Walking through the mountain ravine, Green listened to the brook babbling past.
Compared to the era when the ancient Sixth-Ring Algae governed through rules, the craters large and small across the Wizard World had now been filled and repaired by nature's changes, leaving no trace of its ancient decline.
Moreover, with wizards living in communities centered around the major wizard academies, the family-based towns and villages had vanished. Farmland had been returned to forest, and the wilderness had naturally become fragrant with flowers.
Two butterflies fluttered past. Like a traveler without a destination, Green walked along the mountain ravine.
Suddenly!
Roar...
A monster with scarlet flames burning around its neck looked down at Green from high atop the rock wall, releasing low growls. Its five-meter-long body marked it as the king of this ravine. Its icy gaze held not a shred of emotion—it was a beast that chose its prey and devoured it.
Spring water dampened his feet. Leaning on a wooden staff, Green looked up from the ravine. The dazzling sunlight made him squint slightly beneath his golden hair. Their four eyes met.
Whimper, whimper.
In an instant, the Magic Beast that had looked so fierce and savage let out the low whine of a tame puppy. After two soft whimpers, it leaped down from above and repeatedly rubbed itself against Green's legs.
After reaching out to stroke its sleek, supple fur, Green leaped onto its back and rode the Magic Beast away at full speed.
Less than half a day later, Green jumped down from the Magic Beast and stopped atop a mountain to look around. Ahead stood an inconspicuous cave, seemingly quite deep.
After a while, Green murmured, "This should be the place."
A blue gleam of spiritual light passed over his body, and an unremarkable stone