Chapter 1348 Matters Before Departure <TOC> Chapter 1350 Return to Sky Mechanical City
Translator: SumTLMan
“I previously deployed two Stinging Spiders, accompanied by a Burrower Worm. These three foreign insects collaborated with the Dreamweaver Ant to besiege the Softworms.”
“After the Worm Mother sensed it, conventionally speaking, she would hasten to lay eggs and hatch more Softworms to counter the invaders. Even if the offspring weren’t mutated, the standard Softworms could still stall the adversaries,” Popoca paused. “Yet, she didn’t act this way, instead, she remained immobile, seemingly lost.”
“At first, I assumed that the Worm Mother felt overwhelmed and had given up hope. I even considered recalling the three foreign insects. However, I then thought that even in despair, the Worm Mother would try to buy time, aiming to prolong her existence. Her stillness was unusual.”
“So, I steeled myself, refraining from withdrawing the foreign insects. Instead, I let them approach the location of the Worm Mother gradually. As the nearby Softworms were one by one eradicated, the Worm Mother remained motionless. But, I noticed she extended a tube into the partitioned Akeso Blood Pool, draining nearly half a month’s worth of essence blood. Only then was I certain that the Worm Mother had entered a special egg-laying state. Through comparison with Iscariot’s manuscript, I could almost confirm that she was in an energy storing egg-laying phase.”
Popoca recounted rapidly.
His face was alight with excitement. Ever since Angel entrusted him with overseeing the insect nest, he’d been immersed in observing these creatures. To outsiders, the Softworms might seem repugnant, but to him, they were brimming with fascinating implications. Especially the birth of new insects; it gave him the illusion of glimpsing the secrets of evolution.
Angel took over the insect nest, probing it with his mental energy, and sure enough, discovered the changes in the Worm Mother as Popoca described.
Popoca had also replenished the separate blood pool. Although the Worm Mother’s energy was nearly at its peak, she continued to absorb Akeso’s essence blood from the blood pool at a rapid pace.
Angel recalled the content in Iscariot’s manuscript about energy storage and egg-laying. Indeed, it’s strikingly similar to the current situation of the Worm Mother. Through vast energy accumulation, they transform into a stronger reproductive capacity, giving rise to superior offspring.
Unsure if the Worm Mother was agitated by these three external foes, she staked everything on using this energy storage egg-laying state. Regardless, for Angel, this is undoubtedly a silver lining.
Even if the Worm Mother’s next batch of eggs still aren’t the Solid Colored Softworms, one can anticipate that the eggs she lays in the future will undoubtedly be of a higher quality than before!
“Continue observing. We can allow the foreign insects to pose a certain deterrent to the Worm Mother, but they must never penetrate her sanctuary,” Angel instructed.
Popoca nodded in agreement; even without Angel mentioning it, he understood.
“Additionally, document in detail the reasons for this unique egg-laying state. It would be best if you could delve into a thorough analysis of these foreign insects.” Angel paused, retrieving several books from his bracelet and handing them to Popoca. They were all about the magic insects, containing detailed information on Stinging Spiders and Burrower Worms.
Accepting the books, Popoca promptly prepared to jot down today’s observations.
Angel quickly interjected, noting that the sudden rain outside was about to cease. Documentation can wait; he needed to clarify his purpose for visiting.
After hearing Angel’s intentions, Popoca was momentarily stunned.
“You’re leaving now?” After a momentary daze, Popoca stuttered, “Does this mean… I can see Sparrow Blossom soon? I… I feel like I’m not prepared…”
Previously, Popoca had voiced his desire to meet Sparrow Blossom. But now, at the critical moment, he seemed to have cold feet.
Even if Popoca was once powerful and confident, facing his past and confronting the guilt he harbored deep within for his sister was not easy. A sense of trepidation enveloped him, lingering in his heart and refusing to dissipate.
Angel shook his head, stating, “We indeed intend to leave shortly, but not directly for Black Castle.”
That’s because Black Castle exists in the Fairytale World, a subordinate plane. Utilizing a planar passage would consume more casting materials, which is why they’re not heading straight to Black Castle.
Instead, their plan is to first visit Sky Mechanical City and teleport to the Fairytale World from there.
Moreover, Black Castle, being a witch organization, isn’t a place Sanders can just teleport into without some notification. In Sky Mechanical City, there’s an outpost of Black Castle where they can give prior notice.
Hearing that they would spend some time in Sky Mechanical City, Popoca finally felt relieved. It gave him a moment to emotionally compose himself.
Angel remarked, “Gather everything necessary. Once the rain stops, we’ll be on our way.” After conveying this, he went to check on Leon’s situation. However, just as he was leaving, Popoca called out, “Angel.”
Angel turned to regard Popoca.
With a hint of unease on his face, Popoca hesitated before saying, “I don’t have much to pack, just the insect nest and these books. But I have a favor to ask, is that alright?”
“What is it?”
