Floating Island - Triple S Talent

Chapter 276: Confronting the guardians

Beyond the realm of the Divine Sky, dozens of fleets from various races floated in perfect formation within the void of the cosmos. Each ship gleamed under the starlight, exuding an aura of intimidation that pierced the darkness of space.

Among the fleets, the largest ship radiated a golden-white light, resembling a flying palace. It bore the emblem of a phoenix with outstretched wings on its hull, symbolizing the majesty and power of the Celestial Race.

On the main deck of the leading ship, a strikingly handsome man stood tall, bare-chested. Aurelius, Guardian of the Seraphis Vali Race, gazed intently toward the Divine Sky realm in the distance. His long white robe fluttered gently in the invisible winds of space, while golden wings on his back emitted a soft, luminous glow. His flowing silver hair waved gracefully, projecting an aura of serenity that sharply contrasted with the concealed ferocity in his eyes.

Behind him stood an elderly man in a white robe with silver wings, Serai, bowing respectfully. His blue eyes reflected earnestness, his body slightly hunched to convey profound reverence.

"Master, all forces have taken their positions. We are merely awaiting your orders," Serai said in a calm yet resolute voice.

Standing alongside Serai were four other individuals in a row. Each bore wings of different colors—gold, silver, blue, and red. Their powerful auras radiated outward, forming waves of energy that enveloped the deck. These men and women were the commanding leaders of the Seraphis Vali forces, each a master of lethal combat arts. Their eyes burned with passion and anticipation as they awaited Aurelius's commands.

Aurelius narrowed his gaze, his eyes locked on the Divine Sky realm, which appeared as a faintly glowing orb in the distance. Its protective barrier shimmered like a fractured sheet of light, seemingly needing only a single strike to shatter.

"Any news from the other races?" Aurelius asked in a deep, regal voice, without shifting his gaze.

One of the leaders, a man with crimson wings, swiftly responded, "Master, they've also taken their positions. Each fleet is ready to advance as soon as the barrier falls."

A thin but fervent smile spread across Aurelius's face, dominating his expression. "Good. Let them prepare. When the time comes, we will seize the core energy of that realm. All shall bow before our light."

Aurelius's sinister laughter echoed menacingly, sending chills down the spines of even the five leaders standing nearby.

Meanwhile, far from the Celestial fleet, another vast armada moved with fierce intensity. These ships resembled feral beasts, designed with claw-like and fang-like structures. Red and black lights flickered from their hulls, casting an intimidating and ominous ambiance.

On the command ship of this fleet, a towering man stood on the deck, his body solid as stone. His skin glimmered like steel scales, with massive, curved horns protruding from either side of his head. Behind him coiled a colossal dragon, its body covered in gleaming black scales streaked with faintly glowing red lines. The dragon exhaled small bursts of flame, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

"How much longer?" the man asked in a gruff voice that rumbled like thunder.

A woman with spiked hair stood beside him, holding a tablet projecting a holographic map. "Just moments, sir. Once the barrier collapses, our dragons will strike without mercy. The forces are already in position at every strategic entry point."

The man nodded slowly, stroking the dragon's head beside him. "Good. This realm has been our target for far too long. If the other races interfere, destroy everything. There's no room for mercy."

The dragon beside him let out a low growl, its eyes glowing like fiery embers.

The woman behind him felt her heart racing but steeled herself to remain upright.

All races were quickly preparing their fleets, unwilling to be left behind in the battle that was about to unfold.

In another faction, the fleet of the Dark Race moved in silence. Their ships resembled massive shadows, blotting out the stars around them. A dense black aura radiated from each vessel, cloaking the surrounding space in an eternal night.

On the main ship, an elderly man with a swirling vortex of black energy spinning behind him stood calmly on the deck. His eyes, like black holes, betrayed no emotion, though a glimmer of concealed excitement flickered within them.

"It is time," the old man said in a low, resonant tone.

A warrior clad in dark armor stepped forward, carrying a sword that seemed to be forged from pure shadow. "All forces are ready, Master."

The old man's lips curled into a faint, cold smile. "Destroy them, but do not exhaust their energy. We will harvest all of it to strengthen our core of darkness."

