Sand Mage of the Burnt Desert Chapter 600

Exhaling deeply, Zeon got up from his resting place.

His days were spent recovering, lying on the bed.

The physical injuries had mended, but the lingering effects were substantial.

After all, he had faced a dragon, and not just any dragon, but Reika, notorious as the worst among them. It would have been truly strange if there were no consequences.

Furthermore, Reika’s mana possessed an inherent property of destruction. This fact had severely upset the delicate balance within Zeon’s body.

Restoring this diminished equilibrium had consumed a significant amount of his time.

Fortunately, he had succeeded in returning himself to a state of perfect health.

Zeon opened the door and stepped out into the open air.

“Zeon! Are you well?”

“Hyung!”

Brielle and Levin were the first to approach him.

“I’m fine! How is Tesserina?”

“She returned to Neo Seoul ahead of us.”

“To Neo Seoul?”

“Yes! She mentioned being unable to rest easy with her lair left unattended for so long.”

“Is that so?”

Zeon’s expression shifted to one of disbelief at Brielle’s explanation.

What possible issue could arise in a lair meticulously constructed by a dragon? Unless one possessed power comparable to Reika, an invasion would be virtually impossible.

Claiming she couldn't relax was merely a pretext; she likely just desired the comfort of her own domain.

“What about the barrier?”

“They reported no issues after a thorough inspection.”

“Truly?”

“Indeed! They even commented on its increased strength. It’s likely due to Arisedon’s growth.”

“That makes sense.”

Zeon gave a nod of agreement.

The World Tree and Arisedon existed in a state of mutual symbiosis.

When the World Tree flourished, Arisedon prospered, and Arisedon’s advancement offered considerable aid to the World Tree.

With Arisedon’s transformation into a dragon, the World Tree’s inherent power had seen a notable surge.

Consequently, the barrier had actually become more formidable.

“Where is Arisedon?”

“He’s up in the sky,”

Brielle indicated the heavens and pointed upwards.

The sky above was unusually laden with thick clouds, a stark contrast to the norm.

As Arisedon matured into a dragon, clouds naturally congregated in the vicinity. This phenomenon led to frequent rainfall, fostering the luxuriant growth of the World Tree and surrounding flora.

Perhaps influenced by this, the World Tree village appeared significantly more expansive in the few days he had been confined.

Levin cautiously inquired.

“Hyung, when do we depart for Neo Seoul?”

“What is the reason?”

“I’m simply concerned about the office… and I wish to once again savor the cuisine prepared by Old Man Klexi…”

With the advent of the World Tree and the subsequent expansion of the forest, the High Elves’ dietary habits had gradually reverted to their customary practices.

Previously, they had no alternative but to consume meat; however, with the re-emergence of trees and plants, they had transitioned back to their vegetarian lifestyle.

As a result, Levin was also obliged to partake in vegetarian fare.

Having sustained himself on such meals for an extended period, he found himself longing for the distinct flavors of Neo Seoul.

Even the mere prospect of consuming cultured meat in place of actual meat would suffice to bring him contentment.

To be completely honest, Zeon too harbored a desire for a meal prepared by the venerable Old Man Klexi.

Zeon affirmed with a nod.

“Very well! Let us bid farewell to Lady Latricia, and then we shall journey back to Neo Seoul.”

“Yes, hyung!”

Levin responded with palpable excitement.

Brielle, who had been observing, interjected.

“Then I shall accompany you as well.”

“You too, Brielle?”

“I have been away for an extended duration, and I find myself yearning for Neo Seoul. I wish to go.”

“In that case, we shall travel together.”

“Wonderful!”

Brielle’s response was delivered with an expression of pure joy.

The very thought of returning to Neo Seoul after such a prolonged absence filled her with anticipation.

Zeon promptly proceeded to Latricia’s location, offering his formal goodbyes.

“I shall be returning to Neo Seoul now.”

“You are heading directly there?”

“I intend to make a brief stop at the Steel Fortress en route.”

“You mentioned that individuals from El Harun would be relocating there, correct?”

“That is accurate.”

“You appear so occupied that I cannot reasonably request you to prolong your stay.”

Latricia regarded Zeon with an expression tinged with regret.

She felt an enduring sense of obligation towards him.

“I offer my prayers that Lady Siela’s grace will accompany you on your journey.”

“Thank you. Then…”

After conveying his farewells to Latricia, Zeon made his way towards the awaiting portal.

Levin and Brielle were already present, waiting before it.

“Let us depart swiftly,”

Brielle declared with an eager tone.

“Understood!”

Without further hesitation, the trio stepped through the portal.

Woooong!

A fleeting sensation of disorienting weightlessness washed over them, whereupon the surrounding landscape transformed.

In mere moments, they had materialized at the Steel Fortress.

“Incredible!”

Brielle gasped, taking in the dramatically altered vista of the Steel Fortress.

She was astonished by the extent of its transformation since her last visit.

Where the entrance area once stood barren, it was now densely populated with towering structures.

These were edifices utilized by dungeon raiding parties and monster hunting contingents from various sectors.

Despite their modest height of merely four or five stories, their presence was enough to elicit awe from Brielle.

“This is astounding!”

“Isn’t it? It’s all thanks to the portal. With the removal of spatial and temporal constraints, interactions have surged exponentially.”

“Still, I never envisioned such a scale. I’m amazed that so many people have congregated here.”

