Chapter 1785 Before Returning <TOC> Chapter 1787 Omen of Impending Peril
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Translator: SumTLMan
About half an hour later, everyone left the mansion.
Butler Number 1 hovered at the entrance of the mansion, gazing at the departing group with eyes filled with reluctance, until they faded from his sight.
Upon their exit, Angel had assumed they’d head directly to the teleportation hall. To his surprise, however, Sanders led the group to a classic high-legged, dark-boxed carriage.
“Traveling by carriage?” Angel pondered internally but refrained from asking, choosing instead to board directly.
The interior of the carriage was engraved with runes for spatial expansion, resembling a small living room. While it wasn’t spacious, it provided enough room for three people without feeling cramped.
Angel recalled that during his previous visit to Sky Mechanical City, they had traveled by carriage because of the Sky Auction event. Back then, Sanders, adhering to the traditions of the nobility, chose to arrive by carriage to attend such an invite-only gathering.
This time around, Angel wondered about the reason. Was it due to accommodating Azaz?
All of them were formal wizards. With a member like Angel from the Research Institute among them, flying in Sky Mechanical City wouldn’t trigger any magical alarms. But Azaz was different. Setting aside whether he had the capability for long-duration flight, his apprentice status alone meant he couldn’t arbitrarily take to the skies in the main city zone, as per the regulations of Sky Mechanical City.
Yet, a lingering curiosity tugged at Angel. Had Sanders known in advance that Azaz would be accompanying them when they departed? Otherwise, how could he have arranged for a carriage in advance?
Although curious, Angel decided not to probe further.
After all, whether they traveled by carriage, on foot, or flew, the difference lay merely in the duration of the journey. The destination remained unchanged.
With this thought, Angel set aside his curiosities, choosing instead to close his eyes and feign rest, simultaneously contemplating some issues related to alchemical blueprint designs.
Approximately ten minutes passed before Gloria’s voice, tinged with confusion, broke the silence within the carriage room.
“This path doesn’t seem to lead to the teleportation hall, does it?”
Angel opened his eyes, only to see Gloria looking at Sanders with a somewhat puzzled expression.
Angel also took a look outside, and indeed, the carriage was not heading towards the teleportation hall. Under the normal route, after the carriage entered the main city area, it would drive straight along the spacious main road and reach the central teleportation hall.
However, now, the carriage seemed to have taken a detour onto a smaller path.
In response to Gloria’s confusion, Sanders calmly said, “We’re not going to the teleportation hall. We’re heading straight to the Savage Grottoes’ station here.”
“Why?” Gloria asked, frowning.
Sanders gazed silently at Gloria for a long time before saying, “The Corridor Pact.”
Gloria paused, as if realizing something.
The Corridor Pact was essentially a treaty led by Sky Mechanical City, an agreement of mutual teleportation accessibility between major wizard organizations and wizard families from various nations.
In essence, major organizations in their territories or jurisdictions collaborated with spatial wizards and alchemists from Sky Mechanical City to construct medium to long-distance teleportation formations leading to Sky Mechanical City.
It was a mutual assistance agreement, making it more convenient for various organizations to travel elsewhere. At the same time, it was the reason Sky Mechanical City rapidly became a trading hub and transportation nexus.
However, this mutual agreement wasn’t solely beneficial; it had its drawbacks. For example, it’s akin to digging a pit right at one’s doorstep. During peaceful times, the benefits might outweigh the risks, but in times of conflict, it could serve as a shortcut for enemies, turning into the greatest vulnerability. Moreover, due to the pact’s terms, it couldn’t be terminated at will.
For this reason, some major wizard organizations didn’t join the Corridor Pact and, as a result, couldn’t teleport there.
The Savage Grottoes was one such organization.
The Savage Grottoes did not join the Corridor Pact, so no transport points were pruned in its vicinity. This led to it being marginalized for alchemical endeavors for an extended period. Sometimes, they couldn’t even procure a decent energy stabilizer.
However, this isolation ensured the safety of the Savage Grottoes. At least other organizations couldn’t launch surprise attacks via teleportation.
“The Savage Grottoes isn’t a signatory of the Corridor Pact, so the teleportation hall doesn’t lead directly there. One can only teleport to a nearby point. The closest teleportation point to the Savage Grottoes is one I believe you’re familiar with,” Sanders whispered.
Gloria: “Eternal Night Kingdom…”
With the descent of the dome, the internal situation in the Eternal Night Kingdom is now in chaos. The nation is fragmented, and the risks are tremendous. Teleporting there would indeed be an ill-advised choice.
However, if not through the Eternal Night Kingdom, there are other teleportation points, right? Just as Gloria was about to inquire, Sanders already provided an answer——
“This time, we won’t use the teleportation hall. We’ll return directly through the planar passage.”
Gloria frowned. Although formal wizards use the planar passage, it’s exceedingly expensive — nearly costing half the assets of a regular wizard. It’s not used unless absolutely necessary. Teleporting via the hall, on the other hand, consumes far less.
So, Gloria was somewhat puzzled by Sanders’ approach.
“The cost of using the planar passage will be reimbursed by Horus stationed here, including this carriage, which was also arranged by Horus,” Sanders said nonchalantly.
Gloria paused for a moment, not entirely grasping the implication.
Sanders didn’t keep her in the dark for long and quickly elaborated on the situation.
In the beginning, when Horus came to Sky Mechanical City, aside from establishing his stronghold, he had another mission. Should Angel be under threat, or if Angel has the initiative to leave, Horus is to escort him back to the Savage Grottoes.
This mission would certainly make use of the planar passage, and all expenses related to the mission would be borne by the Savage Grottoes.
Upon hearing this, Gloria finally understood.
In other words, this is a privileged passage, isn’t it?
Gloria asked, “So, what you’re implying is that every time Angel returns to the Savage Grottoes through Horus, all expenses are covered?”
Sanders replied, “That seems to be the case, as long as Angel himself wishes to do so.”
So, everything really gets reimbursed? A twitch appeared in Gloria’s eye. This would be an astonishing sum. Even as the steward of the Candy House, she wouldn’t have the audacity for such a gesture.
Perhaps only a large organization like the Savage Grottoes could afford such generosity.
Though Gloria felt both jealousy and envy, it’s undeniable that the Savage Grottoes offering Angel such a privileged passage is understandable, given Angel’s worth. By ensuring Angel’s safety, the Savage Grottoes can send a large number of talents to the Achillea Comprehensive College to study alchemy in the future. They can also recruit more alchemical talents back to the Savage Grottoes. Most importantly, Angel is a member of the Research Institute. He has the right to access all of its achievements and promote them within the Savage Grottoes.
That’s just the influence Angel brings. If one were to consider his innate talent for alchemy… Gloria sighed, thinking that if Angel were part of her Candy House, she’d likely grit her teeth and cover the planar passage expenses for him.
Angel, having overheard the conversation between Sanders and Gloria, wasn’t greatly affected. He was pondering if future reimbursements for the passage costs could only be done through Horus. Could he perhaps directly apply and handle the materials himself… Although he’s not short of money, saving a bit wouldn’t hurt.
While Angel was lost in thought, the carriage came to a halt.
They had arrived at the Savage Grottoes’ outpost.
Chapter 1785 Before Returning <TOC> Chapter 1787 Omen of Impending Peril