NOVPUBRaegar and the rest agreed before saying their goodbyes to Zane and leaving Drakenwood behind. A loud screech echoed out, causing him to look up at the Northern Owl Baldur, who was their scout.
Dominique glanced in his direction and revealed. ''Monsters are close by, their not moving toward us, something's keeping them away from us.''
When the Vampire said that, Selene added. ''It's Rae's Aura, he may be injured, but it's still scary to weaker beasts, they'll avoid us until a stronger one appears.''
A sudden rustle in the tall grass to their right snapped everyone's attention. Selene's eyes narrowed, and with a quick gesture, she summoned her sword, its blade glinting as she gripped it tightly.
''Stay sharp,'' she warned, her voice low. ''Papa mentioned the city guards have been clamoring for more armor and weapons. Something's got them on edge.''
His eyebrow rose when he heard her words. ''Have there been attacks or any reports?''
The red-skinned girl shook her head. ''Not that I know of, those creatures you told us about are lurking in the northern forests, but the adventurers are keeping them in check thanks to the empire putting out missions.''
Following this, they pressed on along the dusty road, their footsteps steady despite the earlier tension when Baldur spotted some monsters lurking in the long grass. While walking, Raegar's gaze wandered, taking in the vibrant landscape around them.
Rolling hills stretched out, covered in wildflowers swaying in the gentle breeze, and distant trees cast dappled shadows under the midday sun. The beauty of it all eased his nerves, grounding him as they ventured toward Willowbank Village.
As he was daydreaming, Zahara nudged him, sweetly smiling. ''Do you have your gold to buy the Dark Fairy? She will cost a lot, you know?''
''I do,'' he answered. ''I cleared out several bandit camps and pirates who invaded the southwest part of the empire, so I collected quite a horde.''
When the blonde heard this, she grew curious and asked. ''How much do you have?''
Raegar gave a casual shrug. ''Thousands, at least. I haven't counted every coin, but it's plenty to set up a modest noble house somewhere in the southern lands,'' he replied.
Zahara's eyes widened in shock, a hand flying to her mouth before she dissolved into giggles. The sound drew the attention of Selene and Zana, who turned to face them, curiosity sparking in their expressions.
The Demoness's grin widened, her eyes glinting with mischief as she leaned in. ''Well, well, Rae,'' she teased. ''Does this mean we might finally coax a date out of you one of these days?''
When Raegar heard this, he started laughing. Once he calmed down, he answered her question. ''Yes, one day, but it will be one at a time.''
Her face lit up as Dominique spun on him, wide green eyes. ''Why do you think you can court all three of us? Very confident, aren't you?''
''If that's what you truly think, then I'll take Selene and Zahara,'' Raegar replied, knowing how she'd react. ''Sorry for assuming you would come.''
The Vampire girl's face changed from defiant to horrified as she shook her head. ''I didn't mean it, please take me as well.''
Raegar started laughing before hugging the three girls, catching them off guard while speaking. ''Each one of you will get one. Let's just see how things go. We will live for hundreds of years, and when mages bond, it's for a lifetime, so I'm not rushing into anything.''
The trio's heads bobbed eagerly at his words, their excitement bubbling over like a flock of enthusiastic chickens. Zahara, barely containing her grin, was the first to speak, her voice brimming. ''That sounds perfect, Rae, but we need to hustle to the Carrier Station! If we miss this ride to Brightwater, we're stuck, no way we're getting there today.''
Following her warning, the group continued and was welcomed at Willowbank Village, which was still quiet. People were still asleep as the sun lit up the world, but some citizens were up and about.
Dominique led them to the station. After leaving the gates, they spotted a field surrounded by a Tier Ten Aether shield. When sensing this, he was amazed, prompting Dominique to explain. ''Each Carrier Station is guarded by Court Mage's shield magic at the old emperor's request,'' she revealed.
Raegar's curiosity sharpened as the group neared the Carrier Station, spotting Dawnfirian soldiers patrolling the perimeter on horseback, their armor glinting in the sunlight. Others stood sentinel at the entrance, their gazes sharp and unyielding. 𝓃𝓸𝓋𝓹𝓾𝓫.𝒸ℴ𝓶
As the group approached, the commander, a tall figure clad in fancy-looking armor, raised a gauntleted hand, signaling them to halt. ''Halt, children! What brings Drakenwood students here so early?''
