Trash Prince and Ice Queen 10th Re - Life-Chapter 167: Western Continent

Once all the spirits had ascended, everyone went back inside the palace. This time, the entire interior was pitch black, forcing them to use magic to light the way since the spectral fires had vanished. Luca immediately led them to a ritual chamber situated between two winding staircases that led to the balcony above. That room had once been used for ceremonies to summon heroes from other worlds or to call forth familiars for the royal family.

"Blam!" As usual, Luca nonchalantly kicked the massive doors as if the palace were her own home, and they all stepped inside. Ard, Eva, and the others could see a massive magic circle on the floor right in front of a podium where an altar stood. The room was a wreck—filled with fallen debris, shattered pillars, and an altar that was half-buried under rubble.

However, the magic circle was completely untouched. Looking closely, the circle appeared to have been rewritten with different runes designed for two-way teleportation. The runes clearly belonged to the demon race. Compared to the 3,000-year-old ruins, this circle looked like it had been inscribed about 1,000 years ago, and it was as clean as if someone had used it recently.

"Ayo, everyone get into the magic circle, hurry," Luca said excitedly.

"Wait a second, Luca. This circle looks like it’s been used. Is someone traveling back and forth through here?" Ard asked.

"Hmm... true. If you look closely, some characters have been erased and others rewritten. Someone was here not long ago," said Mirea, crouching at the edge of the circle and touching the runes.

"Is it true this circle leads to the western continent? Looking at the runes, this will take us to the Orthus Empire," said Eva, crouching next to Mirea.

"Alright, hold on a second," Luca said.

Casually, Luca walked into the center of the circle and stood still. Seeing this, Gigi immediately took a step forward.

"Hei... where do you think you’re going?" Gigi asked.

"Testing it... just wait here," Luca answered.

Before Gigi could reply or even reach out an arm, a beam of yellow light erupted from the circle like a cylinder, then vanished along with Luca inside it. The room fell silent as everyone stood still, almost all of them trying to process what Luca had just done. Beyond being reckless, she treated everything like a game.

But before their minds could find an answer, a yellow beam of light suddenly descended from above and Luca reappeared in front of them. Then, with total indifference, she casually walked out of the magic circle.

"Yap, you were right, Eva. This circle took me to a basement in the Orthus Empire, in a quiet building they say is an academy," Luca said casually.

Everyone was immediately shocked. It turned out the portal in front of them led directly to the basement that served as the dark sect’s headquarters beneath their own academy. Ard, Eva, and the others glanced at one another; then Ard and Eva turned toward Mirea, who was also watching them.

"Is it possible the person using this portal is someone we know?" Mirea asked.

"I suspect as much, and I think I know exactly who’s been using it," Ard replied.

Eva simply nodded, her expression confirming she knew exactly what Ard was thinking. Then, Ard stepped aside for a moment to distance himself from the magic circle and his friends. He sat down on a piece of rubble and went silent.

"Baalbel... Baalbel... can you hear me?" Ard asked in his head.

"Wait... Your Majesty? What is it? Prince Abel has regained consciousness, but he is still resting in the elf village. Is there something I can help you with?" Baalbel replied inside Ard’s head.

Without wasting any more time, Ard recounted everything that had happened and where he and the others currently were. Baalbel listened intently without saying a word. Once Ard finished his story, Baalbel finally spoke.

"So that’s how it is. You’re currently in the ruins within Le Rein Infernal. You are absolutely right, Your Majesty. I was the one who used that magic circle about 16 years ago to travel to the Orthus Empire, since I previously lived on the western continent—our village," Baalbel said.

"Hmm... so that’s how it is. I just wanted to confirm—what’s the situation like on the surface?" Ard asked.

Baalbel immediately explained everything that was happening. The Kingdom of Durnhill had already closed the bridge leading to the Kingdom of Fredonia, as their troops had set up camp in front of it—and naturally, Fredonia was also guarding their own end with forces led by first prince Alexis.

Meanwhile, the Orthus Empire had already landed on the northern continent and was preparing to attack the Kingdom of Ateras. The barbarian tribes had united and joined the Kingdom of Ateras to defend their homeland, while the Kingdom of Rellios was sending reinforcements to both Ateras and Fredonia. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Baalbel also mentioned that the Orthus Empire had already taken control of the southern part of the northern continent, destroying two barbarian villages. They were currently gathering their strength to strike Ateras and seize the Hellgate.

