Chapter 577
A Voyage Destined to Go Down in History!
Chapter 577 A Voyage Destined to Go Down in History!
High above, the turbulent air currents pounded against the windows of the "Atrume".
Inside the spacious cabin of this airship, the young magic apprentices are experiencing the most thrilling moment of their lives.
However, all of this seems to have nothing to do with Bain and Harder.
At this moment, the two men were excitedly pressing their faces against the porthole, pointing their noses at the neatly arranged streets below, arguing heatedly over trivial matters.
"...Without a doubt, given the power of the thermobaric explosive bomb from scroll number 3, the shockwave will spread in a perfect circle! Any obstacles in its way will be blown away!"
“Fool, how could that be! You forgot to consider the ‘magic diffusion surface’,” Had retorted with disdain. “A magic projectile falling in a parabolic trajectory will project in a cone shape along the vector direction, and the shock wave will eventually spread in a fan shape! This is determined by a perfect mathematical model!”
"Come on, we've never seen it even once in the lab!"
"That's because the training grounds the Mage Tower provided are too small; they simply don't meet the ideal conditions in the mathematical model! If the distance were increased to one kilometer, the spellcasting intensity would reach at least the gold level—"
"Then you'll need to find a Gold-level mage, or have other mages accompany you for joint spellcasting tests, right?"
Just as the two were arguing, a gentle and familiar voice suddenly interrupted their conversation.
"Considering that Thunder City's street layout is mostly grid-like, and the old town's building materials are mainly cement and brick, the shockwave will most likely spread along the streets. However, as your mentor, I must remind you that it's best not to conduct such dangerous experiments on my best friend's territory, otherwise even I may not be able to save you."
That heavenly voice rang in the ears of the two magic apprentices, instantly interrupting their baseless argument.
The two turned around simultaneously, staring at the man who had suddenly appeared behind them, and at his ever-composed smile. They were so shocked that their jaws nearly dropped to the ground.
"Your Highness Colin?!"
"Mentor?!"
They certainly knew that Prince Colin was in Thunder City below, but how did this gentleman get up here?!
"Long time no see, Bain, Harder. I'm so glad you've both grown taller."
Luo Yan smiled and patted the two terrified guys on the shoulder, then looked at Ram behind him, whose mouth was also agape.
This meticulous and shy girl comes from a family of clockmakers in the Kingdom of Rhodes. She designed many optical instruments for his scientific laboratory and is also a master at debugging precision equipment.
Luo Yan clearly remembered the talents of each magic apprentice present, because they were all talents he had personally selected.
Although Xuebang didn't think highly of their abilities, nor did he need them, he was well aware that they were all hidden gems buried by the times.
"And Ram, you too. It seems that the snow and wind in the north have not hindered your growth."
"Mentor?!"
Ram's surprise mirrored that of Had and Bain; his face flushed, and he stammered.
"When...when did you come up here?"
"As you can see, just now."
Luo Yan answered casually, as if he had instantly traversed a thousand meters in the air and was merely taking a leisurely stroll in his own backyard.
For those whose strength is similar or whose backgrounds are well known, it is necessary to conceal one's true strength. However, for those whose strength is vastly different, there is no need to conceal it.
He was well aware of his students' level; they were all theoretical geniuses, but distinguishing between "Superior Displacement Magic" and "Myriad Butterflies" was still too difficult for them.
Even if he didn't explain, they would probably just think that this must be some kind of platinum or diamond-level magic.
Without much small talk, Luo Yan walked straight to the figure standing motionless by the window.
Those eyes, usually so calm and rational, were now brimming with tears. And a faint blush rose to her delicate face.
That was the excitement of a long-awaited reunion.
"tutor……"
"It's a pleasure to see you all again, Ilana."
Seeing the girl so excited she was about to cry, Luo Yan smiled gently and reached out to pat her hair comfortingly.
