Arrival

The hum of the airship's engines was a constant backdrop as Lennon stood at the edge of the observation deck. His cold, calculating gaze swept over the endless landscape below. Vast forests, shimmering lakes, and towering mountain ranges passed beneath the airship as it made its way through the fourth region.

The journey had been grueling. Nearly two months aboard various airships, battling hostile beasts, weathering volatile storms, and surviving the tense atmosphere of constant danger. But for Lennon, it was all a necessary means to an end.

"Destination approaching in approximately three hours," the captain's voice echoed through the ship's communication system. Lennon didn't react. He remained focused, his mind already planning his next steps.

---

### The Final Stretch

As the airship crossed into the eighth region, the scenery began to change. The once-wild landscapes gave way to signs of civilization—massive stone fortresses, sprawling cities, and towering spires of magical energy dotting the horizon. The influence of powerful Magi clans and organizations was evident. Here, in the heart of the Magus world, power reigned supreme, and every shadow hid a potential threat or opportunity.

Lennon returned to his cabin, reviewing his notes and calculations. His AI assistant, always present in his mind, spoke with a calm, mechanical tone.

**<Progress on the potion formula: 78%. Additional rare ingredients required to complete final steps. Target material: frost crystal . Probability of finding it in destination city: 46%.>**

He nodded slightly. The shard was the reason for this arduous journey. Without it, his progress would stagnate, and that was something he could not afford.

The airship began its descent, the city of Nithralis coming into view. A sprawling metropolis of advanced magical architecture, Nithralis was one of the most significant trade hubs in the Magus world. It was said that anything—be it knowledge, artifacts, or even lives—could be bought or sold within its walls.

---

### Nithralis: The City of Endless Trade

As the airship docked at one of Nithralis's massive floating ports, Lennon disembarked without hesitation. The bustling port was filled with Magi of various ranks, merchants shouting the prices of rare goods, and slaves of countless races being led to the markets. Lennon's cold eyes flicked over the scene, noting every detail with detached precision.

The air was thick with the scent of magic and power. Even the weakest Magi here exuded a level of competence that far surpassed the outskirts of the Magus world. This was a place where only the cunning survived, and Lennon felt right at home.

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### Finding His Place

Lennon's first priority was securing a base of operations. After walking through the labyrinthine streets of Nithralis, he arrived at the Tower District, an area reserved for Magi of significant standing. Here, towering structures reached into the sky, each belonging to a different clan, organization, or independent Magus.

He approached the Nithralis Tower Registry, a large, ornate building bustling with activity. Inside, a robed official greeted him, her eyes glowing faintly with magical energy.

"Name?" she asked, her tone efficient but respectful.

"Lennon Uranus," he replied, his voice low and firm.

The official nodded and began to process his request. After a few minutes, she handed him a glowing sigil.

"You have been assigned Tower 17C. The rental fee is due quarterly. Any violations of Nithralis law will result in immediate forfeiture of your rights and property. Welcome to the Tower District."

Lennon took the sigil without a word and left.

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### Settling In

Tower 17C was a sleek, obsidian structure equipped with the latest magical technologies. Its defensive wards were formidable, and its interior was spacious, complete with laboratories, libraries, and living quarters. It was the perfect place for Lennon to continue his experiments and advance his studies.

Once inside, he activated the tower's core systems, linking them with his AI.

**<Tower systems integrated. Security and environmental controls established. All optimal.>**

Lennon allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He had arrived, and now the real work could begin. The city of Nithralis held countless opportunities, but it also hid dangers that would test even the most seasoned Magus.

He moved to the tower's central chamber and gazed out over the city, his expression as cold and unreadable as.

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### End of Chapter 25