Black thunder rolled through the lead-gray clouds as the Stormrider pitched like a leaf in the wind, tossed violently by the raging seas. Water mixed with shards of ice flooded the deck, whipped by the gale and striking the soldiers’ armor with sharp cracks.
Though Tristan was holding onto the mast, his tailored coat soaked through with seawater, he still stood tall. When he looked ahead at the island’s outline growing clearer through the storm, his frown suddenly relaxed, and his gaze sharpened with newfound hope.
“Your Highness, it’s Elysium Isle. We’ve arrived,” Milton exclaimed excitedly.
Even this shrewd elderly steward couldn’t hide his elation. After their long voyage through three sea monster attacks and two occasions when they’d lost their way, the expedition had finally found the legendary island when all hope seemed lost.
Elite soldiers rushed to the deck, staring at the distant land bathed in golden light. At last, they broke into the cheers they had held back for so long.
Some men reached toward the sunlight streaming through breaks in the clouds, ignoring the gale, as if they could grasp this hard-earned hope in their hands.
When the Stormrider pulled up to shore, Tristan was first to step onto the beach. The soft white sand felt warm underfoot, a sharp contrast to the bitter cold they’d endured aboard ship.
He breathed deeply, savoring the fresh scent of vegetation and the salt tang of sea breeze. It felt refreshing and invigorating.
“This place looks amazing,” one soldier couldn’t help but exclaim.
The Elysium Isle before them looked exactly as the ancient manuscripts had described a land of eternal spring where magical flowers bloomed year-round.
Clusters of exotic plants spread inland from the beach. Pink petals fluttered like butterfly wings while purple vines wound around towering ancient trees. Their branches sagged under crystalline fruit that gleamed temptingly.
Distant mountains were shrouded in swirling mists. The faint sound of running water drifted from the peaks, and occasionally bright-colored birds swept overhead, leaving behind a series of crisp chirps.
Tristan wandered through the flower beds, his fingers nearly touching a vibrant red blossom. The petals were layered upon each other like fine silk, with crystal dewdrops rolling in the center. It looked both harmless and beautiful.
“Your Highness, don’t!” Milton shouted, striding forward and grabbing Tristan’s wrist.
He said firmly, “Something’s wrong with the plants on this island. Everyone, step back. Don’t touch anything without permission.”
Tristan paused, looking at Milton with confusion. “Why are you so worried? These flowers look perfectly normal. In fact, they seem to have some kind of spiritual energy.
The other soldiers stopped as well, confusion written across their faces. To them, this sea of flowers clearly represented paradise itself. How could there be any danger?
Without a word of explanation, Milton bent down and picked up a stone the size of his fist from the beach. With a quick motion, he hurled it toward the red flower.
The moment the stone touched the petals, something extraordinary happened. The seemingly delicate red bloom suddenly snapped open.
Its petals curled back instantly, revealing a gaping maw lined with razor-sharp thorns and gleaming fangs. The flower engulfed the stone in one swift motion.
A sharp crack echoed through the air as the stone was crushed to powder, fragments trickling from the base of the bloom.
The men stepped back in fear, and their faces turned pale. To their horror, the disturbance triggered a response throughout the flower field. Pink petals revealed tiny poisonous barbs beneath, while purple vines writhed through the air like serpents.
Even the harmless-looking ferns reacted. Their fronds snapped shut around a butterfly that had landed on them. When the leaves slowly reopened moments later, the butterfly had vanished entirely, leaving only a few drops of dark red fluid.
“This… These are carnivorous plants and an entire field of them,” one soldier gasped in horror. Tristan felt a cold sweat break out across his back. The excitement he’d felt moments ago had vanished completely.
He stared at the flower bed before them-beautiful on the surface but concealing deadly danger. A chill ran through him as he realized how close he had come to a grim fate. If Milton hadn’t stopped him in time, that single touch would have made him a meal for these deadly plants.
“Thank you, Milton,” he said, taking a deep breath and forcing himself to stay calm.
He then turned and addressed his men sternly. “Listen up. From now on, everyone stays with the group. No one touches anything on this island, not even a single leaf or piece of fruit. Anyone who disobeys orders will be punished under military law.
The soldiers nodded grimly. All traces of carelessness had vanished from their faces. They gripped their weapons tighter and watched the surrounding vegetation warily. Even their breathing became cautious.
Milton moved closer to Tristan and lowered his voice. “Your Highness, Elysium Isle may look like paradise, but it’s filled with hidden dangers.”
He continued, “I’ve read in ancient manuscripts that some islands use beautiful scenery as camouflage to disguise deadly poisons and traps. Every step we take from here must be taken with extreme caution.”
Tristan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the mist-shrouded forest ahead.
He knew that the search for the elixir of immortality had only just begun. The field of carnivorous flowers before him was merely Elysium Isle’s first warning.
