Ark 2 chapter 10 conversion at lay wing island
"Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow."
Wise words from an old friend. Words that had stayed with him, even now.
Atlas stirred, blinking against the dim light filtering into the room. He sat up slowly, running a hand through his hair as he took in his surroundings. The familiar scent of aged wood and salt lingered in the air—a reminder that he wasn't where he used to be.
"Damn..." he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "I must've passed out the moment I hit the bed."
He pushed himself up, the weight of exhaustion still lingering in his muscles. Despite his body's complaints, he moved with purpose, reaching for his clothes.
As he finished dressing, his gaze drifted toward the mirror across the room. He hesitated, then stepped closer, staring at his own reflection.
The face that stared back at him wasn't the same as before.
His eyes, once sharp with unshaken resolve, now carried the weight of everything that had happened—the struggles, the losses, the endless fight to keep moving forward. Scars, both seen and unseen, marked his journey, whispering stories of battles won and sacrifices made.
For a brief moment, he allowed himself to take it all in. The man he was. The man he had become.
Then, with a quiet exhale, he turned away.
There was no time to dwell on the past. Not now.
Because Laywing Island awaited.
Just beyond those doors lay Laywing Island.
Atlas could feel it. The weight of whatever awaited him on that island lingered just beyond reach, an unshaken presence pressing against the back of his mind.
A muffled noise broke through his thoughts—distant at first, but growing louder. With a furrowed brow, he stepped forward and pushed open the door.
The moment he did, chaos greeted him.
His eyes widened as he took in the scene before him. People were running around like idiots—panicked, frantic, moving in every direction. Shouts filled the air, some giving orders, others outright screaming. Dust still hung thick, the air carrying the scent of splintered wood and seawater.
Half the building was missing.
Atlas's stomach tightened as realization set in. The room he had been in must have had some level of soundproofing—because he hadn't heard any of this until now.
He scanned the wreckage quickly, his sharp gaze sweeping across the chaos. Amongst the disorder, his eyes landed on the receptionist, standing behind what remained of the front desk. Unlike the others, she wasn't panicking.
Instead, she was standing completely still, one hand clutching her forehead as if warding off a massive headache. Her fingers dug into her temple, her frustration evident as she watched the chaos unfold before her with absolute disappointment.
Atlas let out a short sigh before making his way toward her, dodging a man who nearly tripped over a broken chair.
Reaching the desk, he placed his hands casually on the splintered wood and greeted her.
"Busy morning?"
The receptionist didn't even look up. Instead, she let out a long, exhausted sigh.
"...You have no idea."
"What happened this time?" Atlas asked, genuine interest lacing his voice.
The receptionist, still rubbing her temple in frustration, exhaled sharply before replying.
"The building was half-crushed by a Titan. And now everyone's losing their minds—again." She waved a hand dismissively toward the chaos unfolding around them. "I mean, it's not the first time this place has been destroyed, but hey, no point in arguing over it."
Atlas blinked. "A Titan?"
"Yep," she said flatly. "Just walked right through. No big deal."
Atlas looked past her toward the pandemonium—the shouting people, the overturned furniture, the sheer absurdity of it all. He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.
Without another word, he turned and walked toward the massive open gap where the building had been crushed, stepping carefully over the debris.
As he reached the edge, his breath hitched slightly—not in fear, but in sheer awe.
Beyond the wreckage, Laywing Island unfolded before him.
It was like stepping into another world.
Massive creatures roamed the land, some walking, some soaring through the sky. Colossal beasts, their forms towering like moving mountains, lumbered across the island—Titans. Their sheer scale was almost incomprehensible, their movements slow yet powerful.
Among them, smaller but equally magnificent creatures thrived. Monsters of all shapes and sizes moved freely—some grazing, others resting near massive rock formations, while a few flew in mesmerizing patterns overhead. The air itself hummed with life, a strange balance between raw power and eerie tranquility.
Atlas stood there for a long moment, taking it all in.
This wasn't just an island.
This was something else entirely.
And it was breathtaking.
"Whoa..." Atlas muttered, eyes wide as he took in the scene before him. The sheer scale of Laywing Island—its towering Titans, roaming beasts, and sky-bound creatures—was unlike anything he had ever seen.
But his awe was short-lived.
A sharp screech split the air, followed by a rush of wind.
Before he could react, a flying monster dove straight at him, its massive wings slicing through the air as it lunged. Its beak, long and razor-sharp, aimed directly for his head.
Instinct kicked in.
Atlas's hands shot up, grabbing the creature's beak mid-strike. The sheer force of the impact pushed him back several feet, his boots scraping against the cracked stone floor as he held his ground. The beast thrashed violently, its wings beating furiously, trying to break free.
"Tch—annoying bastard," Atlas growled, feeling the strain in his arms.
Without hesitation, he summoned his power. A sudden chill erupted from his palm—the air around him dropping instantly as ice snaked along the monster's beak, spreading rapidly across its body.
The creature let out a muffled screech, its wings freezing mid-flap, its form locking in place as crystalline ice encased it.
With a grunt, Atlas shoved the frozen beast backward.
The motion sent it tumbling out of the gaping hole in the building, plummeting down the mountainside. The ice shimmered in the morning light as it crashed into the rocky cliffs below, shattering on impact.
Atlas exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders.
"Well... so much for safety," he muttered, glancing at the broken structure around him.
Behind him, the receptionist let out a long sigh, shaking her head.
"You're paying for that, you know."
Atlas just chuckled.
