An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Everyone was shocked by the scene unfolding before their eyes.

The pillar of light shooting into the sky, the enormous vortex at the center of the lake, and the receding water—all signs pointed to a major change.

The tension between the two factions was forgotten as their attention shifted toward the extraordinary phenomenon in the lake, silently hoping for the revelation of treasures.

The central vortex in the lake spun faster, expanding its reach as the receding water vanished into the vortex. In just half an hour, the lake had dried up significantly.

Finally, a palace-like structure hidden beneath the lakebed unveiled itself. The grand building was cloaked in an eerie black hue and covered in moss.

Standing in quiet majesty, it resembled a dormant ancient colossal beast, emitting an overwhelming sense of oppression.

"There really is treasure here! This is fantastic!" The sight of the palace excited everyone.

Judging by its size, the previous owner must have been incredibly wealthy, possibly even a royal family member from ancient times.

figure would likely boast an extensive collection

signifying the presence

had completely dried up, exposing a dark lakebed. At the heart of the lakebed was a

its monstrous

now resembled an enormous sinkhole, with

with a multitude of animal skeletons in all shapes and sizes. Intricately arranged,

the wake of the pillar of light's emergence, various factions were drawn towards the lake from

who entered the

proximity had already arrived at the scene, while others

the phenomenon, its sudden appearance naturally piqued their

an hour, several forces had

arts sects, governmental authorities, and