At the border between the Feymont Empire and the Thorn Empire, at the southernmost end of the Morian Mountains, stood the tallest snow-covered mountain on the Hells Continent: Taratel Mountain.
Halfway up the snowy mountain, near the snowline, lay an unremarkable stream. It wound along the mountainside, gathering countless clear springs from the ravines. By the time it emerged from the desolate Morian Mountains, it had grown into a sizeable river. This stream was the source of the Aiva River, the largest river system in the Feymont Empire.
The Aiva River followed the sloping Hells Continent northward, traveling more than six thousand kilometers and crossing eleven provinces of the Empire. At last, like every other great river in Middle-earth, it flowed into Northfall Cliff.
At that moment, Donald stood on a protruding ledge of Northfall Cliff, gazing at the Aiva River as it rushed over the precipice. It was a colossal waterfall, several kilometers wide. The sight was so spectacular and majestic that even from this far away, it was impossible not to be moved.
Yet beside the cliff beneath their feet, even this magnificent waterfall seemed insignificant.
Even with a sturdy railing between him and the drop, Donald's legs felt weak. His instincts urged him to retreat farther from the edge. Even a legendary Holy Knight standing atop Northfall Cliff for the first time would probably react the same way.
The cliff beneath him was almost vertical, plunging seventy kilometers down. Looking over its edge toward the Knight Federation below, he could see rivers, lakes, grasslands, farmland, and cities through the clouds. It was like looking down at the Earth from an artificial satellite.
After the Martial Magic Tournament ended, the professors had agreed that, since they were already in the north, they should broaden the students' horizons. So