleasantly confused.

At that moment, no one spoke; the only sound was their collective footfalls against the ground, each of them silently grappling with the intensity of their escape. They had little time to think—they simply ran without looking back.

The group sprinted across the palace grounds, navigating the sprawling gardens that surrounded the mansion. The open landscape felt treacherous, leaving them exposed as they darted from shrub to shrub, staying low to avoid the guards stationed at various points along the paths with towering hedges and statues offered some cover, but the vastness of the estate made each step feel perilous.

“We’re too exposed out here. We need to find cover—fast.”

Li glanced back, his eyes narrowed with worry. Adam surveyed the grounds, calculating their best route the best he could, trying to remember the original route they took when first arrived there.

“If we make it past the main gates, we might be able to lose them in the city. But we can’t just split up and run; we have to make sure everyone gets through.”

Sais Drake suddenly, his gaze sweeping over their allies.

As they inched closer to the main gate, the patrolling guards—dressed in crisp black suits, some armed with firearms and others with traditional blades—spotted them. Their orders were clear: no one was to leave the grounds alive.

One guard raised his gun, his expression hardened, while two others approached with gleaming swords drawn. Li raised his hand without hesitation, casting a spell that summoned his already-known spiked metal spheres from his back, he thrust his arm forward, and the steel balls shot toward the guards, striking them hard enough to knock them off balance but not severely injure them.

“Keep moving!”

Li urged, not waiting to see the guards struggle to their feet.

Drake surged forward, taking the nearest gun-wielding guard by surprise, twisting the man’s wrist, forcing him to drop the weapon, and then delivering a swift elbow strike that sent him crumpling to the ground. The next guard swung a blade toward him, but Drake sidestepped effortlessly, landing a blow to the man’s chest with precision. His experience in hand-to-hand combat was evident—he seemed to know exactly how to disable anyone wielding a gun.

Kazue joined the fray, dashing up to a guard and pressing her gauntlet to his chest. A surge of electricity sparked from her hand, shocking the guard just enough to leave him staggering, then crumpling, stunned.

Meanwhile, Adam held his Necronomicon’s page before him, summoning an aura of insanity that swirled and pulsed in front of him. The guards who met his gaze froze, their expressions twisted in fear and confusion as they staggered back, their minds clouded by the strange visions induced by Adam’s item.

They fought their way past the remaining guards, each member of the group working seamlessly to subdue without lethally harming any opponents. The moment they cleared the last of the guards, they raced through the gates and into the city, finally escaping the palace grounds. The city streets welcomed them with their narrow alleys and winding paths, offering a temporary refuge as they ducked into the shadows, catching their breath.

Panting, Drake leaned against the wall of a nearby alley, glancing over the group.

“Alright… what’s the plan now?”

Nikolai suddenly answered, still panicked and knowing what it was to be hunted by the authorities.

“We’ve got to lie low! But we can’t just sit around in one spot, we need to move now!”

Meanwhile, Adam was already scanning their surroundings, his mind racing, but Nikolai continued.

“We need new clothes, something that won’t draw attention. If we can blend in for a while, it’ll buy us time until things settle down.”

It seemed that the guy had his fair share of problems with justice, something normal seeing that he was a swindler in the real world, but he was right, Kazue nodded, still catching her breath.

“Yes, please… Let’s catch a breath after that... Oof”

With the plan in place, they quickly made their way through the city, dodging the few stray passersby who eyed them suspiciously until they finally spotted a clothing store nearby, a chance to disguise themselves. But just as they approached, a loud, calm voice boomed from speakers around the city, echoing through the streets.

The voice was unmistakable—Park Zhen, speaking with an unsettlingly lighthearted tone.

“Attention, citizens. There is a group of fugitives in the city—members of the ‘White Flower Divination School’”.

Adam froze as he heard the announcement. ‘White Flower Divination School’? He knew that wasn’t true… why would he call them that?

The screens on nearby buildings flickered to life, showing each member of the group’s face in startling clarity. Adam’s stomach sank as he saw his own image, along with Li, Kazue, Drake, and the others. Park Zhen continued, his voice as smooth as ever.

