The night passed, and a new day arrived over the Aquabyss Domain. The accelerated growth within the water continued silently, ensuring the Domain's self-sufficiency.
Today Aegis decided to focus on strengthening himself for the inevitable challenges ahead.
Early in the morning, he began his rigorous physical training within the Palace garden, determined to match his powerful skills with a strong, resilient body.
He went through a demanding routine of tough physical exercises: push-ups, sit-ups, stretching, squatting, and planking.
After hours of intense training, the remaining body fat slowly began to disappear, burned away by the relentless activity and boosted metabolism from his Sea God's Physique.
His once overweight figure transformed into a healthy, athletic build. His round facial structure grew a sharp jawline, his skin was now glowing with vitality, and his muscles showed signs of hardening.
There was still some fat left, but he knew that within days, through his training and the Domain's benefits, they would disappear completely.
Naida then approached, carrying a special kind of revitalizing drink. likely a tea brewed from accelerated Sea herbs, that would replenish his energy stores after the exhaustive workout.
However, once her eyes landed on his bare, transforming muscles and his chiseled physique, she unknowingly blushed a little.
She quickly looked away to focus on holding the tray steady.
Aegis accepted the drink with faint smile.
He took a sip then commented,
"Thank you, Naida. This is exactly what I needed. The herbs in this tea are potent. Are they from the Domain's new growth?"
"Yes, Your Grace. The acceleration is quite marvelous. I still can't believe it," Naida replied softly, her cheeks still holding a faint flush as she settled onto the grass.
She watched him intently, and a sweet proud smile playing on her lips.
"I see the change in you is not just skill. You look... much stronger than before. And handsome."
Aegis shook his head.
"My body must match my power, Naida. I cannot become a liability again."
"You were never a liability, Your Grace," Naida said gently. "But if you feel you must train, then I will watch over you. Your strength is our domain's strength."
He wasn't that dense. Those gazes was of a woman who was harbouring romantic interest.
"But why me?" he couldn't understand. He felt that he was not worthy for such devotion.
Not wanting think too much, he focused his mind, channeling his attention away from her comforting presence and onto his Ultimate Water Manipulation Skill, determined to push its limits.
He began the exercise, concentrating on the air, attempting to create a more powerful Water Cage.
He pinpointed the water vapor in the air, his mind syncing with the intricate map of molecular density.
W-w-whirrr...
The air around his outstretched hand shimmered as he forced the humidity to obey. Slowly, painstakingly, a complex, fist-sized lattice cage of pure, compressed water materialized in the air, suspended by pure hydrostatic force.
The structure held for 10 seconds.
10 seconds, this was a new record before his concentration wavered under the sustained energy drain.
Poof. It burst into a cool mist.
He was about to begin the exercise a fourth time, pulling his focus inward to recover his energy, when a critical system notification flashed, overriding his personal panel.
[ Global Announcement! ]
[ Tree of Life Has Been Spawned! Skylords are welcome to discover its mysteries and claim treasure within. ]
[ Portals leading to the Tree of Life will be opened in 3 minutes. ]
The sudden system announcement shattered the calm of the palace garden like a thunderclap.
Aegis froze mid-breath. His eyes narrowed as the glowing words hovered before him.
The Tree of Life. Even without explanation, the name was enough to know its significance. Something primal moved in his Sea God blood, like a faint pull that echoed from the depths of his soul.
He understood this was not an ordinary event at all. It was an opportunity that could redefine power, fate, and authority.
Naida appeared to be shock and unease.
"A global event..? So soon?" she whispered.
The little girls who had been playing nearby sensed the tense atmosphere and gathered closer. They were a little confuse and fearful of the loud announcement.
They did not understand what the Tree of Life was, but they understood danger when they felt it.
Aegis exhaled slowly, keeping his heart cqlm.
Three minutes. That was all the time the system allowed him. He clenched his fists, as if he had finally made his mind.
"I am going," he said firmly.
Naida's eyes snapped toward him. "Your Grace?"
"No, Naida. This is not something I can ignore. A global announcement means all powers will move. Skylords, Adventures, monsters in human skin. If I remain behind, the gap between us and them will only widen."
Naida stood up abruptly. "It is dangerous, Your Grace. You are still stabilizing your strength. Please consider waiting a little."
Aegis met her Ocean blue eyes directly with his. There was resolve there, but also sincerity.
"Don't worry. I will not act in recklessness. But I must see it with my own eyes. The Tree of Life could shape the future of this realm. And if I am to protect the Aquabyss Domain, I cannot afford ignorance."
The little girls grabbed the edges his clothes, their small hands trembling.
"Papa… you will come back, right?" Flama asked softly.
Looking at their faces, his own face softened instantly. He then knelt down and placed a hand on each of their heads.
"I promise," he said with a gentle smile. "I will return. Stronger than before."
Naida bit her lip, fighting back emotion. She stepped closer and bowed deeply.
"Then please return safely, Your Grace. The Domain will eagerly wait for your return."
The portal manifested moments later.
Buzz!
It was a swirling gate of emerald and white light, humming with ancient vitality.
Aegis took one last look at them. At Naida's worried gaze. At the girls clutching each other.
Then he stepped forward without hesitation.
His vision twisted.
When his vision fixed, Aegis found himself standing upon a vast floating island suspended in an endless sky.
As far as hus eye could see, he only saw green grass, rolling gently like a living ocean.
With each breath Vitality filled his lungs, rejuvenating his soul and body.
As expected, he was not alone.
Thousands of humans had already arrived.
Clad in steel armor, leather gear, enchanted robes were the Adventurers. Some carried massive swords, others staves etched with glowing runes.
Among them, there were special kind with green hallow over theur heads: The Skylords.
Skylords were undeniably the centre of attention and envy. Because only select few are chosen as Skylords.
Regardles of their status, e single gaze, without exception, was fixed toward the center of the island.
There, rooted into the very heart of the floating land, stood the Tree of Life.
It was colossal beyond comprehension. Its trunk was wider than a fortress wall, bark glowing with emerald veins that pulsed like a heartbeat. Its branches stretched endlessly upward and outward, piercing the clouds themselves. Leaves shimmered with golden-green light, each one radiating pure life essence.
Aegis felt his Sea God Physique react violently. His blood pumped every vein, resonating with the overwhelming vitality radiating from the tree.
This was not just a Divine Tree. This was a cornerstone of existence.
Witnessing its magnificence, the former earthlings were in Awe. Greed. Fear.
"So this is the Tree of Life…"
"If I obtain even a single fruit…"
"Tch. Fat chance. Those damn Skylords are also here ."
Aegis stood quietly among them wearing a composed expression, but his heart was pounding. He knew, without doubt, that stepping onto this island meant stepping into a battlefield where only the prepared would survive.
And he had chosen to walk straight into it.