The receptionist laughed at the sight, shaking her head in amusement. "Relax, I'm only joking," she said, a smirk tugging at her lips.
Atlas chuckled, rolling his shoulders as the lingering cold dissipated from his hands.
But then, the receptionist's tone shifted slightly—still light, but with a hint of seriousness. "Actually, can I ask you for a small favor?"
Atlas arched a brow. "Sure. What is it?"
She gestured toward the massive gap where the building had been torn apart. "Can you use your ice power to build a temporary wall? Just something to block out the monsters for now."
Atlas glanced at the opening, where the morning breeze carried the distant roars and screeches of creatures below. He exhaled sharply. "Yeah, I can do that."
Stepping forward, he raised his hand, channeling the cold energy within him. A sudden chill swept through the air, and frost began to form along the edges of the broken stone.
Ice rapidly spread outward, thickening and solidifying as he directed it with precision. The once-open gap quickly transformed into a shimmering barrier of solid ice, reinforcing the damaged structure with an unnatural cold that would keep the creatures at bay.
He lowered his hand, inspecting his work. "That should hold for now."
The receptionist let out a satisfied hum. "Nice. That'll keep the idiots inside from panicking too much." She grinned. "Appreciate it, Ice King."
Atlas rolled his eyes but smirked. "Don't push it."
Atlas turned back toward the view of Laywing Island, his sharp eyes taking in the landscape with a newfound perspective. From this vantage point, it became clear—the island itself was built along the side of a massive mountain, its structures clinging to the cliffs like remnants of an ancient civilization.
The towering peaks stretched high into the sky, shrouded in mist, while the lower lands teemed with roaming monsters of all sizes. Titans walked the earth below like living giants, their movements slow but powerful. The balance between danger and beauty was mesmerizing.
He exhaled, his mind already working through what this place meant.
Then—far across the ocean, the scene shifted.
The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against wood took over.
The view cut to Nexus and Maris aboard a small boat, gliding steadily toward Laywing Island. The wind carried the salty scent of the sea, and the morning sun reflected off the rippling waters, casting a dazzling glow.
Nexus stood near the edge of the vessel, his purple eyes locked onto the distant landmass. Laywing Island loomed before them, its towering cliffs and monstrous inhabitants growing clearer with every passing moment.
Maris, sitting near the mast, stretched her legs and flicked a stray lock of silver hair from her face. She glanced at Nexus with a small grin. "You look tense. Excited?"
Nexus didn't answer immediately. His tail flicked slightly, his grip tightening on the railing.
"Something about this place feels... off," he muttered. "Like it's waiting for us."
Maris raised a brow but didn't argue. She had learned to trust his instincts.
As their boat cut through the waves, the mysterious and treacherous Laywing Island loomed ever closer.
The sword on Nexus's back began to glow softly, a faint yet unmistakable light pulsing from its blade.
Maris furrowed her brows, watching in confusion as the glow intensified. "That's... new."
Curious, Nexus pulled the sword from its scabbard, holding it up toward Laywing Island. The glow flickered, as if responding to something unseen on the distant shore.
"Whoa, that's weird." He turned the sword slightly, watching the way the light pulsed. "It's like it's pointing at something."
Maris crossed her arms, her silver scales catching the dim lantern light. "I wonder if it means something?"
Nexus stared at the blade for a moment longer before shaking his head. "Never mind that for now. We're close to the island—we should get some rest while we still can."
Maris glanced at the island, its shadowed cliffs looming under the night sky, then nodded. "Alright."
With that, the two made their way below deck, finding a quiet spot to rest as the boat continued its steady approach.
Time passed.
The gentle rocking of the boat, the distant cries of seabirds, and the rhythmic sound of waves against the hull filled the silence.
11As Nexus and Maris pushed open the door to the boat deck, the sight before them stole their breath away.
Towering Titans—massive beyond comprehension—moved across the land, their colossal forms blending into the mist-covered cliffs and dense jungles. Their slow, deliberate movements sent tremors through the earth, making the very air feel alive with power.
All around them, monsters of all shapes and sizes roamed freely—some soaring through the sky with powerful wings, others lurking in the dense undergrowth of the untamed wilderness. Their cries echoed through the vast landscape, creating a symphony of sounds unlike anything Nexus or Maris had ever heard before.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
"Whoa..." they both murmured in unison, their eyes wide as they took in the sheer scale of Laywing Island.
The world before them was unlike anything they had imagined.
And whatever awaited them here—it was going to change everything.
As the breathtaking sight of Laywing Island settled in, reality quickly followed.
The old sailor—their guide and captain—shouted across the deck, his gruff voice cutting through the moment of awe.
"Move it! Hurry up before the damn monsters decide we're breakfast!"
The crew scrambled into action, securing ropes, lowering cargo, and making preparations to disembark. The once-still ship became a flurry of movement as sailors rushed to complete their tasks before the island's unpredictable dangers took notice.
The old sailor turned toward Nexus, his weathered face set in a deep frown.
"Kid, stay on guard," he warned, his tone grim. "These beasts don't wait for an invitation. If they see us, they will attack—without hesitation."
Nexus gave a small nod, tightening his grip on his sword's hilt. The blade still hummed with that strange glow, its reaction to the island lingering like an unanswered question.
Maris shifted uneasily beside him, her silver tail flicking as she scanned the land with wary eyes. "Looks like we're in for a rough welcome."
The island loomed ahead, wild and untamed.
The air felt heavy, charged with something ancient, something dangerous.