“These individuals are worth a reward of 500 pieces of treasure each. Bring them to me, alive if possible, and the reward will be yours.”

A ripple of interest spread through the crowd around them. For a moment, the people nearby seemed indifferent, perhaps even bored—until the Don’s mention of a bounty. Then, one by one, heads turned, eyes shining with new interest. The amount offered was astronomical, enough for an ordinary person to live comfortably for life. In an instant, the bystanders’ indifference turned to greedy anticipation.

A murmur spread through the gathering crowd. Drake’s fists clenched as he muttered.

“So much for lying low…”

Suddenly, the crowd surged forward, hands outstretched, some with makeshift weapons drawn… The once-innocent bystanders had become a mob, each eager to claim the reward. The group braced themselves, forming a protective circle as they fought off the people pressing in from every side.

Gregor moved with controlled force, joining the fighting force, punching one assailant in the stomach, then slamming his elbow into another who came too close. His movements were powerful and efficient, each strike aimed to incapacitate without causing serious injury.

Nikolai, feeling overwhelmed, instinctively yelled.

“Stop!”

To his surprise, several of the lower-level fighters halted in their tracks, blinking in confusion. His skill [Silver Tongue] activated itself, compelling them somehow, and though the effect only lasted a few seconds, it gave the group a precious moment to catch their breath and regroup.

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As they fought through the frenzied crowd, Adam spotted a familiar face—the tea shop owner who had served them days before. The man’s face twisted into a sneer as he hurled a cloud of fine powder directly at the boy’s face, who immediately recognized the trap while the system flashed a warning.

[Sleep status condition is affecting your body] [You’re immune to Sleep status condition]

Adam’s racial trait shielded him from the [Sleep] status influence. He narrowed his eyes as the truth dawned on him—the tea they got that day had been drugged, and that was why the two girls suddenly collapsed. Without hesitation, he swung his arm, striking the confused man directly into his face and pushing forward through the throng… There was an important point he was missing after that realization, but the situation wasn’t suitable for him to think more about that.

Around them, the chaos was escalating, each alley and side street they tried seemed blocked by more bounty hunters or gangs. Some of the attackers wielded swords or traditional martial weapons, clearly members of local schools, sects, or gangs, each hoping to cash in on the immense bounty.

The group fought on, their movements growing slower as exhaustion began to creep in. They’d been on the run for nearly more than one hour, their strength dwindling with each passing second with Chloe, Katya, and the younger member Emir staying close, shielded by the others as best as possible. Despite the seemingly endless stream of attackers, they pushed forward, desperately searching for any chance of escape.

Drake grunted, deflecting a sword strike with his arm before countering with a well-placed punch.

“They just keep coming… We can’t keep this up forever.”

Kazue, breathing heavily, cast a glance over her shoulder.

“There has to be somewhere we can hide, even just for a moment. Anywhere!”

But as they turned yet another corner, more pursuers appeared, faces alight with the promise of fortune. They were trapped, surrounded, with nowhere left to run, but that wasn’t all… The unmistakable uniforms of Park Zhen’s elite guards glinted under the dim light among the crowd. The group halted, realizing that their situation had gotten a turn for the worst.

Adam’s heart raced as he assessed their chances. The guards were advancing, armed, and unyielding, while his own team was drained and struggling to keep up, a deep sense of dread gnawed at him, the weight of his responsibility pressing down. His eyes flicked over to the newer, less experienced members—young, wide-eyed, and entirely out of their depth. The thought struck him sharply, an uninvited but pragmatic conclusion: If they were left behind… if we could sacrifice them, maybe the rest of us could escape. His mind recoiled, torn between a brutal logic and the painful recognition that abandoning them was the only conceivable path to survival.

“Adam… what do we do?”

Kazue’s soft voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to the grim reality. He opened his mouth to respond, but his voice faltered as he didn’t have the answer.

But before he could say anything, as if destiny itself would have remembered that it all was just a cruel joke, Kazue let out a sudden gasp.

“Wait! I have something!”

She raised her arms, her eyes wide with an almost desperate realization as she summoned a system window with glowing text that appeared over her head.

