piratefiction Chapter 201 Archipelago
Chapter 201 Archipelago
Chapter 201 Archipelago
The Burs Islands, located in the southeastern part of the Aykar region, are scattered islands of varying sizes, like emeralds casually tossed on the sea, and are shrouded in humid sea breezes and a faint, magical mist all year round.
In the eyes of the mainstream wizarding forces in Aikar, this archipelago is a veritable "barren land".
Resources are relatively scarce, the concentration of magic is far lower than on the mainland, and the elemental tides are chaotic, making it difficult to establish large-scale and stable witchcraft facilities.
Although occasional explorers and wizards have come here throughout history, they have all left shaking their heads, concluding that there is no value in investing a lot of manpower and resources here.
Most importantly, in this ocean, the seawater suppresses the magic within a wizard's body, making hunting and exploration in the sea a luxury.
Over time, the Boles Islands became a marginalized and vague corner on the map of Aykar, a "rural place" almost forgotten by the mainstream wizarding society.
However, the wizards living on these islands have a completely different perspective.
To them, the continent of Aikar was the legendary "wizard's paradise," a holy land of knowledge and power, a dreamland that every island wizard longed for but could never reach.
The lineage here is limited, and the highest achiever is only a second-level wizard, while most others struggle at the first-level apprentice stage.
Acquiring knowledge is extremely difficult, and every magic notebook or material from the mainland, even if outdated or incomplete, is regarded as a treasure.
The sea served as a natural barrier, preventing frequent exchanges between the archipelago and the mainland, and protecting the relatively isolated environment of the land. This allowed local wizarding families and small academies to slowly develop some unique, rudimentary systems of magic adapted to the marine and island environment.
If it weren't for the arduous journey across the dangerous waters and the indifference shown by the mainland powers, the talented and ambitious young wizards on the archipelago would probably have already tried every means to flock to Aikar, the "paradise" in their hearts.
What they didn't know was that the continent of Aikar had already undergone a complete transformation.
The Tower of Eternity is history, the Silent Forest has changed hands, and a Shadow Lord who devoured the "Outer World Demon" has just proclaimed the birth of the "Eternal Night Dynasty".
The dramatic changes on the mainland, like the aftershocks of a tsunami, will inevitably spread to this remote archipelago.
At this moment, on an island called "Black Reef Island" in the archipelago, some simply dressed fishermen looked at the large ship sailing in from the distance and all showed panicked expressions.
"They seem to be coming this way!"
"What should we do? Could it be a slave ship?"
"Whatever you're doing, go back and tell Erm right away!"
"Yes, yes, let's go back quickly!"
After discussing it amongst themselves, the fishermen hurriedly ran towards a building in the distance.
"According to the markings on the map, what the adults want is on this island."
At the bow of the ship, Auman put down the map in his hand, his expression complex.
Because he recognized the island as the place where his best brother Erm was.
However, the orders from above and his current identity could very well lead to a conflict with his brothers.
But considering the current situation—
The Boers Islands have been completely taken over by Aykar's eternal night, and no one will be an exception!
Remembering Lord Dila's orders and promises, Oman's heart was filled with fervor!
"If I fulfill that person's request, I might be taken back to Aikar! That sacred land of wizards!"
At the pier of Black Reef Island, the once busy fishermen had scattered in panic, hiding behind their simple wooden huts or rocks, anxiously watching the large ship that was getting closer and closer, a ship that was clearly not of the archipelago style.
It was taller and sturdier than any fishing boat they had ever seen, its black hull exuding a cold majesty, and its sails bore an unfamiliar emblem that seemed to be made of twisted shadows.
Several of the bolder children were held tightly by their mothers, who covered their mouths, afraid that making the slightest sound would bring disaster.
Soon, the news reached the best building in the center of the island—a two-story stone house built of thick black reef stones, which was also the residence and simple laboratory of the island's only third-level wizard apprentice, "Black Reef Touch" Erm.
"Lord Erm! Lord Erm! A ship! A large ship is coming! We don't recognize the markings, but it's heading towards our dock!"
The fisherman who brought the news was panting heavily, his face filled with terror.
Erm, who was preparing a simple potion inside the house, paused, his brows furrowing tightly.
He was about forty years old, his face roughened by years of sea breezes and dealing with potions, but his eyes were sharp. He wore a faded wizard's robe with some medicine stains on the cuffs.
"A large ship has arrived?" He put down his equipment, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.
He immediately stood up, grabbed a staff inlaid with a sea beast's crystal core that was leaning against the wall, and said in a deep voice to the fisherman who had brought the news, "Notify everyone on the island who can carry a weapon to assemble at the dock and be on high alert. But without my order, no one is allowed to make the first move!"