Popoca continued, “Could you perhaps purchase some extraordinary items beneficial for souls in Sky Mechanical City for me? I still have some magic crystals to pay for them, but I can’t show my face. So, I have to ask for your help…”
Popoca was well aware that he was probably under the constant surveillance of the Frost Moon Alliance’s prophecy wizards. Therefore, when he travels with Angel to Sky Mechanical City, he likely won’t have much freedom and might be kept in Sanders’ Gravity Garden. Thus, he sought Angel’s help before their departure.
Sparrow Blossom now exists only in soul, and as an elder brother, all he can do is help fortify his sister’s ethereal essence.
In Popoca’s pleading eyes, Angel seemed to glimpse the soul of a kind-hearted, innocent girl from the graveyard beyond the dark fortress.
Dressed in a soft yellow dress, she fluttered like a joyous butterfly, dancing gracefully in the recesses of memories.
Angel paused momentarily, nodding, “Alright, I’ll keep an eye out. As for the magic crystal, no need — it’ll serve as compensation for looking after the Softworms.”
The sudden downpour came quickly and ended just as swiftly.
For the residents of Grud Town, this rain marked the advent of planting season. However, for Leon, it symbolized a parting.
Even if this separation might not last long, a sense of unease lingers in Leon’s heart.
This anxiety stemmed from the emptiness felt after responsibilities were shed and the trepidation of facing an unknown world.
A myriad of emotions weighed heavily upon Leon’s countenance.
Angel understood Leon. Years ago, when he left Grud Town to cross vast oceans in pursuit of the wizard path on the Feran Continent, he too harbored a similarly uneasy heart.
Having lived in Grud Town for over two decades, Leon’s farthest travels were only to the imperial capital; he hadn’t even ventured to neighboring countries. Now, suddenly setting out to leave the Old Land Continent for the distant Feran Continent, he might harbor curiosity and anticipation, but overwhelming them is an indescribable apprehension.
Angel gently patted Leon’s shoulder, offering no verbal comfort. He knew well that such emotional turmoil could only be gradually altered by lived experiences.
By the time Angel, Popoca, and Leon arrived at the Cloud Lands, Sanders had just exited the Wilderness of Dreams.
“Your Excellency, Lord Phantom Master.” Leon greeted with reverence.
Sanders nodded, then scanned the gathered crowd, “Now that everyone’s present, let’s prepare to depart.”
Sanders paused, without seeking Popoca’s opinion, he directly transported him into the Gravity Garden.
Then, glancing at Leon, he initially intended to place him in the Gravity Garden as well but thought better of it and refrained.
Sanders pivoted, and his aura shifted dramatically!
A potent surge of energy radiated from him, and with a swift cleave, a dark chasm appeared before him.
This was a planar passage.
However, the planar passage wasn’t fully formed yet; its internal energy was still in a chaotic state.
Sanders retrieved spell-casting materials from a pocket dimension. As a wave of energy resonated, materials worth nearly ten thousand magic crystals were instantly reduced to dust. As the dust merged with the void, the dark spatial rift gradually stabilized.
Simultaneously, Sanders finally set a spatial anchor within this newly opened planar passage.
The anchored location——The Vast Feran Continent, in the Gloriosa Kingdom!
…
Above the Gloriosa Kingdom, an airship shimmering with the brilliance of stars and moon gracefully sailed across the skyline.
This airship was the Gondola.
Since Sky Mechanical City was constantly on the move, Sanders couldn’t pinpoint its exact location. Hence, he set the exit of the planar passage in the heart of the Gloriosa Kingdom, planning to locate the city upon arrival.
Upon arriving in the illustrious Gloriosa Kingdom, after diligent verification of their bearings, Angel deftly unveiled the Gondola, lifting everyone toward the towering Sky Mechanical City.
Leon had just emerged from the planar passage between domains. Still slightly dazed, he was immediately struck by the profound cultural essence of Gloriosa Kingdom.
The Gloriosa Kingdom is a distinctive gem amidst the vast Feran Continent. Contrary to the antiquated architecture seen elsewhere, this land pulsates with a rhythmic dance of concrete and steel, echoing the whispers of steam trains and occasionally graced by the sight of majestic steam airships.
The Gloriosa Kingdom’s innovative spirit has sowed its seeds across the Feran Continent. Most nations now boast railways that weave a vast tapestry of connectivity. Remarkable mechanical marvels, largely credited to Gloriosa, have further cemented its esteemed status on the continent.
Leon, who had just departed from the timeless embrace of the Goldfinch Empire, found himself in a heartbeat amidst the progressive beacon that is Gloriosa Kingdom, feeling somewhat like a fish out of water.
Leaning over the ship’s edge, Leon cast his gaze downward. Even in the absence of nearby cities, he could distinctly spot several steam trains, their whistles piercing the silence, dancing gracefully between the rails.
Moreover, an awe-inspiring steel bridge stretched out, bridging chasms that seemed to cleave the earth itself.
Could such architectural wonders really be the handiwork of mankind and not some wizard’s grand design?
When Angel affirmed this reality, Leon’s eyes shimmered with astonishment.
This wasn’t merely a cultural shift; it felt as if he had stepped into an entirely different world altogether!
Chapter 1348 Matters Before Departure <TOC> Chapter 1350 Return to Sky Mechanical City