Arrival in Ashmoon City at Night
When the team entered the city, the beastman residents on both sides of the street stopped in their tracks, their gazes focusing on Kayla. Her appearance was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up waves.
"General Kayla is back!" a young beastman shouted in surprise, and the voice quickly spread through the crowd. The residents gathered around, their faces filled with relief and excitement. They had heard that Kayla died in a prison explosion, and now seeing her safe and sound, they all felt invigorated. Children held their parents' hands, curiously examining this female general, while the elders whispered about what her return meant.
Mias watched this scene, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes, but he immediately raised his hand and said gently yet firmly: "Everyone, calm down. Kayla has just returned and needs rest. Please let us go back first. Thank you for your concern." His voice carried the authority of an elder, and although the residents were reluctant, they obeyed and gradually dispersed.
Kayla smiled and nodded to the crowd, but a complex emotion flashed in her eyes. She knew that her return was not just a personal reunion but the beginning of a turning point in the fate of the Fierce Claw Empire. She turned to Fa and said softly: "Thank you for bringing me back." Fa gently held her hand and responded warmly: "We're in this together, Kayla."
Mias led everyone to his mansion, which was situated on a high ground in the city, overlooking the prosperous scene of Ashmoon City. The walls of the mansion were hung with beastman clan trophies and honor badges, each telling of the glorious history of the Fierce Claw Empire. After settling Fa and the others, Mias went alone to the palace to report to King Nuti Ursa and mentioned that they wanted to meet the king. Ursa said: "Then tomorrow afternoon, bring them into the palace."
Mias hurried back to the mansion and informed Fa and the others of the good news: "Tomorrow afternoon, the king will meet you. Rest well." As night deepened, the starry sky of Ashmoon City was dazzling. Fa and the team spent a peaceful night in the mansion, conserving their energy for the next day's meeting.
The Palace Meeting and the Chamber Journey
The next afternoon, the sun was blazing, illuminating the entire Ashmoon City. Mias led Fa and the team to the palace. On the streets, mechanical wolf vehicles flowed endlessly, and the light of magic lamps intertwined with the sunlight, outlining a prosperous and fantastical picture. Kayla walked in the team, feeling the gazes from the residents, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Arya gently held Fa's hand and said softly: "This place is really special." Fa nodded, a hint of curiosity flashing in her star eyes: "Yes, completely different from Steelmelt City. It makes one anticipate the king's answer."
The palace entrance was heavily guarded, and the beastman guards saluted Mias respectfully, allowing Fa and the team to pass. The palace interior was magnificent and solemn, with walls inlaid with shining magic crystals that illuminated the spacious hall. King Nuti Ursa sat on the throne, his figure tall and majestic, his rabbit-like ears trembling slightly, showing his keen perception. His gaze swept over Fa and the team, finally resting on Kayla, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
"Kayla, your return reignites hope for the empire." The king's voice was deep and powerful, revealing his trust and expectations for Kayla. Fa and the team knelt in salute, and the king waved for them to rise. Fa stepped forward and respectfully said: "Your Majesty, the purpose of our visit is to seek clues about the star shards and the whereabouts of Kayla's father. Can you provide us with some information?"
The king was silent for a moment, his gaze profoundly looking into the distance. His rabbit ears twitched slightly, as if recalling some heavy past. After a while, he stood up and gestured for everyone to follow: "Come with me." His voice carried a hint of determination, as if he had resolved to uncover a long-sealed secret.
Under the king's lead, Fa and the team, along with Mias, passed through the palace corridors and arrived at an underground chamber entrance. This stone door was thick and ancient, its surface engraved with runes, emitting faint magical fluctuations. The king extended his hand, placing his palm in the center of the stone door. A blue light spread from his hand, activating the magical mechanism. The stone door slowly opened, revealing the dim chamber.
After entering the chamber, the king walked to the center and lightly touched a rune on the wall. A transparent magical barrier instantly rose, enveloping the entire room and isolating any possible eavesdropping. He turned around, facing everyone, a hint of heaviness flashing in his eyes, and said lowly: "This is the most secret place in the empire, accessible only to a very few. What I'm about to say is the truth from ten years ago."