And something was watching them.
After some time, Nexus and Maris stepped off the boat, their boots pressing into the firm, uneven ground of Laywing Island. The salty sea breeze mixed with the damp, earthy scent of the untamed wilderness, a stark reminder that they were stepping into unknown territory.
The old sailor stood at the edge of the dock, arms crossed as he watched them with a knowing look.
"This is where we part ways, kid," he said, his gruff voice carrying a rare note of something close to concern. "Stay sharp out there. This island doesn't take kindly to outsiders."
Nexus gave a firm nod. "Thanks for the ride."
Maris hesitated for a moment before offering a small, appreciative nod of her own.
The old sailor grunted. "Hah. Don't thank me yet. Just make sure you survive long enough to leave this damn place."
With that, he turned back to his crew, already barking orders as they secured the ship.
Nexus and Maris exchanged a glance before turning toward the towering cliffs ahead. Their destination was clear—the village built into the mountainside.
The path ahead was rugged and winding, cutting through dense foliage and rocky terrain. As they made their way forward, the sounds of distant roars and fluttering wings filled the air, a constant reminder that they weren't alone.
Their journey into Laywing Island's heart had begun.
The jungle-lined mountain path was eerily quiet as Nexus and Maris made their way toward the village. The towering cliffs above cast long shadows over the dense greenery, and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the distant shore echoed faintly behind them.
Maris glanced at Nexus, her silver hair catching the faint light filtering through the trees. "It's too quiet," she muttered.
Nexus's ears flicked. She was right. The usual sounds of wildlife were gone—no rustling, no distant cries of birds or smaller creatures. Just silence. A bad sign.
Then, a low rumble shook the ground beneath them.
Both of them froze.
Maris's grip on her weapon tightened. "Tell me that was just the earth settling."
Nexus narrowed his eyes, his instincts screaming at him. "That was not the earth."
A deafening roar erupted from the jungle ahead, followed by a violent crash as trees splintered like twigs. Something massive was coming.
Then, it emerged.
A hulking beast, its body covered in jagged, obsidian-like scales, pushed through the thick foliage. Eyes glowing with an eerie, molten hue locked onto them, its nostrils flaring as it sniffed the air. Long, razor-sharp claws dug into the earth as it let out another guttural snarl.
And it wasn't alone.
All around them, the jungle came alive with movement. Smaller yet just as deadly creatures crawled out of the shadows—some slithering, some leaping between branches, their glowing eyes fixed on the two outsiders.
Maris took a step back, her breath shaky. "Nexus... we have a problem."
Nexus didn't hesitate. He drew his sword, the blade still faintly glowing, as if reacting to the island itself. "We're about to have a fight."
Then—the monsters charged.
Far below, Atlas continued his descent toward the docks, his pace steady, his mind focused. The path was winding, narrow, and carved along the side of the mountain, giving him a clear view of the vast jungle below.
Then he heard it.
A roar—loud, guttural, filled with something primal.
Atlas halted, his entire body tensing. His gaze snapped toward the jungle where a dark mass of movement tore through the trees. The sound of metal clashing, trees falling, and inhuman screeches echoed through the valley.
His eyes narrowed. Someone was fighting up there.
And whoever they were... they were in trouble.
Without hesitation, Atlas turned and started sprinting back up the mountain road, straight toward the chaos.
The jungle erupted with battle.
Nexus dodged to the side as a massive clawed limb slammed into the ground where he had been standing moments ago, sending chunks of dirt and stone flying. He barely had time to react before another monster lunged at him from the left, its sharp fangs bared.
Steel met flesh.
His sword sliced through the creature's side, dark ichor spraying as it shrieked in agony. But there was no time to breathe—another beast was already coming.
Maris was fending off three of them, her agility keeping her just ahead of their snapping jaws. Her trident spun in her hands, deflecting an incoming strike before she delivered a brutal counterattack, stabbing deep into one monster's eye.
It screeched, writhing as it collapsed, but another quickly took its place.
She gasped as a vine wrapped around her ankle, yanking her backward. Her back slammed against a tree trunk, knocking the wind from her lungs. Before she could react, a shadow loomed over her—one of the smaller, faster monsters had pounced, claws outstretched, aiming for her throat.
A sharp whistle cut through the chaos.
BOOM!
A sudden blast of ice shot through the battlefield, freezing the creature mid-air. It crashed to the ground in a heap of solid frost.
Maris coughed, her eyes snapping to where the attack had come from.
Atlas stood at the edge of the fight, his hand outstretched, ice still crackling along his fingertips. His golden eyes scanned the battlefield, assessing the situation in an instant.
"The hell did I just walk into?" he muttered.
Nexus barely had time to react before another monster lunged at him.
Atlas rushed forward, raising his other hand. A massive wall of ice erupted between Nexus and the beast, causing it to slam headfirst into the solid frost. It recoiled, dazed, before Nexus finished it off with a precise slash.
The two locked eyes.
For a brief second, neither spoke—just recognition, confusion, and the unspoken understanding that now was not the time for introductions.
"Later," Nexus grunted, wiping blood from his cheek.
Atlas smirked. "Yeah, yeah. Let's kill these bastards first."
The ground trembled as the monster roared, its massive claws digging into the earth as it prepared to strike once more.
Atlas exhaled sharply, reaching into his coat. In one swift motion, he slotted a relic into the mechanism on his glove.
