Star Islands did indeed drift steadily and slowly toward the majestic body of Two Realms Mountain, carried by the Law River flowing against the current.
But this natural "going with the flow" was far too inefficient, like riding a small boat that rose and fell with the tide. When one would reach the shore depended entirely on fate.
Only races or individuals lacking sufficient ability and strength were forced to remain trapped on the islands where they had first arrived, or could only passively wait for other islands to drift close by and luckily complete a leap.
For them, survival itself was already a stroke of luck; striving forward was nearly an impossible dream.
However, for competitors determined to climb higher, Star Islands were far more than temporary safe houses or shelters.
They should instead be carefully chosen strategic stepping stones for continual progress!
The ability to safely and precisely transfer time and again from one island to another—one closer to the mountain, larger, and more bountiful—was the core capability needed to seize the initiative and advance swiftly in this struggle against the current.
Yet this task was so difficult it was suffocating.
It harshly demanded both luck and strength. Neither could be lacking.
As for luck, the first requirement was that there had to be a suitable "next stop" along your path.
Ahead of you, amidst that dazzling yet dangerous Law River, a Star Island had to happen to appear at a distance and in a position suitable for jumping.
Throughout past Saint Wars, there had been no shortage of utterly unlucky teams trapped on isolated islands for long periods. As far as they could see was an endless "river of light," with no possible target for transfer. They could only watch opportunities slip away before eventually perishing in