Farewell to the Salto Islands
After confirming the plan to head to the Light Feather Dome, Fa and her group returned to the main island's dock, preparing to bid farewell to the islanders. At the dock, Elder Xuanjia, accompanied by twelve island representatives and tens of thousands of islanders, came to see them off. Their eyes were filled with gratitude and blessings. The elder slowly stepped forward, the runes on his back armor faintly glowing, his voice deep and warm: "Fa, and all of you, thank you for bringing peace and truth to the Salto Islands. May your journey be safe and smooth."
Zhamisi stepped forward, her snake tail lightly tapping the ground, and bowed to the elder: "Elder, I will accompany them to the Light Feather Dome. With you and the other leaders guarding the Salto Islands, I feel at ease." Her tone carried a nostalgia for her homeland, yet also a longing for adventure.
The elder nodded, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes: "Zhamisi, go ahead. Your courage and wisdom are our pride. May you find your own path in the outside world."
Yuyuer swam to Zhamisi's side, his fish tail slapping the ground, and excitedly said: "Elder, we'll take care of each other!" His smile was as bright as sunlight, and his staff emitted a blue light, showing his anticipation for the journey.
Fa, representing the group, thanked the elder: "Thank you for your support and trust. We will carry the hopes of the Salto Islands forward." Her right eye's star pupil flickered with silver light, and her short blade trembled slightly in her hand, emanating the aura of earth and water magic.
The islanders gathered at the dock's edge, waving goodbye. Children ran around, imitating dragon roars, while adults whispered prayers, wishing the team a safe return. The sea breeze blew, bringing a touch of coolness, and sunlight sprinkled on the sea surface, refracting rainbow lights, illuminating this touching scene.
Setting Off to the Light Feather Dome
After the farewell ceremony ended, Fa and her group boarded the wood water flow boat prepared by the islanders. This boat was formed from trees and water magic, with the wooden hull enveloped in transparent water elements, making it exceptionally sturdy. The boat's sides emitted a faint blue light. Fa stood at the bow, gazing into the distance, her right eye's star pupil flickering with silver light. She softly said: "Light Feather Dome... our next journey." Her short blade emitted a subtle glow of earth and water magic, revealing her inner calm and determination.
Arya stood beside her, gently stroking the Storm Bow, its five-element crystals shining brightly. She said tenderly: "No matter how many challenges lie ahead, we'll all face them with you." Her gaze rested on Fa, carrying unspoken warmth and support.
TISK carried the Earthshaker Warhammer on his shoulder, overlooking the vast sea, and excitedly said: "This journey is sure to be thrilling! My warhammer can't wait!" Ice and fire magic flowed on the hammer's surface, exuding a strong presence.
Salsa's soul form floated above the boat's side, her amber eyes gazing at the sea: "I'll closely monitor the surroundings to ensure our safety." Her mechanical cat body crouched quietly at the bow, dark-attribute magic ready to activate.
Rex adjusted his nano drones, his mechanical eye scanning around, calmly saying: "The route is calibrated; we expect to arrive at Leris Grand Island in a few days." His voice was decisive, showing the expertise of a tech specialist.
Kayla leaped to the bow, her thunder claws flickering with lightning and frost aura: "Let's go, let's conquer that snowy mountain!" Her leopard ears twitched, her fighting spirit high, with the shadow of her giant leopard form faintly appearing.
Yuyuer and Zhamisi stood together, exchanging water magic techniques. Yuyuer said: "Zhamisi, if your poison mist combines with my water curtain, it can definitely handle the dangers in the snowy mountains." His fish tail slapped the deck, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Zhamisi nodded, her snake tail swaying gently: "Good idea. Our magic working together should make the journey smoother." Poison mist swirled around her fingertips, showing her preparation for the adventure.
The boat slowly sailed away from the dock, propelled by water currents, heading northeast toward Leris. Sunlight sprinkled on the sea surface, refracting rainbow lights, illuminating this team that fused technology and magic. Their journey was full of unknowns, but unity and determination made them fearless. On the boat, Fa and Arya stood shoulder to shoulder gazing into the distance, TISK and Rex discussed the upcoming snowy mountain environment, Kayla swung her thunder claws to warm up, Yuyuer and Zhamisi refined their tactics, and Salsa patrolled everywhere to ensure nothing went wrong.
