The Southern Nations!
The southern part of the continent had been the first region of the material world to fall since the invasion of the Esoteric Sect's gods.
By now, several long decades had passed.
For long-lived beings such as gods, dragons, and elves, a few decades were no more than the blink of an eye.
But for ordinary people, several decades meant the turnover of two or three generations.
The influence of the Outer Gods had seeped into every aspect of their lives.
Once a few more decades passed and the older generation had all died out, they would regard being ruled by the Esoteric Sect as only natural and right.
A portal opened.
Aaron stepped out of it.
He was dressed as a wandering bard, in light traveler's clothes, with a weathered Lute +3 on his back that made him look road-worn and dust-stained.
"So this is the south?"
He looked around and muttered to himself.
The Esoteric Sect's gods had already completely taken control of this region, even laying down a tightly woven net of surveillance.
Any transportation spells like 'Teleportation' or 'Dimension Door' would be monitored.
At every moment, the entire southern continent lay beneath the shroud of a strange power!
Aaron raised his head, gazing at that scarlet sun as his eyes narrowed.
"It's only because it's me. If it were a saint of the gods, or even another legendary-class professional, wouldn't they be exposed the instant they teleported here?"
[Great Sun Tathagata] was the supreme principal deity revered by every Buddha, Bodhisattva, Arhat, Vajra Dharma Protector, and other divine being of the Esoteric Sect!
Its power was unimaginably immense, even forming a special field that covered most of the material world!
This was also why most of the gods' schemes had failed!
"Secrecy!"