The Truth from Ten Years Ago
The king's gaze fell on Kayla, his tone slow and deep, as if every word carried heavy memories: "Ten years ago, Kayla's father Kael—the retired general of the Fierce Claw Empire—suddenly returned to the Fierce Claw Empire and told me that a group of dark mysterious forces had suddenly appeared on the Muret Continent, attempting to seize the empire's star shard and threatening the peace of the entire world."
Fa's heart jolted upon hearing "dark forces." She recalled the symbol left by Grum in the prison, and a surge of unease rose in her heart. Arya gripped Fa's hand tightly and whispered: "Dark forces, could it be Doomsday Rebirth? Is this related to the prison massacre?" Fa responded lowly: "Perhaps it is. Let's listen on."
The king continued: "At that time, this dark force expanded rapidly. They infiltrated various countries on the continent, attempting to seize power through money and force. The Fierce Claw Empire was the first to bear the brunt because we held a star shard. This shard is said to be the core of the Heart of Stars, capable of releasing unparalleled energy. To protect the empire and the entire continent, Kayla's father Kael volunteered, taking six of his most trusted subordinates and leaving for a forgotten ancient ruin, attempting to bury the shard there, never to see the light of day again."
Kayla clenched her fists, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes: "Father... where did he go?" Her voice revealed her longing and persistence for her father, and Thunderclaw trembled slightly in her hand, emitting faint electric light.
The king shook his head and sighed: "The location of the ruin is known only to Kael. Before he left, he told me this was for the future of the empire and the continent, to protect you and your family, and promised to return after completing the mission. However, since he left, there has been no news. We sent multiple search and rescue teams, but all returned empty-handed. Some say he has sacrificed himself, others say he is trapped in the ruin, unable to escape."
Mias stepped forward and said lowly: "Your Majesty, I once requested to participate in the search and rescue, but you refused. Do you know more clues?"
The king nodded, a hint of helplessness in his gaze: "I do know some. That ruin is called 'Starfall Land,' rumored to be the site where the Heart of Stars shattered in ancient times, filled with dangerous magical traps and unknown creatures. But the specific location, I cannot determine, because Kael deliberately concealed the detailed coordinates, leaving only one sentence: 'If I do not return, the shard will sleep with me.'"
Fa frowned tightly, a silver light flashing in her star eyes: "Starfall Land... Your Majesty, do you think we can find it?"
The king shook his head: "It's difficult. That dark force has been active in the shadows, their influence spread across the continent, extremely hard to deal with. Moreover, the location of Starfall Land is secretive, and even I have no way to know the specific clues."
Kayla stepped forward, determination burning in her eyes: "Your Majesty, I must find my father and uncover the truth. No matter how powerful that dark force is, I will not back down." Her voice revealed her deep longing for her father and her persistence for justice, and Thunderclaw emitted a low hum, as if responding to her determination.
The king looked at Kayla, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Your courage and determination are admirable, Kayla. I will fully support your actions." He turned to Mias and said deeply: "Mias, lead them to the empire's library. There might be some clues about Starfall Land there."
Mias saluted respectfully: "As you command, Your Majesty."
The Chamber's Warning and Departure
Before leaving the chamber, the king suddenly stopped, turned to Fa, and said: "Fa, your star eyes possess special powers that might help you uncover many secrets. But remember, that dark force is exceptionally cunning. You must remain vigilant at all times." His tone carried a hint of worry, as if he had a deep fear of this mysterious organization.
Fa nodded, a firm light flashing in her star eyes: "Thank you, Your Majesty. We will be careful." Her voice was calm and powerful, showing her confidence in the future.
After everyone left the chamber, the king stood alone, his gaze profoundly looking at the runes on the wall. His heart was filled with worry and anticipation, and he murmured lowly: "I hope you succeed... The fate of this continent rests in your hands."
