The Against All Odds

CH 20 - Shimmering (Ext. Explanation of the four core continents)

Erder, a vast and mesmerizing world, stretched limitlessly before his eyes. It is a world divided into four core continents that dominate the planet, each of which has a different appeal and charm.

The Fairland continent, located north of Erder, is a vast desert land, known for its warm and dry climate. Between the sand dunes and the beautiful oasis, its people live in prosperity. The continent was a place for prosperous nobles and merchants, who filled the magnificent cities with wealth and luxury. Yet, behind that grandeur, may be hidden an ancient secret waiting to be revealed.

Turning west, we arrive at the amazing Elfedge Continent. The dense forests, towering mountains, and winding rivers provide an unforgettable natural charm. Here, the immortal Elves inhabit this area, maintaining the harmony of nature with strong magical powers and deep knowledge of nature.

To the east, the Ashan Ilynore Continent offers a diverse landscape, with beautiful lakes and free-flowing rivers. It is almost like an archipelago continent, with islands scattered along its shores. Although the human race was rarely seen here, they still held the highest power in the continent.

To the south, the Winterhedge Continent displayed a different scene. Endless winter forests, stunning icebergs, and alluring snow plains create fascinating landscapes. This place is home to various mythical creatures and monsters that live among the vast wild. Here, the five great empires set in, creating a politics full of intrigue and potential unexpected dangers. And on this continent as well, Leo Demhian began his journey.

Erder is a fascinating world with its amazing diversity of landscapes. A rich culture, a deep history, and infinite mysteries await the brave explorer to unravel them. Each continent offers unforgettable adventures and unsolved riches for those who dare to explore them.

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"Take a deep breath, then let it out" Belladona said in a soothing voice. Alisha followed her instructions, trying to ease the anxiety inside her. His hand touched the surface of Menhir, and the rows of torches around him lit up with a soft light, creating a shadow that danced around him.

"Good, now feel and accept all the flow of energy flowing through your hands" Belladona said with confidence. Alisha tries to permeate the sensation, trying to understand and feel the energy flowing into her.

However, as moments passed, Alisha's expression turned into confusion. He looked like he was struggling, looking for something he should have felt. Finally, he released his hand with a breath of breath.

"I think this stone does not accept my existence. I don't feel any energy" complained Alisha in a disappointed tone.

Belladona remained calm, she held onto Alisha's shoulder gently. "The opportunity is not 100%, but you are like to try it. Try to do it again."

Alisha, though still hesitant, nodded and again placed her hand on the Menhir Bastion. He closed both of his eyes, trying once again to communicate with the mysterious energy present within this stone.

Heavy and steady footsteps approached them, accompanied by the trembling sounds of the hunt that had just finished. A thick black-robed man stepped inside the Menhir Bastion area. Leo Demhian, with his slightly messy black hair and ever-vigilant sharp eyes, looked gallant with his tamed game deer hanging on his back. Although his thick black robe covered most of his body, the ever-loyal police jacket worn by him remained visible among the black robes. Each step produced a loud sound that echoed on the floor, signifying a sturdy presence.

Behind Leo, a young girl followed him cautiously occasionally leaping merrily like a child. Matilda, who also helped in the hunt, looked around meticulously while carrying a pouch containing the vegetables and mushrooms they had just obtained.

"Have it worked?" leo asked in a calm voice, but always attentive to the situation around him.

Leo carefully laid down his prey and moved closer to Menhir Bastion, his pace steady and attentive. He stood behind Alisha, so close to the menhir, that there was almost no distance separating the two of them.

"Press your hand stronger" whispered Leo softly, but his voice was filled with certainty. Her hands covered the back of Alisha's hands gently, and her presence felt so close. Alisha could feel a warm touch from her hands, and her gentle breath was like a song adorning her head. His face reddened along with the awkward feeling that possessed him, but he remained focused on Menhir Bastion in front of him.

Slowly, Alisha closed her eyes, entering a state of deep concentration. Both of his hands felt so strong as he touched the menhir, trying to permeate and receive the flow of energy flowing through it. Although the nervous and awkward feeling continued to tease her, she knew that this was a very important moment.

While Alisha and Leo were engaged in their profound ritual, Belladona who stood beside Matilda could not help but smile of happiness. However, as soon as he saw the jealous expression emanating from Matilda's face, he couldn't help but prank his friend.

Belladona tilted her head and whispered to Matilda, "Hey Matilda, who knows later I can also help you find a partner who is as good as Leo."

Matilda frowned and replied anxiously, "There is no man better than Lord Leo! I'd rather pair with a sea pig, than with another man."

Belladona laughed softly, knowing that Matilda was caught up in a ridiculous sense of jealousy.

There was no need to wait for long, the menhir started to vibrate and rotate, giving off a glittering light. Belladona, Matilda, Leo, and Alisha were both shocked by this change.

Belladona smiled cheerfully and said, "It worked! Menhir Bastion has finally responded to you, Alisha!"

Matilda was no less happy, "Well, great!"

Leo, who had gotten too close to Alisha during the ritual, felt her heartbeat speed up. With a dead red face, she let go of Alisha's hand quickly, "It turns out you did it, Alisha. You are great." His voice sounded a little nervous.

Alisha, too, was nervous, but her face still seemed to be beaming with happiness, "Thank you all." Then look at Leo with a gentle smile, "Thank you Leo, this is also thanks to your help."

As their gaze met, there was a small, meaningful moment between them, amidst an awkward feeling and an inevitable smile.

Menhir Bastion loomed high, and that night, in a glitter of silver light emanating from it. This light bounced across their faces, creating shadows that moved around the room. The room that had only received lighting from the rows of torches and moonlight that entered through the large glass on the roof and broken walls, now turned into a beautiful magic room.

Belladona waved her hand in the air, trying to catch a rotating streak of silver light. "It's really beautiful! How can Menhir Bastion do something this beautiful?"

Fireflies that began to enter from the outside, flying around the menhir, adding to the charm of the night that was so beautiful. They form a dance of light that adds to the stunning beauty of the room.

Everyone was fascinated by the beauty of Menhir Bastion who was in action that night. No words can express how amazing and magical this moment is. They could only stand there, admiring the strength and beauty that was before their eyes.