The Association at Eldergrove was not alone in its strategic placement. Matter of factly, all the Associations across Thanad shared similar arrangement.
They were all placed at the edge of their respective Kingdom's boundaries, where the dense Magic Forest loomed, an untamed expanse of twisted trees and pulsating mana that encircled the Kingdom like a living barrier.
Every Kingdom in the Continent shared this trait, their borders defined by the impenetrable, sprawling woods that thrummed with mana and housed creatures of unimaginable power.
The forest was both a shield and a threat, a place where only the bold or foolish ventured.
Adrian completed the formalities at the outpost with ease, his license checked and his purpose logged.
The air shifted as he crossed the threshold into the Magic Forest. He glanced around, confirming what he already knew: no one was nearby.
