Runes in the Mist, Ancient Civilization Navigation System

"The Mist Realm lies ahead."

Silvers Rayleigh's voice echoed across the deck, and every crew member turned their gaze toward the distant horizon. There, a massive grayish-white wall of fog stretched across the route like a natural barrier, its end nowhere in sight, as though it had split the entire world in two.

Lin Ye stood at the bow, gripping the rail as he felt the sea wind blowing toward him. Days of sailing had already kept everyone on edge, and this fog barrier undoubtedly pushed their tension to its peak. In everyone's memory, no one had ever been able to clearly describe Laugh Tale's exact location, because this Mist Realm caused all who entered to lose their bearings, ultimately returning empty-handed or perishing at sea.

"Prepare to enter the fog!" Silvers Rayleigh ordered, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Everyone, be aware: once we enter the mist, conventional navigational instruments may fail. Stay alert and follow orders strictly!"

The crew answered nervously and took their positions. Ace stood near the main mast, tightly gripping the Flame Key with a grave expression. Dragon was at the stern, speaking with the navigators and confirming the final route records.

As the Dawn entered the edge of the fog, the surrounding seawater began to take on an eerie purplish-black hue, as if some mysterious substance had seeped into it. The ship's compass spun wildly, the inked lines on the nautical charts warped and twisted, and the electronic equipment failed completely, falling silent after emitting piercing static.

"Just as the legends described," Silvers Rayleigh murmured, his gaze sweeping over the ever-shifting mist. "From this point on, we must rely on ancient navigation methods and intuition."

At that moment, a sharp, violent pain suddenly shot through Lin Ye's right arm. The purple patterns began to glow,