Chapter 163
Earth Kingdom. City of Taku.
Where the once-ruined city of Taku stood, a well-fortified fortress now rises. Five years ago, a couple hundred earthbenders arrived and, within just six months, cleared the land and erected new walls. The only place that preserved memories of the past was the herbalist school.
Perched atop a high cliff, a curious traveler could discover an ancient pagoda-like structure. It was there, in peace and quiet, that the last resident of the city—also the last representative of the once-famous herbalist school—passed away. All her belongings remained untouched, though it was clear someone periodically cleaned the place. The school itself had been restored and listed in the nation's heritage registry, placing it under the country's protection. Vandalism against the site would be severely punished.
Two hundred meters from the cliff where the herbalists once studied stands a large fort, nearly a full-fledged fortress. Narrow streets were mostly populated by Earth Kingdom warriors, though occasionally members of other nations could be seen. The long-term coexistence of former enemies, especially soldiers, could become its own story, but the key point is that they somehow managed to get along. A significant factor in this was the contraption located right in the center of the fort, one meter above the ground. A large hole, encircled by cracks, gave the impression that the Creator himself had struck it with a hammer.
They quickly realized their main enemy was dark spirits, with whom negotiation was impossible. Like rabid animals, these spirits craved only blood and flesh. When an earthbender faced a challenging opponent, a firebender would step in to save the day. And if you were on the other side, a waterbender would rescue you. The phrase, "The best friendship is one against a common enemy," takes on a literal meaning here.
Moreover, "Defenders of Humanity" sounds quite impressive. They'd been told that such breaches would increase the world's magical energy, leading to more benders. They themselves noticed that mastering the elements had become much easier. Even experienced benders, who had long forgotten what it was like to reach new heights, suddenly realized that years of stagnation were behind them. So, despite the danger, there were plenty of volunteers worldwide willing to stand guard. After all, the pay was good, there were other perks, and abilities improved—gathering so many benders in one place, not to mention the direct "channel" to the Spirit World, heightened particle activity. As a cultivator might say, "One day of training here equals a whole week elsewhere."
On the second floor of the main building were the quarters—or rather, the office—of former General Zen, now the head of defense for Interworld Base Number Eight. After years of service, Poppy Beifong's father had retired. Yes, retirement existed in this world, though only in its early form. The general's active nature couldn't endure being cooped up indoors, especially after his health was restored by the best healers of the Northern Water Tribe. So, he eagerly seized the chance to feel the heat of battle once more.
"When will someone strong finally show up?" the spry old man grumbled to himself. If he'd said it aloud, his subordinates wouldn't have understood. After all, even a battle with a low-level spirit here could mean death. But over the years, only mid-level spirits had emerged from the hole. Occasionally, several mid-level spirits appeared at once, but other officers handled them easily, leaving him to watch with a hint of envy. Occupational hazard—it seems even he doesn't realize his behavior isn't normal.
"And Base Six has encountered a high-level spirit for the second time this year," he muttered barely audibly. But apparently not quietly enough, as his assistant shot him an annoyed look. Fair enough. All the paperwork meant for the base commander had been dumped on this smart young man. Zen was no good at such writing! He preferred throwing rocks, that's all!