Chapter 247: Dawnwalker

Chapter 247 Dawnwalker

Black Mist Jungle’s Skyport bore no resemblance to conventional seaports.

There were no turbulent seas or bustling cargo ships—only a vast platform shielded by a specialized manabarrier, and several colossal skyships docked upon it.

The vessels varied wildly in design. Some resembled metallic leviathans, armored with shimmering scales that adjusted fluidly to high-altitude flight. Others took the form of ancient sailing ships, their masts bearing semi-transparent crystals instead of sails, harnessing and converting airborne mana currents in real time.

But the most striking sight was the slow descent of a massive vessel whose arrival stirred a cloud of dust. Unlike the others, its silver-white hull gleamed like a fish in sunlight, with two pairs of translucent membranous wings trembling faintly on either side. The hull’s intricate rune network shimmered in a soft blue hue.

“Dragon-Class Commercial Cruiser, 'Dawnwalker.'”

Luo En stood at the plaza’s edge, eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the leviathan. He mentally evaluated its specifications. Vessels of this class typically plied only major trade routes, rarely venturing into peripheral zones like Black Mist Jungle. For it to arrive under such urgent circumstances, the School must have paid dearly.

The ship’s hatch yawned open, and a silver ramp extended downward, touching the ground with a soft thud. As Luo En approached, the port had already gathered a crowd of School members seeing off the silver giant. At the fringes stood Madame Ellen’s gaunt figure, solitary.

“You came too, Madam,” Luo En approached, his tone uncharacteristically warm.

Madame Ellen turned, her wrinkled face flashing a rare smile before resuming its usual sternness. Today, she wore an unusually refined deep purple robe—a rare ceremonial garment. Her hair was meticulously combed, a stark contrast to her usual disheveled appearance.

“What? Is it so strange for a teacher to see her student off?” She snapped in her habitual sharpness, though pride laced her voice. “After all, I’m the one who guided you onto the mage’s path. I won’t let anyone steal that credit.”

Luo En’s composed face softened. “Madam, without your guidance, I’d never have come this far.”

“Empty flattery,” she dismissed, though satisfaction gleamed in her eyes. “Still, be cautious in the Central Lands. The Crystal Spire’s atmosphere is nothing like Black Mist Jungle—surface harmony hides relentless undercurrents of conflict.”

Her tone hardened. “Especially the Crown Clan. A primordial mage like you, capable of producing pureboon, will attract them like wolves to a lamb. They’ll use every means to ensnare you. Stay vigilant.”

Luo En nodded solemnly. Madame Ellen hailed from Crystal Spire—her insights ran deep. As a primordial mage, his pureboon was irresistibly alluring to the elite, both an advantage and a latent peril.

“Also…” Her voice softened, tinged with uncharacteristic hesitation. “Liliya vanished at dawn. She probably couldn’t bear to face your departure.”

Luo En fell silent, a ripple of emotion stirring within. Liliya had always been quiet, attuned to the fragile nature of farewells. Perhaps withdrawal was her only defense against separation’s weight.

In truth, he could have brought her to the Central Lands. But Ai Lan already fulfilled most assistant duties, and Liliya’s growth pace lagged. More crucially, the Central Lands’ mana concentration dwarfed Black Mist Jungle’s. The air there brimmed with high-purity mana, causing severe “Overload” in unprepared beings.

Mild symptoms included headaches, vertigo, and insomnia. Severe cases led to Mana Circuit Disruption or permanent damage. Only those raised in the Central Lands or High Apprentices could endure it. Liliya, still an Intermediate Apprentice, had a long road ahead. Taking her would be harm, not opportunity. Under Madame Ellen’s tutelage, she could progress steadily—the best arrangement.

“That girl’s weak, but pure-hearted, diligent,” Madame Ellen murmured, a rare tenderness in her voice. “I’ll train her properly. Don’t fret.”

“I trust your guidance will shape her greatly,” Luo En replied sincerely.

Madame Ellen studied him, emotions warring behind her eyes—pride for her student, regret for her own unfulfilled ambitions. She knew this youth would surpass her, reaching the pinnacle she once craved.

“From now on, you face a wider world alone,” she said gravely. “The Central Lands hold not just knowledge and power, but seduction and traps.”

She inhaled deeply. “Don’t trade long-term freedom for fleeting convenience. Don’t abandon your true calling for hollow power. Remember your original purpose—the very essence of understanding this world.”

Luo En bowed his head respectfully, internalizing her words.

“Time’s short,” she said, glancing at the port. “Board before the Dawnwalker departs.”

She withdrew an ornate scroll case from her robes. “My parting gift—the Potion of Heart’s Essence formula. When Abyss Explorations or spirit travels cloud your mind, it’ll restore clarity.”

Grateful, Luo En accepted it, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Madam. May wisdom guide you.”

It was the most solemn farewell between mages—a gesture of profound respect.

Madame Ellen’s eyes glinted, but she turned away swiftly. “Go. Don’t look back. Your path lies ahead.”

Luo En cast one last glance before disappearing into the hatch. Their reunion might only come when he reached Dusk Sun Rank or Archmage status.

Once the door closed, Madame Ellen sighed softly.

She’d once stood at such a crossroads, gazing toward horizons fate denied her. Now, she’d pushed her student toward the heights she never reached, hoping he’d journey further, see clearer.

“May you succeed, child,” she whispered, voice barely audible. “Reach the peaks I could not scale. One day, when you gaze upon this world, tell me how the view looks from there.”

The gangplank descended with a mechanical hiss, revealing a man in a dark-blue uniform waiting patiently outside. An embroidered badge shaped like a soaring bird adorned his chest—the insignia of the Airship Guild.