A sudden pulse of energy rippled through the air as ice surged outward, condensing in his palm. A blade of pure frost materialized, its crystalline edges glowing with an eerie blue hue. The air around it dropped in temperature instantly, frost crackling along the ground at his feet.
Nexus gripped his sword tighter, his own weapon still humming with that strange glow. He flicked his eyes toward Atlas, giving the briefest of nods.
No words were needed.
The monster lunged.
This time, they met it head-on.
Nexus darted left while Atlas surged forward, his frost sword trailing a freezing mist behind him. The beast swiped with its claws, but Atlas dodged, his movements sharp and precise.
With a powerful swing, his frost sword cleaved through one of the creature's limbs, ice spreading rapidly along the wound. The limb shattered, sending shards of frozen flesh scattering.
Nexus took the opening. He launched himself into the air, twisting mid-flight as his blade sliced downward with perfect accuracy, piercing the monster's hide.
The beast howled in agony, its molten eyes flickering.
But it wasn't dead yet.
It let out a final, enraged shriek, its body thrashing wildly as it tried to strike one of them down in its last moments.
Atlas and Nexus both moved at once.
Their attacks struck simultaneously—Atlas's frost sword plunging into its skull, while Nexus drove his blade straight through its chest.
For a moment, the monster stood frozen in place. Then, with a heavy thud, it collapsed.
Silence followed.
Atlas let out a breath, rolling his shoulders. "Damn thing was tougher than it looked."
Nexus flicked the blood from his blade. "Yeah, no kidding."
They both turned to see Maris, still catching her breath. She looked between them, eyes wide.
"...That was insane."
Atlas smirked, glancing at Nexus. "Not bad, kid."
Nexus scoffed. "I could've handled it."
Atlas chuckled. "Sure you could."
The battle was over—for now. But the chaos of Laywing Island was far from done with them.
The dust was still settling from the battle, the air thick with the lingering scent of frozen blood and scorched earth. The monstrous corpse behind them twitched one last time before going completely still.
Atlas, catching his breath, glanced at Nexus, then at the silver-haired girl standing beside him. His golden eyes narrowed slightly as he took her in—her posture, her hesitation, the way she subtly kept distance from him.
With a smirk, he crossed his arms. "So... you gonna tell me who this lady is? And more importantly—why the hell do you have Retro's sword?"
Nexus exhaled, shaking his head. "Okay, first—this here is Maris."
Maris, still trying to make sense of everything, raised a hand awkwardly. "Hello?!"
Atlas gave her a brief nod before introducing himself casually. "I'm Atlas. Nexus's father. Nice to meet you."
He extended a hand, and after a moment of hesitation, Maris slowly shook it. But as their hands met, her mind finally processed what he had just said.
Her entire body tensed.
Her golden eyes darted to Nexus, then back to Atlas. "...What? You're his father??"
Atlas and Nexus exchanged a glance.
"Yes." They both answered at the same time.
Maris blinked. "Oh." She paused. "Oh."
Atlas chuckled at her reaction, then turned his focus back to Nexus. "Alright, aside from that—why do you have Retro's sword?"
Nexus adjusted the sword on his back. "I don't really know. I woke up with it in my hand. It was broken, so I took it to the dwarves to get it fixed."
Atlas's brows lifted slightly. "The dwarves still live? Holy cow... I thought they were wiped out." He let out a short chuckle. "Well, I guess that explains that, then."
A brief silence fell between them before Nexus muttered, "I guess all we're missing is Uncle and Lilly."
Atlas's smirk faltered just a little, his expression softening for the briefest of moments. "Yeah."
Maris, still adjusting to everything, folded her arms, shifting uncomfortably. "So... what now? Are we gonna talk about the part where Titans are just walking around like they own the place, or are we just gonna pretend this island isn't insane?"
Atlas let out a deep sigh, looking at the landscape around them. "Oh no, this place is insane. But I have a feeling that whatever's waiting for us is even worse."
Nexus flicked his sword back into place. "So we keep moving."
Atlas smirked. "Damn right."
With that, the three of them turned toward the mountainside village, their journey far from over.
–
As the sky darkened, the once-golden hues of sunset faded into deep shades of navy and black, the waves shimmering under the faint glow of the stars.
Retro stood alone on the deck, his arms resting on the railing as the salty ocean breeze tousled his hair. The steady rocking of the ship didn't bother him—he had grown accustomed to the sea over the past few journeys.
The old sailor approached, his boots thudding softly against the wooden planks.
"You're quiet tonight, kid."
Retro glanced at him before turning his gaze back toward the endless expanse of water. "Just thinking."
The old sailor nodded knowingly. "Laywing Island, huh? Strange place to be headed. You sure about this?"
Retro exhaled through his nose. "Not really." He tapped his fingers against the railing. "But I don't think I've had the luxury of being sure about anything for a while now."
The old sailor let out a gruff chuckle. "Hah. Ain't that the truth?" He stretched, letting his joints pop before adjusting his coat. "Well, get some rest while you can. We'll reach the island soon enough, and I doubt it'll be a peaceful welcome."
Retro didn't respond immediately, his eyes still fixed on the horizon. "...Yeah."
The old sailor gave him a pat on the shoulder before walking off, disappearing below deck for the night.
---
Below deck, Lilly knelt beside Lea, rubbing gentle circles on the girl's back.
Lea, her face pale, groaned as she clutched her stomach. "I hate the ocean..." she muttered weakly.
Lilly smiled sympathetically, brushing Lea's hair back. "I know, sweetheart. Just bear through it. We're almost there."