⌠Notice: UR-class Plot Device: “Attack! Attack… Retreat! Retreat!” has been used⌡

But nothing happened, the guards continued to close in, raising their weapons with practiced precision. The moments stretched painfully as they waited, the words hanging in the air, seemingly without effect.

“They’re coming!”

Li shouted, gripping his spellbook with a fierce determination, Kazue’s shoulders slumped, her heart sinking as it seemed her last-ditch attempt had failed. But just as the guards opened fire, a blur of white flashed above them, descending from the rooftops like shadows breaking through the dark, and figures clad in pristine, martial robes appeared around the group, each wielding long, glimmering staffs with expert poise. The attackers landed with a resounding impact, their presence almost ethereal under the dim glow of the sunlight.

One of these newcomers, a particularly striking young man, landed directly in front of Kazue. His hair flowed like dark silk, framing a face as chiseled and perfect as Park Zhen’s—handsome to a fault, and his piercing gaze seemed to linger on the girl for a fleeting moment.

The guards, caught off guard by the sudden intervention, fired a barrage of bullets toward the group. But the young men in white spun their staffs at blinding speed, creating a whirlwind of motion that deflected each shot. Kazue watched in awe, her gaze lingering on the handsome figure in front of her as he moved with elegance, his every motion flawless and deliberate, her cheeks warmed, a faint blush dusting her face.

Next to her, Katya’s gaze shifted from Kazue to the stranger, her expression hardening as she noted her friend’s admiration. Her eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation passing over her features.

The bullets continued to ricochet off the spinning staffs until the guards’ magazines ran dry. With their ammunition exhausted, the guards hesitated, but more of the white-clad figures emerged from side streets and alleyways, surrounding the group in a protective formation. The martial artists turned, confronting both the guards and the bounty hunters in the crowd who still lingered, driven by the promise of a reward, and in a decisive clash, the white-robed fighters swept through their foes with a fluid, controlled ferocity, pushing them back with precise, powerful strikes.

The handsome young man before Kazue glanced over his shoulder and called out, his voice clear and commanding.

“Follow me! Quickly, before they regroup!”

The group exchanged glances, uncertain but exhausted beyond argument. Kazue’s blush deepened, and as she nodded and began to follow, Katya’s eyes widened in dismay, her gaze fixed on her friend with thinly veiled frustration.

They moved through the narrow streets, the martial artist leading them confidently. As they weaved through twisting alleys and narrow pathways, Kazue tried to keep her composure, though her heart was still racing. She cast a quick glance at the young man leading them, her blush lingering, but quickly looked away when she noticed Katya’s presence near her, apparently needing comfort.

After several turns, Drake broke the silence, breathing heavily but forcing a chuckle.

“This guy’s fast… Hope this is a good idea.”

Adam’s expression was thoughtful, but his steps didn’t falter as he stayed close to the blonde.

“I don’t think this is just a simple rescue. This was too… coordinated and convenient.”

Eventually, the winding streets became quieter and more deserted while they were led into unfamiliar territory, deeper into the forgotten, shadowed corners of the city. Weeds grew through the cobblestones, and the lights were sparse, casting eerie shadows. Adam couldn’t shake a gnawing sense of unease, and he moved closer to the group as they finally came to a stop near an inconspicuous trapdoor set into the ground.

The young man motioned toward the trapdoor, his voice soft but steady.

“This way. Quickly.”

The group hesitated, exchanging wary looks once more. There was no way of knowing if they were being led into another trap, but the desperate glint in each of their eyes betrayed their exhaustion and the dwindling options.

As they descended into the tunnel below, the cold, damp air settled heavily around them, an almost tangible reminder of their peril. The narrow space echoed with the sounds of their footsteps, and the flickering light illuminated rough stone walls, an eerie atmosphere that made Adam unable to shake the sense of dread, so he leaned in toward his allies—Kazue, Drake, and Li—speaking in a low tone, just above a whisper.

“This… it’s obvious this was triggered by the Plot Device Kazue activated.”

The boy murmured, casting a glance at her.

“But we don’t know if this is really going to help us or if it’s leading us into something worse.”

