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As the aircraft effortlessly ascended from the ground, it elicited exclamations of amazement from the bystanders.

“You can’t hear any noise at all.”

“As soon as he took the helm, it started. It must be really convenient.”

Those who beheld the Wingboat for the first time were wholly engrossed in observing its operation, diverting their attention from all other matters. Conversely, individuals with prior experience in the Autonomous Region regarded its performance with indifference.

However, Lennok was an exception, scrutinizing the Wingboat with unwavering interest. More precisely, he concentrated on understanding the operational principles behind the force that propelled the aircraft.

‘He said you could achieve a large buoyancy with low force, and it doesn’t seem to be a lie.’

Inside the Wingboat, the magnitude of force exerted was exceedingly low, yet the propulsion emanating from beneath both wings remained faint. Nonetheless, this faint force effortlessly upheld dozens of individuals before him.

‘Considering that there’s no noticeable change in gravity around here, it must be that only the force-propelled propulsion interacts with this peculiar updraft…’

Undoubtedly, the natural phenomena manifesting here were exceedingly peculiar due to the region’s geographical characteristics. While Lennok closely examined the Wingboat in search of concealed secrets, an unexpected voice disrupted his concentration.

“Is this your first time seeing a Wingboat?”

A young man, approximately Lennok’s age, with slicked-back brown hair and clad in a suit, supported by a cane, stood imposingly before him. Wearing a congenial smile, he addressed Lennok in a generous tone.

“Well, I understand your astonishment. For those who don’t fully grasp the concept of force, it’s a difficult area to comprehend.”

“…”

“My name is Byzen. I come from the Blaiver Magic Tower.”

The Blaiver Magic Tower gained renown for its specialization in researching fire-elemental unique magic. Unlike other secretive Magic Towers, Blaiver’s reputation extended even to the inhabitants of Vulcan.

Recently, they had declared their intent to introduce their wizards to the wider world, implying that this young man, Byzen, was part of that initiative.

Lennok responded to Byzen’s introduction with a suitable handshake and a nod. Nevertheless, Byzen continued speaking unbidden.

“…So, to explain how this Wingboat, developed in the Autonomous Region, works… In a sense, it is related to the propulsion that can be obtained through fire magic…”

Byzen was quite loquacious. For those content with grasping the essentials while allowing the rest to pass, it was evident that he held significant pride in his Magic Tower.

However, Lennok had nearly deciphered the workings of the Wingboat, and there seemed to be no reason to give close attention. The device would likely prove entirely unusable beyond this unique environment.

While he had momentarily fixated on the aircraft due to its allure, his conclusion remained unaltered. It was probable that others worldwide had contemplated the construction of a small aircraft powered by force.

Utilizing the potent propulsion facilitated by fire magic, which Byzen expounded upon, might indeed render the creation of such an aircraft feasible.

‘This might be worth thinking about.’

Lost in his thoughts, Lennok’s reverie was disrupted as the young man concluding the Wingboat demonstration finished his explanation. To utilize the Wingboat, one must pay a specified rental fee and secure its use for the duration of their stay in the Autonomous Region. Effectively, the Wingboat served as a permit for outsiders visiting the region, and those whose rental period concluded were seemingly automatically expelled from the region.

Lennok observed as the other guests sequentially paid their fees and secured their Wingboats. While he had a general understanding of the process, he aimed to closely monitor the peculiar updrafts that could potentially carry him farther.

“Actually, I came here to find a rare herb called ‘Flame Herb,’ thinking that I could find its cultivation site in the Autonomous Region, known as the repository of all sorts of medicinal ingredients.”

“……”

“What do you think?”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Despite Lennok’s straightforward response, Byzen maintained his composure and extended his hand once more.

“If you’ve come to the Autonomous Region for some reason and it’s your first time, you’re bound to have shortcomings. I can help you out.”

Byzen spoke with a benevolent demeanor, but instead of shaking his hand, Lennok met his gaze squarely.