“Magesir, welcome aboard.” The steward stood at the foot of the gangplank, his voice laced with deference.

“Kindly present your Mage Insignia for cabin arrangement confirmation.”

Luo En stepped forward, retrieving a shimmering silver badge from his chest. Since signing his name into the Mage Registry, this badge had automatically activated—a non-falsifiable symbol of his status as a Full Mage. The emblem, a violin radiating sinister black light, represented his most formidable offensive spell.

The badge pulsed with unique energy fluctuations beneath sunlight—patterns impossible to replicate by any means. This was the mageworld’s strictest identity verification method.

The steward accepted the badge with trembling hands, carefully placing it on a verification device. The apparatus immediately glowed with soft blue light, authenticating the artifact.

“Lalfmage Luo En, your identity is confirmed.” The steward bowed deeply, reverent awe in his voice. “The cabin map indicates we’ve prepared A Deck Suite 3 for you—the highest-grade single suite aboard.”

Luo En nodded slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes despite his composed expression. Sensing his unspoken question, the steward hastened to explain, “This special arrangement came directly from Hayaek Fuyuanzhang. He personally contacted Airship Guild headquarters, requesting premium accommodations for you.”

Understanding dawned. This was clearly the School’s special consideration—a strategic investment in his future.

“Here are your boarding pass and cabin key.” The steward handed over a crystal card and an intricately crafted silver key. “Though you’re familiar with the rules, I must remind you—Dawnwalker primarily transports valuable cargo. Mages receive complimentary passage in exchange for protection during emergencies.”

Luo En acknowledged with a slight bow. This mutual-benefit cooperation model was well known: airship companies provided free travel and luxury cabins, while mages ensured safety during potential attacks.

“In addition to waiving passage fees, you’ll receive a percentage of cargo profits based on your contribution to the airship’s security,” the steward continued, hope glimmering in his eyes. He clearly anticipated this young mage’s heroism in critical moments.

“These are your itinerary details.” He offered a parchment inscribed with elegant cursive script. “We’ll circumvent the Abyssal Chasm along the main route to the Central Lands, with a brief stop at the 69th Abyss Outpost for refueling and picking up another Magesir. After crossing the Crystal Archipelago in the Endless Sea, we’ll reach our destination. Estimated travel time: approximately one month.”

Abyssal Chasm—an endless abyss encircled by numbered outposts. Among them, the Ashen Town Madame Ellen had mentioned stood as the most mysterious.

Luo En perused the document meticulously. Route paths, docking points, timeframes—all meticulously planned. This premium service for Full Mages contrasted starkly with his apprentice days of exhausting travel and endless delays.

“Magesir, will any companions require cabin arrangements?” the steward inquired.

“My tree spirit assistant Ai Lan and these luggage pieces.” Luo En gestured toward the waiting emerald-vined tree spirit and neatly stacked crates. “Also, a crystal aquarium contains my bred aquatic species—special care is needed.”

The steward nodded, signaling attendants to handle the luggage. He retrieved a small crystal whistle, its shrill trill summoning several broad-shouldered Half-Beasts moments later.

“Our professional handlers will ensure safe delivery of your belongings,” he explained. “May I now present the airship’s facility arrangements?”

Luo En signaled continuation.

“Dawnwalker features three decks. A Deck houses the Vip district—private dining, Meditation Chamber, and compact laboratory for Full Mages. B Deck serves general passengers and public areas. C Deck contains cargo holds and machinery. Additionally, the observatory deck on the summit remains accessible 24 hours.”

He paused to detail schedules: “Meals—7 to 9 AM, 12 to 2 PM, and 6 to 8 PM. Special requests may be communicated via the cabin service crystal.”

The interior proved far more spacious than its exterior suggested—an apparent spatial expansion spell application. Bright corridors featured embedded Light Crystals, their soft glow illuminating translucent, springy flooring that pulsed faintly with each step.

Upon entering his suite, Luo En arched an eyebrow. This “cabin” was a mobile luxury apartment—spacious living room, independent bedroom, study, and even a mini experiment zone equipped with foundational alchemy tools and potion apparatus.

The window-side bookshelf displayed dozens of archival records—from Elementary Theories to advanced Boundary Exploration Between Planes. A service crystal on the nightstand awaited activation for staff calls.

“Any further assistance, Magesir?”

“No. Attend to your duties,” Luo En dismissed him casually.

The steward withdrew, closing the door. Luo En relaxed, surveying his temporary “home.” Approaching the panoramic window, he beheld the Black Mist Jungle below.

“Ai Lan, commence unpacking,” he instructed. The tree spirit’s vines obediently began organizing belongings.

Suddenly, the rumbling engines intensified. Floor vibrations signaled imminent departure.

Meanwhile, on a distant rooftop, a slender figure hunched, arms wrapped tightly around knees. Tears silently soaked Liliya’s gray apprentice robe. She dared not descend to bid farewell—terrified her restrained longing and attachment might erupt uncontrollably.

She watched the airship ascend, its silver hull gleaming like a leviathan breaking water’s surface. Runes glowed blue along the hull, twin wings unfurling like a mythical bird—magnificent, enigmatic.

“Someday…” Wiping tears, she hardened her resolve. Fingers clenched her robe, knuckles whitening. “Someday, I’ll match your footsteps—no longer merely recording and organizing, but standing beside you as an equal partner in uncovering knowledge’s secrets.”

This vow, unspoken to others, burned within her. Eyes fixated on the retreating airship until it became a speck swallowed by clouds—a silhouette vanishing into fate’s current.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end