''We're going to the auction in Brightwater City,'' Dominique answered, pulling out a plaque similar to the one King Vlad gave him months ago.
The Vampire girl handed it over while speaking. ''This should grant us entry and get us a a two way trip to the city.''
When the commander saw this, his eyes widened before he bowed his head in respect. ''Of course, My Lady. It's an honor to meet a member of the D'Ambrose Family, my brothers and cousins serve under your Father.''
Selene and Zahara looked surprised but Raegar chuckled catching Dominique's attention, she giggled and teased him. ''Shut up Vaelthorne.''
The older man looked at him, wide-eyed as he mumbled. ''The Ghost of the South, I heard the rumors of you attending Drakenwood, but Empress Dehlia ordered no one to bother you, otherwise, you'd have a noble family breathing down your neck.''
Raegar's eyebrow rose as the Vampire girl questioned. ''Why would she order that for?''
The commander, his weathered face framed by a neatly trimmed beard, inclined his head respectfully toward him just before speaking, shocking the group, causing them to look at him, shocked.
''My apologies, Lady Dominique,'' he said.
''But this young man,'' he gestured toward Raegar, who stood there quietly, ''Has become quite the subject of fascination across the empire. You see, he's the only known soul capable of wielding all eight elemental affinities, a feat unheard of in generations.''
He paused, letting the gravity of his words settle. ''It's solely due to the Empress's favor and the Lion's influence that the more ambitious noble houses haven't swarmed you thanks to their schemes and inquiries.''
The revelation sent a ripple of intrigue through the group. Zahara's eyes widened, her lips parting in a silent gasp, while Selene's mischievous grin deepened, her gaze flicking to him, causing a shiver to run down his spine.
Dominique, standing a step behind, absorbed the commander's words with a thoughtful nod, his expression calm but resolute. ''Understood,'' he said, his voice steady. ''I'll make sure the others know the situation. We'll keep our eyes open.''
''Very good, My Lady,'' the man replied, smiling. ''Now get to Carrier One, it's heading to Brightwater City in half an hour.''
With a nod of gratitude to the commander, the group crossed the threshold into the Carrier Station, their footsteps echoing on the stone pathway. Raegar's breath caught as his eyes swept over the sprawling complex.
Towering, blimp-like machines loomed overhead, their massive, sleek forms casting long shadows across the bustling station. Scattered around them were sturdy buildings, a mix of workshops, barracks, and supply depots.
It was alive as workers and soldiers moved around. Raegar had heard tales of the Carriers, but seeing them up close for the first time stole his breath. Their hulls were decorated with runes that pulsed.
'Looks like their ran using Aether Engines,' he thought in fascination, 'This world is amazing and I've only seen two percent of it?'
The sheer scale of the machines, floating effortlessly despite their size. He craned his neck, taking in every detail, the whir of propellers, the faint shimmer of enchantments, and the distant shouts of crew members readying for departure.
When the girls noticed his wide-eyed fascination, they exchanged amused glances, but he was too entranced to care, lost in the marvel of the empire's engineering. Zahara grabbed his hand, speaking excitedly. ''Let's get on board and get the good seats.''
Raegar agreed and followed the trio toward the first Carrier, where they were met by an older woman who greeted them. ''Morning, children. I'm Sarah and will be the head stewardess for your journey. I assume you're traveling to Brightwater, I assume?''
''Yes, the guard commander directed us here,'' Dominique answered. ''Can we board before it starts raining? The clouds are darkening?''
Everyone looked up and noticed a storm coming down from the far north. Selene shivered at that, mumbling. ''Oh Goddess. It happened this time last year, and the place became so cold that some travelers froze on the road.''
Sarah glanced at the darkening sky, her brow furrowing as she pulled her cloak tighter. ''It's going to get chilly out here,'' she said, her voice firm, gesturing toward the massive Carrier looming ahead. ''And with rain on the way, we'd better move fast. Come on, let's get inside before we're soaked.''
