Chapter 85 -85-Into the Abyss
Northern Frontier of the Human Realm —
To Daniel’s surprise, the northern frontier of the Human Race was nothing like what he had imagined. There were no endless stretches of snow, nor did the land lie buried beneath layers of frost. In fact, as he gazed across the landscape, he even spotted clusters of tropical vegetation—plants that had no business growing in frigid climates.
After a moment of stunned silence, Daniel figured it out. While this area was known as the "northern border" of human territory, that label was only relative. In the context of the entire world, this place wasn’t actually that far north—perhaps just moderately so. Except for a few towering peaks still capped with snow, most of the land here looked entirely ordinary.
Upon arriving, Daniel’s gaze was instantly drawn to the distant edge of the world—the Abyss. That pitch-black chasm stretching to the unknown was the domain of the Abyssal Races. It was a place shrouded in mystery and danger, a region few dared approach, let alone enter.
No one knew how vast or deep the Abyss truly was. No one could say for sure how many distinct races dwelled within it. Even Daniel noticed something alarming—certain border regions where human lands met the Abyss were already tainted by its dark energy.
Standing beside him, the Human Emperor’s expression grew somber as he stared into the distance, his thoughts heavy.
"Two thousand years ago," he said slowly, "the territory of the Human Race was far greater than it is now."
He sighed, voice tinged with bitterness. "Back then, this very land wasn’t called the ’northern frontier.’ It was the heartland of our civilization. We called it the Central Province. But everything changed with the sudden emergence of the Abyss."
"We fought. We resisted. But our strength was drained. The war took its toll, and the Human Race declined. The lands farther north—once ours—were divided up by other races."
"It’s not that we were willing to give them up," he added bitterly, "but in this world, might makes right. Without power, there is no justice."
As they spoke, the Snowdragon Beast descended gracefully onto the towering battlements of a mighty fortress. This was no ordinary city—this was Winterhold Castle, the greatest stronghold of the northern frontier.