Descent of the Minor Realm

Rowan's eyes lit up with joy as he spotted Lilia arriving at the war camp. With a teasing smile, he quipped,"I was only away for a short time, and you already missed me so much? Looks like you really can't live without me now."

Lilia shot him an exasperated look before her expression turned serious."This newly emerging minor realm... it has everything to do with me."

Hearing this, Rowan's smile faded into curiosity. "What do you mean? Tell me everything."

Lilia took a deep breath before explaining,"Within this minor realm reside the last remnants of the Ancient Blessed Clan. Ever since you freed me from that wretched prison, I've been able to faintly sense their prayers, their faith in me. Though their numbers have dwindled to near extinction, they are still there."

Rowan's curiosity only deepened. "The Blessed Clan? What makes them so special?"

A trace of pride flickered across Lilia's face."Once, I led them into battle as the greatest support force in history. They were all born with divine affinity, their blessings capable of turning the tide of war. Their spells could strengthen allies, heal wounds, and protect their own with miraculous power. But after I was imprisoned, without my guidance and protection, they fell into decline… It's a tragedy."

She paused for a moment, her expression darkening."More importantly, I left something crucial with them."

Rowan frowned. "Something important? How did it end up with them?"

Lilia sighed softly."You know that, as the Goddess of Blessings, I can foresee certain fates. Sensing impending danger, I sent a fragment of myself—an avatar—into that realm. I weakened myself to descend there, laying down preparations for the worst-case scenario."

Rowan's eyes narrowed. "Is that avatar still around?"

Lilia shook her head."No, it faded away after fulfilling its purpose. If it had remained, those ancient powers would have sensed it immediately. I couldn't risk that."

After a moment of contemplation, Rowan asked,"Then what's our next move?"

A determined glint flashed in Lilia's eyes."I can feel it—the minor realm is about to manifest near Apocalypse City. I'll use divine magic to suppress the disturbances caused by its emergence, delaying its discovery for about ten days. In that time, you and I will enter the realm, resolve any lingering issues, and if possible… help the Blessed Clan rise once more."

Rowan chuckled. "You're powerful enough to conceal an entire realm's emergence? I didn't know my wife was this formidable."

Lilia smiled sweetly before responding,"I'm not that strong—yet. I'll need a bit more faith energy from you."

Without waiting for a reply, she gracefully settled onto his lap and pressed a deep, affectionate kiss against his lips.

Rowan sighed internally. "Well… I did marry her. I guess it's my duty to keep her happy, even if it drains me dry."

The Awakening of the Minor Realm

As predicted, the minor realm emerged within days. Thanks to Lilia's magic, its manifestation was silent—no spatial rifts, no divine anomalies. To the naked eye, the area remained an ordinary stretch of land, void of anything unusual.

Without hesitation, Rowan turned to his trusted commander."Blake, fortify the perimeter. No one gets near this place."

Blake, along with the soldiers, saw nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, unquestioning his leader's orders, he swiftly arranged defensive lines, setting up watch patrols to guard the seemingly empty field.

With their preparations in place, Rowan and Lilia stepped through the unseen boundary, entering the hidden realm.

Inside, the minor realm was a land of decay. The air carried a heavy, sorrowful stillness, and the once-thriving lands now lay in ruin, on the verge of collapse. The very essence of the realm was unraveling—if left untouched, it would inevitably disintegrate.

Moving swiftly, guided by Lilia's divine sense, the two journeyed forward. Along the way, they encountered numerous feral beasts, mutated by the realm's instability. Each one attacked viciously, but against Rowan and Lilia, they stood no chance. One by one, the beasts fell, their corpses left in the dust as the duo pressed on.

Then, at last, they spotted signs of life.

A group of survivors—clearly the remnants of the Blessed Clan—were engaged in a desperate battle against a monstrous beast. Among them, a warrior stood at the forefront, a broad-shouldered man fighting with all his might. However, despite his efforts, his movements were slowing, and his body bore numerous wounds. He was barely holding on.

With a simple flick of her wrist, Lilia cast a divine blessing upon him.

The warrior, Busen, had already accepted his fate. With no strength left and death looming over him, despair had begun to settle in. But suddenly—power surged through his body. A warmth like no other filled his veins, his wounds no longer a burden, his exhaustion vanishing in an instant.

Busen was stunned. What is this power?!

Wasting no time, he gripped his weapon tightly and struck with newfound strength. With a single devastating blow, he shattered the beast's defenses, turning the tide of battle in an instant.

His comrades, who had already braced themselves for death, could only watch in shock. They had seen Busen on the brink of collapse—how had he suddenly regained such overwhelming power?

Then, their eyes fell upon the two outsiders standing nearby.

Busen quickly pieced the situation together. Stepping forward, he studied the duo—one man and one woman, dressed in garments far superior to anything he had ever seen. Their presence alone radiated an undeniable air of strength.

With unwavering sincerity, he spoke,"I don't know who you are, but you've saved our lives. We owe you a great debt."

Rowan and Lilia exchanged glances.

This was only the beginning.