CHAPTER TWENTY: The Northern Frontier

The wind howled as JC trudged through the snow-covered plains of the north. The air was sharp, biting at his face despite the heavy cloak draped over his shoulders. His boots crunched against the icy ground, each step bringing him closer to his destination.

In the distance, a massive border wall loomed, its towering structure etched with ancient runes and reinforced with steel. It was a barrier unlike any other, built to separate the known lands from the wild, untamed north.

JC stopped a few feet away, his red eyes narrowing as he studied the barrier. He knew exactly where he was.

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The Wall of Eternity

The Wall of Eternity was a legendary structure, said to have been created by the first elites to protect the southern lands from the monstrous creatures of the north. Its runes glowed faintly, pulsing with the energy of those who had imbued their magic into it long ago.

JC reached out, running his hand along the cold surface. He could feel the faint hum of power coursing through the wall, a testament to the strength of his ancestors.

"This is where it begins," he murmured to himself.

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Memories of the Logia

As JC stood before the wall, memories of his family flooded his mind. The Logia family, renowned for their mastery of light and storm magic, had been instrumental in maintaining the wall's defenses for generations.

He remembered his father's lessons, his mother's encouraging words, and the countless hours spent training with his sister Selene. They had always emphasized the importance of the north—the secrets it held and the dangers it posed.

And now, he was here, ready to uncover those secrets for himself.

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Entering the North

JC took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. He pulled a small, intricately carved token from his pocket—a family heirloom that served as a key to the wall's magic.

Placing the token into a hidden slot in the wall, he watched as the runes flared to life, their glow intensifying until the air around him vibrated with energy. Slowly, a section of the wall began to shift, revealing a narrow passageway.

Without hesitation, JC stepped through.

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The Untamed Wilderness

On the other side of the wall, the landscape was vastly different. Towering mountains stretched into the sky, their peaks shrouded in mist. Dense forests sprawled across the land, their shadows hiding who-knew-what dangers. The air was colder, heavier, and carried a sense of foreboding.

JC tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. He had come to the north to train, to grow stronger, and to uncover the mysteries his family had always spoken of in hushed tones.

He knew the journey ahead would be perilous, but he welcomed the challenge.

"This is where I'll find the answers," he said, his voice firm.

And with that, JC ventured deeper into the untamed wilderness, ready to face whatever lay ahead.