"So that’s it. The war on the surface is heating up, and the Orthus Empire is on the verge of a frontal assault on Ateras," Ard muttered.

"Precisely, Your Majesty. If you wish to head to the western continent, I will help you write the runes," Baalbel said.

"Alright. I’ll try to speak with the elders there so they can help us strike the northern continent and support the Kingdom of Ateras," Ard said.

"Understood. I will ask Xeria to welcome all of you there. Now, please follow my instructions," Baalbel replied.

After that, Ard approached Mirea, who was still crouching in front of the magic circle studying it. With Baalbel’s guidance relayed through Ard, Mirea rewrote the runes so they would emerge in the demon village on the western continent. While Mirea worked on the runes with help from Milia and Alicia, Ard explained the situation on the surface as he had just heard it from Baalbel. Eva and the others listened closely and with grave expressions.

"So my foolish older brother has already crossed over to the northern continent," Eva muttered.

"Hmm... it’s getting messier. Durnhill has closed the bridge and could cross into Fredonia at any moment," Geoffrey muttered.

"Two barbarian villages destroyed... those bastards. I feel like going home right now and crushing the Orthus Empire’s forces," Claudia said, clenching her fists.

"Same here. Hearing this makes my blood boil; I want to get back to the kingdom immediately," Ainsley added, adjusting her glasses with a look of pure rage on her face.

"What about Papa... and Brother?" Adeline asked Ard.

"According to Baalbel, Papa is still at the palace, and Brother Alexis is securing the bridge crossing to Durnhill on the southern continent," Ard answered, resting a hand on his little sister’s head.

"So, what’s next, Ard?" Pyria asked.

"We’re going to recruit a demon army and support the Kingdom of Ateras. It’s time for us to enter the battlefield," Ard replied.

"Okay, I’ll ask the mermen for help too. They can guard the waters to make sure no more reinforcements from the Orthus Empire cross over to the northern continent," Luca added.

"Huh... really, Luca?" Adeline asked.

"Of course. I can’t exactly sit still, even if Gigi and I aren’t allowed to interfere directly," Luca answered.

"That’s right. We aren’t permitted to meddle in the affairs of the world’s creatures," Gigi added.

"Alright. Thank you, Luca. Maybe someday, Eva and I will visit the merman kingdom," Ard replied.

"The name of the merman kingdom is Lenoria. I’ll tell them about you and Eva later. They still remember Ashton and Esmeralda from 3,000 years ago because they were great friends with the demon race," Luca said.

"When we arrive at the demon settlement, let me do the talking. I know the tribal chief. Don’t worry, they’re still waiting for Azroth to return because of the promise he made," Irina said.

"Fair enough. Thank you, Irina," Ard replied.

Eventually, Mirea, Alicia, and Milia—with Irwin’s help—finished rewriting the runes on the floor. After that, everyone stepped into the magic circle, including Thorena and Grethia. A bright yellow light erupted, and they all vanished. A moment later, they appeared inside a stone room containing an altar and a magic circle on the floor. Looking out the window, they saw a vast, dense forest surrounding them. They all stepped through the open doorway.

"Wow."

Everyone gasped in awe as they stood at the entrance of a massive, towering stepped pyramid—one so high that even Grethia could easily pass through without having to duck. Below them, a village of square stone buildings stretched out, nestled deep within the forest and blending seamlessly with the natural world. It was a settlement inhabited by the demon race: orcs, beastmen, vampires, a few succubi, several arachne, and red demons.

"Welcome to the demon settlement of the western continent," Luca said.

"So this is it... the demon village," Mirea said, taking in her surroundings.

"Yep, exactly. It turns out it’s still the same as it was 1,000 years ago... aaah... home sweet home," Ard said, feeling relaxed as if he had truly returned to his own house.

Then he felt a multitude of eyes on him. It turned out everyone was staring at him with such serious expressions, it was as if he had suddenly grown a second head—except for Irina, Thorena, and Grethia, who were all quietly chuckling.