Li’s brow furrowed, and after a moment, he glanced at their guide’s back. The young man moved confidently, almost as if the tunnel were his home. Frustration sparked in Li’s eyes, and he cleared his throat, raising his voice just enough for their guide to hear.

“We appreciate the help, but we deserve to know why you’re helping us.”

Li said firmly.

“Who are you people, and why risk yourselves for us?”

Upon hearing it, the young man slowed his pace, glancing over his shoulder with a faint, amused smile.

“You may call me Shen Yue. I am the second vice-captain of the 'Cheongryong Alliance'—the 'Azure Dragon Alliance'.”

His voice held a quiet confidence as he continued.

“We are an alliance of clans, sects, and schools who survived the purges of Lord Varek. We fight to restore the world to what it was before he took control, to the traditions of the Murim world… We were watching your participation in the tournament, and after you were framed as fugitives, our leader ordered us to look for you and bring them to him.”

Shen Yue’s words resonated through the group, and a glimmer of relief softened some of their tense expressions. Kazue’s curiosity flared, and she moved a little closer, her eyes bright with interest. The pretty guy met her gaze, a slight smile tugging at his lips, and her cheeks flushed again.

Seeing that, Drake chuckled, his fatigue momentarily forgotten.

“Well, I can’t say we’re not grateful. Things were getting pretty intense up there.”

Chloe nodded, still wary but visibly relieved.

“Yeah… it’s good to know we’re not alone against them.”

As the group continued down the tunnel, Adam, Kazue, Drake, and Chloe found themselves chatting with Shen Yue, who regaled them with brief stories about the alliance’s exploits. Kazue, caught up in the conversation, failed to notice Katya approaching her tentatively from behind. The blonde girl opened her mouth, ready to say something, but paused when she saw Kazue’s undivided attention on Shen Yue.

Katya’s expression shifted, her eyes widening with frustration, casting a glance at the guy, her jaw tightening as she observed Kazue’s absorbed expression. Her fists clenched momentarily, though she quickly relaxed, casting a cold glare in Shen Yue’s direction as the group continued forward, unaware of the growing tension in Katya’s gaze.

The tunnel’s walls grew damper and narrower as they descended deeper. The path twisted unexpectedly, and the air grew colder, the light even dimmer. But despite the uneasy surroundings, the group’s spirits seemed lifted by the recent turn of events, a glimmer of hope rekindled with each step they took, led by the mysterious and confident Shen.

After what felt like over an hour of navigating through the dark, damp tunnel, the group finally saw the faint glimmer of daylight, emerging from the passage, they stepped into a wide, open field that stretched across the outskirts of the city. The field was dotted with a variety of structures—tents, makeshift houses, and roaring campfires. Although rough and rustic, the scene held an undeniable elegance, as if remnants of a classical era were woven into the camp’s very fabric. Bright banners fluttered in the wind, and improvised statues carved from stone and wood stood guard at various points, evoking a lost world of old traditions and spiritual devotion.

Scattered throughout the camp, groups of people—young, middle-aged, and even elderly—were practicing martial arts with intense concentration. Some were engaged in quiet meditation, while others sparred against one another in fierce yet respectful matches. Sebastian’s eyes widened as he noticed an elderly man, perhaps even older than him, moving with an agility that defied his age, flipping and twisting with the skill and ease of someone decades younger. Drake, meanwhile, watched intently as some of the younger fighters practiced intricate sequences of martial movements, his eyes narrowing with fascination as he absorbed the intricacy of each technique. The display was mesmerizing, and it seemed to challenge everything they thought they knew about strength and training.

Shen led them through the encampment, guiding them past groups of young and old, until they arrived at a large tent set apart from the others. A few figures were gathered outside—men and women wearing traditional garb that included loose tunics with wide sleeves and sashes tied around their waists. Their attire was simple but elegant, hinting at a disciplined lifestyle, each one wearing a unique emblem stitched onto their attire, symbols of the sects or schools they represented. They stepped aside respectfully as Shen led the group closer.

