Starting from primitive world, building the strongest divine kingdom

"A curse!" Enzo exclaimed, his curiosity about the Shadow Clan's plight piqued, evoking memories of the Barren Mountain Tribe's own cursed fate, despite the apparent disconnect between the two events.

One hails from the Starry Sky, the other from the Disaster World.

Yet, Invicta's pronouncement left Enzo astonished once more, as he interjected, "Indeed, it is a curse! A curse from the Disaster World."

"Within the Starry Sky, numerous extraordinary realms exist, each governed by their own supernatural systems, some even renowned throughout the vast expanse of the Starry Sky."

"However, the Disaster World is not of that ilk."

"Lord Boyega was the first to uncover the unique nature of this world. He once commanded the Shadow Clan to dominate it."

"But, as you well know, the plan met with failure."

"Even Lord Boyega could not fathom the reasons for his downfall, leaving the Shadow Clan to languish in Dragons Land, where decay awaits with the imminent collapse of the trial space."

"At that juncture, the Shadow Clan will cease to exist within the entirety of the Starry Sky."

"This marks the utter annihilation of a lineage."

"I cannot bear the thought of such an occurrence, thus, Mr. Enzo, I implore you once more for your assistance."

The revelations shared by Invicta were so profound that Enzo momentarily found himself at a loss for words. Suddenly, a thought struck him. Since the curse was wrought by Disaster World, what of the curses afflicting the Barren Mountain Tribe and other regions?

Moreover, from various descriptions, it appeared that—

Disaster World possesses intelligence!

Could it be that Disaster World has birthed consciousness, likely the very progenitors of the Protoss that Carol spoke of? The likelihood of this hypothesis being true seemed substantial.

This also elucidated why Boyega would capture Carol. After all, even if Boyega is a formidable immortal deity, provoking a powerful race such as the Protoss is hardly a decision made with wisdom.

Yet, conjectures remain mere conjectures.

The truth of the situation eluded Enzo.

At that moment, Invicta began to recount tales concerning the Shadow Clan. He said, "Due to the curse, the younger generation of the Shadow Clan loses their sanity, transforming into the magical beasts you speak of. They attack any living creature they encounter in a frenzy, yet the surviving clan members cannot bring themselves to slay them.

Ultimately, with the aid of Lord Melokuhle, we implemented a death petrification ritual in Dragons Land, whereby any being that perishes in Dragons Land becomes a statue, sealed away. One day, when Lord Boyega's heir emerges and reaches the realm of the immortal deities, it will be possible to resurrect our kin once more."

Invicta's description was nothing short of remarkable.

To Enzo's current understanding, he found it somewhat implausible, yet Invicta had no apparent reason to deceive him. Contemplating this, Enzo could not help but inquire, "Chief Invicta, is it truly so easy to be resurrected after death in the Starry Sky?"

Invicta shook his head and nodded slightly.

This left Enzo somewhat perplexed, for his understanding of the Starry Sky was still exceedingly limited.

Invicta elucidated, "Within the Starry Sky, the pursuit of supernatural abilities is delineated into three dimensions. The first is mastery over the elements, a fundamental power every supernatural being must command.

The second pertains to physical prowess, for in certain unique realms, elemental powers are rendered ineffective, and the strength of the body is intrinsically linked to one's lifespan and the threshold for harnessing elemental forces. The third, and most enigmatic, is the power of the soul."

"The power of the soul is shrouded in mystery within the Starry Sky."

"To my knowledge, only the Soul Sanctuary has conducted some studies on soul power. However, the Soul Sanctuary itself is immensely elusive, making it exceedingly challenging to locate them amidst the vastness of the Starry Sky."

These revelations significantly deepened Enzo's understanding of the Starry Sky.

At the same time Enzo engraved the name Soul Sanctuary in his memory.

Having shared this, Invicta returned to the matter at hand, stating, "Mr. Enzo, should you choose to make this commitment, the Shadow Clan is prepared to offer invaluable treasures to assist you in securing Lord Boyega's inheritance, as well as to reveal the location of the Emerald Tower."

Enzo's gaze swept over Invicta.

He inquired coolly, "Chief Invicta, are you issuing a threat?"

"No, no, absolutely not!" Invicta hastily denied, reaffirming, "I am merely wagering on a distant future. Regardless of Mr. Enzo's willingness, the Shadow Clan is ready to invest everything."

"Then…" Enzo's voice lingered, and Invicta raised his head, his aged eyes brimming with anticipation, until he heard the most melodious words in the world as Enzo declared, "I accept!"

