The caravan continued its journey into the heart of the Aetheria Kingdom, the landscape gradually transforming around them.
Their road ascended in elevation as they went. The forested terrain began to change.
The dense clusters of trees thinned out, giving way to a more open and spacious environment as the more tropical zone became more rugged and rocky
The gradual rise in elevation persisted over the next few days, with the path winding its way upward through hills and slopes.
Eventually, after six days of uphill travel, the caravan reached a plateau.
The terrain leveled out, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape when Lassim looked back out of the carriage’s window.
At this new elevation, the flora took on a remarkable transformation.
The trees that dotted the plateau were unlike any Lassim had seen before.
Their trunks were adorned with shimmering crystal shards, catching the sunlight and creating a dazzling display of colors. The bark of these trees seemed to pulse with a subtle energy, as if infused with mana.
The leaves of these unique trees added to the spectacle. They had an iridescent quality to them, shimmering with hues of blues, greens, and purples depending on the angle of the sunlight.
It was as if the trees themselves were alive with magic.
As they traversed the plateau, Lassim couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the scenery.
The wide expanse of open land, the crystal-adorned trees, and the lack of busy neon-flashing signs with crowded spaces like Durelia Town created a surreal and enchanting atmosphere.
However, amidst this natural wonder, there was another intriguing feature that caught Lassim’s attention.
Interspersed throughout the plateau were crevices and fissures in the land.
These geological formations seemed almost unnatural, as if the very earth had been sculpted by some ancient force.
The plateau had sections of land that abruptly shifted into steep cliffs in certain areas requiring bridges to get across.
These bridges were remarkable as they appeared to be "natural" in the sense that they were made of the same rock material as the surrounding ground. Clearly the work of a nature spirit warrior that shaped the land with their cultivation.
The road that the caravan followed carefully navigated around these cliffs, occasionally bringing them close to the edges as they continued their journey deeper into the heart of the Aetherian kingdom.
The cliffs themselves were a sight to behold. Towering walls of rock, adorned with mosses, lichens, and the occasional glimpse of cascading waterfalls in the distance.
These natural features added a sense of grandeur and mystique to the already awe-inspiring landscape from Lassim’s point of view.
As the caravan journeyed further into the Aetherian Kingdom, Lassim dedicated himself to deepening his cultivation.
Days passed in a rhythmic cycle of travel, meditation, and occasional bouts of exploration around the campgrounds during rest stops.
They also enjoyed the delicious food and supplies they received as a gift from the Golden Goblet Inn.
During one particularly focused meditation session, Lassim felt the familiar surge of energy building within him.
His concentration sharpened, and he delved deeper into the essence of his spiritual power.
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As he connected with the elemental energies around him, a profound sense of clarity washed over him.
In a moment of transcendence, Lassim broke through to Spirit Growth level 2.
The surge of power was exhilarating, and he felt a rise of newfound strength coursing through his mana veins and body.
His mana pool expanded by about 33%, a significant increase that filled him with happiness.
Hallen, ever observant, noticed the shift in Lassim’s aura and expressed his praise with a congratulatory smile. "Young Master, congratulations on reaching Spirit Growth level 2! Your speed in cultivation is truly commendable. I can’t believe you’re not even 9 years old yet and are at this level. It makes my heart ache as I haven’t advanced in levels in nearly a hundred years.
Too busy with this company you see…"
Lassim, still basking in the after effects of his breakthrough, nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Hallen. Yeah, it’s pretty incredible. I’m still just a bit sad that I’ve advanced faster than my friends, but I understand why it has to be this way. If I’m going to protect everyone, I need to get stronger."
Hallen raised an eyebrow. "Well, I’m not sure exactly why you feel the need to get stronger so quickly, but your current level is a testament to your hard work and discipline. Keep it up Young Master and I know you’ll achieve your goal!"
Their conversation was interrupted by the rhythmic clatter of the caravan’s progress over another bridge, with shaking included. signaling their continued journey towards Etherys.
Roughly three days later, with more rest stops and nights camping out in the caravan, Lassim was engaged in another meditation session to refine his new foundations when Hallen’s voice cut through his focus.
"Lassim, wake up! You’re about to miss a sight you’ll regret not seeing! This is the surprise I mentioned at the border crossing," Hallen called out, his tone filled with excitement.
Lassim opened his eyes, snapping out of his meditative state, and quickly gathered his bearings.
He followed Hallen’s gaze out of the carriage window, and his breath caught in his throat.
Lassim’s eyes widened in awe as the landscape transformed into a spectacle, once again, unlike anything he had ever seen.
Lassim’s gaze swept across the skyline, taking in the breathtaking sight of buildings perched atop these floating rocks.
The structures themselves were a marvel of architecture, combining the natural elements of the cliff walls with the magical essence of the floating crystals.
Towers, spires, and domed rooftops dotted the skyline, each intricately designed and adorned with enchantments that shimmered in the distant sunlight.
The undersides of what appeared to be the floating cliff faces were adorned with intricately carved crystals that were many times larger than the entire Vanthar estate. They radiated intense glows from the carved runes.
Hallen began to voice his admiration, "Etherys, the Royal Capital of the Aetherian Kingdom, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and mastery of the kingdom’s geomancers and array engravers."
