Lassim’s reunion with his grandparents had brought a smile to his face as he felt their care and love as they fussed over his return. At his grandmother’s persistence he explained the situation with the drow.
"As for calling the Drow over," Lassim began, addressing his grandparents’ curious glances, "I think it’s best we wait until everything is ready here. The, uh, person in charge of them suggested sending them with me, but before I left I thought it best that I go first.
If they all showed up at once, all 1,700 plus of them, it might overwhelm whoever was at the cliff waiting for me that I knew would be there. It turned out to be Hallen waiting and probably would’ve shocked him right to death, plus, we need to make sure the Aetheria kingdom is prepared on this side of the border. It’s a lot of people and it might cause a scene.
They’re a different race of people after all."
His grandmother nodded approvingly, "That’s very thoughtful of you. When did you get so experienced at managing people? It’s good to see you thinking ahead and considering the impact on the kingdom and its citizens. You’ve got the makings of a leader and you haven’t even undergone the family training for the role!"
His grandfather picked up the communication device from his chest pocket, adding, "It’s smart to coordinate with the prince as well. He’ll appreciate being kept in the loop and it might smooth things over with the local nobles. Hallen, you have his contact rune correct? Please send him a message that Lassim has returned."
As they discussed the logistics, Lassim’s grandfather’s device buzzed a few minutes later, breaking into their conversation.
He glanced at it, a smile spreading across his face as he read the message aloud. "It’s your father and mother," he said, looking up with a twinkle in his eye. "They’ve agreed to help receive the Drow and are on their way to the border now."
Lassim felt a rush of gratitude for his parents’ swift response and their willingness to support his plans. "That’s great news," he responded, his heart lighter with each piece falling into place.
His grandfather continued, "Your father also says he wants to see you, but he mentioned that you’re already two months late for when everyone else has started their entry into the sects. He’s insisting that once things are settled here, you should hurry along and make your way to the Lightning Sect as planned.
He says you can visit them a few years later once you’ve further powered up and received permission to leave the sect."
The mention of the Lightning Sect brought a mixed feeling to Lassim. He was eager to begin that part of his journey, yet the responsibilities he now carried made him wonder how he would balance it all.
His grandmother reached across the table, placing her hand over his. "You’ll manage, dear. You’ve always risen to the challenge, and this time won’t be any different. We’re here to help with the Drow, and Hallen’s taking a big part of the burden too."
Lassim nodded, the confidence in his grandmother’s voice bolstering his own resolve. "Thank you, both of you. I couldn’t do this without your support."
His grandfather suggested, "Let’s wait to get in touch with the Prince of the Aetheria Kingdom right now. It’s important he knows you’re back and understands the plans moving forward to see how he can assist."
Hallen then reported to the group that he was surprised to learn that the prince was nearby and would stop by shortly.
Before long, a knock at the door announced the prince’s arrival. Lassim opened the door to find the Prince of Aetheria, his presence commanding yet friendly, a smile gracing his features as he stepped into the cabin.
"Welcome, Your Highness," Lassim greeted, ushering him inside. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
The prince nodded, his eyes scanning the small group. "It’s my duty and pleasure to see your safe return, Young Master Lassim. I heard about your return and rushed to confirm the news. Plus, I hear there’s an urgent kingdom level situation that needs assistance? Pray tell"
Lassim nodded, gesturing for the prince to join them at the table. "Yes, Your Highness. We have about 1,700 new citizens arriving soon—a unique race that calls themselves the Drow, as it translates into the common tongue. They’ll need assistance crossing the border and settling into my family’s lands near the Vanthar Estate."
Prince Kael’s brow raised in interest, "Ah, the Iron Marquis’ lands. And that’s quite a large group. They’re a different race, you say? This does indeed require careful handling. What assistance do you envision from Aetheria?"
"We were hoping for logistical support, perhaps something to facilitate their safe passage across the border and into the Aurora Kingdom," Lassim explained.
The prince nodded thoughtfully. "What wonderful timing! I believe we can arrange something quite fitting. Our geomancers have recently developed a prototype for what we call one of our Gemworks projects—a type of flying ship. It’s designed to make journeys like this smoother and safer for those with weaker cultivations and unable to manage the tamed beasts. "
Turning to a figure behind him, he issued a quick command. "General, please summon the Elidibus. Have it meet us here for its first transport test maneuver with its first destination set for meeting the Iron Marquis at the border. From there, it shall follow the Marquis to the designated drop off point near Swallowtail Mountain City before returning."
