Chapter 498
The group veered away from the gradually curving northern coastline and began crossing the black desert that stretched westward.
It was on the afternoon of their second day when Diana, walking ahead with her short sword gripped tightly in her hand, suddenly muttered, "Wait, this place... could it be?"
"It probably is," Lucia said from behind.
She had moved to the front of the saddle again. It wasn't just because she was used to hugging Moro's neck, but also because it was more comfortable for talking with Diana.
"From what I can see, it looks like we're passing near the Black Wall right now," Lucia added, carefully taking in her surroundings. The sand in the area had turned an ashen color, as if it had faded.
"As expected." Diana sighed softly and turned her head.
Looking at Lucia, who was hugging a leather water pouch, and Ian, who had his eyes closed as if in meditation, she finally muttered, "It's a shame. I really wanted to see that damn Black Wall in person at least once."
Despite being one of the oldest residents of the Black Lands, Diana had never seen the Black Wall herself. From inside the demonic realm, the border had appeared as nothing more than shifting, shadowy darkness.
But now, there was nothing left—not a trace of the thick darkness, nor of the wall that once stood.
Lucia's lips curved into a faint smile. "That's unexpected. To think that the feeling you have upon setting foot on Imperial land again is disappointment."
"Right? I thought I would get emotional. But now that it's happened, I don't feel much of anything. Maybe it's because not much has changed yet," Diana replied with a low laugh, looking back at the receding black waves.
"Well, I suppose that could be it." Nodding, Lucia looked up at the ashen sky.