At first glance, Byzen appeared polite, but his underlying intentions were different. From the moment he initiated their conversation, he assumed Lennok possessed limited knowledge of magic and audaciously presumed that Lennok would readily accept his assistance.

Though he projected an outward image of politeness, his conduct and actions revealed a confidence cloaked in arrogance. This discordant feeling, simultaneously unfamiliar and yet somehow familiar, struck a chord with Lennok.

It reminded him of the decisive battle against the Cigar Bang gang, particularly the encounter with Eden, a wizard from the Thorben Magic Tower. Hadn’t he keenly sensed a similar disposition then?

Perhaps this subtle sense of superiority that Magic Tower wizards carried was subtly expressed in this manner.

“What’s the fee?”

“……Excuse me?”

“What do you gain for helping me? You don’t seem like the type to offer kindness without reason.”

In response to Lennok’s inquiry, Byzen’s lips twitched momentarily. He sensed that Lennok was piercing through his facade, causing a faint smile to grace Lennok’s face.

Byzen casually judged the abilities of others and expressed those judgments openly. However, when he became the subject of scrutiny, he reacted sensitively. He likely considered himself a person of deep thought and patience, but his self-esteem appeared quite high.

If he were someone like Lennok, who had risen from the slums, such trivial words wouldn’t have perturbed him or shown on his countenance. However…

Byzen’s demeanor seemed even less polished than the freelancers of Vulcan.

“Well, I’m not asking for much in return.”

Byzen swiftly regained his composure and cleared his throat.

“I just thought I should help you out as a fellow wizard because you seem unfamiliar with magic.”

Observing Lennok’s faint smile, Byzen continued.

“If you really want to give something, the ornament on your coat collar would be fine.”

“…”

Lennok glanced down at the ornament Byzen mentioned and chuckled. It was Nicks badge, which he had taken directly from Irina Pheffield.

Byzen recognized it and requested Lennok to offer it as compensation. Although it sounded absurd, Lennok responded calmly.

“I’m sorry. This ornament is the only legacy left by my parents.”

“Ah…… I see.”

“I don’t know what effects it has, but it would be difficult to give it to a wizard. I think it’s best for us to part ways here.”

With these words, Lennok strode past Byzen, moving toward the notably diminished group.

The cost of renting a Wingboat for a day amounted to 100,000 Cells. Uncertain about the duration of his stay, Lennok opted for a generous ten-day reservation.

Although he felt Byzen’s gaze trailing him from behind, Lennok remained unperturbed. He promptly booked the extended stay and firmly grasped the Wingboat’s helm.

It was time to embark on the journey into the Autonomous Region.

***

“Did the conversation go well?” inquired another wizard who discreetly approached. Byzen furrowed his brow and responded, “Not at all.”

“Oh dear…”

“I thought he’d be easy to manipulate given he seems guarded. When he mentioned the trade first, he didn’t seem like a complete novice.”

Lennok, seemingly oblivious to magic, gazed at the Wingboat with a fascinated expression. He exuded an aura of complete ordinariness.

Byzen had anticipated that by emphasizing his affiliation with the Magic Tower and employing a friendly approach, he could easily deceive the man. However, the man’s reaction had caught him off guard.

Moreover, the man exhibited remarkable proficiency in handling the Wingboat, making it challenging to believe it was his maiden voyage, all the way to the floating island colony.

Byzen’s efforts to observe him from the sidelines and seize an opportunity had come to naught.

“I was a little too eager. A mistake.”

Until just moments ago, Byzen had been too eager to reveal his true intentions.

The Nicks badge—an exquisite artifact crafted in Duris’ workshop. Its production had ceased, rendering it an item beyond acquisition unless obtained from another owner.

Had he secured it, it could have proven immensely valuable to Byzen in some capacity. But his greed had clouded his judgment, and he had faltered.

If the man realized the badge’s true worth based on Byzen’s comments, it would be highly vexing.

