Cursed Marshland

As we moved to our location, we were greeted with the sounds of children running and playing. Elders strolled slowly with their canes, and several people helped each other out. The sight was markedly different from Earth. Back there, people were selfish, thinking only of themselves, but here, people lived in harmony and assisted each other in times of need.

I sighed to myself, pondering the disparities between both worlds. We were also welcomed by beautiful ponds, lakes, and statues that adorned the paths, enhancing the capital's beauty.

However, this idyllic scenery began to change as we journeyed into the Forsaken Realm. The grand architecture that graced the Noble and Common Realms gave way to plain structures. Some people in this region were begging in the streets and facing starvation.

"The sight is quite distressing, filled with misery, isn't it?" I mused with a heavy heart.

"... That's why I am determined to become the Wizard King and change the hierarchy and discrimination that peasants like us face. I want to make their lives better," Yuno said, his voice filled with resolve, and a determined gleam in his eyes.

The journey then became silent as we travelled further observing the poverty, discrimination of the people.

After some time, we arrived on the outskirts of the forest. The trees here were massive, with dense bark and enormous leaves that were almost the size of a six-year-old child.

The fruits on these trees had a purple hue, resembling mangos but in a vibrant blue shade. Many hanging vines, adorned with red thorns, further accentuated the peculiar beauty of the surroundings.

"We haven't even entered the forest, and we've already encountered a poisonous fruit and a trap," I remarked with a sigh as Yuno and I cautiously surveyed our surroundings.

Surprisingly, there were no signs of any beasts on the outskirts. Yuno then opened the map and pointed westward, where something was written.

"We are currently in the Lush Canopy, in the southeastern part of the Forest. Our target is located in the Cursed Marshland of the North Western Region. If we were to fly there at full speed, it would take us approximately five minutes," he explained.

"But there's a high chance of encountering flying beasts if we directly traverse the forest. Alternatively, if we move from the outskirts, the mana we emit could attract the forest's creatures."

"So, we have two options: confront the flying beasts or proceed on foot?" Moving through the outskirts was not a viable option, as our plan was to ensure the beasts didn't leave the forest.

"Exactly. In my opinion, we should fly above the forest. Even if we're attacked, we can manage it. If we go on foot, there's a risk of stepping on something poisonous and wasting our only neutralizer. What do you think, Zon?"

"I agree. Let's go with flying."

Yuno then summoned a hurricane, and we set off above the forest. Just as we began to move toward our destination...

**Swish***

A black figure hurtled toward us at an alarming speed.

"Well, that was fast," I muttered as I sprang to my feet and threw a punch at the figure.

*Baam*

My hand felt as though it had struck solid concrete, and both Yuno and I were pushed back. The black figure was sent crashing into the forest but quickly halted amid the dense trees.

"This creature is incredibly resilient! My hand is almost numb. And its speed was astonishing!" The creature was black with crimson eyes and peculiar outgrowths on its wings. The wings were predominantly black with a hint of blue.

"I slowed down its speed a bit with my magic, but it was still unbelievably fast. Zon, we need to pick up our pace and reach our destination quickly," Yuno urged.

Without further delay, Yuno accelerated the hurricane, and we resumed our journey. The resilience of the forest's creatures raised questions. Was it due to the challenging environment they lived in?

Many inquiries swirled in my mind, but I left them unanswered. As we progressed, surprisingly, we weren't attacked by any beasts, which puzzled both me and Yuno.

"Isn't it strange that we haven't been attacked since we started? Could it be that we're nearing the area with the mana spike, and the beasts are reluctant to attack us near it?" Yuno wondered as we landed in the Cursed Marshland.

"It's the most plausible explanation. We need to remain vigilant and watch our steps to avoid stepping on anything harmful," I remarked as I touched down and conducted another survey.

The surroundings had changed significantly. There were fewer trees and more bushes that seemed deprived of water. The swamp appeared dirty, with a light greenish hue and frogs on its surface.

"Yuno, where do—"

Before I could complete my sentence, a face emerged between the two of us.

"Wha—"

Baam

A barrage of debris flew around as Yuno and I were sent crashing into trees. Only after approximately four trees had snapped did I come to a halt. Yuno was nowhere in sight.

Splat

I spat out a bit of blood, my eyes fixed on the looming figure. Its jet-black scales glimmered eerily in the swamp's subdued light, reflecting an otherworldly sheen. The creature's serpentine body was brimming with power, hinting at agility and grace.

Crimson eyes, brimming with unsettling intelligence, were deeply set in its angular head. The creature's eyes exuded predatory determination, and its presence carried an aura of power that mirrored a dragon's.

"D-Dragon?"

Before I could utter more, the creature leaped into the air and swiftly closed the distance. It had membranous black wings that extended from its sides, and it was about to unleash another attack.

My hand was forced, and I narrowly dodged the assault by leaping to my right.

Bam

The dragon-like creature's attack devastated the trees and bushes in its path.

"Huff-huff," I panted heavily, assuming a combat stance and drawing my spear. The dragon reasserted its readiness to fight.

At that moment, another powerful gust of wind swept the dragon away.

Yuno had intervened, standing with Sylph on his shoulder, blood trickling from his head.

"Yuno! My Yuno! Please be alright," Sylph cried, embracing him.

He swiftly moved to my side. "Zon, are you okay?" His voice wavered slightly.

"I'm fine. Let's focus on this creature."

I pointed toward the dragon-like figure in the distance.

"To survive, we have to eliminate it. You provide long-range support while I engage it in close quarters."

"Alright. Sylph, lend me your powers."

A burst of power emanated from Yuno, and I channeled my cursed energy, creating a small crater at my feet.

"Shall we begin?" I assumed my fighting stance, extending my hands forward with my spear.

The dragon-like creature acknowledged the challenge with a menacing smile, and the battle commenced.

To be Continued-