Chapter 17: The Iron Coasts and the Omen of War
After bypassing the sea behemoth, Volt's vessel sailed toward a new horizon where the sky bled from darkness into a heavy, oppressive fog. In the distance, the shores of the Human Continent emerged, but unlike the lush forests of the Elves, this land was jagged with towering steel fortresses and metallic spires radiating pulses of blue magical energy.
"That is the 'Iron Defense Line'," Sai noted, peering through a looking glass at the shoreline. "They say no ship can approach without the Human King's seal. They possess mana-cannons capable of vaporizing a fleet in seconds."
Aki grinned mischievously. "Vaporize? It seems they haven't realized we have the King of Fire and Shadows on board. Volt, will you let me infiltrate one of those towers? I'd love to play with their magical circuits."
Volt remained silent, his gaze locked on the tallest spire. He sensed a resonance that was painfully familiar—the energy signature of one of the weapons used to slay him in his previous life. "System, identify the energy emanating from the coast," Volt commanded internally.
[WARNING: 'God-Slayer Pulse' detected. Threat Level: High. Recommendation: Activate 'Void Cloak' to conceal the vessel.]
Volt clenched his fists. "No, there is no need for hiding. Let them know I have arrived. Sai, steer the ship directly toward the main harbor. Aki, prepare to dismantle those towers from the inside out."
As the ship breached the magical perimeter, a massive alarm bell resonated across the entire continent. The humans did not know that this bell wasn't just a warning—it was the death knell of their era of peace. Volt stood at the prow, his black cloak whipping in the wind. "Humans... I hope your world is stronger than I remember, for I have no mercy for those who follow the False Gods."