Brielle shook her head in wonder.

The Steel Fortress was expanding at a pace far exceeding her even optimistic predictions.

“You will be even more astonished when you witness the interior.”

At that precise moment, a voice echoed.

Upon turning, they observed Seo Taeran approaching them.

“You?”

Brielle’s brow furrowed slightly.

An instinctive sense of rejection toward Seo Taeran bloomed within her.

Seo Taeran responded with a smirk. “No need to be so wary, kid! We’re on the same side right now.”

“Same side?” she questioned.

“Yeah! Now’s not the time to be dividing sides,” he affirmed.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll find out once you go inside,” Seo Taeran stated, gesturing toward the interior of the Steel Fortress.

Naturally, Zeon and the others directed their gazes in that direction.

The cacophony emanating from within gave Zeon an idea. “Did people from El Harun arrive?”

“That’s right. Go inside and see,” Seo Taeran confirmed.

“Understood.” Zeon nodded and began to walk, with Brielle, Levin, and Seo Taeran following in his wake.

As they ventured deeper into the Steel Fortress, a multitude of people came into view – the residents who had been relocated from El Harun.

Some among them recognized Zeon. “It’s the Sand Mage.” “So he was here?” A trace of apprehension lingered on their faces as they observed him, the memory of his formidable power when he vanquished the Black Queen still vivid.

Zeon paused briefly, surveying the scene. Construction was in full swing everywhere, with most people diligently erecting houses for the tens of thousands who would reside there.

Initially, anxieties had clouded the faces of those who arrived at the Steel Fortress. However, the arrival of materials from Neo Seoul and the commencement of construction had dispelled much of that negativity. They had confirmed that Neo Seoul and the Steel Fortress harbored no hostility toward them.

For individuals forcibly displaced from their homes, the greatest fear was the animosity and discrimination from the native populace. Yet, the majority here welcomed them warmly, even lending a hand in constructing their new dwellings. This support alone offered considerable solace.

Some had already formed connections, conversing as they toiled, sweat glistening on their skin.

Zeon turned to Seo Taeran. “Did Lady Riala bring all of them?”

“Yes. So many came at once that we still haven’t figured out the exact number,” Seo Taeran replied.

“At this scale, it seems like almost all the humans from El Harun came,” Zeon observed.

“Not just humans—many elves came too,” Seo Taeran added.

“I see.” Zeon nodded, noting the presence of numerous elves with pointed ears working alongside the humans. Far more had relocated from El Harun than he had anticipated.

As Zeon’s gaze swept across the area, he spotted Jin Geumho, Riala, and others engaged in a serious discussion. He approached them. “Greetings.”

“You’re here!” “Zeon!” “So you came,” Jin Geumho, Riala, and Hera greeted him warmly.

Zeon addressed Riala directly. “Did you bring all the humans from El Harun?”

“Yeah! Everyone who could walk, we brought. Though many died along the way…” Riala responded somberly.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“We all did. Thanks to the elves helping, we were able to reduce the damage somewhat,” Riala stated, her gaze shifting towards Hera.

Zeon then inquired of Hera, “Did all the elves come as well?”

“They had no choice. Something happened,” Hera replied cryptically.

“If you mean?” Zeon prompted.

“The Lion King Dantal came and went on a rampage. If we stayed, we would’ve all died,” she explained.

“I heard. That El Harun ended up submerged in lava.”

“How do you know that? No one except Jin Geumho told anyone,” Hera expressed surprise.

“I have my ways.”

“What way?” Hera persisted, clearly determined to elicit an answer from him. The elves had lost everything and arrived at the Steel Fortress, a domain primarily human.

While there were elves like Urtian, humans constituted the vast majority. The humans from El Harun could integrate relatively quickly, but it proved more challenging for the elves. Even in El Harun, elves had maintained a certain distance from humans, making closeness here a difficult prospect. Despite contributing to the work, they couldn't shake a feeling of intimidation. They desperately needed a new source of hope.

After a moment of contemplation, Zeon spoke to Hera. “Someone who can communicate with the World Tree told me.”

“Can you take me there?” Hera asked eagerly.

“Not yet,” Zeon replied.

“Why?”

“That place is not yet ready to be opened to the world.”

“I see…” Hera couldn’t conceal her disappointment.

Zeon continued, unfazed, “Even when it is ready, only a very small number will be allowed in. We can’t accept all elves.”

“That makes sense.” Hera nodded weakly, recalling how even in Kurayan, the World Tree was exclusively managed by the High Elves, with ordinary elves forbidden from approaching it.

“Instead…” Zeon offered.

“Yes?” Hera prompted.

“I’ll try to arrange exchange with the Primordial Forest. There’s a vast forest there as well.”

“Really?” Hera’s eyes widened.

“The mayor has been there too,” Zeon added.

Jin Geumho nodded in confirmation. “A forest so vast it’s hard to believe. Just breathing there felt like my lungs were being purified.”

“Is there really such a great forest?” Hera asked, hopeful.

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”

“Then please send us there.”

“Whether to accept you or not is for the owner of that place to decide,” Zeon stated.

“If you allow us to establish ties with them, we will risk our lives to fight for the Steel Fortress as well,” Hera declared, a resolute light shining in her eyes. She was prepared to engage in conflict with other races from El Harun without hesitation for the sake of the elves who had followed her.