Sand Mage of the Burnt Desert Chapter 577

The desert sun ascended into the sky.

As it climbed higher, tinting the orange sands a richer crimson, a torrent of intense emotions surged through him.

Jin Geumho remained seated at the Steel Fortress entrance, fixated on the sun breaking over the horizon.

A enigmatic look graced Jin Geumho’s features, one beyond simple description.

It appeared like a smile, yet also resembled tears.

This look lingered on his face for quite some time.

Neither Zeon nor the Steel Fortress residents drew near to Jin Geumho.

Though uncertain of his exact feelings, they chose not to interrupt him needlessly.

Once the sun hung high overhead, Jin Geumho composed himself and rose to his feet.

Wearing a faintly sheepish look, he said,

“I’ve shown an unsightly side of myself.”

“It’s not like that.”

“It’s the first time.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s the first time I’ve stepped outside since founding Neo Seoul.”

“You mean you haven’t left even once in over a hundred years?”

“That’s right!”

Zeon’s face twisted in astonishment at Jin Geumho’s reply.

A figure of his might could exit Neo Seoul at will.

Sensing Zeon’s disbelief, Jin Geumho offered a subtle smile.

“I can’t die or get hurt. The instant I leave or falter, villains and scavengers would erupt alongside the districts. Neo Seoul’s power would dwindle, leading to its eventual downfall. That’s why I’ve stayed inside Neo Seoul without exception. I couldn’t risk even the tiniest danger. Do I seem cowardly to you?”

“Not at all. It strikes me as remarkable bravery.”

Zeon shook his head firmly.

Jin Geumho possessed the strength to roam wherever he desired.

That such a powerhouse had isolated himself in Neo Seoul for over a century without venturing out marked him as extraordinary.

“I appreciate you seeing it that way.”

“Because it’s the truth.”

“Anyway, this marks my first trip out. Call it an excursion after a hundred years.”

“Congratulations.”

Zeon offered his genuine words.

“Thank you! Owing to you, human lands have grown broader. You can’t imagine how I’ve longed for this day.”

For over a century, Jin Geumho had strived to extend Neo Seoul’s borders.

Yet despite his relentless efforts, the city’s domain refused to grow.

Countless demonic beasts blocked every advance, as numerous as the desert’s sand grains.

He deployed scores of demon beast hunters and dungeon raiders to clear the threats, but each attempt failed.

For every beast slain, another swiftly took its place.

It resembled a squirrel trapped in eternal wheel-spinning.

Thankfully, they had secured a Magic Stone mine and reinforced it.

Beyond that, no new human settlements emerged.

Yet now, distant from Neo Seoul, a vast habitable expanse had been won back.

Whose hands claimed it mattered little.

The key was humanity gaining a stable foothold for thriving.

Even more thrilling, safe passage beyond Neo Seoul had become possible.

Via the portal, Neo Seoul’s folk could reach the Steel Fortress freely.

In turn, Steel Fortress dwellers could access Neo Seoul.

This was nothing short of revolutionary.

“You have no idea how long I’ve awaited such a moment. I’m overjoyed it arrived before my end.”

Without Seo Taeran at his side, Jin Geumho bared his raw feelings unreservedly.

Zeon noted this was the first such unguarded display from him.

Moments later, Jin Geumho reined in his fervor, resuming his typical icy demeanor.

“Zeon!”

“Yes!”

“How many Teleportation Gems remain?”

Jin Geumho’s eyes gleamed gold.

Lying before those eyes proved futile.

“Five are left.”

“That allows five more links to Neo Seoul. Chosen the spots yet?”

“Two spots for now.”

“Care to share them?”

“You already sense them, right?”

“My Heavenly Eye reveals the world’s currents. I see you’re tied to a mighty tide. But specifics escape me without your word.”

No one in Neo Seoul traversed the desert like Zeon.

Others needed groups for desert survival, yet Zeon thrived solo effortlessly.

He’d vanish into the wastes for months sometimes.

Clearly, he had bases beyond Neo Seoul.

The Heavenly Eye’s visions confirmed it too.

Zeon surely knew a site rivaling Neo Seoul’s fate.

Jin Geumho declared,

“The moment’s arrived to lay our cards bare.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I see it—the world’s flow shifting. Earth has long opposed humanity’s survival. Thus, I sealed Neo Seoul tighter. I built the Steel Fortress, awaiting a favorable turn for humankind.”

“Is now that turn?”

“Heavenly Eye isn’t all-knowing. But one truth stands clear: the flow alters. We’ve hit a pivotal shift. How we seize and steer it decides humanity’s fate.”

Zeon felt Jin Geumho’s gaze blaze fiercer than ever.

