Chapter 11: Geb Fortress
The airplane glided through the sky, cutting through cloud layers that shimmered with faint traces of mana.
Below, Alex could see the sprawling wilderness—vivid greens and eerie purples marked forests that glowed faintly under the sunlight. Occasionally, he caught glimpses of colossal mana plants stretching skyward, their luminous blossoms a stark reminder of the world’s transformation.
Nova’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
[ "Our next step is to stay unnoticed when we land. The fortress security is tight, but if we stick to the shadows, sir." ]
Alex leaned back, feeling the hum of the mana conduits beneath his seat. "Nova, how much of this change—this world—is because of mana?"
Nova hesitated before replying, her tone thoughtful. ["Mana didn’t just change the world physically; it rewrote the rules of life. Evolution sped up, and ecosystems realigned.
Think of it as the planet waking up from a long slumber and deciding it wanted to grow. Humanity was lucky that the gods took pity and helped them learn how to harness it before being consumed." ]
"Hmmm" Alex murmured keeping his thoughts to himself
As the airplane began its descent, the skyline of the Gaia Fortress came into view. Towering spires of polished mana-steel rose like monoliths, their surfaces etched with glowing runes.
This was more than a city; it was a testament to human ingenuity and their fragile coexistence with the forces they fought against. The airport terminal buzzed with activity, a mix of business travelers, researchers, and adventurers preparing to face the challenges of the mana-altered world.
Alex adjusted his coat, keeping his expression neutral as he approached the exit gates.