"The city itself is a fusion of nature and geomagic, seamlessly blending the surrounding cliffs and launching them into the sky. Young master, what’s remarkable is they take sections of the cliff faces around us and skillfully break them off and raise them into the air."
Lassim listened as he admired how the floating cliffs were connected to the city on the surrounding cliffs by intricate bridges as well.
Everything seemed to defy gravity as these floating cliff faces were not barren; instead, they housed massive buildings made of crystals as well. Lassim could spot people traveling along the bridges and in and out of the crystal buildings in the distance.
These crystals were the heart of the city’s magic, helping in causing the giant rocks to float effortlessly in the sky as if by sheer willpower.
"By the Elder Gods..." Lassim breathed in wonder, unable to tear his gaze away from the sight before him. "This is... incredible."
Hallen, who had witnessed Etherys’ beauty countless times before, couldn’t help but smile at Lassim’s reaction. "Welcome to Etherys, Young Master. The Floating City of Aetheria," he announced proudly.
The caravan continued its approach, crossing over one of the sturdy bridges that connected the floating cliffs to the mainland.
There was no stopping to enter the city this time as they directly entered the city’s bustling streets, Lassim felt a sense of excitement and curiosity bubbling within him.
He couldn’t wait to explore every corner of this magical city and take a trip across some of the bridges and look down into the depths of the crevices.
He also wanted to get a better look at the giant crystals and see if he could learn how they worked. This city was inspiring his creativity and he began to think about how his own halberd’s blade edge was covered in unique runes that flashed with lightning during battle.
He pondered over the possible connection as the caravan made its way towards one of the larger floating cliffs near the middle of the city.
Lassim watched as people of various attire and styles moved about the city, some vastly different than others like they were from entirely different kingdoms, as their voices blended into a melodic hum of activity.
Colorful banners adorned with intricate symbols and emblems of gems fluttered in the gentle breeze along the streets, adding a festive air to the cityscape.
Hallen said as he gestured towards the imposing structure atop the floating cliff they were heading towards. "Young Master, that is the main palace of Etherys, where the Aetherian royalty resides. Upon our arrival, we’re to report there according to the contract. We’ll most likely be invited to partake in a dinner or celebration and meet with one of the royals before beginning work tomorrow."
Lassim’s eyes widened with intrigue. "Meet with the royalty? That’s quite an honor. I saw the Prince of the Aurora kingdom at an auction once, but that was only for a brief moment," he remarked, his curiosity piqued.
The caravan came to a stop near the base of the bridge for the floating cliff, and Hallen led the way as they disembarked and made their way towards the grand entrance of the palace past the crystal guards.
The architecture of the palace was truly a masterclass of Aetherian craftsmanship.
Elaborate carvings of crown inspired steeples and moldings adorned the crystal walls and pillars. Balconies and verandas made entirely out of the same white crystal were evenly and elegantly spaced with symmetry along the facade.
The entrance itself was framed by massive clear crystal pillars that shimmered with an ethereal glow, casting prismatic reflections on the marble floor of the entryway.
As they approached the entrance, a group of attendants and butlers dressed in regal attire greeted them with warm smiles.
One of them, a young man with striking features and an air of nobility, stepped forward to welcome them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests," the man announced with practiced eloquence. "On behalf of the Aetherian royal family, I extend our warmest welcome to Etherys and to appreciate your assistance in creating a masterpiece for our celebration of unity and prosperity with the Harmony Kingdom."
Hallen exchanged pleasantries with the man, giving him a soft bow and handshake before introducing Lassim. "We’re glad that you have commissioned our Rohese family for this venture. This is Lassim, the current pride of our Rohese family. He isn’t part of the crew, but I hope you’ll not mind his attendance for the next few days in the capital before he departs."
The attendant’s gaze shifted to Lassim, and he offered a courteous bow. "Welcome, Lassim. It is an honor to have you among us. You are absolutely welcome in our kingdom and if there’s anything I can do to assist you in your time in our kingdom, please ask away. I am Prince Kael, the one recently married to Princess Elara from the Kingdom of Harmony.
Your family will actually be building my new home, so I am indebted to your craftsmen."
Lassim smiled and nodded in reply as his eyes were drawn to the center of Prince Kael’s forehead, where a crimson gem glimmered with an otherworldly light.
He couldn’t help but stare, intrigued by the unique adornment.
Prince Kael noticed Lassim’s curiosity and smiled knowingly. "Ah, I see you’ve noticed the Aetherian Royal Mark. It is a symbol of our lineage and connection to the gems of our kingdom. All of the royals in the kingdom have this mark."
Lassim nodded, impressed by the significance of the gem. "It’s mesmerizing," he remarked, his mind buzzing with questions about the gem’s properties.
Prince Kael gestured towards the entrance of the palace. "Please, join us inside. We’d love to offer you a welcoming celebration that we’ve prepared. It awaits inside, and there is much to discuss. I hope you’ll indulge me, Hallen, with a few requests on style and preference for my new palace."
With anticipation and excitement, Lassim followed Prince Kael and Hallen into the grandeur of the Aetherian palace.