"As you command, Master."

***

A similar situation unfolded among nearly every race encircling the Divine Sky Realm. They were restless and impatient to break through, eager to seize the resources and energy within. However, the Guardians were not merely after resources; they sought something far more valuable.

The protective barrier of the Divine Sky Realm, long regarded as an impenetrable defense, began to show signs of weakening. Fine cracks spread like spiderwebs across its surface, and faint tremors rippled throughout the area.

These vibrations captured the attention of the surrounding forces, especially the Guardians. In tense silence, they rose from their seats, focusing all their attention on the weakening barrier.

And then, the inevitable happened. The barrier shattered like glass, its piercing sound echoing throughout the dimension, leaving the Divine Sky Realm defenseless.

At that very moment, the Guardians simultaneously extended their consciousness, attempting to pierce the realm's boundaries and probe its now-exposed interior.

But their efforts were abruptly halted. Their consciousness, which should have moved unimpeded, was suddenly obstructed by another force. A consciousness emanating from within the Divine Sky Realm—strong and unexpected—blocked them like an invisible wall.

Aurelius, one of the strongest Guardians, standing on his grand and magnificent ship, felt the power clearly. Without warning, his body disappeared from the vessel, only to reappear outside the Divine Sky Realm's boundary. With an air of arrogance, he stood in the void, scanning his surroundings with sharp, suspicious eyes.

"Who is it?" he demanded, his voice booming with a threatening tone. To his logic, it was impossible for another Guardian within the Divine Sky Realm to be powerful enough to block his consciousness. It had to be a trick from one of the Guardians outside this dimension.

There was no answer. Instead, from the distance, an old man with an aura of dense darkness appeared, approaching Aurelius leisurely. The man looked at Aurelius with a casual gaze and asked lightly, "What's wrong? Your consciousness was blocked too?"

Aurelius didn't respond immediately. The old man's words set his mind racing. If it wasn't him who caused the obstruction, then who? With sharp eyes, Aurelius tried to piece together the clues.

"If not him… could it be *that* man?" he muttered softly, recalling one other figure who might possess strength comparable to his own.

But his thoughts were interrupted abruptly. The figure he had been considering appeared without warning, standing right before him. This man, radiating an overwhelming aura, locked eyes with Aurelius. His gaze was cold, filled with hostility.

"What do you mean, Aurelius?" the man asked, his voice laced with subtle menace. There was not a trace of fear in him, despite standing before one of the strongest Guardians. He stood tall, exuding readiness to face whatever came his way.

Aurelius narrowed his eyes, his confusion deepening. His mind branched out, trying to comprehend this baffling situation. The last thing he suspected was that the source of this interference might originate from the Divine Sky Realm itself.

As he tried to confirm this theory, his gaze unconsciously shifted toward the Divine Sky Realm directly in front of him. There, he saw something that left him momentarily speechless.

A young man sat casually atop a transparent bubble floating in the air, radiating an aura of calm yet immense intimidation.

"Hello," the man greeted with a warm smile that seemed oddly out of place amidst the tension. His voice was friendly, as if he were merely welcoming guests into his home.

Aurelius was stunned, as were the other Guardians. The brief silence was shattered by a cry of disbelief from the gathering Guardians.

"What?! A King?!" one of them shouted, his expression mirroring the shock felt by the others.

The atmosphere shifted drastically, filled with panicked whispers and confused expressions. The Guardians exchanged glances, seemingly searching for answers from one another.

"How is this possible?" Aurelius thought, this time unable to conceal his astonishment.

He took a step back, attempting to maintain a safe distance from the man. The other Guardians followed suit, slowly retreating further, realizing they were facing an entity far from ordinary. Within seconds, more Guardians began appearing one by one, gathering around the area with heightened vigilance.

On the other hand, Lein simply observed them all with a playful expression. There wasn't a hint of fear or hostility in his demeanor. Instead, his gaze reflected curiosity, as though he were watching a group of confused children.

"Why do they seem so weak?" Lein thought while stroking his chin. His eyes scanned each Guardian before him, analyzing their auras and strength.

"Is it because my attributes are higher than theirs?" he wondered internally, trying to find a logical explanation for their strange reactions.