Lea groaned again before squeezing her eyes shut. "Almost there isn't soon enough."
Lilly chuckled softly, handing Lea a small piece of dried ginger. "Try chewing on this. It helps with nausea."
Lea took it reluctantly, placing it in her mouth. After a moment, her expression eased slightly. "Tastes weird... but it's kinda working."
Lilly ruffled her hair. "Told you."
As the ship rocked gently against the waves, the night continued, the vast ocean stretching endlessly before them.
Their journey to Laywing Island was far from over.
The ship rocked harder than before, the once-gentle sway of the ocean turning into violent, unpredictable movements.
Retro's sharp eyes scanned the dark horizon, the air suddenly thick with tension. The waves were no longer just rough—they were unnatural, surging in chaotic patterns rather than the usual rhythmic tide.
Something was coming.
His instincts screamed at him, and without hesitation, he turned and yelled—his voice cutting through the crashing waves.
"EVERYONE BRACE YOURSELVES! A SEA DRAGON IS COMING!"
The crew froze for a brief second before chaos erupted.
The old sailor stormed onto the deck, his face pale. "Damn it, kid! Are you sure?!"
Retro didn't answer—he didn't need to.
The ocean lurched, a monstrous shadow rising beneath the waves.
Then, with a deafening roar, the sea split open, revealing an enormous serpentine beast—scales glistening like obsidian, eyes burning with an eerie blue glow.
A Sea Dragon.
And it was coming straight for them.
---
Below deck, Lilly barely had time to react as the ship lurched violently, sending crates and supplies tumbling.
Lea yelped, clutching onto Lilly's arm. "What's happening?!"
Lilly's eyes narrowed, her draconic instincts flaring as she stabilized herself. "Something big."
She grabbed her sword and hoisted Lea onto her back. "Hold on tight, sweetheart."
Then, with a determined look, she rushed toward the deck—straight into the storm of battle.
---
The Sea Dragon's massive body coiled around the ship, its razor-sharp fangs gleaming under the storm-lit sky. The crew scrambled as the beast let out a thunderous screech, its presence shaking the very sea itself.
Retro gritted his teeth, cracking his knuckles.
"Alright, big guy..." he muttered, stepping forward. "Let's dance."
The Sea Dragon's piercing screech rattled the ship, the force of its roar sending waves crashing against the hull. The crew scrambled, gripping onto ropes and railings as the monstrous serpent coiled around the vessel, its massive, glowing eyes locked onto them.
Retro didn't hesitate.
With a single leap, he shot forward, pushing off the ship's railing straight toward the beast.
The dragon struck first, its massive clawed fin swiping through the air with terrifying force. Retro twisted mid-air, barely dodging as the force of the attack sent a violent gust of wind spiraling across the deck.
"Damn, you hit hard." Retro landed on the dragon's coiled body, sliding down its wet, armored scales. He grabbed onto a ridged spike, steadying himself before rearing back his fist—lightning crackling around it.
"Take this!"
He punched straight into the dragon's hide, a burst of electricity erupting on impact. The Sea Dragon let out a pained screech, its body convulsing as arcs of blue lightning danced across its massive form.
But it wasn't enough.
The dragon's tail lashed out violently, slamming into Retro and sending him crashing back onto the deck.
BOOM!
The wood splintered beneath him as he coughed, shaking off the impact.
"Retro!"
Lilly burst onto the deck, Lea clinging onto her back. Her emerald-dragon eyes widened at the sight of the Sea Dragon towering over them.
Lea gasped. "That thing is HUGE!"
Lilly set her down, drawing her blade, her draconic blood stirring at the sight of another beast.
"No time for fear. We take it down."** Her wings flared slightly, her grip on her sword tightening.**
The Sea Dragon reared its head, its throat glowing, gathering a devastating attack.
Retro grinned despite the chaos, electricity crackling along his arms.
"Lilly, I'll take the head. You take the sides. Let's make this thing regret coming here!"
The dragon launched its attack—a massive surge of water, like a cannon blast, exploded from its mouth.
Retro and Lilly rushed in.
The Sea Dragon's throat pulsed, the glow of blue lightning intensifying as it prepared to unleash its devastating attack.
Retro didn't wait.
With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, his fist crackling with his own electricity as he drove a powerful punch straight into the dragon's glowing core.
BOOM!
The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the beast's massive frame, but it wasn't enough to stop it.
The Sea Dragon let out an ear-splitting roar as it fired, unleashing a massive blast of blue lightning straight at the ship!
"Damn it!" Retro braced himself, ready to counter again—
But before he could react, Lilly shot past him.
Her sword glowed, her dragonic aura flaring to life as she threw herself in front of the blast.
With a furious cry, she swung her sword upward, her magic redirecting the raw power of the lightning.
The ship trembled beneath the force, the entire deck illuminated in a blinding blue flash as the redirected energy shot upward into the stormy sky.
But the impact still hit her.
Lilly gritted her teeth, barely holding on as the residual energy surged through her body. Her legs buckled, smoke rising from her arms as she gasped for breath.
"Lilly!" Retro's eyes widened as he rushed toward her, catching her before she could collapse.
Lilly exhaled sharply, her skin still crackling with remnants of the absorbed electricity. She shook it off, standing tall despite the pain.
"I'm fine," she growled, glaring at the Sea Dragon. "We need to end this—NOW."
Retro's eyes darkened, electricity surging wildly around his fists.
"Yeah... I'm done playing around."
