The original magical barrier was annihilated by the Lightning Strike without putting up any resistance.
Although the people inside the magical barrier were unharmed, it was as if their souls had been stolen. They stared fearfully and apprehensively at the lightning gradually fading from the sky.
And once the lightning had gradually disappeared, the figure within it was nowhere to be seen...
Watching the scene before her, Igō Yūki, now freed from her restraints, understood.
The Lord Narukami she revered had completely left this place.
Gods and Witches!
The sky was a flawless blue, and blazing sunlight shone directly upon the azure sea. Breezes swept over the seemingly tranquil waters, stirring up wave after wave. Seagulls soared freely and carefree through the blue heavens above the crystal-clear sea.
In the Pacific Ocean—the world's largest and deepest ocean, stretching roughly 15,900 kilometers from north to south and 19,000 kilometers from east to west, with the greatest number of marginal seas and islands—
At the very center of this ocean, roughly 330 kilometers south of Tokyo, lay an island.
An artificial island!
It was built from carbon fiber, resin, metal, and magic, with artificial landmasses linked by massive floating structures known as Giga Float!
If one looked down from above this artificial island, one would see towering buildings scattered across it. Residents bustled through the lively streets.
Inside the automated rail trains, countless young people chatted with one another.
Some talked about getting girlfriends yesterday.
Some talked about awkward incidents with their childhood sweethearts that morning.
Some...
Because this artificial island stood in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and was affected by warm currents, its temperature remained above twenty degrees year-round, even during the height of winter.
Located in the tropics, it was truly an island where every season felt like