Chapter 157 : Twilight Mountain Range
"Wait, are you telling me there's a Half-Saint there?" A man in his fifties, with an unremarkable square face and a small mustache said with surprise in his eyes.
He stood tall with slightly dark skin, exuding an aura of ordinariness, just the kind of guy you'd pass on the street without a second glance.
"Yes, Patriarch," Draven replied respectfully, his gaze fixed on the man.
This was Ronan, the current Patriarch of the Emberfell Noble Family, a lineage that rivaled even the Maywraiths in strength, perhaps even surpassing them.
"Hmmm! Fascinating! Truly fascinating!" Ronan rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a glimmer of intrigue dancing in his eyes. "I never expected him to have such surprises up his sleeve."
"And Luna couldn't see through him at all?" Ronan turned to Draven with keen interest.
"That's right. It's unprecedented," Draven explained. "The only time Luna's abilities falter is when someone is either stronger or possesses something unique about them. Felix may be mature for his age and calm under pressure, but I doubt he's either stronger or more special than Luna."
"Draven," Ronan said with a shake of his head, "the world is vast and filled with mysteries that often elude our understanding—even with our considerable strength and background."
"But Croix is an absolute fool! I can't believe the Bloodworth Noble Family would send someone like him to negotiate," Ronan scoffed dismissively.
"So what's our plan? We can't let the Maywraiths monopolize this opportunity," Draven pressed.
"We do nothing," Ronan replied with a calm smile.
"What do you mean by that?" Confusion flickered in Draven's eyes.
"While this invention could revolutionize lives, it's not worth jeopardizing our family's safety over it. Have you noticed how the top families aren't making any moves?" Ronan chuckled softly.
"They don't see this as something worth fighting for; it's valuable but not enticing enough for them, only smaller noble families will scramble for it."
"But Patriarch," Draven insisted, "this could genuinely benefit us if we show some sincerity!"
"Draven," Ronan said gently but firmly, "it's not as simple as it appears. Even if we wanted to get involved, do you really think we'd be allowed to benefit easily?"
His smile remained steady as he continued, "Right now, we're under scrutiny from the King, he views us as a tumor needing removal. We've endured so much recently; we can't afford to divert our energy elsewhere or risk being destroyed."
"And do you honestly believe the Royal Family would allow Felix to control something so impactful? Something that could earn him public favor?" Ronan smirked knowingly.
"You mean they're also after this bicycle invention?" Draven's surprise was evident.
Ronan chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "You see, that's exactly why I mentioned earlier that the top dogs seem disinterested right now. Everyone's caught in a real pickle, one wrong move, and they could find themselves in serious hot water." He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing.
"Sure, we Noble Families wield some influence and can sway decisions within the Kingdom," he added thoughtfully. "But let's not kid ourselves, our foundation may be solid, but we're nowhere near the Royal Family's level. We need to tread carefully."
Draven nodded but couldn't hide the reluctance flickering in his gaze. "So we're just going to sit back and do nothing?"
"We have to play it like the other families," Ronan replied with a shrug. "A wait-and-see approach is best for now. Let's observe how things unfold; it won't be too late to make our move later on."
"But I really hope the Bloodworth Noble Family knows how to behave," he smirked coldly, "because if they don't… well, let's just say I can't imagine what awaits them."
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"Hey Thorne, long time no see!" A man clad in heavy armor, his shining bald head glinting in the sunlight, patted another man dressed in silver armor with a sword hanging at his waist.
The first man's huge halberd loomed over him like a silent guardian.
"Hahaha! Thrain! I didn't expect to run into you here, it's been ages since we parted ways!" Thorne exclaimed, enveloping Thrain in a bear hug that could rival a grizzly's embrace, a wide grin plastered across his face.
"Yeah," Thrain nodded, chuckling as he stepped back. "So, how have you been lately?"
Thorne shrugged playfully. "Well, you know how it is for us adventurers, our lives are pretty much the same: raiding dungeons, slaying magical beasts, completing missions, and downing rum at the tavern!"
