Coastal Country, Black Shell City.
This was a city in the Coastal Country that had risen through commerce. Following the Leit River, one could travel all the way to Iron Guard City at the border between the Steel Country and the Frost Country.
But now, the city's residents had no choice but to flee it, because of the Black Shadow gradually appearing not far from the city.
After speaking with Empress Yekana, Blue Robe learned that a Giant Turtle in the Coastal Country was spreading gray mist. He had come to this nation to save its people from the crisis of the gray mist.
But the crisis he encountered this time was no less devastating than a natural disaster.
Blue Robe stood atop the high wall, gazing at the gray mountain walking in the distance. Humans were as tiny as dust before it.
"Lord Sage! We've already inscribed the runes you ordered onto the city walls!"
A soldier stationed in Black Shell City hurried over and spoke to Blue Robe.
"You should flee with the merchant ships on the Black Shell River as well..." Blue Robe watched the forest beneath the gray mountain. Gray mist had already begun spreading beyond the city walls.
Eerie howls began to echo from the forest. Clearly, some kind of monsters were moving alongside the Giant Turtle—or rather, protecting it.
"We are the guards sworn to protect this city. The city lord has ordered us to hold this place to the death," the soldier said.
"Ah..."
Blue Robe let out a deep sigh, but it was quickly cut short by a distorted roar. A large number of magical beasts emerged from the forest... except they had no fur. In its place was grayish-white skin.
There were an astonishing number of magical beasts. The soldiers beside