Floating Island - Triple S Talent

The beautiful man finally shifted his gaze from the sphere. "What is Lord Serai's condition?" he asked, though his focus still wasn't entirely present.

"He continues sending troops, Your Majesty. Their assault hasn't stopped," Thalor quickly responded, trying to keep his tone steady.

The man shook his head slightly, as if something was bothering him. "Tell them to stop," he commanded, his voice a little firmer this time. "There's no point in sending more troops. We'll wait until this realm fully emerges. Everything will become clearer after that."

...

"Very well, Sir. I will inform Lord Serai immediately," Thalor said firmly before his body slowly vanished, disappearing in an instant from where he stood.

In the midst of the dark void, a massive altar floated gracefully, not far from the Seraphis Vali race's armada. Its diameter was extraordinary—around 500 meters—appearing as though it was part of the very space itself. At the top of the altar, a colossal 50-meter-high portal swirled with consuming energy, looking like a black hole ready to devour anything that came near.

Around it, soldiers stood in orderly ranks, their faces etched with determination, their eyes burning with unshakable resolve.

Next to the portal, an old man in white robes floated silently, watching those about to enter the dimensional gate. His thin hands gripped a long scroll, occasionally reading it with a calculated tone.

"Next, team #4121, prepare!" His voice rang out with authority, echoing above the altar. His eyes scanned the crowd, ensuring that the called team was ready.

From the ranks, team #4121 stepped forward in unison. "Ready, Sir!" they shouted in a disciplined chorus.

The old man frowned as his eyes traced down the scroll he held. At the bottom of the list, glowing red numbers slowly faded. One by one, the teams he had dispatched turned gray, dimming without light—a sign of death haunting each name.

He lifted his gaze toward the focal point of the entire army. In the distance, a giant round orb shimmered faintly, floating like a planet in the middle of space. The surrounding bubbles became clearer, with thin clouds slowly unraveling, revealing something deeper, something not yet fully exposed.

"Impossible," he muttered, his voice low, almost swallowed by the void. "This realm has just emerged, not particularly special… How could every troop I've sent be wiped out?" The corner of his lips trembled, a mixture of anger and confusion coloring his weary face.

His eyes narrowed, searching the distant void. "I wonder... Are the other races facing the same?"

Dozens of transport ships floated around the altar like giant insects swarming a massive flower. Each time a team entered the portal, more soldiers descended from the ships to immediately fill the ranks. There was no pause, only endless motion and turnover.

"Hey, did you hear the news? The Guardian is joining the fight for this realm," a soldier said, peeking from the edge of the transport ship.

His eyes squinted, trying to gauge his comrade's reaction standing next to him. As low-ranking soldiers, they were powerless and could only hope the highest commander was a strong one. That way, there would be no need to fear the armies of other races.

"Really? That's great… I thought only Lord Serai was leading," his companion quickly turned, surprise flashing across his face. Hearing the Guardian's name mentioned, he held his breath for a moment, and his heart raced. There was a respect mixed with fear that he couldn't hide.

Around them, several other soldiers who overheard the conversation exchanged glances, small smiles beginning to form on their lips. Excitement spread quickly, and the previously heavy atmosphere was now filled with eager whispers.

"I heard he once destroyed a realm by himself. If he's here, we'll definitely win!" a young soldier slapped his friend's shoulder, their eyes now burning with fierce anticipation. They began to look forward to their turn to step into the portal, eager to be part of the vanguard.

However, a soft but firm voice cut through their euphoria.

"But… aren't the other races also led by their Guardians?" A female soldier in a long white dress with a purple headband stood with a worried expression.

Her gaze swept the ranks in front of her, her anxious tone catching the attention of many. It was clear she came from an educated family, her knowledge broader than that of ordinary soldiers.

The previously spirited crowd instantly fell silent. Faces that had been filled with confidence now began to shift. Their gazes met, some soldiers biting their lips, reconsidering what they might be up against. The shadow of a massive battle loomed in their minds.

"There's nothing to fear!" a deep voice from another soldier, a burly man, broke the silence. He tossed his hair back, standing tall.

"Guardian Aurelius once destroyed a mid-level realm all by himself! What can the other Guardians do? We'll win for sure." His grin widened, full of confidence, as if challenging anyone to doubt the strength of their leader.

"Right... Lord Aurelius is incredibly strong, even if the other races are also led by their Guardians, we'll still win," another soldier chimed in with a quick nod.

The soldiers' enthusiastic shouts began to echo once again above the ship.

"Yeah, that's right! Lord Aurelius is the strongest!"

Their cries blazed like fire, reigniting the spirit that had momentarily dimmed after the female soldier's statement.

The ship became lively, as they all discussed the might of Aurelius, recalling tales passed down from their grandparents, boasting of their knowledge about Guardian Aurelius.