High above, in the skies of the Southern Atholor Continent, the group of four soared through the air at an astonishing speed.
Swoooosh~
Lord Acheon, having taken the lead, had used his mastery over Grand Magic to create a smooth, weightless platform beneath them. It was propelled forward by the force of gravity magic, which pushed them like an invisible current.
To keep them stable and balanced, Lord Acheon had also conjured wing magic, which acted like delicate rudders on either side of the platform. These translucent magical constructs shimmered faintly in the sunlight, allowing precise control over their direction and speed.
“This is a clever way to travel,” Lord Leah remarked, admiring the craftsmanship of the magic holding them aloft.
Lord Acheon grinned over his shoulder. “Thank you. It’s efficient and saves a great deal of time.”
Lord Terrace, standing near the edge of the platform, folded his arms and spoke, his voice steady despite the rushing wind. “Where exactly are we headed?”
Elder White Fang, standing beside him, replied without hesitation. “We’ll first make our way to the nearest human settlement. It’s a small town, but a good place to rest and gather information. From there, the journey to the capital will be more manageable.”
Lord Terrace raised an eyebrow. “Manageable how?”
Elder White Fang shrugged. “We could hire a carriage to take us to the capital. Or, if Acheon still has the energy, we could continue using this… creative mode of travel.”
“I’ll think about it,” Lord Acheon said with a smirk, clearly enjoying himself.
With their course set, the group fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Below them, the landscape unfolded like a moving tapestry—stretches of sandy beaches gave way to rolling hills, dotted with clusters of trees and the occasional glimmer of water.
After what felt like an hour, a small settlement came into view. From their vantage point, they could see it clearly—a quaint town surrounded by farmland and bustling with activity. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and tiny figures moved purposefully along its cobbled streets.
“There,” Elder White Fang said, pointing toward the settlement. “That’s our destination.”
Lord Leah’s eyes lit up with excitement as she took in the view. “It’s so lively! I can’t wait to explore.”
“Hold on,” Elder White Fang cautioned, his voice firm. “We don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves. Let’s descend and continue on foot. The people here are welcoming, but our presence could still raise questions.”
Lord Terrace nodded in agreement. “Wise. There really is no need to complicate things.”
Lord Acheon sighed dramatically but obliged, guiding the platform lower until it dissolved just above the ground.
Thud!
The group landed softly on a dirt path leading toward the town, the sound of their boots crunching against the earth breaking the quiet. They adjusted their cloaks and began walking, their pace steady as they neared the settlement.
As they crossed into the outskirts of the town, they were greeted by a wooden sign that read:
“Welcome to Daynz Town.”
The group entered the bustling streets, immediately struck by the town’s vibrant energy. Merchants called out to passersby, their stalls brimming with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and steaming street food. Children ran between the adults, their laughter adding to the lively atmosphere.
“It’s simple, but charming,” Lord Leah remarked, her eyes scanning the scene with a mixture of curiosity and appreciation.
“Don’t let the simplicity fool you,” Elder White Fang said, his tone measured. “This town has its own set of rules, and we must respect them.”
The three Lords gave him curious looks, but before they could ask for clarification, they felt it. A strange sensation washed over them—subtle at first, then undeniable.
Their connection to their essence cores began to weaken, the stability slipping through their grasp like sand. It wasn’t a severance, but a dulling, as though the cores were suddenly restrained.
“What’s happening?” Lord Acheon asked, frowning as he instinctively tried to stabilize his core.
Elder White Fang held up a hand to calm them. “It’s deliberate,” he explained. “The town employs an ancient warding system. It suppresses the full use of essence cores to prevent fights. If anyone were to lose control here, the consequences would be catastrophic.”
Lord Terrace tested his connection, flexing his fingers as he felt the diminished energy flow. “Effective,” he admitted. “It’s a clear warning.”
Elder White Fang nodded. “It’s not just about preventing fights. An unstable essence core could easily destroy this entire town. This system forces even the strongest to tread carefully.”
With that understanding, the group continued onward, the lively hum of the town providing a stark contrast to the tension that had briefly gripped them.
Eventually, Elder White Fang led them to a large, two-story building on the main street—a modest but well-kept inn with a carved wooden sign that simply read:
“Daynz Rest House.”
As they stepped inside, the warm scent of roasted meat and spices enveloped them. Lord Leah inhaled deeply, a smile tugging at her lips. “All I can smell is meat.”
Elder White Fang chuckled, nodding toward the dining area. “Then let’s eat before we settle in. A full stomach will make the rest of the journey more bearable.”
The group agreed, and soon they were seated at a sturdy wooden table. The innkeeper, a cheerful man with a thick moustache, took their order and returned quickly with steaming plates of roasted meat, bread, and a variety of vegetables. Each plate was accompanied by a mug of spiced ale.
“This is surprisingly good,” Lord Terrace admitted after taking a bite.
Leah grinned. “Simple, but satisfying.”
The group ate in relative silence, savoring the meal after their long journey. The inn’s lively atmosphere provided a comforting backdrop—the murmur of conversations, the clink of dishes, and the occasional burst of laughter creating a sense of normalcy amidst their mission.
When they were finished, Elder White Fang paid for their meal and requested four separate rooms. The innkeeper handed over the keys with a wide smile, thanking them for their patronage.
The group climbed the stairs to their rooms, the weariness of the day settling over them. Elder White Fang paused at the top, glancing at the others. “Rest well,” he said. “Tomorrow, we begin the next leg of our journey.”