“You did a great job. Although I guess Ophia probably didn’t tell you anything, with your intelligence you must have already figured something out.”
His students are mostly here; at least the core members of the Magic Science Laboratory are all on this airship.
That gentle affirmation almost brought tears to Ilana's eyes, and she managed to maintain her composure and express her gratitude only through a forced smile.
She took a deep breath and said in a slightly trembling voice.
“Everyone supports you and believes that Miss Ophia is not the kind of willful girl... You must have seen something that we didn’t see, which is why you decided to take us away from there.”
"Thank you for thinking this way."
Luo Yan considerately prevented this proud girl from losing her composure and bursting into tears, thus avoiding forcing her to drop her pretense in front of him.
He turned around at the right moment and looked around the cabin, surveying the hundreds of young faces that were either surprised or uneasy.
Although these young men and women had already undergone the trials of traveling far from home, their two and a half years of apprenticeship had made them accustomed to the protection of the Great Sage's Tower—or rather, its domestication.
Now, heading south towards an unknown destiny, they must feel not only uncertainty about the sky a thousand meters above the ground, but also uncertainty about the future.
Now, what he needs to do is dispel their concerns.
Facing the pairs of eyes looking at him, Luo Yan infused his gentle tone with magic, making his voice drown out the roar of the steam engine.
"Young men and women, there's no need to be afraid."
"I, your mentor, am right beside you right now!"
"Don't even mention a malfunctioning airship engine; even if the sky were to fall, I could still get it airborne again. Don't think I'm joking; you all know my capabilities best!"
These words, brimming with powerful confidence, were like a calming blue potion, instantly soothing everyone's anxious and bewildered hearts.
The tense atmosphere was broken, and many people smiled knowingly.
They were well aware of Prince Colin's strength; even the candidate sage, Arist, was no match for him.
Professor Uriel's suppression of the scientific school stemmed from his fear of Colin's power and influence.
He was afraid he would come back.
Even if he won't go back.
Luo Yan glanced around, his smile fading slightly, and his tone and demeanor becoming solemn at the same time.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this maiden voyage is destined to be recorded in the annals of the continent of Os. I am honored to witness this moment with you. In the long river of ancient history, the sky was the domain of dragons and the garden of gods. However, from this day forward, humanity will no longer rely on those lofty powers, but will conquer the blue sky above us with our own hands, wisdom, and sweat."
“But Your Highness, the airship also used rune parts and alchemical materials…” a clever little boy couldn’t help but interject.
Luo Yan keenly caught the meaning of those words, but simply smiled slightly.
"Of course, I know you'll say that this behemoth can't exist without magic, but that's not important. Science and magic aren't binary opposites. We don't reject supernatural powers, but rather analyze them with scientific thinking, until one day even ordinary people can master them."
"tutor!"
Had, who had just been discussing the art of explosion, suddenly raised his hand and shouted, "You're right, but hasn't your 'Voyager' already conquered the sky once? We have no doubt that you are the first prince to conquer the sky!"
Upon hearing this immature model, Luo Yan's expression became quite interesting, and he replied in a witty and humorous tone.
“Well said, Had. But I must tell you honestly, that was one of the few failures in my life. If I weren’t a powerful mage, I probably would have been smashed to pieces along with that pile of junk.”
"Hahaha--"
A burst of good-natured laughter erupted in the cabin.
Several apprentices who had participated in the design of the "Voyager" scratched their heads sheepishly, wishing they could disappear into the ground. But this interruption dispelled their nervousness with laughter.
After calming the students down, Luo Yan turned and walked towards the cockpit. The brass keyhole automatically turned in response to his arrival, and the heavy oak door respectfully slid back.
The moment His Highness stepped into the cockpit, even the restless air calmed down with the soft leather heels landing.
Jamie, sweating profusely and staring at the monoculars while muttering location data, called out without turning around when he heard the door open.
"Who let you in! Get back to your seats!"
"Jamie, can't you be a little gentler with your mentor?"
