The Path To Eternity

Chapter 4: The Scarlet Islands

The Scarlet Islands consist of numerous smaller islands encircling a larger central one.

At the heart of the main island stands a colossal tree, its width spanning five hundred meters. Its towering height remains a mystery, hidden by clouds, unseen by terrestrial life below.

Countless branches extend across the sky, reaching a diameter of miles, casting a perpetual shadow over everything beneath.

Adorned with crimson leaves, the tree emits a brilliant glow, absorbing solar energy during the day and converting it into vitality. Excess energy is released in the form of scarlet particles, enveloping the surrounding islands in a luminous crimson hue.

Hence, the moniker, Scarlet Islands.

"Hey, mind if I chat with you?" A voice interrupted Daniel, pulling him away from his reading about the Scarlet Islands.

He turned to find an unfamiliar boy standing there. The boy in question stood at the same height as Daniel, both dressed in the final year student uniform. The attire accentuated his muscular physique, resembling that of a warrior.

Surprised, Daniel nodded in acknowledgment.

"Can I assist you with anything?" he asked, curious about the nature of this unexpected encounter. This wasn't his initial encounter with fellow students; however, being Unawakened, he found few willing to associate with him. Consequently, his interactions with others were strictly professional.

"I'm not sure we've met, I'm Paisley Celeritas. Final year student and also from class 30. Your fight the other day intrigued me, so I was hoping to ask you a few questions regarding your showdown with Keith." He revealed with a look of excitement clearly evident on his expression.

Daniel sighed, glancing at the students streaming into the transport chamber for their journey to the Scarlet Islands. The chamber began emanating with excited chatter obscuring the conversation of the two adolescents.

"What do you want to know?" Daniel turned back to Paisley, his expression earnest.

"How did you manage to beat him?" Paisley inquired with enthusiasm. Daniel furrowed his brow, taken aback.

'After defeating Keith, I faced even more ridicule and scrutiny. People refused to believe I won fairly, accusing me of using performance-enhancing drugs.

Some defended Keith, suggesting he hadn't fully recovered from his fight with Oscar. While others suggested that he hadn't fully adjusted to his newfound strength as a Candidate Champion.

Rather than improving my reputation, the victory only made things worse.

Is Paisley questioning me for the same reasons?' Daniel pondered.

"Why do you wish to know?" Daniel inquired.

"I am not like the others. I know you didn't use any drugs to defeat him. But I am curious as to how you did it," Paisley explained.

Daniel found himself puzzled by Paisley's behavior. Unlike most, Paisley wasn't speaking to him condescendingly or issuing threats.

"Oh? And what exactly makes you think I didn't use drugs?" Daniel questioned, shifting his gaze towards the transport manager who had already moved to activate the teleportation gate.

A formation array materialized at the center of the gate, emitting a growing blue glow as the gate hummed and space distorted, indicating the imminent activation of the teleportation formation. They were aware that departure was imminent.

Paisley scrutinized him intently before addressing his actions. "Your movements were too fluid, too composed, considering the strength you demonstrated in combat.