The Southern Region of World
Samuel's POV
The soft light of the afternoon sun filtered in through the tall arched windows, casting a golden hue over the stone walls. I leaned against the edge of the balcony, sipping from a goblet of some spiced Titan wine. Behind me, I heard the gentle shuffle of movement — her footsteps, light despite the power she held.
Valeria, now fully dressed in a sleek, crimson robe that hugged her figure like a second skin, walked with her usual regal grace, though I couldn't help but notice a faint tremble in her legs.
I smirked.
"Well, well... looks like the mighty Titan Queen finally met her match," I said without turning around, swirling the wine lazily.
Valeria scoffed, but the corner of her lips twitched — a rare, genuine smile. "Don't flatter yourself too much, mortal."
I turned and met her gaze, those crimson eyes sparking with both mischief and something else... satisfaction, maybe. "Oh come on," I teased, taking a slow step toward her. "That little tremble in your walk? That wasn't from the cold floor, Valeria."
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "You're lucky I'm feeling merciful. Otherwise, I'd have thrown you into the Abyss for that arrogance."
"You could've... but you didn't."
She walked past me, placing her hand on the windowsill, eyes scanning the distant horizon of her world. "I'll admit," she said softly, "you're different, Samuel Gebb. You're not bound by fear, by rules... you act on your instincts. That's what makes you dangerous. And... irritating."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
She turned to me then, her expression serious but not cold. "If you really want a challenge — something to push those limits of yours — then you should go south."
"South?" I raised a brow.
Valeria nodded. "The Southern Region of this world is filled with untamed lands. Beasts older than my empire still roam there. Forgotten dungeons, corrupted spirits, and ancient trials designed to break even the strongest. You might actually find something that'll make you sweat."
"Hmm," I chuckled. "Now you're speaking my language."
"You'll grow stronger there," she continued, stepping closer until we stood face to face. "And if you survive it... perhaps next time, I'll be the one trembling with anticipation instead of exhaustion."
"Oh?" I tilted her chin up with my fingers. "So you're saying I'll get a next time?"
She pulled away with a smirk. "Don't push your luck, Samuel."
But as she turned her back to me, I caught the faintest blush on her cheeks.
----
Quest Updated: Journey to the Southern
Wilds
Objective: Enter the Southern Region and conquer at least one of the Seven Forgotten Trials.
Reward: Unknown – Chance to unlock hidden potential.
----
I cracked my knuckles and stretched my arms. "Guess it's time to see what this world really has to offer."
Valeria's voice drifted behind me, low and amused. "Try not to die. It'd be a shame to lose the only man who ever made me feel... mortal."
I gave her a cocky grin over my shoulder. "Queen, you haven't seen anything yet."
-----
As I stepped through the palace gates, the familiar weight of my greatsword returned to my back, and the wind carried a strange energy — as if the world itself sensed I was about to cross into new territory. The Southern Region. A land whispered about even in the darkest dungeons and deepest ruins.
Valeria had vanished back into her throne room, no doubt reclaiming her usual icy composure.
But I could still feel her gaze lingering behind me. Maybe it was her pride. Or maybe, just maybe, it was something more.
"System," I muttered as I strode across the ancient bridge that led out of Titanus, "show me the world map."
A flickering blue interface shimmered before my eyes.
[World Map: Unlocked Region – Titanus]
[New Region: Southern Wilds – Locked]
Requirement to Access: Travel through the Scorched Pass.]
"Scorched Pass, huh?" I said, cracking my neck. "Sounds like my kind of place."
The earth beneath me rumbled faintly as I approached the edge of the known lands — jagged black rocks, dried rivers of lava, and twisted trees that looked like they'd been scorched by dragonfire. The air was thick with ash and heat, the sky a burning orange even at noon.
And at the entrance to the Scorched Pass, a figure awaited.
Clad in obsidian armor, with glowing red eyes and a molten greatsword resting on his shoulder, he looked up as I approached.
"So," the warrior said, voice like cracked stone, "you're the one the Queen spoke of."
"She really told you about me?" I smirked. "Did she also tell you how loud she was last night?"
The warrior growled, molten veins glowing brighter. "You dare mock the Queen's honor?!"
"No, I dare everyone. That's just who I am."
He raised his blade. "Then prove you're worthy of entering the Southern Wilds."
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[Mini-Boss Encounter: Guardian of the Scorched Pass – Level 170]
Objective: Defeat the Guardian to access the Southern Region.
----
I grinned and drew my greatsword. "Let's dance."