Chapter 245: Lein island's layered defences
"A beautiful yet terrifying ship," Lein remarked, his eyes examining every detail, admiring the aura of strength radiating from the combat ship.
Ana stepped closer, then with an open hand, she pointed to the long ladder leading up to the high entrance of the hovering ship.
"Please, Sir," she said softly.
Lein shook his head, smiling faintly, uninterested in taking the ladder. With a firm movement, he bent his knees slightly, then leapt high, landing on the ship\'s deck in one smooth, graceful motion.
Ana was momentarily stunned, surprised to see that Lein had already arrived ahead of her. However, as Lein\'s personal assistant, her physical abilities met certain standards. With the strength of a tier-1, Ana swiftly leapt and landed confidently beside Lein.
Ana then checked the tablet in her hand and nodded. "Apologies, Sir, everything is ready. Our destination is Jenu Island, about 23 million kilometers west," she explained professionally, carefully reading the information displayed.
Lein listened while glancing at the horizon they would be crossing, his eyes reflecting determination and anticipation for the journey ahead.
"The island\'s condition is quite chaotic," Ana said, her voice calm despite the seriousness of her report.
"Two Tier-3 creatures have been detected there. The ruler of Thor Island is still holding out, deploying his forces to defend his territory."
Ana\'s tone was clear and professional, allowing each word to be conveyed without haste. Lein listened intently, quickly grasping the dangerous situation described by his assistant.
"The ship is ready, awaiting your command, Sir," Ana continued, her eyes focused, waiting for confirmation.
Lein nodded resolutely, his gaze showing his determination. "Let\'s proceed. Depart."
Ana immediately tapped a few commands on her tablet, sending a signal to the ship\'s control room. Instantly, the massive ship vibrated smoothly, lifted slightly higher from the ground, then began to move. Below, the soldiers on guard gazed with admiration, watching the large ship hover gracefully above them—a sight they could have only dreamed of in the past.
Meanwhile, Lein sat comfortably in a plush chair at the front of the ship, with a table laden with fresh fruit before him. From this spot, he enjoyed the view outside the ship, his eyes taking in the harbor\'s tall buildings that slowly faded from sight as the ship moved farther away, heading west, leaving behind the urban bustle of Lein Island.
On the other side, Ana sat in a separate seat, not far from Lein, keeping an eye on her devices, ensuring the journey proceeded smoothly. The thin tension hanging in the air did not disturb their relaxed atmosphere—a sign that they were accustomed to such journeys.
Some time later, the large ship stopped in front of a grand gate standing solidly between two small islands. The gate towered with giant pillars supporting each side, while a transparent light emanated from the galactic fortress shield enveloping the entire gate, preventing any entities from entering or exiting without permission. This was the only exit to the void outside Lein Island and also the primary defense against any external threats.
On one of the small islands, a man in a white robe floated towards the center of the gate. With disciplined and directed movements, he raised both hands, and a moment later, the large gate slowly opened, revealing the vast emptiness beyond the island. Light shimmered from the now open gate, casting a glow in contrast to the surrounding darkness.
The man saluted with full respect, bowing before the ship carrying Lein.
"Salutations to the Island Owner," he called out, his voice firm yet filled with respect.
As the gatekeeper, this Tier-3 man was rarely seen, even by core members of the alliance. He was a personal guard directly appointed by Lein to protect the island, ensuring that everyone entering and leaving the island passed through strict scrutiny. Lein knew that although he had reliable core members, he still needed strong figures like this gatekeeper to safeguard the island from external threats.
The large ship glided smoothly through the gate, leaving Lein Island, now protected by the transparent Galactic Fortress shield, brilliant and steadfast in the distance. Around the shield, small ships crowded, navigating the void toward monster islands in search of fortune. High-level hunters traversed the emptiness, honing their skills in a world filled with challenges and opportunities.
Beyond the ships, small islands drifted freely into the void. Unlike flying ships that required expensive fuel, these islands moved with the power of the Island Orb, allowing their rulers to let their islands float boundlessly, similar to the early days when they arrived in the Realm of Divine Sky.
In the distance, far to the west of Lein Island, a large island stood firm. Like a mighty fortress, it served as the western region\'s guardian, emanating an intimidating aura of strength. In the air, an old man with a robust body floated, his white robe billowing in the gentle yet unending cosmic breeze.
"Sir, who is about to pass by?" asked a middle-aged man behind him respectfully, his eyes fixed on the large ship approaching.
The old man gave a faint smile, observing the ship that was becoming clearer.
"The Island Owner," he said, his tone deep yet filled with respect. "His power has grown once again."
The middle-aged man fell silent, his jaw dropping in disbelief. His gaze held a hint of astonishment. As a Tier-2, he had already experienced the immense difficulty of advancing, and yet, the old man before him, who had reached Tier-3, seemed genuinely impressed.