The journey south began with a quiet determination.
Leon felt it in every step—the pull of something unseen, something waiting beyond the borders of the Human Continent.
The Beastman Continent. A land untouched by human rule, where strength dictated order, and the wild ran deep in its people.
Jarek walked beside him, grumbling. "So let me get this straight. We're leaving the safety of civilization to travel into a continent where I'm pretty sure humans aren't exactly welcomed, all because some creepy figure whispered cryptic nonsense at you?"
Leon smirked. "You make it sound so reckless."
"It is reckless!" Jarek threw up his hands. "And Kaelen just happens to have ties there?"
Kaelen remained impassive. "You will not be harmed under my protection."
Jarek scoffed. "Right. Because that always works so well in stories. 'Oh, don't worry, I have connections,' and then—boom!—we're running for our lives five minutes after stepping foot on land."
Leon patted his shoulder. "Think of it as an adventure."
Jarek groaned. "That's exactly my problem."
---
The Borders of the Unknown
They traveled for days, moving through the outskirts of human settlements, avoiding major roads.
Leon wanted to keep a low profile. The last thing they needed was unwanted attention—especially from those who might recognize his unnatural growth in power.
Finally, they reached the southern border.
Beyond it, the land stretched wide and wild, the trees growing taller, thicker. The air itself felt different—charged with something older, deeper.
Kaelen stepped forward first.
"This is where your test begins."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "Test?"
Kaelen turned, golden eyes sharp. "The Beastman Continent does not welcome the weak. It does not tolerate hesitation. If you are to find answers, you must first prove yourself worthy of seeking them."
Jarek muttered under his breath, "I knew it. We're gonna die."
Leon exhaled. "Alright. So where do we start?"
Kaelen pointed ahead.
"The Trial Plains."
Leon narrowed his eyes. He had heard of them before in Devia.
A vast stretch of land where the young and unproven fought to earn their place in beastman society.
If he wanted to enter their lands freely—he would have to survive it.
---
A Challenge Awaits
As they stepped past the final markers of human territory, Leon felt it.
The world itself seemed to shift.
This was no longer familiar ground.
And in the distance, past the rolling hills of the Trial Plains, figures were already watching.
Waiting.
Leon tightened his grip on his weapon.
The real journey was just beginning.
---