"Yes, yes!" The fisherman hurriedly ran out and rang the alarm.
Erm took a deep breath and strode towards the dock, his mind racing.
What's meant to be will be. He only hoped that what came wasn't an enemy.
When he arrived at the dock, the large black ship had already slowly approached the shore and dropped its heavy anchor chain.
A group of people stood at the bow of the ship, led by a well-dressed man with a complex expression—it was Oman.
When Erm saw Oman, he was stunned for a moment, then his pupils contracted slightly.
He knew Oman, a close friend with whom he had adventured and explored various islands in his youth!
But at this moment, Oman was dressed smartly, and his aura was much stronger than when he left, obviously doing well. However, the expression on his face did not show any joy of reuniting with an old friend. Instead, it was full of struggle and an air of unquestionable officialdom.
More importantly, the robes of Orman and the men behind him were embroidered with that unsettling shadowy emblem.
"Oman?"
Erm spoke tentatively, his voice wary.
"Is that you? What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that?"
Oman looked down at the islanders on guard and his old friend standing at the front, holding a staff. A trace of guilt flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.
He cleared his throat, and his voice, amplified by a small megaphone spell, resounded throughout the dock: "Residents of Black Reef Island, do not panic. I, Orman, have come on the orders of Lord Dila of the 'Eternal Night Dynasty.'"
"The Eternal Night Dynasty?"
Erm and the islanders looked bewildered; they had never heard of this name before.
Knowing that information was scarce here, Oman continued, "The continent of Aikar has undergone a dramatic change. The old order has collapsed, and the Tower of Eternity is history. Now, the entire continent of Aikar, including your Burs Islands, has come under the rule of Lord Hik's Eternal Night Dynasty!"
These words were like a thunderclap, exploding among the islanders!
The entire Aykar is now ruled by a dynasty I've never heard of? And that includes these remote islands?
Erm's expression changed drastically, and he gripped his staff tightly: "Oman! What did you say? The Tower of Eternity—how is this possible?!"
"That's true, Erm."
Oman's tone was heavy.
"I saw it with my own eyes. Lord Hick possesses unparalleled power, and the unification of the continent is a foregone conclusion."
Lord Dila is in charge of taking over the affairs of the southeastern coast and its affiliated islands.
I have come here on behalf of the Eternal Night Dynasty to take over jurisdiction of Black Reef Island and its surrounding waters, and to conscript all registered wizards and special resources on the island.
He produced a parchment scroll bearing a mark that emitted a faint, shimmering shadow: "This is Lord Dira's decree. Erm, discretion is the better part of valor. The rule of the Eternal Night Dynasty is irresistible. By submitting, Erm, you and your people may still gain a place in the new order, and perhaps even—the opportunity to travel to Aikar to study more profound knowledge."
Oman's final words carried a hint of temptation. This was also one of the reasons why Dira had successfully recruited or suppressed these islands; those who performed exceptionally well could be granted the qualification to travel to the mainland.
This is an irresistible temptation for any archipelago wizard.
Erm's heart sank.
He realized that this was not a visit, but a conquest and expropriation!
Oman is no longer the brother who drank and talked about the future with him; he is now an envoy of the Eternal Night Dynasty.
Looking at the followers behind Orman who were clearly battle wizards, and sensing their aura far stronger than that of the wizards on the island, Erm knew that resistance might be futile.
But he couldn't just give up the island where his family had lived for generations, and the freedom of its inhabitants, so easily.
"Oman, we are just a poor, remote place, with nothing that the dynasty would value."
Erm tried to negotiate.
"Could you please explain the situation to Lord Dila?"
"Erm!"
Oman interrupted him, his tone hardening.
"This is an order, not a discussion!"
Lord Dila specifically requested a type of deep-sea black algae, a specialty of the waters near Black Reef Island, as well as a register of all those on the island with wizard qualifications, to be ready for deployment!
Resistance is tantamount to rebellion against the Eternal Night Dynasty, and the consequences—are beyond what either of us can bear!
The atmosphere instantly became tense. The islanders looked at Erm in fear, then at the indifferent wizards on the ship.
Erm's face was ashen, and the staff in his hand trembled slightly.
On one side is a powerful and irresistible mainland force, and on the other is the responsibility to their homeland and neighbors.
Seeing his former friend struggling and in pain, Oman felt a mix of emotions, but thinking of Dila's promise and Aikar's vast world, he suppressed his feelings.
The shadow of the Eternal Night Dynasty has finally and inevitably been cast upon this remote archipelago.