The ocean barrier hummed quietly around the island.
The crack still glowed faintly where the ancient host had tested the shield earlier, but the defensive lattice held firm. Light flowed through the geometric water ring like blood through veins.
Shunya stood near the terrace railing, looking toward the endless ocean.
Even with his new perception ability dimmed, he could still faintly feel the distant presence across the horizon.
The ancient host was still there.
Watching.
Waiting.
Shunya rubbed his temple.
"I am starting to understand something," he said.
Feng Xia glanced at him.
"What?"
"He is not attacking because he does not need to."
Lei Tian nodded slowly.
"That is correct."
"Then why does the island exist at all," Shunya asked.
The dragon raised an eyebrow.
"That is a better question than you realize."
Shunya turned toward the elders gathered near the central terrace platform.
"You said this place was built after the last system war."
