As the full scene came into view, Ethan's brow furrowed instinctively.
Cracked earth. Rotting wounds. Eyes dulled by exhaustion and hopelessness.
This wasn't the imperial heartland he'd expected—it looked more like a forgotten labor camp.
After a brief pause, he led the group down to the coastline.
The warship's massive shadow swept over the land, and the workers below froze almost in unison. One by one, they looked up, faces filled with shock and unease.
They'd lived under The Nether Sea's rule for too long. None of them had ever seen a foreign warship, let alone one that dared to descend so boldly onto their shores.
"Who… who are you people?" a gaunt middle-aged man asked, voice trembling.
"Are you tired of living? This isn't a place outsiders can just walk into!"
More voices followed, hushed but urgent.
"You need to leave—now. Everyone here's been sent off to fight Emerald Castle. They'll be back any minute."
"If they find you here, you'll be slaughtered."
