168 The Neutral Lands. (1/2)

The terrain suddenly changed, and there were no trees or any sort of greenery for that matter anywhere in sight.

”What is this?” Ozul asked. One second they were surrounded by vegetation, and the next second, there was just rocky ground.

Although Cyril and Mark were surprised that he was not aware of it, Mark was quick in his reply, ”These are the desolate borders of the Neutral Lands.”

'Desolate borders? Is it the outline of the Neutral Lands on the map?' Ozul thought. From the name and the map he had seen, it seemed to be the case.

”It would take at most a few hours with our current speed,” Mark added before Ozul nodded his head in understanding.

From what he understood, this barren land acted as the natural border that separated the Neutral Lands from the rest. In the map, Ozul figured that this was the line stretched around to form a circular land.

Mark and Cyril were curious about how Ozul did not know his way around the Neutral Lands even after being a Rank-9 Mage. However, they did not voice out their thoughts since that could come out as rude, and they were unwilling to lose their lives over such a matter.

Ozul let Mark lead the way. He curiously looked around to find something other than the rocky bed, but there was nothing except the occasional wind blowing.

”So, there is absolutely nothing in these... Desolate borders?” Ozul inquired. It looked quite unnatural. You could see one or two cactuses even in a desert, but there was nothing but uneven land.

”People have dispatched many groups to venture out here in search of something that could explain this oddity, but there has yet to be any certain proof of this being unnatural,” Cyril replied. Surprisingly, he sounded passionate about explaining this to him.

”But we still think that this land was not like this before. We have even tried to grow vegetation on this land, but this ground seems to be completely dead. It just would not aid the plants to grow at all!...” Cyril seemingly forgot that no one had asked so many details from him.

However, the others did not have anything else to do either, so no one stopped him, and he kept on.

A few hours passed, and the terrain returned to normal. Just like before, there was a clear line between the rocky ground and the vegetation that stretched as far as their line of sight reached.

Stepping on the other side, Ozul realized that they were now in the Neutral Lands, the middlemost domain of the entire Mainland.

The only thing that made him feel something different was the Mana in the air. It felt like a totally different environment.

”Is this it?” Ozul softly asked.

”Yes. We are now in the Neutral Lands,” Mark replied without stopping. The group continued to advance.

”Why?” Ozul asked.

”All the giant organizations keep watch on the Desolate borders. Unless we reach the Neutral City, expect some rats to come after us,” Cyril answered with a scowl on his face.

However, he noticed Ozul tilting his head when he had mentioned the Neutral City and figured that he might not know about it either.

Without waiting for him to ask, he explained, ”If you consider the Neutral Lands as a kingdom, then the Neutral City would be something like its Capital. Once in the city, a person would not have to worry about his life. Most enter the Lands, but never reach the city...”

Ozul raised his brows as he understood the implications.

Inside the city, every organization had set up their headquarters. However, they could not do anything openly that might implicate them.

Just a single mistake, and the other organizations would not lose the opportunity to eliminate one of their competitors.

Many organizations were strong enough to shake the whole continent. But they all had to behave when they were in the Neutral City.

”Since they can't act in the City, this place is the perfect time for them to strike their enemies,” Mark explained before he momentarily paused.

”Where... do you wish to go?” Mark asked hesitatingly. He only realized it now that he hadn't asked about his opinion and was going to lead them to their headquarters directly.

Ozul did not directly answer his question and asked, ”Where is your headquarters?”

”In the Neutral City,” Mark hurriedly replied.

Ozul turned to look at Clara, who immediately understood his question. She replied, ”The Church is there in the Neutral City as well.”

Getting his answer, Mark did not need any confirmation and nodded his head before taking the lead.