Invicta was overwhelmed with excitement.

He retrieved a crystal from his space storage pocket. This crystal bore a resemblance to the shimmering one Melissa had previously produced, yet it emanated a more enchanting aura that invigorated the spirit and sharpened the mind.

"This is the Shadow Crystal."

Invicta said that, his voice imbued with a sense of profound history. Clearly, there was a tale behind the Shadow Crystal, but Invicta chose not to share it. Instead, he elaborated on its significance. "The Shadow Crystal considerably accelerates the wielder's ability to perceive elemental forces. While it may not enhance combat prowess, it is undeniably a remarkable treasure within the Starry Sky."

With that, Invicta handed the Shadow Crystal to Enzo.

As Enzo accepted it, he immediately felt the crystal's extraordinary power.

Then, Invicta began discussing the trials of Dragons Land, stating, "The trials of Dragons Land are quite unique within the entire trial space, especially this time, which can be described as the preliminary competition for the Lord Boyega inheritance. Only those who successfully complete the trials of Dragons Land will be eligible for the inheritance."

"Wait!"

Enzo suddenly realized something was amiss.

He turned to Invicta, inquiring, "When I entered Dragons Land, I encountered a massive red dragon, whose trial rules stated that only one person could leave Dragons Land alive."

"Have you already encountered Lord Shivard?" Invicta responded, a hint of surprise in his tone. He then smiled and explained, "Mr. Enzo, with your intellect, you must have noticed the peculiarities of Dragons Land. For instance, it seems that the number of participants in the trials is rather sparse. In truth, the trials do not occur simultaneously, nor within the same space.

Dragons Land is a multi-layered space personally crafted by Lord Profaner Melokuhle, within which exist dozens of Dragons Lands."

With this revelation, Enzo finally grasped the situation in its entirety.

He turned to Invicta and, filled with gratitude, solemnly pledged, "Should that day ever come, I shall, without fail, lend my hand to lift the curse of the Shadow Clan."

Invicta immediately knelt upon one knee and replied gratefully, "Thank you, Lord Enzo."

Seeing this, Enzo chose to remain silent.

Invicta then dispelled the barrier, took his leave, and prepared to share the good news with the surviving members of the Shadow Clan.

Dandil, however, was left behind.

When he encountered Enzo again, a tinge of awkwardness washed over him, and he lowered his head, saying, "Mr. Enzo, I did not intend to disclose your information. And regarding Cromwell's previous actions…"

"Cromwell is dead. I killed him," Enzo stated bluntly.

"Dead?!" Dandil gasped in astonishment, his face lighting up with palpable relief as he bitterly remarked, "That scoundrel deserved death long ago! He exploited his power to coerce others into despicable deeds. If only I had been stronger…"

"Enough!"

Enzo interjected, halting Dandil's words. He then inquired, "Dandil, what are your plans moving forward? You appear to be alone. Would you be interested in joining my team?"

"Join your team?"

Dandil could scarcely believe his ears. He gazed at Enzo, and only upon receiving a nod of affirmation did he realize he had not misheard—Enzo was indeed extending an invitation.

He promptly responded, "I would be honored, truly honored! Whatever tasks you have, Captain Enzo, I will undertake them!"

Dandil swiftly changed his tone.

This was no ordinary team assembly. Enzo's team currently ranked second, and given the unfolding circumstances, it was highly likely they would retain that position. Joining Enzo's team now meant securing a chance to participate in subsequent trials.

This was a coveted opportunity that many challengers long for.

Dandil was no exception.

However, Enzo's invitation to Dandil is not founded upon his prowess, but rather on the extensive network Dandil commands. From previous interactions, it seems Dandil is acquainted with a multitude of individuals, a fact that could prove invaluable to Enzo.

Moreover, inviting Dandil to join their ranks at this juncture is akin to providing timely assistance. Given Dandil's nature, he would undoubtedly devote himself wholeheartedly to supporting their endeavors.

This dynamic transcends mere exploitation. It is a mutual aid among allies.

Enzo, Dandil, and Melissa are all acutely aware of this understanding.

At this moment, the black dragon trial in Dragons Land is drawing to a close. The crimson veil suspended in the air bursts forth with brilliant light, solidifying the rankings.

The mysterious team known as Merck maintains their lead...

While Enzo's trio claims the second spot.

As for the remaining teams within the top ten, most are unfamiliar faces, even to Dandil and Melissa.

In the next instant, the colossal black dragon Nicolet reappears.