The general saluted crisply and exited, moving to carry out the orders.
Prince Kael continued, "This ship is still a prototype, designed to replace the need for flying beasts for less powerful citizens who lack flight capabilities. Also, our Aetheria kingdom is always looking for products to expand our wealth and we’re hoping weaker kingdoms might be able to use something like this in the future for mass transit.
If the Rohese family can ensure its safe return, it would be most beneficial."
Lassim’s grandparents exchanged a quick glance, nodding in agreement. "We will personally oversee its journey and ensure its safety, Your Highness," Lassim’s grandfather assured.
"Excellent," the prince replied with a satisfied nod. "Then let’s step outside. The ship should arrive shortly."
As they moved to the cabin’s exterior near the cliffside, the anticipation grew. Within minutes, the distant sound of heavy, rhythmic thudding split the air, growing louder as a massive, rock and crystal-like ship approached.
The sight of it was both imposing and awe-inspiring, its surfaces glinting in the sunlight as it descended towards them.
Lassim’s grandparents stood beside him, their expressions a mix of pride and wonder. "It’s quite the sight," his grandmother murmured, her eyes reflecting the gleam of the ship.
As the flying ship landed smoothly on the open ground near the cabin, everyone gathered could not help but feel a sense of a new beginning dawning. This ship could revolutionize travel for many in the future, as long as it was perfected and mass produced.
As the majestic flying ship settled on the ground, its intricate crystalline and rocky structure gleaming under the sun, everyone’s attention turned back to Lassim.
The group looked around somewhat skeptically, "So, where are these Drow hiding? Underground or in the trees?" Hallen joked lightly, trying to ease the tension.
Lassim just smiled, a confident, knowing look in his eyes. "Please, everyone, if you could just step back and give me some space," he requested, motioning with his hands for them to clear an area in front of him.
Everyone complied, stepping back with curious eyes fixed on Lassim as he took his position at the center of the cleared space.
He closed his eyes for a moment, reaching inward to connect with the strange, new space energy coursing through his veins, courtesy of the divine markings Khaalseru had gifted him.
As he focused, the air around him seemed to thicken, the subtle roar of a river building in the background, signaling the awakening of his divine mana as he rotated his cultivation slightly.
A dark, void-like light began to seep from the tattoos hidden under his martial attire, casting eerie light onto the surroundings as his eyes flickered with bursts of lightning. The visual was both mesmerizing and intimidating.
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"I’m contacting them now," Lassim announced, his voice carrying a new depth as he connected with Khaalseru through the markings. His presence, even more formidable now, caused a slight ripple of discomfort among those watching. He did his best to reign in his divine mana this time, but the sheer weight and pressure of it was still unfathomable.
"[Thank you, my child]," Khaalseru’s voice echoed in his mind, filled with a mixture of pride and caution. "[I look forward to seeing your progress. Be careful with the space element until you’re fully ready to master it. I’ll be watching.]"
With a final nod of acknowledgment to the deity’s words, Lassim focused on the space before him.
Concentrating his energy, he envisioned the portal, the link between two realms that he was about to open. With a swift motion of his hands, as if tearing apart the very fabric of reality, he sliced through the air. A large, shimmering portal opened, resembling a curtain being drawn aside.
On the other side of this spectral divide, a cold looking, with sparse bits of newly growing foliage, otherworldly landscape unfurled—a stark contrast to the scenery of the mostly barren but still warm plateau of their location here on Nexaria.
The first to appear in their sights were the Drow, already gathered and waiting in their distinctive leaf and hide leather attire. Their black, root-like birth marks that covered their bodies and faces, accentuating their long ears and sharp teeth made them stand out starkly against the portal’s luminescent threshold.
Leading them was Sanvra, her skin as pale and ethereally white as ever.
Upon spotting Lassim, her expression transformed from one of stoic leadership to unguarded joy. She hurried towards the portal, her steps quickening as she neared.
The moment she stepped through, the distance between her and Lassim closed, she threw her arms around him, her relief and affection palpable. "[It’s been too long, my star]," she murmured in the Drow language, her voice carrying a mix of reprimand and warmth under her cold touch.
Lassim returned her embrace, a smile spreading across his face. "[I missed you too, Sanvra.]"