Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

The southeastern region of Dark Daniera Forest.

The southeastern expanse of Dark Daniera Forest was bathed in the gentle embrace of evening, with the full moon casting its ethereal glow through wisps of white clouds. Above, a starry tapestry adorned the sky, while the serene moonlight illuminated the mystique of this enigmatic woodland. Light and shadows played a whimsical game of hide-and-seek, their interplay dancing upon the forest floor, as cold winds carried a fresh, invigorating breeze.

Within the depths of the forest, a symphony of natural wonders unfolded. Towering trees, their colossal trunks adorned with vibrant mosses and cascading vines, reached towards the heavens, as if yearning to touch the celestial realms. Enchanting plants, bathed in hues of iridescent blues and purples, emitted a soft, pulsating glow, their leaves shimmering with arcane energy.

Amidst this magical tapestry, the air came alive with the harmonious melodies of mystic birds, their melodious songs weaving through the ancient branches. Strange and enchanting noises echoed through the forest, captivating the senses and hinting at the secrets held within.

Yet, it was not only the flora and fauna that captivated the imagination within Dark Daniera Forest. It was whispered that powerful mana beasts roamed its depths, their imposing forms concealed within the thick foliage. These majestic creatures possessed an aura of strength and wisdom, their slumbering presence adding an air of reverence to the forest's atmosphere.

In one of the easily accessible parts of Dark Daniera Forest, a battleground had once erupted, as Eren and Ivor clashed against Oliver's forces. The echoes of their intense battle had reverberated through the trees, transforming the forest into a somber burial ground for the fallen rankers, including Oliver, the loyal Hound of Duke Arthur.

However, it was important to note that Eren and Ivor had merely brushed the outskirts of this expansive woodland. Dark Daniera Forest sprawled across vast stretches of Edinburgh, reaching far beyond the northwestern region where the fateful confrontation had taken place.

In fact, certain sections of the forest remained accessible only by ship, as the tributaries of the meandering River Lithe granted passage into its southern realms.

Near one such tributary, two vessels– Freya and Tidebreaker– lay anchored, their presence a silent testament to the profound mysteries that awaited within the forest's depths. Within their hallowed confines, seasoned rankers, their anticipation palpable, patiently awaited the return of their leader. It was he who now ventured into the forest on foot, guided by two beautiful companions who seemed to possess an innate understanding of the woodland's enigmatic paths.

The trio treaded carefully, their movement spells barely disturbing the sacred silence that enveloped the forest. Three determined rankers embarked on a purposeful journey, navigating the labyrinthine trails to arrive at a specific destination within Dark Daniera Forest. It was a region that, by its very nature, seldom extended invitations to outsiders, yet occasionally revealed itself to select individuals, granting them access to the forest's deepest, most guarded secrets.

This particular region within the forest was home to an extraordinary society known as the Amazonians, a matriarchal order of rankers. Here, the female rankers held a revered status, basking in privileges and influence that surpassed those of their male counterparts. It was a sanctuary of empowerment, where the ancient traditions of sisterhood intertwined with the awe-inspiring wonders of the forest itself.

The Amazonians, a group of reserved rankers, held customs distinct from those found in the world of Anfang. Their uniqueness stemmed from their origins in a different world altogether. Initially, visitors to the world of Anfang, the Amazonians found this land worthy of their habitation and decided to make it their home. Notably, they played a vital role in the calamity war of the lost era, aligning themselves with the Anfang Alliance in their valiant battle against the Titans.

As a consequence of their significant contributions during the war, the Amazonians retained a substantial influence within the Anfang Alliance. In recognition of their service, the Amazonians were granted special autonomy over various territories within Anfang that fell under their rule. This autonomy was absolute, transcending the reach of any kingdom, empire, or establishment.

Venturing into the domains governed by the Amazonians without a formal invitation was an act that no outsider dared to commit. These fierce and skilled rankers knew how to defend their territories, and the Anfang Alliance had granted them the authority to take any necessary measures to safeguard their autonomous zones.

Although the Amazonians were inherently matriarchal, it was not a matter of treating their male rankers unjustly. Rather, their unique practices harnessed a special form of mana that favored women. This mana, often referred to as nature mana, life mana, or life energy, held the essence of vitality and liveliness, in contrast to the death mana's embrace of stillness and demise.

The utilization of this extraordinary mana could be classified as intent-based magic, an art more suited to the female rankers due to their natural affinity for birthing and nurturing life. Harnessing life mana allowed the women rankers of this society to progress in their ranks at an accelerated pace, resulting in prominent positions within the Amazonian community.

Despite their distinct customs, the Amazonians adhered to the fundamental principle of Anfang: might makes right.

"Marla, how much longer until we reach the first settlement?" Eren inquired, closely following Marla's lead. Almera trailed closely behind him as the trio leaped from branch to branch, venturing deeper into the heart of Dark Daniera Forest.

Eren had rendezvoused with Marla and Almera earlier in the evening. They had explicitly instructed him to keep his teammates aboard the ship, as the invitation to visit the Amazonian settlements had been extended solely to Eren himself.

Ever since their meeting, Eren had placed his trust in Marla and Almera's guidance, while his companions patiently awaited his return aboard the ship. Although Eren couldn't help but feel a tinge of annoyance at the absence of teleportation portals within the dense and perilous forest, a convenience that would have greatly facilitated their journey, he chose to remain silent. After all, this encounter with the Amazonians was a business endeavor, and it wouldn't serve him well to voice his minor grievances.

AN: The Dark Daniera Forest was first introduced in chapter 940. The Amazonians were introduced in chapter 77.