As the boat sailed toward Leris, the team members were both tense and excited. They knew the road ahead was full of dangers, but with mutual trust and strength, there was nothing they couldn't overcome. This adventure to the Light Feather Dome was just one part of their long expedition.
The Cursed Island
Fa and her group were sailing on the wood water flow boat toward the northeast Leris Grand Island, aiming to find the Wing Clan's "Light Feather Dome" and the star fragments. However, on the fourth day of the journey, the atmosphere on the boat seemed dull and boring. The sea breeze gently brushed over the boat's sides, the sea surface calm like a mirror, sunlight refracting rainbow lights, but this monotonous scenery could no longer spark everyone's interest.
TISK sat at the boat's edge, his fingers rubbing the Earthshaker Warhammer, the dragon scales on the hammer's surface flickering with ice blue and crimson lights. He gazed at the endless sea and sighed: "These days at sea are so boring! It would be great if there was some action." His beard trembled slightly from irritation, showing the dwarf craftsman's dissatisfaction with stillness.
Kayla stood at the bow, swinging her thunder claws, with lightning and frost intertwining and flashing. She grinned: "Yeah, not even an enemy in sight, my claws are about to rust!" Her leopard ears twitched, her fighting spirit high, with the shadow of the giant leopard faintly appearing, as if ready for a challenge at any moment.
Fa sat inside the cabin, gazing at the short blade in her hand, the blade emitting a subtle glow of earth and water magic. Her right eye's star pupil flickered with silver light, sensing the surrounding environment. She said softly: "Perhaps we can find a place to rest and resupply." Her tone was calm, with a hint of fatigue.
Arya stood beside Fa, gently stroking the Storm Bow, its five-element crystals emitting a subtle light. She said tenderly: "I think so too; everyone seems a bit tired. It would be good to dock at an island." Her gaze rested on Fa, her eyes conveying support and care.
At that moment, Yuyuer walked up to the group, his staff tapping the deck, and excitedly said: "I remember there's an island town nearby called 'Bibo Island.' It has abundant supplies and delicious food; if everyone agrees, we can head there to resupply." His fish fins flickered with blue light, his tone full of anticipation.
Zhamisi nodded, her snake tail swaying gently: "I've heard of Bibo Island; it's a bustling port, indeed a good place." Her golden-green scales shimmered in the sunlight, showing her approval of the suggestion.
Fa smiled slightly and said: "Then let's go; it will also let everyone relax." Her decision lifted everyone's spirits.
So, Yuyuer walked to the bow and communicated with the surrounding schools of fish in the fish clan's language. He emitted low, harmonious sounds, and moments later, a group of silver-glowing fish appeared beside the boat, swimming around it as if guiding the way. Yuyuer turned and said: "They'll lead us to Bibo Island."
The fish school responded enthusiastically, leading the boat forward. After half a day's voyage, at dawn, the wood water flow boat finally arrived at Bibo Island's dock. The fish school wagged their tails to bid farewell and disappeared into the sea. Fa and her group disembarked, but found the port empty, with even the wind sounding unusually quiet.
"Strange, why is there no one here?" TISK carried the Earthshaker Warhammer, his beard twitching slightly, a look of confusion in his eyes. Rex's mechanical eye scanned around, calmly saying: "According to data, this should be a busy port, but now there's no sign of life." Salsa's soul form floated out from her mechanical cat body, her amber eyes gazing into the distance, whispering: "The atmosphere here is off; we need to be careful."
The Eerie Atmosphere of the Town
The group walked from the dock into the town, finding the streets equally empty. Shop doors and windows were tightly closed, and when the wind blew, occasional creaking sounds from wooden boards made one's hair stand on end. Scattered on the streets were damaged items—overturned baskets, shattered pottery jars, as if the residents had fled in haste. Zhamisi's snake tail slithered flexibly over the ground, alertly saying: "This place looks abandoned; something bad might have happened."
Rex's mechanical eye scanned the streets, data streams flashing on his goggles: "Based on analysis, there were traces of intense battles here." His voice was calm, and several nano drones flew out from beside him, beginning to scout the surroundings.
Zhamisi's snake tail lightly tapped the ground, her gaze falling on a distant tall tower: "That tower is the town's bell tower; it should normally have guards, but now it's empty." Her tone carried vigilance.