Upon hearing that mocking voice, Jamie turned around abruptly as if struck by lightning, nearly dropping the ruler in his hand.
"Your Highness, Prince Corin?!"
Jamie wasn't the only one who turned back.
There were also the other magic apprentices and teaching assistants in the cockpit.
The moment he heard Jamie's voice, Professor James Wally, who was struggling with the joystick, turned around in surprise, his glasses almost falling off his chin.
"Your Highness Colin? By Saint Sith! You, how could you—"
"Jamie, Professor James, we meet again."
Luo Yan smiled and waved his hand, indicating that they should continue with their work and not stand on ceremony.
"Don't worry about me, just like I'm not here. You are the owners of this ship."
As he spoke, he walked to the window of the cockpit and cast his gaze toward the open area on the northern outskirts of Thunder City.
He continued speaking in a calm and unhurried voice.
"See that wheat field that was just harvested? That's the landing site I prepared for you. Feel free to approach it; I'll be there if anything goes wrong."
With this reliable promise, the panic in Professor James Wally's eyes vanished instantly, and a confident smile returned to his face.
He pushed his glasses back up on his nose, pulled down the deceleration valve, and shouted excitedly.
"Leave it to me, Your Highness! This is my proudest masterpiece, and I will absolutely not let you have a chance to make a move!"
Hearing his old friend's spirited voice, Luo Yan smiled slightly and cast an expectant glance at the young men in the cockpit.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
……
A massive shadow, like a dark cloud that blots out the sky, loomed over the wheat fields on the northern outskirts of Thunder City.
After a flurry of activity, the elites of the scientific school finally lived up to Prince Colin's expectations.
With a sickening metallic scraping sound, the massive flying sailboat "Truth" finally ended its voyage of thousands of kilometers with the sounding of its horn.
The sails that had spread out to the sides slowly retracted, and the huge propellers gradually slowed down as the steam engine shut down. The swirling wind bent all the surrounding vegetation and even knocked off the hats of a few onlookers who were standing too close.
However, the passersby whose hats were knocked over couldn't bear to bend down and pick them up.
They were so afraid of missing this miraculous scene that their eyes were glued to the incredible behemoth.
Saint Sis above—
So ships really can sail into the sky?!
If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they would almost have thought that they hadn't actually woken up and were still in the dream from last night.
"boom--"
Four sturdy landing gears slammed heavily onto the solid ground, crushing the dry stubble into powder amidst the flashes of runic light, kicking up a vast cloud of dust!
This colossal beast from the sky, under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands, proudly completed its first landing.
Although Professor James Wally and his apprentices had tested this many times on the snowfields before, this was their first time on the southern plains.
It's unclear who started clapping first, but the applause roused the silent crowd, and people joined in. A deafening roar of applause erupted, mingling with cheers and whistles.
Amidst this commotion, some eyes saw not just excitement, but a miracle about to change the world!
Jumping off the carriage and squeezing to the front of the crowd, Dempsey didn't bother to shield himself from the choking dust, his eyes fixed on the opening hatch.
"Unbelievable... Is that magic?!"
In 1054, the carriage was the main mode of transportation in the continent of Os, and only a few nobles would choose Pegasus or griffins as a means of fast travel.
However, the appearance of this behemoth completely overturned everything—
It doesn't need fodder or the careful care of a groom, nor will it get stuck in the mud after days of torrential rain, and it doesn't need to travel through winding mountain roads and dangerous forests like a horse-drawn carriage.
If it's this thing, the journey from Thunder City to the Kingdom of Rhodes, which originally took half a month, might now only take three days!
Even shorter!
Dempsey swallowed hard, as if he were seeing not an airship, but a river flowing with gold!
If we could obtain a license for this technology, or reach a cooperation agreement with His Highness Colin, we could form an "airborne carriage team"...
The land trade routes across the entire continent of Os will be completely rewritten!
