With a swift motion, Chris swung his blade. The sharp edge of the Dragon Slayer cleaved cleanly through the neck of the Solstice beginner-level practitioner.
Blood gushed in a crimson arc, spraying from the severed neck. The head hit the ground with a heavy thud, its lifeless eyes wide open in disbelief, as if he couldn’t accept his fate even in death.
Another Solstice beginner, witnessing Chris’s overwhelming power, turned to flee.
Seeing this, Chris gripped the Dragon Slayer tightly, his eyes narrowing with determination, and gave chase. With a single, ferocious strike, he brought his blade crashing down.
A deafening bang echoed as the second man was sent flying. His body collided with the ground, leaving a deep crater where he landed. He was dead before he could rise again.
Two Solstice beginner-level practitioners lay lifeless. Only one opponent remained-a Solstice mid-level practitioner.
The last man glared at Chris, his face pale and tense. He hadn’t expected Chris to be this strong, dispatching two Solstice beginners in mere moments.
The mid-level practitioner sneered coldly. “Hand over the Millennium Frost Crystal and the Obsidian Stone, boy, and I’ll spare your life!”
Despite Chris’s impressive display of strength, the man showed no fear. As a Solstice mid-level practitioner, his power far surpassed the two beginners Chris had just killed.
Chris smirked disdainfully. “If you want them, come and take them!”
With a roar, Chris charged forward, wielding the Dragon Slayer with deadly intent.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The battle erupted. The clash of their weapons echoed through the air, shaking the ground.
The mid-level practitioner’s confidence began to crumble as the fight dragged on. His initial arrogance was replaced by shock and fear. He had assumed that his strength would make quick work of Chris. But now, he realized Chris was stronger than he had ever imagined.
Panic set in. The mid-level practitioner turned to flee, but Chris wasn’t about to let him escape.
Boom!
The Dragon Slayer struck with devastating force, cutting deep into the man’s body. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he was hurled through the air. He landed heavily on the ground, lifeless.
Chris stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. Though victorious, the battle had drained him.
Without wasting time, Chris searched the bodies of the three Solstice practitioners, retrieving their storage rings. After pocketing the rings, he left swiftly.
Back at the inn, Chris changed into a fresh set of clothes.
Lindsay Windson, who had stayed behind, greeted him as he entered. “Mr. Shelby, you’re back! How did it go?”
Chris smiled. “I got what I needed, but I’ve used up almost all my Essence Stones.”
Lindsay’s eyes widened in surprise. “All of them? But you had tens of thousands!”
Chris’s expression darkened. “Lindsay, we need to leave Sandsworth immediately.”
The items Chris had acquired-the Obsidian Stone and the Millennium Frost Crystal-had undoubtedly caught the attention of dangerous people. Staying any longer would only invite trouble.
Since arriving in Aethelgard, Chris had learned to be cautious. This world was far too dangerous to take unnecessary risks. While he could handle Solstice mid-level practitioners, anything beyond that would be a death sentence.
Lindsay nodded without hesitation.
Night fell.
Just as Chris had anticipated, several figures burst into the inn. Among them was a Solstice late-level practitioner. They stormed into Chris’s room, only to find it empty. Chris and Lindsay had already checked out and left.
Meanwhile, a large passenger ship sailed across the vast Azure Ocean. The ship, made entirely of reinforced steel, could hold over a thousand passengers.
The vessel was protected by Solstice-level practitioners, ensuring safety from all but the most dangerous seventh-tier sea beasts.
Inside a cabin, Chris studied a map.
Azure Ocean was the largest body of water in Aethelgard, a realm teeming with sea beasts and abundant resources. Countless factions vied for dominance over its islands and waters.
Chris looked out at the moonlit sea, a pang of longing tugging at his heart. He missed his wife and daughter back on Earth. Were they safe? Were they happy?
He clenched his fist, resolving that once he found Oriana, he would return to Earth without delay.
Lindsay entered the room, her expression thoughtful. “Mr. Shelby, are you thinking about home?”
Chris nodded. “Yes. Once we find Oriana, let’s go back, Lindsay.”
Lindsay hesitated. “But… I’ve joined the Jefferson family. Can I even go back now?”
Chris’s gaze hardened. “Of course. If the Jefferson family tries to stop you, I’ll bring them to their knees.”
Lindsay was moved by his words, though she said nothing.
The days passed as the ship sailed through the Azure Ocean, passing numerous islands. Eventually, they docked at a bustling port.
As Chris and Lindsay disembarked, another ship approached the harbor.
This vessel flew a black-and-white flag adorned with a skull-a symbol of the infamous Sunnyvale pirates.
Chris’s eyes narrowed. He recognized the banner. This ship belonged to Iron Fist, one of the four most feared pirate factions in the Azure Ocean.
Iron Fist boasted thousands of pirates, including nearly a thousand Pinnacle-level Aetherbinding practitioners and over a dozen Solstice-level practitioners. Their leader was said to be a Solstice peak-level powerhouse.
Chris’s heart sank. He wasn’t strong enough to face such a force.
The pirates disembarked, escorting hundreds of chained slaves. Among them were practitioners, even Pinnacle-level Aetherbinding warriors.
Then Chris froze.
Amidst the crowd of slaves, he spotted a familiar figure.
A beautiful woman.
It was Oriana.
Chris’s breath caught. He couldn’t believe his eyes. She was here. Oriana was alive.