From the top of the temple, Ishiki peered far into the surrounding world—into the expanse that would determine whether they lived or died, whether salvation existed or had always been mirage conjured by desperate hope.
At first, there was nothing except golden leaves forming canopy so devastatingly thick it was almost impossible to perceive beyond them.
But then Ishiki saw something... or rather things, that made him gulp hard and his heart hammer with renewed vigor.
In the far distance—north, if such directions held meaning, there was a large piece of... rock?
No.
It was not merely a rock, it was an entire island.
Floating in the sky above ground where the Crimson Canopy finally... ended.
The floating landmass gleamed like golden brick kissed by divine artificer. It possessed grandeur that transcended architectural achievements and entered realm of cosmic sculptures.