It wasn't just Dempsey, who had just returned home, who saw the potential of this airship.
Another textile and retail tycoon who had never left Thunder City was also staring blankly at the behemoth that had descended from the sky.
His focus wasn't on the ingenious mechanical structure or the terrifying carrying capacity, but rather on the airbag suspended in mid-air!
What a perfect canvas! It would be a waste to let it float bare in the sky! Horace had no doubt that Miss Eloise was the most suitable person to hang on that canvas, and she was also one of the national symbols of the Duchy of Campbell!
And it would be even better if she were to stroll among the shelves of Horace Department Store dressed in the fashionable clothes of Horace Textile Factory!
That's right—
He could easily use magic ink to print this three-second scene on the airship and let it hover over the continent of Os!
The thought that consumers across the entire continent of Os would be able to admire Miss Eloise's beauty made even Senator Horace, who never followed celebrities, excited.
Unlike those profit-driven merchants, Sir Wesley, who was following closely behind Archduke Edward, felt a chill run through his body, and cold sweat involuntarily dripped onto his epaulets.
As a soldier, his instincts led him to see another side of this airship that was previously unknown—
What if the airship in front of us wasn't carrying a group of unarmed students, but tons of high explosives?
No city wall could stop its advance, nor could any moat block it.
Faced with that insurmountable height, the crossbows and muskets on the ground seemed as laughable as children's toys. It could indiscriminately unleash devastation, turning any seemingly impregnable fortress or city into a sea of fire!
Although Sir Wesley believed that His Highness Colin would not do such a thing, and that his student was even less likely to be so wicked, he had to prepare for the worst.
"His Majesty……"
Seeing Sir Wesley's sudden tense expression, Edward looked at him and said with a smile.
"What's wrong, Sir Wesley? Are you scared out of your wits by this thing?"
Sir Wesley nodded slightly and said in a low voice.
“Your Majesty, I myself am not afraid of it, but I cannot help but worry about our duchy. Once this thing becomes everywhere, like the cargo ships in the port of Thunder City, our defenses will probably be riddled with holes... At least for now, I cannot think of any suitable means to intercept it, at least we do not.”
Perhaps the Empire's mage corps could.
With the ability to cast spells in combination, spells can be projected to areas several kilometers or even tens of kilometers away, making air attacks a given.
After listening to Sir Wesley's concerns, Edward laughed heartily and looked at the behemoth with great confidence.
"Nothing to worry about."
"Even if this thing becomes everywhere one day, our quantity will definitely be greater and our quality more reliable!"
Just as the two were chatting and laughing, a familiar figure came into their view again.
Luo Yan, who had just met Edward, was the first to walk down the gangway, followed by Professor James Wally, whose face was flushed but whose fatigue was hard to hide, and a group of young apprentices whose eyes were full of curiosity.
Perhaps seeing those smartly dressed and spirited soldiers, Bain and Hard didn't dare mention throwing the Explosive Heat-Pressure Bombs at Thunder City again this time, and both tucked their tails between their legs.
Archduke Edward, who had been waiting there for a long time, strode forward.
He didn't put on any airs of a duke; instead, he took off his gloves and extended his hand to the disheveled Professor James.
This is not only a respect for knowledge, but also the highest level of courtesy to this group of "exiles" who bring a future to Thunder City.
"Welcome, Mr. James Wally, and everyone from the Academy! The Principality of Campbell welcomes you!"
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. It is an honor to serve you.” James Wally grasped Edward’s hand somewhat awkwardly, shook it vigorously, and then let go.
While most wizards in the Academy couldn't hide their arrogance when facing secular monarchs, James Wally was not a typical wizard, but rather an anomaly among wizards.
Now, as an "exile" in this secular country, he still felt somewhat uneasy, as if he were at the mercy of others.
However, Edward's kind and tolerant demeanor lessened his anxiety and made him look forward to the future with more anticipation.
perhaps--
Prince Colin was not exaggerating; this place is indeed different from other parts of the continent of Os.
