Eden.
On the world map, it was just a chain of seven islands, occupying an area not even worth mentioning in the middle of the vast ocean.
Yet, Eden was the most noted place in the world.
For most, because the beautiful archipelago was the home of maidens, and for some, it represented one of the most powerful existences in the world.
Ice Queen.
But very few, who knew the true workings of the world, were aware Eden was special for more than two reasons.
Far away, in the capital of the World Government, Lord Elliot observed the satellite images of Eden.
The archipelago was covered by icy mist, so the satellite couldn't capture much, except for a few luxuriant jungles and velvety peaks.
Lord Elliot had no interest in the stunning topography or the luminous waters surrounding Eden.
What interested him was the formation the islands created when looked at from a bird's eye view.
Three Eyes.
"The symbol of Mother Trinity."
Lord Elliot looked at the formation with admiration, fear, and greed.
Unlike the world, he knew that over a decade ago, there were no islands that formed Eden. In fact, the entire area back then was devoid of life and was referred to by World Government as a Death Zone.
All because the area was occupied by a World Fragment – a piece of Celestial Elysian Plane.
While Earth had hundreds of World Fragments, that one was different: pitch-black and enveloped by ice that seemed to be made from darkness itself.
"Anyone who tried to explore that World Fragment was killed. Yet that genocidal bitch not only survived, but she achieved the impossible."
Lord Elliot turned to the side and looked in the corner of the room. There, another World Councilperson – Lord Kakusandha – was sitting, but on the floor, reading a holy text.
"Aren't you curious how she did it? Transforming that World Fragment into what it is now?"
Lord Elliot enquired.
"Forgive this poor monk, but curiosity is the nascent form of greed."
Lord Kakusandha started.
"And this monk has realized long ago that the path of greed takes you nowhere but to damnation."
Lord Eliot snorted.
Monks and their useless wisdom.
If greed was bad, this world wouldn't be what it is now!
"Hmm?"
Lord Elliot turned back to the virtual screen as the satellite caught a new development.
A 100-meter-long yacht was rapidly rushing in the direction of Eden!
"Another man seeking a moment of glory?"
Lord Elliot snorted in disdain.
No one who dared cross the border of Eden has survived.
None at all.
The dangers of Eden were known to all.
But that did not stop some stupid men from seeking danger.
Lord Elliot could never understand what went through the minds of these men.
It wasn't like they would get to see Ice Queen or even one of the maidens.
Because unless they were Alphas, the mist enveloping the islands would freeze them to death.
As for Alphas, Earth had a little over a hundred of them. And none of them were stupid enough to activate the Death Trap with their presence in Eden.
"I'm afraid it is not an ordinary man this time."
Lord Kakusandha said, his eyes on the holy text.
"But one of us."
"What?!" Lord Elliot was startled.
He motioned his hand and the satellite focused on the yacht. A man was sleeping on the deck, his abs clearly visible through his open white shirt.
Lord Elliot focused on the face, and he realized it was indeed someone he knew, despite not meeting in person.
The newest member of The Council – The legendary Dr. NTR!
"What's he doing there?!"
Lord Elliot asked, momentarily forgetting the conversation he had with Kiba.
"Doesn't he knows he's courting death?!"
This question was repeated by many, even outside the border of Eden, where hundreds of ships were at rest. They were filled with men and women who lusted to peek at Eden but lacked the guts to throw away their lives.
After hearing the roaring sound of the yacht, they looked in the distance and noticed Kiba.
"Dr. NTR! He murdered an Alpha with a snap of a finger!"
A woman who had witnessed the events outside Infinity Maze exclaimed.
"What's he doing there?!"
Her male companion asked, his face suddenly turning ugly.
He was a doctor, and he hated Dr. NTR because of all the scandalous activities that happened in the name of treatment.
He really believed Dr. NTR was a blot on the name of the doctor community.
After all, no true doctor would take advantage of their patients' trust and engage in forbidden activities with them!
No, that was a lie.
He envied Dr. NTR because he could do those things.
But if others tried to do what Dr. NTR did, not only their license was canceled, they were beaten to a bloody pulp!
That wasn't fair!
Why should only Dr. NTR get special privileges?!
The other doctors should also receive the same perks!
Weren't they also humans?! So why the difference?!
"Surely he's not doing what we are thinking!" Another man shouted.
"Well, the yacht is just five kilometers away from the border so…"
"No way! Sure he is strong but not stupid…! Right?!"
"Haven't you heard about what happened in Infinity Maze?! He clashed with Ice Queen and survived!"
The woman from before reminded them.
"So he definitely knows what he's doing!"
The woman was excited.
The world was filled with either stupid or gutless people. The former would blindly throw away their lives for nothing. While the latter would waste their lives without doing anything, just like she and others waiting on the ships.
But not Dr. NTR!
He was brave, but not stupid!
He had the power to back his desire to infiltrate paradise!
"But weren't they just rumors?! And even if they are true, has he grown tired of living!?"
Her male companion added, the last bit with happiness.
"Don't forget even Councilpersons from Nine Families, with all their resources, lack the guts to step here!"
Ice Queen was the ruler of Eden, and the advantage she would have on her home turf can be only imagined.
That could explain why Nine Families or others didn't dare make her an enemy.
This also meant the doctor was finally done for!
"Now the doctor community could regain its true prestige!"
The man couldn't control his excitement.
But then his heart sank…
The yacht sliced through the ocean water and entered the border of Eden. The icy mist that existed to stop the infiltrators opened up as if inviting the yacht.
"You got to be fucking with me! Eden is opening for a man!? Is that even possible!?"
The man's excitement turned into despair.
Forget him, the entire mankind would show similar reaction if they came to know this.
After all, Eden was a forbidden zone. Yet it was opening for the first time, that too for a man.
"The world isn't really fair…"
The grieving man had known that, but now he understood its essence.
"As expected of Dr.NTR!"
His female friend clapped her hands happily.
"His prestige can open up all paths!"
The man winced.
Paths…
Dr. NTR was an expert in opening female paths… perhaps he was here for that.
The man muttered with deep sorrow.
Meanwhile, the yacht continued to follow the path created by the mist. If the yacht didn't follow the path, it would collide with the lush limestone peaks rising from the ocean, hidden by the mist.
Suddenly, a scent entered Kiba's nostrils. It was sweet and yet spicy.
His eyes opened up, and he saw a dense forest crowned by granite cliffs up above him.
A group of warriors was standing on the cliffs, their eyes locked on him.
The dream of men was finally in his sight…