At the center of the tent stood a man who looked strikingly similar to Shen, yet distinct in his own right. He had a youthful face, perhaps no older than twenty-five, but his long, white hair and the air of wisdom about him suggested he was no ordinary man. His attire—a white and silver robe—flowed around him with an elegance that seemed to enhance his serene yet commanding presence. His features were delicate and perfectly balanced, almost too flawless to be real, and his gaze was calm but sharp, as if he could see through to the core of each person before him. For reasons they couldn’t fully explain, his presence filled each of them with a strange sense of tranquility, as though they were under the watchful eye of someone who could both protect and test them.

The man glanced over, noticing the group’s arrival, and he nodded to those around him.

“Please, leave us. I have things to discuss with our new guests.”

He said in a soft but commanding voice. Slowly, the others dispersed, one by one, casting glances of curiosity toward the newcomers before slipping away. Shen lingered a moment, bowing deeply to the white-haired man.

“Thank you for bringing them here, Yue.”

The man continued, nodding at Shen.

“You may leave as well.”

Shen gave another slight bow, bringing his hands together in a respectful gesture to reply.

“Yes, father.”

Several members of the group exchanged shocked looks. That word—father—had thrown them off, the two men appeared nearly identical in age; if someone had told them they were brothers, it would have been entirely believable.

“Please, take a seat.”

The white-haired man gestured to a set of simple chairs arranged in a circle within the tent.

“Forgive the humble accommodations. We are constantly moving, relocating the camp to evade Lord Varek’s detection.”

The group settled onto the chairs, exchanging cautious glances, still processing the strange events that had unfolded. The man seated himself across from them, folding his hands in his lap with an air of calm authority.

“Allow me to introduce myself, I am Shen Jianfeng, leader of the 'Cheongryong Alliance'.”

His voice was warm but commanding, resonating with a quiet confidence.

“We have been watching you since the tournament, observing your abilities. When you were declared enemies of the city and hunted down, I decided to bring you here. I hope that Shen has already told you about what we do, so that you can become the cornerstone of our effort to deliver a decisive blow against Lord Varek and his Four Dons.”

His words stirred a mix of emotions among the group. Kazue and Chloe’s eyes lit up with excitement, their expressions showing newfound development. This was the opportunity they had been waiting for, but on the other hand, Li and Adam shared a look of skepticism. Adam, in particular, felt a surge of doubt rising within him, so he leaned forward, his brows knitted.

“With all due respect, we’re just fighters. Yes, we managed to hold our own in the tournament, but to say we’re the ones who can actually make a difference—especially after seeing what Park Zhen could do…”

He shook his head slightly, unsure whether to continue. However, Jianfeng simply smiled, an amused yet understanding look in his eyes. He leaned back and clasped his hands before him, taking a moment to observe each of them before replying.

“I understand your doubts, young man. But I'm not counting on your martial prowess but on your other talents, you see, I know that you are not from this world.”

The words hung in the air, sending a wave of shock through the group. Each one of them fell silent, faces turning pale as they processed what Jianfeng had just revealed. Somehow, he knew the truth—their secret, something the system should make impossible to know. Adam’s mind raced, quickly considering the possibility. Could this be an effect on the glitched synopsis they saw before entering?

After a few moments of tense silence, Adam spoke up once again, his voice shaking slightly.

“How… how do you know we’re not from here?”

Jianfeng’s gaze softened, a hint of sympathy evident in his expression.

“Because I have seen things in you that no one in this world possesses. Techniques, energies, and abilities beyond our understanding. I have encountered such things before.”

At that moment, Li frowned, clearly unsettled.

“What do you mean? How have you dealt with people like us before?”

Jianfeng’s expression softened, and a hint of sorrow crossed his features.

“Unfortunately, yes… If you are willing, I can tell you the story of how our world changed—of how a group, much like yours, arrived here over five hundred years ago. Their arrival was the beginning of everything that followed, leading us to this very moment, Lord Varek’s rise to power is part of that dark legacy.”

A silence fell over the group as they considered the weight of Jianfeng’s words. His revelation hinted at a history that stretched beyond their understanding, a tale of outsiders like themselves who had changed the course of this world’s fate just as it has happened in the previous scenario.