Just as he was pondering this, a loud shout came from the crowd.
"James! Haha, I knew you'd come here! It was only a matter of time!"
James immediately looked in the direction from which the voice came, and saw a familiar figure emerge from the crowd.
He wore a scholar's robe, his beard was neatly trimmed, and his eyes were bright and piercing; the dejection he had shown when he first emerged from the illusion was nowhere to be seen.
The visitor was none other than Professor Keynes, the president of Thunder City University!
The moment James saw Keynes, a delighted smile immediately spread across his face.
"Keynes?! Saint Sith above, it really is you!"
Edward stepped aside politely, leaving the time for their reunion to the two of them.
As Professor Keynes strode to the gangway, their two large hands clasped tightly together, a thousand words unspoken.
Once upon a time, they all burned their youth for their dreams in that towering Great Sage's Tower, and after burning everything away, they had to leave that land that buried countless dreams.
Now, in this remote borderland far from their dreams, two exiled hands have clasped tightly together once more.
Looking around at the open wheat fields and the crowd of onlookers standing on the edge of the field, James expressed his emotions in a long sigh.
"The tower of the Academy is far too crowded; there is no room for dissenting voices. Now that we're here, my students and I can finally catch our breath."
"Hahaha! I think this is exactly what Saint Sis meant; the wind blew the dandelion seeds to the land where they can grow!"
Keynes smiled and hugged his former colleague, patted him hard on the shoulder, and said solemnly.
"Welcome to Thunder City! There are no nauseating team-building games here, so you can freely explore whatever interests you. By the way, although His Highness Colin has probably already prepared a laboratory for you, I still hope you can take a professorship at Thunder City University. There are too many children interested in magic, but too few teachers!"
“No problem! My friend. By the way, speaking of this, I have another question for our prince…” James looked at Colin, who was standing smiling to the side, and asked the question that had been bothering him for some time, “What exactly did you write in the letter you sent to Miss Castellón? Why did she… suddenly give up?”
He suspected there was something going on between Ophia and Prince Colin, but he didn't really want to pry into the private lives of nobles, so he could only try to find out indirectly.
Luo Yan answered with a smile.
"She hasn't given up; she's just deliberately acting like Miss Castellion is being willful for your safety."
“Our…security?” Professor James stared at him blankly. “You mean, Julius is planning to attack us?”
Luo Yan pondered for a moment before answering.
"I don't know if Julius is involved, but the higher-ups at the Academy are definitely implicated. There are too many people here, let's talk in a quiet place... By the way, where's Ophia?"
James replied.
“She was picked up by people sent by her father a few days ago, and she should have arrived in the Holy City by now.”
"Really? That's great." Luo Yan breathed a sigh of relief, finally feeling a weight lifted from his heart.
Based on his understanding of Mr. Castellón, Miss Castellón should be confined to her quarters.
Regardless of whether the research of the Soul School is true or not, it is not something a little girl like her can get involved in.
Just as Luo Yan was thinking this, Eileen, who was standing not far behind, looked away with her emerald green eyes.
As the Grand Duke's sister, she should have maintained a dignified demeanor and devoted herself fully to this historic meeting.
However, her gaze still involuntarily passed over Prince Colin's shoulder and landed on a figure not far behind him.
She was a pretty girl.
She was tall and slender, wearing a thin robe, with a cool and aloof demeanor, like a flower growing in a crack in the rock.
Eileen noticed in particular that when the girl looked at Colin's back, her eyes always unconsciously revealed a look of dependence.
In the past, Eileen would never have thought about it.
However, after meeting Miss Ya Ya, she seemed to be bewitched by a succubus, always unconsciously thinking in that direction, and her trust in Prince Colin was not as strong as before.
Of course, she believed that Prince Colin was pure and innocent, and that he would only be studying magic at the Academy and would never be involved in any romantic escapades.