The air crackled with raw energy, the sea thrashing violently as two immense forces built up their attacks.
Retro stood at the center of it all, his aura flaring like an untamed storm. The Relic of the Depths pulsed in his grip, reacting to his will. The very ocean itself stirred, waves rising unnaturally as if awaiting his command.
Around him, three distinct elements surged in harmony:
Lightning arced wildly, dancing along his arms.
Flames flickered across his body, radiating intense heat.
Ice formed beneath his feet, freezing the ship's deck in patches as cold mist swirled around him.
The Sea Dragon reared back, its own energy building to a terrifying level. Its throat glowed bright blue, crackling with an absurd amount of concentrated lightning and water magic—enough to sink an entire fleet in a single blast.
Retro clenched his fist, fusing his three elements together. The forces within him swirled violently, the Relic of the Depths amplifying his control over the water itself.
Lilly, still recovering, watched in shock. Even after everything she had seen Retro do—this was different. His power felt limitless, overwhelming.
Lea clung to the mast, eyes wide in awe and fear.
The storm overhead raged, responding to the power surging between the two combatants.
The Sea Dragon struck first.
It unleashed its devastating blast, a colossal beam of electrified water surging forward, splitting the ocean apart as it tore through the air—heading straight for the ship.
Retro didn't back down.
With a thunderous roar, he countered.
He thrust both hands forward, releasing all three elements at once—Lightning, Fire, and Ice, fused together in a devastating storm of raw destruction.
At the same time, the Relic of the Depths activated, commanding the ocean itself to rise.
A massive tidal wave surged upward, swallowing the dragon's attack just before impact. Lightning crackled through the wave, flames erupted along its crest, and ice solidified the core.
The two forces collided violently, a cataclysmic explosion of magic, water, and energy tearing through the battlefield.
BOOM!
The blast sent shockwaves across the sea, the entire ship groaning under the pressure. The sky flashed with light, turning night into day for a brief, blinding moment.
As the energy dissipated, the Sea Dragon let out one final, agonized roar before its massive form crashed into the ocean—defeated.
The ocean calmed. The storm above began to fade.
Retro stood there, his body steaming from the sheer energy he had unleashed. His breath was heavy, his arms trembling slightly.
The battle was over.
Silence settled over the ship.
Then, a single voice broke it.
"Holy crap." Lea muttered, still gripping the mast. "That was the coolest thing I've ever seen."
Lilly let out a breath, shaking her head as she approached Retro. "You alright?"
Retro exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah." He smirked slightly. "Didn't think I had that in me."
The old sailor emerged, staring at the now peaceful sea with wide eyes. "...Kid. Remind me never to piss you off."
Retro just chuckled, stretching his arms.
With the Sea Dragon defeated, the ocean finally calmed, though the ship still creaked from the aftermath of the battle. The smell of burnt ozone, salt, and lingering magic filled the air as everyone scrambled to regain control of the ship.
Retro exhaled heavily and made his way over to a nearby barrel-turned-stool, dropping onto it with a deep sigh. His muscles ached, his body still buzzing with residual magic, but the exhaustion was already settling in.
Meanwhile, Lilly rushed over to Lea, who was hunched over the railing, violently vomiting into the sea.
"Oh gods..." Lea groaned between heaves, clutching onto the railing as if it were the only thing keeping her from collapsing. "I think...I'm dying."
Lilly rubbed her back gently, trying not to laugh. "You're not dying, sweetheart. Just seasick. And... well, that fight didn't help."
Lea let out a miserable whimper, her ears drooping slightly. "That was not fun."
Across the deck, the old sailor's voice boomed, barking orders at the still-stunned crew.
"Quit standin' around like you've never seen a damn Sea Dragon before! Get this ship back on course! Secure the sails! And someone clean up the wreckage before we all go overboard!"
Sailors snapped into motion, scrambling to follow his commands, pulling ropes, tying knots, and making sure the ship was still seaworthy.
The old sailor turned to Retro, who was still sitting, looking spent.
"You look like hell, kid." He crossed his arms. "That little display of power back there—gonna be honest with you, that wasn't normal."
Retro smirked weakly, rolling his sore shoulder. "Yeah, well... 'normal' hasn't exactly been working out for me lately."
The old sailor huffed, shaking his head. "Just make sure you got enough left in you for whatever the hell's waitin' for us on Laywing Island."
Retro stretched his arms, already feeling the weight of the upcoming journey pressing down on him.
"Trust me," he muttered, "I have a feeling we're gonna need everything we've got."
Laywing Island was close.
And after tonight's battle, they knew one thing for sure—whatever waited for them on land was going to be even worse.
As the morning sun rose over the horizon, its golden light shimmered across the vast, calm ocean, a stark contrast to the chaos of the previous night. The ship swayed gently, carried by a softer tide, the storm now a distant memory.
Retro was slumped against a wooden crate on the deck, arms crossed, fast asleep. The exhaustion from the battle had finally caught up with him, and despite the uncomfortable position, he hadn't stirred once.
Near the railing, Lea was still curled up, clutching her stomach, her ears drooping as her seasickness refused to fade.
"Breathe, sweetheart," Lilly murmured, kneeling beside her. Her hands glowed faintly with what little healing magic she could muster.
Lea groaned, her voice weak. "I am breathing... it's not helping."
Lilly sighed, placing a cool hand against Lea's forehead. "You'll feel better once we're on land."
Lea cracked one eye open. "I'll feel better when I never have to set foot on a boat again."
