Sovereign of the Ashes

Each of these immense sea kings measured over a kilometer in length.

For the many black mages observing in the area, especially those below Rank Three, these creatures were extremely powerful and terrifying.

Even one of them would be too formidable for the black mages present, let alone all of them.

In the event of a forced battle, it was likely that only the Rank Three mages—Martin and Gandra—along with Gypson’s elemental projection, could escape in one piece.

Upon their arrival, these sea kings did not immediately succumb to a frenzied state of aggression.

Legends of the sea kings were widespread throughout the vast ocean of the Magus World.

These creatures were characterized by their colossal size, unimaginable strength, low intelligence, and short temper.

Neither the aquatic races nor the knights and mages of the Magus World usually dared to confront these behemoths.

Typically, the sea kings spent most of their time slumbering in the ocean’s abyss, rarely displaying hostility except for occasional outbursts directed at those nearby when they woke up.

Overall, this unique species wielded considerable power but maintained a low profile in the Magus World.

Their low intelligence and simple minds meant that sea kings did not gather in groups.

Almost every mature sea king lived a solitary existence.

So, who or what had caused so many sea kings to assemble and yet remain so tranquil?

Massive waves, crowned with white foams, spread outward to both sides.

Above the sea near Sein, a vast azure-colored elemental gate materialized.

The first to emerge before Sein and a group of distant black mages was a large white fishtail.

Then, the towering figure of White Stella appeared through the Elemental Gate.

Upon her arrival, all the sea kings in the surrounding waters bowed their heads in unison.

Although some were larger and no less powerful than White Stella, they lowered their head humbly before the majestic giant mermaid, overawed by the pressure of her bloodline—White Stella’s innate authority.

She was the undisputed ruler of all the sea kings in the Magus World!

Apart from those sea kings that had reached a Rank Six life level and could briefly withstand White Stella’s commanding presence, all others in her presence bowed down to her.

Following the appearance of the mighty mermaid, whose power was beyond comprehension, Tourmaline emerged from the azure-colored elemental gate with its massive turtle shell.

Tourmaline appeared slightly smaller than White Stella in height.

However, in terms of horizontal width, Tourmaline was considerably broader than White Stella...

And, being in turtle form, Tourmaline did not have the “slender” appearance of White Stella.

It was clear that White Stella and Tourmaline had not just arrived; they likely had been observing Sein’s battle for some time.

Otherwise, it would have been too coincidental for them to appear as soon as Sein was suddenly attacked by Gandra.

Despite arriving after White Stella, Tourmaline was the first to rush to Sein’s side.

The sight of the massive dragon turtle charging toward him was truly magnificent.

As Tourmaline advanced, her massive paws churned the ocean, sending enormous splashes soaring thousands of meters high on either side.

Despite her imposing approach, Tourmaline harbored no ill will toward Sein; her haste was driven by concern for him.

Just moments earlier, it had been clear that Gandra intended to eliminate Sein. Even now, he was standing close to Sein.

Yet, under the gaze of the assembled sea kings, Gandra found himself in a humiliating predicament, unable to advance or retreat.

The thick, deathly clouds that had gathered around him ceased swirling, as if solidified under the scrutiny of the powerful sea kings.

These sea kings were White Stella’s favored “pets”, often seen with her in Sea God Bay.

Sein even recognized several of them from his first visit to the bay over twenty years ago.

However, Sea Kings were simple creatures with poor memories.

Unless they had been companions for centuries, they rarely retained lasting impressions of others.

None of these sea kings recognized Sein. They had gathered here solely at White Stella’s behest.

However, they still recognized Tourmaline.

Beyond sharing a similar draconic aura with White Stella, Tourmaline was a “hatchling” nearing her five thousandth year.

During Tourmaline’s early years, it was her sister White Stella who spent the most time at her side.

Consequently, the sea kings loyal to White Stella gradually came to accept and recognize Tourmaline, even granting her a measure of command over them.

This limited authority was the envy of her fourth brother, Black Oblivion, who lacked any ability to influence the sea kings—perhaps due to a genetic shortfall.

Upon reaching Sein, Tourmaline examined him with her large, round eyes.

Although they hadn’t seen each other for over twenty years—a period barely long enough for Tourmaline to take a nap—she had often thought of Sein during that time.

These past two decades had been wakeful ones for Tourmaline.

She spent her time idly floating on the surface of Sea God Bay, her thoughts drifting back to her experiences over the years.

Her lack of interactions with other sentient beings meant that Sein, who had shared countless stories of the Magus World and beyond, had made a lasting impression on her.

Despite her natural inclination toward a leisurely life of sunbathing and napping, Tourmaline’s curiosity about the wider world remained undiminished.

She vividly recalled Sein’s invitation to visit the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring, According to Sein, it was close to a scenic place known as the Jewel Sea.

The past twenty years of wakefulness were not just spent waiting for Sein; through her sister White Stella, Tourmaline learned of Sein’s participation in the Knight Continent’s trials.

She was also awaiting the awakening of her eldest brother, currently slumbering in the Western Archipelago waters.

The awakening of an ancient dragon would undoubtedly take time.

As the youngest of the dragon turtle family, Tourmaline knew that a journey to the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring would require discussion with her entire family.

It was not enough to speak with White Stella alone; she would need to consult her parents and eldest brother as well.

Her eldest brother was due to awaken soon.

White Stella had last contacted him a few years ago, and considering the time, it should be happening any day now.