For the first time, the ever-composed Jin Geumho unveiled his deepest convictions so boldly.

Jin Geumho pressed on.

“I’ll show my hand first. I’m building a satellite named Heavenly Punishment.”

“So it truly is a satellite.”

“You knew?”

“I suspected.”

“To reclaim Earth, humanity needs sky-high satellites. They’d spot survivors and blast mega-beasts with lasers. That sparked the project. Heavenly Punishment nears completion.”

“Planning divine retribution for the demonic beasts, then.”

“I’ll rain heavenly punishment on all foes of humanity.”

Whoosh!

As though his resolve ignited it, brilliant golden radiance erupted from Jin Geumho’s eyes.

Zeon found Jin Geumho’s resolve chilling.

One man chasing a lone purpose for over a century was mind-boggling.

Even haughty Deiod respected only Jin Geumho among humans.

Zeon respected him too.

Thus, he’d revealed a key asset.

Now, the rest must follow.

After a brief pause to gather his thoughts, Zeon said,

“Imagine a land brimming with verdant forests—what then?”

“I’d seize it by any means.”

“What if it’s claimed already?”

“There’s the crux. Without you, I’d conquer it regardless.”

Jin Geumho laid bare his mind.

No need for pretense now.

He and Zeon must deal frankly.

Still, he set a term.

“But you’d block that. So we’d partner as equals.”

“You swear it?”

“On my honor and Neo Seoul.”

“One spot first. The other when ready.”

Zeon intended to unveil the Forest of Origin initially.

The High Elf village with the World Tree demanded secrecy longer.

The Forest of Origin mattered greatly, but the High Elf site outweighed it.

The World Tree alone held Earth’s restoration hope.

Such a treasure couldn’t be exposed lightly.

“I’m eager to discover it.”

Jin Geumho nodded, anticipation lighting his face.

“First, let’s bargain with the Steel Fortress.”

“Agreed. If possible, fetch Taeran from City Hall? She excels at these dealings.”

“Got it.”

Zeon nodded.

With the portal active, it was simple.

Zeon stepped through to Jin Geumho’s home.

There, at the installed portal, Seo Taeran and Seong Hoyeon awaited.

Spotting Zeon emerge, Seo Taeran demanded with a stern face,

“What’s this portal? Where’s the Mayor? If he’s harmed in any way, you’ll regret it.”

Seo Taeran glared at Zeon with open animosity.

At dawn, sensing Jin Geumho gone, she flung open the door in alarm.

He’d vanished, leaving only this strange portal.

Instinct told her it linked to him, so she tried entering.

Denied without clearance, she summoned Seong Hoyeon, Numbers leader, and stood guard.

Reading the scene, Zeon grinned and replied,

“The Mayor’s at the Steel Fortress now. Unscathed, naturally.”

“This leads to the Steel Fortress?”

“Follow me. Seeing beats explaining.”

“Fine.”

Seo Taeran agreed instantly.

“Finally, I’ll witness this Steel Fortress.”

Seong Hoyeon, Numbers chief, trailed Zeon with a grin.

Zeon authorized their portal use.

Thus, entry came smoothly this time.

A swirling vertigo hit, then the view transformed.

“The Steel Fortress?”

“Welcome, Taeran.”

Jin Geumho welcomed the stunned Seo Taeran.

Suddenly, Seong Hoyeon thrust his head before Jin Geumho.

“I tagged along too.”

“You did too.”

“Enjoying this epic vista solo, huh.”

“Time aplenty. Gaze your fill later. First, talks with the leaders here.”

“Talks? Understood.”

Seong Hoyeon assented.

Jin Geumho led them to the central plaza.

Urtian and Deborah waited there.

Urtian offered a rigid greeting.

“Welcome to the Steel Fortress.”

A former scavenger fearing little, Urtian couldn’t bravado before Jin Geumho.

Neo Seoul’s lord operated on another plane.

No one worldwide stayed utterly composed facing him.

Jin Geumho smiled warmly.

“Thank you.”

“…Pardon?”

“For forging this bastion. For sheltering countless souls. I’ll provide full backing for the Steel Fortress’s growth.”

“I didn’t do it solo. Zeon and many others made it possible.”

“I know. Now, let’s negotiate steadily. Find the path benefiting us both.”

“Up front: no lopsided losses or yields.”

“Same for us.”

“Then start.”

“Very well.”

Delegates from both sides took seats.

Steel Fortress had Deborah and chiefs; Neo Seoul, Seo Taeran.

Unprepared for the visit, Seo Taeran showed no flicker of doubt.

She’d long prepped for such scenarios.

“Our Steel Fortress…”

“In Neo Seoul…”

A battle of wits, devoid of weapons, ignited.