Lilly chuckled softly but continued her slow healing process, easing what she could of Lea's discomfort.
Meanwhile, the old sailor was making his rounds, checking the ship's integrity after the battle. He tugged at ropes, inspected the sails, and muttered curses under his breath as he assessed the damage.
Then, as he walked toward the front of the ship, his weathered eyes narrowed at the horizon.
For a moment, he stood still.
Then, his rough voice bellowed across the deck.
"LAND HO!"
Retro stirred slightly but didn't wake.
Lea, despite her misery, peeked up weakly. "Oh thank gods."
Lilly stood, squinting toward the distance.
There it was—Laywing Island.
The towering cliffs pierced through the ocean mist, their jagged edges rising like the fangs of some sleeping beast. Dense, untouched jungles sprawled beyond the coast, their emerald hues stark against the dark rock formations. And looming in the distance, the great mountains of the island stood shrouded in a thin veil of fog, hiding whatever secrets they held.
The journey had been brutal.
But now... they had arrived.
And whatever awaited them on Laywing Island was about to begin.
As the ship steadily moved toward the dock, the ocean's surface glimmered under the morning sun, now calm after the ferocious battle from the night before.
Another ship passed by, smaller and worn by time. The two sailors at the helms exchanged nods, lifting their hands in a silent gesture of mutual respect. No words were spoken, but in the world of sailors, a simple wave was enough.
Retro stirred, blinking against the bright sunlight. He stretched lazily, rolling his sore shoulders as he sat up, still feeling the aftereffects of the fight.
"We there yet?" he muttered.
The old sailor smirked, leaning against the railing. "Look for yourself, kid."
As the ship glided toward the dock, the sight before them stole their breath away.
The towering cliffs loomed high above the shoreline, their dark, jagged peaks cutting through the mist. Waterfalls cascaded from unseen heights, feeding into the deep-green jungle below.
The dense rainforest stretched endlessly, its towering trees wrapped in thick vines, their canopies alive with the chatter of unseen creatures. The scent of fresh earth, salt, and something ancient filled the air.
Then—the ground trembled.
A deep, thunderous sound echoed through the air, followed by a slow, earth-shaking movement in the distance.
The Titans emerged.
Beyond the jungle, colossal figures moved, their sheer size defying logic. They walked with an eerie grace, their massive forms blending with the land itself, as if they had always belonged.
Some stood like ancient guardians, their stone-like bodies partially covered in moss and vegetation, as if the very island had claimed them. Others moved through the valleys, their footsteps leaving deep craters in the earth.
One Titan stood at the base of a mountain, its massive body casting a shadow over the landscape. It slowly turned its head, revealing glowing amber eyes, its gaze ancient—unknowable.
Lea, despite her seasickness, stared wide-eyed. "Are those... what I think they are?"
Lilly's eyes narrowed, a mix of awe and caution flashing across her face. "Titans."
Retro let out a low whistle, grinning despite himself. "Well, damn. We're really not in familiar territory anymore."
Then, the trees rustled violently.
Something else was out there.
From the dense jungle, monsters of all shapes and sizes began to emerge. Some small and swift, darting through the undergrowth, their eyes glowing with predatory hunger. Others were massive, their hulking frames covered in thick scales, bone-like plating, or shifting, unnatural hides.
Flying beasts soared above, their serpentine forms twisting through the sky as they circled the island. Some let out piercing shrieks, while others dived into the jungle, vanishing like shadows.
One beast—taller than the ship itself—stepped into view, its clawed feet sinking deep into the sand as it sniffed the air. Rows of razor-sharp teeth glistened in the sunlight, its long, muscular tail dragging behind it.
And yet—the Titans did not react.
They simply moved past the creatures, indifferent, as if they were not concerned with the constant battle between predator and prey raging below them.
The ship creaked as it finally docked, the crew hurrying to secure the ropes.
The old sailor exhaled sharply. "Welcome to Laywing Island."
Retro cracked his knuckles, his smirk widening. "Oh yeah... this is gonna be fun."
Lilly, still watching the beasts roam the land, muttered under her breath.
"Or a nightmare."
Laywing Island was alive in a way they had never imagined.
And whatever ruled this land was far bigger and more dangerous than they had ever expected.
The boat finally docked, the wooden planks groaning as the crew secured the ropes and prepared for disembarkment. The salty breeze carried the scent of jungle earth and untamed wilds, but before Retro, Lilly, and Lea could even set foot on Laywing Island...
Something struck.
Retro's instincts screamed at him.
Before he could think, he lunged forward, grabbing Lilly and Lea, forcing them down.
SHIIING!
A blade sliced through the air, faster than Lilly's eyes could even register.
The sharp sound of metal meeting flesh and force echoed as Retro caught the incoming sword with his bare hands, stopping it inches from Lilly's head.
The force behind the attack was monstrous, the impact sending a vibrating shock up Retro's arms.
"Huff... Huff..." Retro's breathing was heavy, his grip tightening around the cold steel. His hands bled slightly from the sheer power of the blow.
"I... don't think I've ever reacted that fast." He let out a sharp exhale.
Lilly, still pressed against the dock, stared wide-eyed at the blade—realizing just how close it had come.
"Oh gods, that almost killed me." Her voice was unsteady, her dragonic blood still stirring in delayed panic.
Retro glanced down at her, his green eyes full of concern. "Are you okay, love?"
Lilly swallowed, her hands gripping the dock beneath her."Yeah... I—I think I'm okay."