Under Mias's lead, Fa and the team arrived at the empire's library. This library was grand and magnificent, with shelves filled with various ancient scrolls and books. The library administrator was an elderly beastman scholar, wearing thick glasses and holding a heavy book. Seeing Mias bringing people, he smiled and said: "Welcome to the empire's library. You can consult any materials here, but please be careful not to damage these precious documents."
Fa and the team began searching the library for clues about the Starfall Ruin and the star shards. TISK and Rex were responsible for browsing books related to machinery and technology, Arya and Salsa focused on magic and history materials, and Kayla searched for records related to her father.
After several hours of searching, Fa found a description of the ruin in a tattered book. The book recorded a forgotten ancient ruin located on an island in the sea to the southeast of the continent, called "Starfall Land." It was said that this ruin was a place full of dangers and traps. The book also mentioned that entering Starfall Land required special guidance, otherwise one would be lost in endless desolation.
"Starfall Land..." Fa murmured lowly, a hint of excitement flashing in her eyes, "Perhaps this is the place we're looking for."
Kayla stepped forward, her eyes full of anticipation: "Fa, if this ruin is really related to my father, we must go there."
Fa nodded, her gaze firm: "Yes, we'll go together. This island is in the same direction as the Shadow Sea we're heading to, but before that, we need to make full preparations. The 'Doomsday Rebirth' organization won't let us go easily."
Mias stepped forward and said deeply: "I suggest you rest in Ashmoon City for a few days, gather more intelligence and supplies, and then set off."
Fa nodded in agreement: "General Mias is right. We can't act rashly."
Preparation and Determination
In the following days, Fa and the team actively prepared in Ashmoon City. They purchased necessary equipment and supplies. TISK and Rex continued researching the Fierce Claw Empire's technology data in the library, while Arya and Salsa inquired about rumors of the "Shadow Sea" in the city.
TISK integrated Kayla's "Frost Iron Ore" into Thunderclaw. After several days of forging, he successfully created a new weapon. This Thunderclaw not only retained its original lightning power but also added an ice attribute's frost effect. Every swing carried piercing cold and explosive lightning. When Kayla tested the new weapon, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "TISK, this is amazing! I feel stronger."
TISK grinned: "Of course, this is my masterpiece! With me around, your Thunderclaw is absolutely invincible."
Rex integrated the "Perpetual Hub" technology into the nano-flyers, greatly enhancing their endurance and attack power. He said calmly: "These flyers can now operate continuously in battle, reducing our worries."
Arya used "Iron Heart Therapy" to repair the team's equipment and added natural magic crystals to Fa's short blade, making its earth magic more stable and powerful. She said warmly: "Fa, now your short blade should protect you better."
Salsa collected scattered intelligence about the "Shadow Sea" in the city. When she returned to the team, she said lowly: "I heard some rumors that the 'Sea Clan's' trading partners will be active near Abyss Crystal City recently."
Fa nodded, committing this information to memory: "Thank you, Salsa. It seems we should prepare to set off for Abyss Crystal City."
Meanwhile, Kayla wandered around the city, searching for clues related to her father. She visited her father's old comrades and friends, trying to learn something from them. However, most people knew nothing about her father's whereabouts, and only a few vaguely mentioned legends about "Starfall Land." An old beastman warrior told her: "Your father once said that if he ever went missing, go to the most desolate place to find him."
On the last day of preparation, Fa stood on the city wall, gazing at the distant horizon. The sunset's afterglow sprinkled on her, draping her in a layer of golden light. Her heart was filled with anticipation and unease, but she knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead, she would face it bravely with her teammates.
Arya stepped forward, gently holding Fa's hand, and said warmly: "Fa, no matter what happens, we'll be together."
Fa turned to Arya, a hint of warmth flashing in her eyes: "Yes, Arya. We'll find the truth together and uncover the secrets of this world."
As night fell, the lights of Ashmoon City illuminated the streets. Fa and the team sat in the inn's room, discussing tomorrow's plan. Their journey would continue forward, the future road filled with unknowns and challenges, but their hearts were full of hope and courage. The secrets of the star shards, the conspiracies of the "Doomsday Rebirth" organization, and the whereabouts of Kayla's father Kael—these mysteries awaited them to unravel.