But what's with that well-behaved and sensible demeanor?
Let alone men, even she, a lady, couldn't help but feel a protective instinct towards them; this was simply too indecent—
Eileen was just having such "blasphemous" thoughts when she suddenly snapped out of her reverie. While adjusting her cuffs, she pinched her palm hard.
Erin Campbell, wake up! When did you become such a jealous person again?
A wave of intense guilt washed over Eileen, and she mentally berated herself, or rather, psychologically manipulated herself—
That's Prince Colin's student, a future pillar of Thunder City University, a talent the Duchy desperately needs... As Edward's sister, how could you think of this respected guest in that way?
As a knight, you should at least have a broad mind!
With that thought in mind, Eileen took a deep breath, quickly adjusted her facial muscles, and replaced the fleeting resentment with a flawless smile.
Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention to her, she strolled through the crowd and walked straight to the students next to the airship, standing in front of the girl who had caught her attention.
It's not that I care—
This was merely a polite greeting from the hostess, to avoid making the guests who had traveled from afar feel that they were not being treated well.
Eileen extended her hand, her smile unchanged.
"Hello! Welcome to Thunder City, ma'am!"
That sudden enthusiasm startled Ilana, who was spacing out, and her widened eyes refocused.
Those who know Ilana well know that she is not as aloof as she seems; she just rarely shows any emotion when she is not doing anything.
She instinctively grasped Princess Eileen's outstretched hand, gently shook it, and said somewhat reservedly.
"Ilana Octavia, from the Citizens' House of Pierce Province, Os Empire, it is a pleasure to meet you, esteemed Miss Eileen Campbell."
Eileen's face showed a surprised expression.
"Do you know me?"
"of course."
Ilana smiled shyly and said in a bashful but sincere voice.
"His Highness Colin often mentions your name. He says... you are a person who shines like the sun, and your courage and kindness have left a very deep impression on him."
Upon hearing these words, Eileen's face flushed crimson.
Colin... often mentions her on Xuebang!?
The feigned composure softened instantly, replaced by an irrepressible shyness and secret delight.
Her slender index finger unconsciously wrapped around the end of her hair near her ear, circling it again and again, as she stammered.
"Did he really say that?"
Ilana paused for a moment, then answered softly.
"Of course it's true."
Eileen blushed even more and excitedly continued to ask questions.
"What about Ya Ya?"
"Ya, Ya Ya?"
“Ms. Yaya Mitia! Has he mentioned this name? What does he think of her? Ah, I don’t mean to pry into His Highness Colin’s privacy, it’s just… a little intriguing…”
Forced to take a half step back by that "aggressive" aura, Ilana waved her hand, both amused and exasperated.
"I'm sorry, I really want to answer your question, but I don't recognize the name at all. Why don't you ask someone else?"
"!!!" Eileen's cheeks burned even hotter.
No!
Ha, hahaha!
Seeing the princess who was so dashing one second and suddenly blushed the next, even Ilana, who was slow to realize the problem, understood.
Her expression gradually became strange.
Could it be...
What happened between Princess Eileen Campbell and Prince Colin?
Ilana glanced subconsciously at her mentor, who was chatting and laughing with Grand Duke Edward not far away, and her feelings gradually became complicated.
She had no doubt that her mentor was not a womanizer, but she had to admit that his gentle and tolerant smile was very charming, and that he was currently single.
If this beautiful princess is truly interested in her mentor, and her mentor has not rejected her, what should Miss Ophia do?
At this very moment, she should be in the Holy City, struggling to navigate the complexities of her family situation regarding the matter her mentor had entrusted to her.
Ilana must say that she harbored no ill will toward Princess Irene, and even had a rather favorable impression of her.
However, for the sake of her dearest friend's happiness, perhaps she should do something.
For example, write a letter to Miss Ophia, reminding her to finish her business in the Holy City as soon as possible and come here quickly...
(End of this chapter)