Yuyuer walked up to the group, a hint of unease in his eyes: "This isn't right; Bibo Island should be a lively town, how did it become like this?" The blue gem at the top of his staff faintly glowed, showing his inner tension.
Fa nodded, her right eye's star pupil flickering with silver light, trying to sense the surrounding magic fluctuations. She said gravely: "Things aren't simple; let's split up and search for clues." The group quickly divided into four teams and began investigating house by house:
Fa and Arya: This perfectly coordinated pair handled the east district. Fa lightly knocked on a wooden door with her short blade, but there was no response inside; Arya drew the Storm Bow, ready for any sudden situations.
TISK and Rex: The combination of technology and strength headed to the west district. TISK used his warhammer to knock open a warehouse door, finding it empty inside; Rex released nano drones to scan every corner.
Salsa and Kayla: The scouting and combat pair handled the south district. Salsa's soul form passed through walls to investigate, while Kayla gripped her thunder claws tightly, her beast ears perked up, alert to any movement.
Yuyuer and Zhamisi: The water magic experts handled the north district. Yuyuer used the sea travel gem to sense water sources, while Zhamisi used poison mist to probe hidden dangers.
About an hour later, Yuyuer and Zhamisi found several young children in a small alley near the town's square. They were ragged, holding withered fruit peels, rummaging through garbage heaps for food. Yuyuer approached, gently asking: "Kids, why are you here? Where are the others?" The children were initially scared, huddling together, but seeing Yuyuer's friendly smile and his fish tail gently tapping, they gradually let down their guard.
One of the children timidly said: "We're looking for food... The people in town are all gone, only us left." His voice was weak, his eyes full of helplessness.
Zhamisi crouched down, gently asking: "Do you know what happened? Why did everyone leave?" Her snake tail coiled beneath her, her tone calm and kind.
The children exchanged glances, and a slightly older boy timidly said: "The town is cursed; we're hiding in the shelter... Many people left, only us few remaining." Yuyuer said in surprise: "Cursed? What kind of curse?" His fish tail slapped the ground, showing his concern for the situation.
The boy continued: "Their eyes turn red, skin pale, movements stiff, like zombies." His voice carried fear and helplessness.
Zhamisi frowned: "How did you survive?" Her gaze sharp, trying to dig more clues from the boy's words.
The boy pointed to a nearby basement: "We hid in the shelter, barely surviving on stored food." His fingers trembled, evidently recalling those terrifying days.
Yuyuer and Zhamisi exchanged a glance, realizing the severity of the situation. They decided to bring the group of children to the square to inform the other teammates. Soon after, everyone gathered in the square, listening to the children's descriptions.
The Truth of the Shelter
Led by the children, Fa and her group arrived at a hidden underground shelter. The shelter's entrance was concealed under the floor of a dilapidated house; pushing aside the wooden plank revealed a narrow staircase leading underground. Inside the shelter, the lighting was dim, the air filled with dampness and mold, with dozens of elderly, a few disabled, and children gathered there. The children curled up in corners, on makeshift beds made of rags and wooden boards. When they saw strangers, their expressions tensed, tightly gripping crude wooden staffs and stones, ready to defend themselves.
Fa stepped forward, gently explaining: "We're passing travelers; seeing the situation here, we came to see if we can help." Her voice was calm and sincere, her right eye's star pupil emitting a soothing silver light.
An elderly man trembled as he stood up, leaning on a rough wooden staff, his voice hoarse: "Are you outsiders? This island is already cursed; you should leave quickly, or you'll get involved too." His eyes were full of despair, as if he had given up everything.
Fa shook her head, firmly saying: "We won't leave; we want to uncover the truth and help you." Her tone left no room for doubt, carrying the sense of responsibility of a star pupil holder.
The elder sighed and slowly said: "Three months ago, people in town suddenly started disappearing, initially just a few, but later more and more. At night, those missing people would return, but they were no longer themselves; their eyes were vacant, movements stiff, yet incredibly strong, like controlled puppets. They would attack the townsfolk, and those bitten would become like them."
The elder paused, fear flashing in his eyes: "The enforcement team tried to suppress them with firepower, but these 'things' could regenerate even if their limbs were broken. They tried capturing a few to find the cause, but by morning, they turned into black mist and disappeared, only to reappear at night. A month later, more and more people in town were cursed; the enforcement team ordered the entire island to evacuate, leaving only us old, weak, sick, and disabled."
