The Korvus Sand Dunes is one of the so-called Death Havens of humanity, a desolate wasteland where countless enlightened beings and beasts have vanished into the swirling sands. Few dare to tread its unforgiving dunes, where the scorching sun and the most treacherous beasts lie in wait. It's easy to lose one's way, even with high-grade navigating tools. The result is often death from physical starvation or depletion of powerful enlightened spirit energy, which is scarce and replaced by a strange, chaotic energy that can damage one's Spiritual Physique due to prolonged exposure.
This is not the main reason why both beasts and humans fear this place alike. An ancient sandstorm filled with unholy apparitions roams this land, probably causing its current state. It moves aimlessly and unwaveringly, devouring everything in its path without exception, leaving only sand in its wake. It's a poor idea to travel in this desert in large groups, as the malevolent beings that reside here can easily track the signature of enlightened beings. However, this also alerts the sandstorm if a large enough signature is detected.
Surprisingly, despite all these factors, a nomadic tribe has made this Death Haven their home. They're a secluded tribe that rarely interacts with outsiders, so only bits of information are known about them. As a result, public opinion about them is rampant, portraying them as crazy, bloodthirsty lunatics. However, everyone knows they must have a powerful bloodline or technique to have remained safe for so long.
Mr. Navaida's face turned beet red with rage as he threw the file containing the mission details at Joseph. The papers fluttered through the air, slamming onto Joseph's desk with a loud thud. "Are you crazy, Joseph?" Navaida thundered, his voice echoing off the walls. "You can't seriously expect me to approve this!"
Joseph, however, remained nonchalant and calm, his expression unreadable. He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he replied, "He's just a mortal, and even if it's a punishment, it's too far. I won't approve of this." His voice was low and even, a stark contrast to Navaida's explosive outburst.
Joseph's eyes glinted with amusement as he chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "I was hoping to do this the easy way, but I think I have to do it the hard way." He slowly rose from his chair, his movements deliberate and calculated.
Navaida's spirit presence surged, growing larger and more oppressive. The air around him seemed to distort, as if reality itself was bending to accommodate his enormous power. Joseph's eyes narrowed, his face pale, as he struggled to withstand the crushing pressure of Navaida's aura.
Undeterred, Navaida moved the massive desk in front of him with a mere thought, the wooden slab scraping against the floor as it slid into place. His eyes blazed with fury as he took a step closer to Joseph. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but this old man is going to beat some sense into you!" he bellowed, his fist clenched and ready to strike.
As Navaida was about to unleash his attack, Joseph's hand darted into his pocket, producing a dark blue spherical orb. The orb pulsed with an otherworldly energy, its surface etched with intricate, swirling patterns. With a swift motion, Joseph tossed the orb at Navaida, who was caught off guard.
The orb enveloped Navaida, its energy surging as it pulled him in. Navaida's roar of rage was abruptly cut off as he was sucked into the orb, his massive spirit presence disappearing in an instant. The orb sealed itself with a soft click, its energy dissipating as it fell to the floor, empty and still.
Joseph let out a sigh of relief, his eyes never leaving the orb. He walked over to it, picking it up carefully. As he examined it, he felt a strange sense of hollowness inside. It was as if he had just done something significant, but the feeling of accomplishment was missing.
He turned the orb over in his hand, studying it intently. The swirling patterns on its surface seemed to shift and writhe, like living things. Joseph felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that he had no ideav what the orb was capable of, or what its true purpose was.
Despite his reservations, Joseph knew that he had to press on. He had a mission to complete, and the Korvus Sand Dunes were waiting. With a sense of trepidation, he slipped the orb back into his pocket yesterday, his mind racing with thoughts of what else was on his agenda.
END OF PROLOGUE.