A small movement between them made them pause.
Lea, still wrapped in Lilly's arms, peeked her head out—her big, fearful eyes looking between them.
"What happened?"
Retro's grip on the blade tightened. His eyes snapped up to see where the attack had come from.
Someone—or something—had just tried to kill them.
And now, they were in a fight before they even set foot on land.
Retro's eyes scanned the area, his body still tense from the sudden attack. But as he focused on the sword in his grasp, a strange sense of familiarity washed over him.
The blade was dark emerald green, its surface reflecting the dim morning light. The gold-outlined trim glowed faintly, accentuating the three yellowish-green gems embedded within it.
Then, it pulsed.
A dark aura rippled from the sword, sending a chilling wave up Retro's arm. The moment the energy touched him, memories resurfaced—flashes of battles fought, of blood spilled, of a power he once wielded but had been stripped away from him.
His breath hitched.
"...This is my sword."
The very blade he had been searching for.
Before he could even process the revelation, a voice cut through the air.
"RETRO!"
His head snapped up, instincts still on edge.
Down the pathway leading toward the docks, three figures were rushing toward them.
Nexus. Atlas. And... someone else.
A silver-haired girl, unfamiliar but running alongside them as if she belonged.
Retro gripped the sword tighter, his mind racing.
First, his missing weapon appears out of nowhere.
Now, Nexus and Atlas—people he hadn't seen in so long—were suddenly here.
Something big was about to happen.
And he had a feeling Laywing Island had only just begun revealing its secrets.
—--
Earlier
Nexus, Maris, and Atlas walked back up the mountainside, their pace steady but cautious. The jungle around them buzzed with unseen creatures, the distant sounds of monstrous roars echoing through the valleys below.
Then—without warning—the sword on Nexus's back began to glow.
A faint hum vibrated through the air, the pulsating energy intensifying with every step.
Nexus felt it immediately, the sudden pulling sensation against his back making him stop mid-step.
"What the—?" He reached over his shoulder, gripping the sword's hilt. The moment he tried to steady it—
It jerked violently.
Maris and Atlas both turned, watching as the blade trembled in its sheath, fighting to break free.
"Nexus, what's wrong?" Maris asked, stepping closer.
"I don't know! It's like—" Nexus gritted his teeth as he pulled the sword from its scabbard—
And then it wrenched itself out of his hands.
WHOOSH!
The sword shot through the air like a comet, its emerald green glow leaving a streak behind it as it soared down the mountainside—straight toward the docks.
"SHIT—!" Nexus barely had time to react before he took off after it, sprinting downhill.
Maris hesitated only for a second before following him, her silver hair whipping behind her as she kept pace.
Atlas, stunned, exhaled sharply. "Oh, you've gotta be kidding me." With a frustrated groan, he turned and ran after them.
After minutes of running, Nexus finally spotted someone at the docks.
A familiar figure.
Retro.
His breath caught in his throat.
Without thinking, he shouted his name, Waving his arms happily in the air.
"RETRO!!"
Maris and Atlas weren't far behind, their footsteps pounding against the earth as they closed in on the docks.
The sword—Retro's sword—had found its way back to its true owner.
And now, their paths were about to collide.
As Lilly steadied herself, still holding Lea close, her eyes widened in shock.
"My god... it's Nexus and Atlas."
Retro, still gripping his newly reclaimed sword, narrowed his eyes. "That's my question—what the hell are they doing here?"
Lea, peeking up from Lilly's arms, tilted her head. "Who are they?"
Retro sighed, adjusting his grip on the sword before securing it to his waist. "Atlas is basically my younger brother. And Nexus... he's my nephew." He cast a quick glance at the silver-haired girl running with them. "I don't know about the girl though, but the aura that's coming off her is crazy."
Lea's ears twitched curiously. "Oh?"
Retro looked at her, rubbing the back of his neck. "Wait... how old are you again?"
"Twelve," Lea answered.
Retro hummed. "Nexus should be around sixteen, I believe. It's been about two years since we were all together."
He took one last deep breath before fastening his sword to his waist.
Lilly, Retro, and Lea stepped off the boat, walking toward Nexus, Atlas, and Maris.
But just as they were about to speak—
A deep, guttural growl shattered the air.
BOOM.
The ground trembled violently as something massive stepped out from the treeline.
Everyone's heads snapped toward the forest.
A giant monster emerged, its hulking form covered in thick, jagged armor-like plating. Glowing red eyes scanned the dock, locking onto them with predatory hunger. Its massive claws dug into the earth, muscles rippling beneath its rough hide.
For a moment—silence.
The air was thick with tension, every breath held, every muscle tensed.
Then—
The beast roared, a sound so deep and violent it rattled the bones in their chests, shaking the very air around them. Trees bent with the force of it, birds scattered from the canopy, and the earth beneath their feet trembled.
The reunion would have to wait.
Retro stepped forward, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, eyes locked onto the towering monster before them.
His voice, low and steady, carried the weight of everything he'd endured.
"I was kind in a world that wanted me to be a monster."
He unsheathed the blade with a sharp hiss, the air around him beginning to hum with elemental power.
"I took all the pain away from them… and I tried to help them move toward a new dawn."
Lightning began to arc along his arms, fire coiling at his feet, frost gathering in the air as his magic stirred. The air began to feel ominous.
"But as always…" He raised the sword, pointing it toward the beast as his ominous aura flared bending the very air around them.
"…Fate seems to work in mysterious ways."
The monster charged.
And so did Retro.