Fa frowned after listening, her right eye's star pupil flickering, trying to find clues from the elder's words.
Arya softly asked: "Do these cursed people have any characteristics?"
The elder recalled: "They seem to have strange runes on them, flashing dark red light."
Fa pondered for a moment and asked: "Did they ever try tracking the direction of those black mists?" Her right eye's star pupil flickered, trying to find a breakthrough from the elder's words.
The elder shook his head: "They didn't have that ability, and it was too dangerous at night." His hand gripped the staff tightly, showing his inner powerlessness.
Rex calmly said: "Perhaps those black mists are a manifestation of some magic; we can try tracking their energy fluctuations." His mechanical eye flashed blue light, showing the rational analysis of a tech expert.
Salsa's soul form floated in the air, her amber eyes gazing at the elder: "I can sense dark-attribute energy; perhaps I can help." Her voice was ethereal, with dark-attribute magic swirling around her.
Fa nodded, decisively saying: "We can't just sit by; we'll stay tonight to investigate the cause. Track the zombies' movements and find the source of the curse." Her gaze swept over her teammates, firmness flashing in her eyes.
TISK patted his warhammer, excitedly saying: "Alright, let's see what kind of ghost dares to mess things up here!"
Kayla swung her thunder claws, grinning: "I've been itching for this!"
Rex calmly analyzed: "If they turn into black mist during the day and appear at night, it might be related to some energy cycle. We need to find the source."
Salsa's soul form floated in the air, whispering: "I'll scout at night and find the weaknesses of these cursed ones."
Yuyuer and Zhamisi began preparing magic barriers to protect the shelter's safety. Yuyuer said: "I'll use a water curtain to guard the entrance; Zhamisi, your poison mist can enhance the defense." Zhamisi nodded, green mist condensing at her fingertips: "No problem; these things won't get close!"
As night fell, Bibo Island was enveloped in an eerie silence. Fa and her group in the shelter geared up, their reinforced weapons emitting subtle lights, ready to face the unknown challenge. They knew this investigation not only concerned Bibo Island's fate but might also become a new turning point in their journey.
Fa gazed at the darkness outside the cave, her right eye's star pupil flickering, whispering: "No matter what it is, we'll uncover the truth."
Determination as Night Falls
Thus, the group decided to rest in the shelter first, waiting for night to fall. Time passed minute by minute, the sun gradually sank in the west, and night enveloped the entire Bibo Island. The atmosphere in the shelter became tense; children clung tightly to adults, and the elderly whispered prayers for safety.
Fa and her group sat in a circle in the center of the shelter, each checking their weapons and equipment, preparing to face the unknown challenge.
Fa gazed at her short blade, earth and water magic flowing on the blade; she whispered: "No matter what happens tonight, we must protect these people and find the truth." Her right eye's star pupil flickered with silver light, showing her inner determination.
Arya gently held Fa's hand, tenderly saying: "We'll face it together." Her Storm Bow emitted five-element lights, giving Fa infinite support.
TISK rubbed his warhammer, a hint of excitement in his eyes: "Finally, something to do! This curse sounds interesting." His warhammer emitted ice and fire magic, ready for battle.
Kayla swung her thunder claws, lightning flashing: "No matter what curse it is, I'll smash it to pieces!" Her leopard tail swished, her fighting spirit high.
Rex adjusted his nano drones, calmly saying: "I'll record all data and find the curse's patterns." His mechanical eye scanned around, showing technology's calm.
Salsa's soul form returned to her mechanical cat body, ready for night action: "I'll support everyone from the shadows." Her dark-attribute magic was ready to activate.
Yuyuer and Zhamisi stood together; Yuyuer said: "We've already protected the shelter with water and poison magic." His staff emitted blue light, showing his preparation.
Zhamisi nodded, poison mist swirling at her fingertips: "I'll use poison magic to weaken those zombies." Her snake tail swayed gently, showing her confidence in battle.
As night fully descended, eerie low growls came from the distance, as if something was stirring in the darkness. Fa and her group walked out of the shelter onto the streets, ready to face this unknown challenge. They knew that behind the curse on this island lay greater secrets, and the moment to uncover the truth was approaching.