Chapter 40: Glen
After marching non-stop for three days and nights, they finally arrived at the port city of Tririn.
It seemed nonsensical to call it a port city since one couldnt even see the sea from here, but the ships anchored here were airships that didnt need the sea.
The significance of airships in this world was somewhat unique.
Due to the lack of communication and transportation technology, administrative power couldnt expand everywhere. The area between cities was almost lawless, and only major cities, including the capital where the police were deployed, maintained a security level that allowed for safe travel at night.
The existence of airships, which could move, avoiding the creatures crawling on the ground and the hands of unique individuals, carried a value so strategic that it was highly regarded.
Thus, it was only natural that many cities competed to secure airship docking facilities.
Tririn, the first to be allotted an airship route, was a city the Emperor had been keeping an eye on, especially for its role in dealing with creatures coming over the Makal Mountains.
While walking, Shiron listened to Berta explain why Tririn became the only port city in the inland region, and he looked around at the scenery.
Perhaps because it was quite far from the magic capital, instead of white snow, there were lush green plants, and instead of bone-chilling cold, warm sunlight tickled their faces.
And then.
Suddenly, they came face-to-face with a tall hill.
At its peak.
Gooooo-
As if the sky itself became the sea, massive airships asserted their presence with their boat bells ringing through the air.
Its amazing There are really ships floating in the sky.
It was natural for first-timers like Lucia to be captivated. Lucia looked up at the sky with sparkling eyes.
Right? I knew youd love it.
Siriel showed pure joy at Lucias admiring reaction. Indeed, the hard three-day ride without a break had been worth it.
The sight of dozens of whale-like steel structures floating made it evident that the long passage of time had contributed to the progression of civilization.
Shiron, too, stared intently upward. His eyes were filled with the same wonder he had when he encountered the mystery of a blades aura.
He had been on planes in his past life, but boarding an airship, a product of the old era, especially one that flew using sails to ride the currents, made his heart race from excitement despite the fatigue of the past few days.
However, despite his racing heart, a bitter smile emerged due to the subtle discord.
It lacks roots.
Shiron clicked his tongue in disappointment. The shock he felt seeing the demons roaming the old castle, and this was very different.
No matter how I think about it, this doesnt make sense. Airships in a fantasy setting? Even if its a unique game setting, the areas near the Dawn Castle are just slightly better than medieval
Whether Johan knew of Shirons thoughts or not, he smiled, watching the children make various expressions.
Amazing, right?
Johan gazed at the airships in the sky and continued.
Its a product developed over a long time in the Research and Planning Department. It was completed a few years ago, and thanks to that, the travel time between here, Tririn, and the capital has been greatly reduced.
There seem to be a lot of these ships for something that was only completed a few years ago?
Shiron shifted his gaze from the sky and asked Johan. His curiosity always demanded immediate answers. It was times like this when appearing as a child came in handy.
Ha! Thats an unexpected question.
Johan chuckled, stroking his beard, showing a hint of regret.
He had anticipated Shiron would ask how such massive ships could float and had even prepared a brief explanation about the buoyancy device and Ether engine
However, Johan soon sported a triumphant smile. He was ready to answer any of Shirons questions.
If you consider the whole, its not a large number. It just looks a lot due to the accumulated queue waiting for their turn.
A queue?
Yes, exactly. Only four times a day. They wait for their turn. Apart from that, there are various other procedures and certifications to be completed before they can move. Its because of potential threats.
Johan spoke with a benevolent smile. A facility that lets one enter the Emperors capital without much additional inspection was a prime target for malicious people.
Therefore, the docking zone area was more heavily guarded than other places.
Not only that but the entire hill where the airship docked was surrounded by multiple layers of a rainbow-colored magical barrier.
Smugglers and stowaways are a problem. But the terrorists are the biggest headache.
Berta, neatly dressed in a uniform, added her explanation.
Therefore, its mandated by law. At least a 7th-tier magician must use detection magic, and a 5th-tier magician must accompany them.
It seems stricter than I thought. It seems theyve prepared a lot at the top.
Shiron felt that the previously perceived plot holes were being filled. In a world where an individual was able to execute artillery-level or greater attacks, it was strange for there to be no precautions.
So, what about them?
Shiron said, turning to look behind him.
Why are you looking?
Encia and Ophilia, carrying duffel bags larger than themselves, blinked in response.
I just wondered if you guys would be okay. I heard there are inspections; I was worried you might have to go separately.
No need to worry about that.
Someone placed a hand on Shirons shoulder. It was Hugo. He was temporarily looking after the children while taking care of the Knight Corps boarding procedures.
All they need is my guarantee of identity. It would be better if you save some seats with a good view for your siblings.
The place indicated by Hugos gesture was trembling with as much excitement as the childrens hearts.
However
Uh, ugh
Are you okay?
Their hopeful excitement was cruelly betrayed. Not long after the airship took off, Lucia lay down on the deck. She was motion sick.
Want to try drinking this?
Shiron offered a glass of lemonade to Lucia, who was sprawled on the floor. While concerned for Lucia, Shiron wondered if the item meant to alleviate exhaustion would work in this situation.
Th, thank you.
Lucia weakly took the cup but soon set it down with a gag.
Hmm.
This isnt working.
Ah
Was it because of Shirons downcast expression? Lucia spoke to Shiron and Siriel with a regretful look.
Im okay. Go, go and enjoy the view
How can we leave a friend whos feeling unwell?
Siriel held Lucias pale hand and said. It was a pity, especially remembering Lucia, who hadnt been able to hide her joy at the prospect of the airships takeoff.
Im fine, too.
Shiron, from the other side, also held Lucias hand.
Im sorry because of me
A smile spread across Lucias pale face.
You dont need to be sorry. How can we leave our precious little sister?
I should be thanking you, actually.
Shiron smiled warmly. An unexpected affection-boosting event. He couldnt miss this rare opportunity.
The Demon Realm.
A strange place where day and night existed simultaneously. Also known as the land that offered death to those without magic, it stretched endlessly beyond the Makal Mountains that split the world.
It was strange that the landscape changed so drastically with just one mountain range, but the Demon Realm was such a place.
A woman in out-of-place attire walked in the wasteland.
Black dress, red hair, and a horn on her left side next to vertically slit pupils that clearly indicated she wasnt human.
She was just walking, but nobody dared approach within several hundred meters of her.
Grrr- Click-
But occasionally, creatures either too brave or too foolish would block her path.
A monster, large enough to grab a frail-looking demon with one hand, drooled at the sight of her.
But she had no problem.
For hundreds of years, shed crossed the mountain range alone and faced such threats countless times in the Demon Realm.
Her method was simple. The demon clapped her hands in front of her.
Snap-
Sizzle!!
Countless ice spikes formed in mid-air and stabbed downward. The monster that blocked her way was pierced and torn beyond recognition.
Magic originally involved using mana to manifest imagination into reality. Through chants or spell circles, clearer images could be manifested, but the demon, having honed her mana over hundreds of years, didnt need such aids.
Eventually,
She arrived at her destination.
A campfire, isolated in the wasteland like a lone island.
Beside it, a man gazing at the stars with the sky as his roof was present.
Master, Im here.
The man, startled by the unexpected visitor, sat up.
A letter.
Glen knew why she had come.
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