The Storm Dragon Eagle's sharp eyes swiftly swept over the surroundings. Its vision was excellent; even in this pitch-black place, it could see the conditions on the ground with perfect clarity.
Following Duke's instructions, it carried him down into a relatively safe-looking area. There were no people or magical creatures active anywhere nearby.
The Storm Dragon Eagle had also kept its aura restrained. Even while flying, it moved cautiously, trying not to stir up too much wind.
They had only just arrived in this region and knew nothing about its situation. Caution had to come first.
What if there was a level-two lifeform like the Emperor Flame Turtle here? If they woke it up, he would have to flee for his life again.
Duke lightly leaped down from the Storm Dragon Eagle's back. The ground beneath his feet was not hard, but a peculiar dark substance with a faint elasticity, like congealed shadows.
The light here was exceptionally dim, as though some invisible existence were greedily devouring it.
The air was filled with a cold, viscous aura that made even the soul feel faintly sluggish. Most people would find this environment unpleasant, but Duke felt a trace of ease. His body seemed well suited to this place.
Duke crouched down and carefully examined the ground.
He discovered that the ground was essentially still soil, except it contained an incredibly dense concentration of dark-attribute energy. The energy had caused the soil to mutate until it no longer resembled soil at all.
The entire fragment region was saturated with dense dark energy. For the vast majority of people, it was an environment unfit for life or survival.
Only someone like Duke, with an extremely high affinity for the dark attribute, could remain here for long periods. Staying here long-term might even bring