Chapter 314: Into the Monsoon Continent
The mountain range separating the Asani Continent, home to Constantine Country, from the untamed lands of the Monsoon Continent was a sight to behold.
It rose like a jagged spine cutting through the earth, its peaks piercing the sky as though they sought to touch the heavens themselves. With its treacherous cliffs and deep ravines, this imposing range had long been a nearly dangerous natural barrier. Winding paths, known only to the most seasoned travelers, snaked through the mountains, making it one of the most risky and crucial landmarks in the region. For centuries, it had stood as a formidable obstacle, keeping the two continents isolated from each other.
At the peak of this majestic range stood a group of fifty warriors, as unyielding as the mountains themselves. Their large, powerful bodies seemed carved from stone, emanating strength and readiness for whatever lay ahead.
Leading them was none other than King Viserin, who gazed down at the valley below, his expression grave. Just days ago, the valley had teemed with monstrous life—creatures that surged upward, crossing the mountain peaks and descending into the lands of the Turkin Kingdom. Now, only an eerie silence remained.
Although the packs of monsters had been a problem, Viserin was even more troubled now by the absence of any signs of those creatures. He could not help but wonder what had caused the sudden stillness.
"My King, how much longer should we wait?" The silence was broken by one of the warriors, his voice low but carrying the weight of thunder. Karton, a massive man with long black hair and a single, piercing eye, stood beside Viserin. His face, marred by scars, only enhanced his fearsome appearance.
Before Viserin could reply, General Zamas, standing nearby, interjected. "According to their message, they are expected to arrive at noon. We haven’t reached that hour yet, Karton. Be patient."
Karton turned toward Zamas, frustration evident in his expression. "Why should we wait for them? We can handle whatever we might encounter," he said, his chest swelling with pride. "Besides, I doubt this man is as powerful as you say, Zamas. None of you even saw him fight."
Zamas glanced at Karton, sighing softly. He understood the warrior’s arrogance—it was an attitude he had once shared. Like Karton, Zamas had believed the Turkin Kingdom’s power to be unrivaled, but reality had proven otherwise. The strength Vlad and his forces wielded was something extraordinary, not easily understood by those who had not witnessed it firsthand.
Unfortunately, Karton had been assigned to the southern borders during the initial meeting with the Xaos Kingdom, securing the Turkin Kingdom’s borders. He hadn’t been present to see the Xaos Kingdom’s incredible display of power.
"Enough. We will wait," Viserin’s firm and resolute voice cut through the tension. His command silenced any further objections from Karton or the others. The King sensed danger looming over the expedition and knew they would need Vlad’s power on their side.