"True enough," Thrain replied with a wry smile. "Our daily routine feels like it's on repeat."
"Sometimes I wish for something different to shake things up," Thrain continued thoughtfully.
"Yeah, it can get boring," Thorne agreed with a nod. "But hey, we've got plenty on our plates already! Fighting monsters and teaming up with friends? That's pretty great too."
"Absolutely!" Thrain said enthusiastically. "We meet so many people and forge bonds, becoming comrades-in-arms is what makes this life worthwhile."
The two men exchanged knowing glances before bursting into laughter together.
"Alright buddy, I've got to run. Just accepted a mission; Soni will be waiting for me!" Thorne said as he patted Thrain on the shoulder and mounted the horse beside him.
"Catch you later! Be careful out there!" Thrain called out with a smile.
"Haha! Don't worry, I know my strength!" Thorne chuckled back before giving his horse an affectionate pat.
With a swift motion, they shot off into the distance and vanished from sight in the blink of an eye.
Thrain stood there for a moment, shaking his head with a heavy sigh before entering the towering structure that seemed to pierce the clouds above.
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The Twilight Mountain Range is known as one of the largest and most treacherous mountain ranges on the Lunaris Continent. Stretching for millions of miles, its exact size remains a mystery.
The undulating mountains create a majestic arc, with towering peaks that seem to reach for the sky.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
The average height of the mountains is around 30,000 feet, with the highest peak being Mount Skyfall at over 100,000 feet.
No one has ever reached the summit of Mount Skyfall, as its peak seems to disappear into the clouds.
Infact the Twilight Mountain Range is the largest on the continent, bordering many kingdoms and empires.
It is home to various magical beasts and mysterious dungeons that no one dares to explore.
Even the strongest warriors avoid claiming the Twilight Mountain Range, as those who have tried have met their demise.
Alongside magical beasts, the range is inhabited by different lifeforms such as the Elven Race, shadowborns, and Wind Wraiths, all coexisting without claiming ownership.
The Twilight Mountain Range is divided into three regions: the outer, inner, and core regions, each with its own unique inhabitants and dangers.
The outer region is home to Tier 1 to Tier 3 magical beasts, while the inner region houses Tier 4 to Tier 6 creatures.
The core region is reserved for Tier 7 and above, making it the most dangerous area.
Despite the abundance of resources in the range, no one dares to lay claim to it.
The resources in the Twilight Mountain Range are so plentiful that the mountain has become a treasure trove.
As a result, many adventurers and mana cultivators flock to the area in search of wealth.
The number of magical beasts in the range is also high, attracting even more Adventurers.
However, most only dare to venture into the outer regions, while only the strongest are brave enough to explore the inner regions.
The core region is off-limits to all but the most fearless.
For many years, powerful kingdoms and empires have all tried to claim the Twilight Mountain Range for themselves, only to be met with devastation and destruction.
The resources and treasures in the range are so abundant that many people are tempted to throw away their fears and try to claim it for themselves, but they always meet their end.
Anyone who can claim the entire Twilight Mountain Range will have access to endless resources, Heaven and Earth treasures, Mana Crystals, ores, minerals, and even the magical beasts that inhabit the mountain. Every part of the magical beasts is considered a treasure.
Despite many attempts, no one has succeeded in claiming the range.
The core region of the Twilight Mountain Range has become a forbidden zone that even saints dare not venture into.
Every day, numerous adventurers head into the Twilight Mountain Range to hunt magical beasts or complete missions assigned by the Adventurer Guild.
Most people stick to the outer region, as it's considered the safest and has the highest concentration of magical beasts.
The outer region is always bustling with activity, with explosions, roars, and screams echoing through the air.
Resources are plentiful in this area, attracting mana cultivators and adventurers alike.
It's a lively place to be, with something new happening every day.
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More powerstones guys. Once again thank you for reading my novel.