Unaware that this entire sequence of conversations had been orchestrated by Lennok, Byzen bit his lip.

“Wouldn’t it be better to take immediate action if things have gone awry?”suggested the wizard with a faint presence. At first glance, the idea seemed reasonable. If Lennok, the possessor of the badge, grew suspicious of Byzen, finding another opportunity would become arduous.

However, Byzen resolutely shook his head, coldly evaluating the situation.

“Let’s wait and see. The land of the autonomous region is limited, so an opportunity will come again.”

“Hmm…”

Although the allure of securing a rare treasure had momentarily led his heart, Byzen maintained a composed judgment.

They were still at the entrance of the autonomous region, not even fully within the floating island colony. Creating a disturbance here posed a double risk—not only might they fail to obtain the badge, but they could also face expulsion from the autonomous territory. Hasty actions would jeopardize both objectives.

Byzen had been deceived by Lennok earlier, but he was not one to let emotions cloud his judgment.

“Let’s focus on finding the Flame Grass for now. He probably came here for their own reasons as well, so we’ll surely run into him while wandering around the autonomous region.”

“…Let’s do that. Good work.”

Though vexed by the nonchalant pat on his shoulder from the wizard, Byzen suppressed his irritation and forced a smile.

It had been this individual who had alerted him to the fact that Lennok possessed Nick’s badge. His keen eye for recognizing artifacts could prove useful as they ventured together.

With these thoughts, Byzen casually transferred a million cells into the young man’s hand and assumed control of the Wingboat’s helm.

Shortly thereafter, two airships ascended toward the floating island, shrouded in a thick fog that obscured the cliffs from view.

***

Woooong!!

Taking hold of the Wingboat’s helm, Lennok peered downward.

As the predawn darkness slowly yielded to the rising sun, a remarkable transformation occurred in the sky. The boundary between mist and clouds dissolved, and a warm radiance bathed the entire heavens.

Dozens of elongated shadows descended upon the floating islands, each landing in its respective Wingboat.

“Whew…”

Feeling the brisk air, Lennok entertained the notion of lighting a cigarette.

Even for someone accustomed to high-altitude travel, the sensation of soaring through these clouds felt remarkably fresh to Lennok. The experience stood in stark contrast to Earth’s airplanes, given the vast disparity in scale.

[Where are you planning to go first?]

Davi, who had been peering out from Lennok’s arms to savor the scenery, inquired.

“First, I’m planning to familiarize myself with the geography while wandering around the autonomous region.”

Lennok harbored no knowledge of the drug lord’s vault’s location or the whereabouts of the next lighthouse keeper. While the ‘lighthouse’ within the Philenom Autonomous Region held renown, its precise position remained concealed, known only to a select few.

With hundreds of floating islands, ranging from expansive landmasses akin to districts in Vulcan to diminutive ones, scouring every single one was a near-impossible feat. Although he had gleaned information about the autonomous territory from documents supplied by Jenny, there existed a substantial difference between reading about it and experiencing it firsthand.

First and foremost, his priority lay in exploring the principal floating islands where communities had formed, so as to grasp the prevailing atmosphere and environment.

“Let me know immediately if you sense any reactions from over there.”

[Understood.]

The primary reason he had summoned Davi on this journey was to sense any messages dispatched by the lighthouse keeper, just as had occurred during the academic conference. There was no rationale for them to abstain from contacting him while he roamed the autonomous region.

With this in mind, Lennok adjusted the helm, directing the Wingboat toward the nearest floating island. Initially, he needed to secure lodging and establish fresh communication channels. Although communication between cities, particularly Vulcan and Philenom, presented challenges in the current circumstances, it remained within the realm of possibility.

There was no cause for hesitation in apprising Jenny of the current situation and seeking her assistance. Despite arriving in an unfamiliar land devoid of familiar faces, Lennok retained an air of composure.

The inaugural morning in the autonomous region was breaking.