Chapter 457
The Humanity Kingdom had always prided itself on being one of the least affected by the presence of cursed spirits. Unlike other lands where resentment, tragedy, and chaos often birthed these malevolent entities, Erik’s people had maintained relative peace. That was, until now.
His kingdom’s embrace of a promiscuous culture, meant to rapidly grow their population, had inadvertently attracted something far worse—a surge in the presence of cursed spirits of lust. These entities fed on the unchecked desires and indulgences of humans, slithering into the dark corners of society where their influence grew unchecked.
Measures were taken. Laws were enforced, purges were carried out, and the clergy sought to drive out these spirits through sacred rites. Yet, despite their best efforts, the people had already tasted the sweetness of excess. Even if on the surface all seemed well, shadows whispered of hidden indulgences, of secret gatherings where the spirits’ influence continued to spread.
But for now, Erik’s mind was drawn to the new spectacle that had appeared at the boundary of their land—a lake of deep, dark waters that seemed almost alive.
Where others saw danger, Erik saw something else. Curiosity. Possibility.
He had long admired the Harpies, beings of unparalleled grace and beauty, and to his surprise, he had received a message from their leader. A woman of angelic form, one whose ethereal elegance he secretly revered. Yet, the message was cryptic, laced with an uncharacteristic tone of urgency. The harpies, beings who rarely expressed fear, were now wary—cautious. But why?
Despite his inquiries, no answers were given.
Yet, the lake stood before him, an enigma waiting to be unraveled. If there was a lead to the harpies’ concerns, this was it. Without hesitation, Erik ordered his mages to deploy and construct a research base near the lake’s edge.
However, it appeared he was not the only one with such intentions.
The Sun Kingdom, his neighbor to the south, had also taken interest in the phenomenon. Unlike the two kingdoms in the eastern continent that constantly are at ecah other’s neck, Erik’s kingdom and the Sun Kingdom maintained an uneasy yet respectful peace. They each went about their business, selecting their own territory for research, neither interfering with the other.
For now, at least.