Chapter 285: Reunion

The Core Area of the Evergreen Mountain Range no longer resembled a natural landscape. The trees that once thrived in abundance had vanished, not burned, not cut down, but seemingly erased as if they had never existed at all.

A vast expanse lay bare under a flood of golden light that engulfed nearly half of the core territory. This light didn’t flicker like fire or pulse like lightning; it simply was, steady and overwhelming, rising from the center of the mountain basin and piercing the sky in an unyielding column.

Above it, clouds had been torn apart, spiraling outward to create a wide ring, leaving a hollow circle of the blue morning sky where the beam ascended.

The ground beneath was uneven in places, smooth in others, with stone surfaces shimmering faintly as though touched by something sacred or forbidden.

All magical beasts that once roamed this core zone were gone. There were no roars or growls, no rustling movements among the trees. Even the wind seemed reluctant to approach the golden pillar.

The only sound was a faint hum of energy vibrating in the air, a low and constant tone that never faded. The mana density here felt unstable and charged with something ancient; anyone who stepped into this area could feel its weight pressing against their skin and seeping into their breath.

From the edge of this illuminated zone, the surrounding forest stirred. Branches shifted, leaves rustled, and footsteps carefully navigated over uneven ground.

Then several figures emerged from the shadows, stepping into the soft golden glow cast by the distant pillar. Dozens moved in a controlled formation, alert and steady, at their center stood Sage.

He wore a long dark robe that flowed gently around his legs as he walked. In one hand, he held a Mage Staff with a tip faintly glowing in response to the unstable mana surrounding them.

His posture remained calm; his gaze fixed forward, steady and sharp. Perched on his shoulders was Mina, her small legs dangling at his chest as she leaned forward to play with his hair, giggling softly as if they were merely out for an evening stroll. Sage’s expression betrayed a hint of helplessness as he reached up briefly to steady her so she wouldn’t slip.

“Mina,” he muttered under his breath, “focus.”

She ignored him completely and twisted a small strand of hair between her fingers. “You’re too serious,” she said lightly. “Smile a little.”

He exhaled quietly but didn’t push her off.

Beside him walked Boren, clad in reinforced leather armor that strained slightly around his round frame. Sweat trickled down his temples despite the cool night air; his breathing was steady yet heavy as he shifted between awe and unease while staring at the golden pillar ahead. The leather armor made him appear even more plump than usual; each step caused him to jiggle slightly.

“By all ancestors,” Boren muttered with wide eyes, “so this is a Vault.”

Lyana walked alongside Sage, clad in leather armor with her hair neatly tied back. Her calm demeanor belied an alertness as her eyes scanned the terrain and the golden beam ahead with sharp focus.

Behind them stood Vanthrice, her short hair pulled back, exuding a disciplined posture. Brutus followed closely, a heavy weapon strapped to his back and his jaw set tight. Near the rear were Caelis and Leona, maintaining formation with about twenty other Adventurers, all armed and vigilant.

Two names were conspicuously absent from their ranks: Valeria and Gregor.

Sage stepped slightly ahead of the group and paused at a ridge that overlooked the radiant core. The golden pillar seemed close enough to touch, yet the distance to its base was still considerable. The light played tricks on perception, making space feel compressed.

He gazed at it in silence.

The golden beam remained unwavering.

A faint vibration filled the air around them.

Boren moved up beside him, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his glove. “I’ve heard stories about Vaults,” he said quietly, still fixated on the light. “According to the books I’ve read about Vaults back in the Stonehelm Estate, Vaults are like Dungeons but not quite. More like ancient storage halls built by something long gone. People say you can find relics inside, divine weapons, lost spells, treasures that could change a family’s fate in an instant.”

Mina rolled her eyes dramatically and tapped Boren’s shoulder. “Fatty, you’re talking like you’ve already looted it.”

Boren blinked at her in mock offense. “Who are you calling fatty?” he grumbled, though there was no real anger behind his words.

“You,” Mina shot back without missing a beat. “If you run, I’m pretty sure the ground will shake more than the Vault.”

A few Adventurers chuckled softly behind them; even Lyana’s lips twitched faintly.

Boren rolled his eyes for effect before continuing. “I’m just saying… places like this? People fight wars over them. Families fall apart; new powers emerge. I can’t believe we’re standing here.”

He glanced at Sage and let out a shaky laugh. “Looks like I can finally die in peace.”

“Don’t,” Lyana replied flatly.

Sage allowed a faint smile to touch his lips before it faded again as he returned his gaze to the pillar.

The golden light reflected in his pupils while he remained unblinking.

The hum of mana here was unlike anything found in the outer forest, layered, thick, ancient. Through heightened perception, he sensed currents swirling beneath their feet, spiraling toward the heart of that brilliant light. The Vault wasn’t just an object; it was an undeniable presence.

Boren leaned closer to Sage and said, “You know,” his voice dropping to a softer tone, “old records say that Vaults only open for a brief period. They test those who enter. Some claim they choose who deserves the treasure, while others believe they simply consume anyone who dares step inside.”

Sage turned his head slightly in Boren’s direction. “And what do you think?”

Boren scratched his head awkwardly. “I think we shouldn’t underestimate it.”

“That,” Lyana interjected quietly, “is the first sensible thing you’ve said today.”

Before Boren could respond, the sky shifted again. A streak of crimson light sliced across the heavens from the east, fast and violent. It tore through the golden glow like a blade, leaving a faint trail behind it. The Adventurers reacted instantly, hands moving to their weapons and bodies shifting into defensive stances.

“What is that?” Caelis whispered.

The crimson streak descended rapidly, growing brighter as it approached. The air vibrated with its speed until it slammed into the ground just in front of their formation with a thunderous boom that shook the earth beneath their feet. Dust and loose stones exploded outward.

Mina tightened her grip on Sage’s hair and leaned forward excitedly. “Ooooh,” she exclaimed.

Sage stepped slightly ahead, staff raised but not yet activated.

The dust cloud swirled in the golden glow before slowly settling down. Two silhouettes emerged within it.

As the dust cleared completely, the figures became visible. Valeria stood there, her crimson aura still faintly glowing around her, sword resting against her shoulder. Her long hair danced gently in the shifting air; her expression was calm yet resolute as her eyes locked onto Sage.

Beside her stood another figure, taller and broader, wearing a sleek well segmented armor: Gregor, who had been missing for quite some time.

The Adventurers behind Sage inhaled sharply at this revelation. Boren blinked twice as if trying to confirm what he was seeing was real. Lyana’s composure faltered for just a moment before she steadied herself again.

Valeria took a small step forward, boots pressing into the cracked stone beneath her feet while Gregor remained beside her, silent but unwavering.

Sage didn’t move for several heartbeats as he processed this unexpected reunion while the golden pillar continued to blaze behind them.

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