Longest Journey

After another one to two hours, the sky had already darkened. Leylin was back in the huts corresponding to the Abyssal Bone Forest, and he was currently partaking in the dinner for students that had been provided by his academy.

This time, the dinner was extremely sumptuous, and they had been generous with the portions too. Various fruit juices and wines, fragrant barbecue chicken, sizzling grilled meat, truffles, and exotic salads... These delicacies had all satisfied the belly of Leylin who had yet to enjoy a meal ever since he had reincarnated into this dimension.

[They obviously tried to compensate for the horrible room they put you in, with this banquet.] -Aralis considered.

'Which I gladly accept. I missed having some good fucking food.' -A half-smile adorned Leylin's face at that moment. He stood relatively far from the rest of the acolytes, as he took this moment to analyze their different interactions.

The acolytes were eating and drinking within several groups. Leylin's eyes discreetly looked towards the corner of the courtyard to find none other than Professor Dorotte, together with Jayden, talking sporadically as the latter ate. The former did not even have a plate with him.

"Having a fifth-grade acolyte in this semester with us; we are really lucky!" -Beirut tore a huge strip of chicken thigh off the barbecue and gave it a huge bite.

"Ever since Jayden arrived, Professor Dorotte has spoken to him on a few occasions... I wonder what they are talking about?" -The redhead questioned again at no one in particular.

"Aptitude will greatly determine the progress of a Magus. What Professor Dorotte is doing is rather normal. Beirut, eat your barbecue chicken!" -Kaliweir's voice turned cold, and only after seeing Beirut drink the fruit juice and lowering his head did he turn his gaze back on the barbeque.

"However important aptitude is for a Magus, it isn't everything. Only the accumulation and comprehension of information is the true motivator and key to the rise of the Magi's powers!" -A third-grade acolyte added.

Although it was the truth, the atmosphere in the group darkened as they saw Jayden and the professor chatting away. The group silently ate their foods, professedly having lost their appetites.

[Do you believe he's right?] -Aralis probed her Master. She was interested to see if he had any further insights.

'Only partially. It is true that information gathering and processing is a significant element pondering into the accumulation of power. Nevertheless, this is not enough. One must know how to make it work for you. How to use it effectively to achieve your goals. Most of these lads will have an abundance of knowledge poured into them. Be it by their masters or on their own. However, only by having the wisdom to utilize said knowledge, are they going to really make the most out of it.'

[I guess you're making a point regarding Jayden over there?]

'Exactly. He may have the tutoring and favor of a powerful Magus. Hell, he might even be granted exclusive techniques and items. But at the end of the day, the same rule applies to everyone. That is why I am not bothered in the slightest by others having superior skills or aptitude. Because even if they should possess an identical will to obtain power at all costs, they lack what's necessary to see it through and bring their plans to completion...'

[Hmmm, when you put it like that... Aren't you being a teeny bit arrogant?]

'Is it arrogance to know the state of reality? Should I be blind to my own strengths? Now, make no mistake; I am aware of my various shortcomings. Which is why I created you. Remember, I have something no one else does. Not even the most heaven-defying Magus... I think...'

[I can't argue with that, Doctor.]

"Guricha, hurry up and continue! What happened next?" -On the other side of the feast, the lower aptitude acolytes sat in a circle with Guricha was in the middle, narrating a risky adventure.

He had eloquence and was humorous in his speech. Nyssa and Dodoria held their stomachs and laughed coquettishly as if they were two happy skylarks.

Compared to them, Leylin's side of the courtyard was pretty silent. The group looked at each other and craned their necks, listening intently. However, only Kaliweir retained his prideful expression.

Observing that even the fourth-grade acolyte Raynor could not bear to go over and join the conversation, seemingly afraid of losing face, Leylin could not help but scoff inwardly.

'Look, Aralis. They're just a bunch of kids. Maybe in a few years, they may pose a real threat to my plans. So long as they don't get any funny ideas, of course. In that case, I would have no mercy on their souls. I would make them regret the second their mothers' seeds got fertilized...'

After dinner time was over, the group bade their goodbyes and went back to their respective cabins.

Leylin's hut was barely accommodative. Hence, he did not yearn to rest there. Still, true to his original intentions of resting no matter what, he laid on the floor once he had removed his jacket and adjusted it to serve as a makeshift cushion.

An hour went by, and Leylin did nothing other than stare blankly at the ceiling as if he was lost in thought.

[I figured you would've been fast asleep by now. What are you pondering about?] -Asked the assistant with a hushed tone.

'The world of Magi will finally open its doors for me... My mind was racing to concoct countermeasures in case things go awry. Though most of them are basically me running away for my life.' -Leylin answered with some frustration.

[It's gonna be fine. You said it yourself, they're just kids.]

'I wasn't worried about them... But I'd like to think you're right.'

[I am.]

'Don't forget to wake me up at first light.'

[G'night.]

'...'

Leylin soon dozed off.

|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|

An alarm sounded, produced by the ringing of a virtual sound, waking Leylin up from his deep slumber. He opened his eyes. A hint of sunlight shone through the window, landing on Leylin's shoes.

[Morning.]

'Shit, I feel like a wild stampede ran on top of my back.' -Leylin complained.

[Resting on a floor such as this will do that to you.] -Aralis chuckled.

Leylin got up, hastily washed up, and went outside. The whole campground seemed to be bustling with activity at the moment. There were many who were taking down the tents, and the floors were littered with rubbish.

"Good morning, Leylin..." -Beirut called. He had two dark circles around his eyes and kept yawning.

"The conditions here are the worst!" -Yelled an acolyte.

"There were fleas and fungi on my blanket, my goodness!"

"I cannot remain here for a moment longer!" -Multiple voices of complaint sounded from time to time.

Today, everyone was lacking sleep and had dark circles around their eyes. Except for one.

Although Leylin could not sleep at the start, he had managed to fall asleep later in the night. Right now his vigor was greater than the others, and he still had an inclination to walk around.

[Looks like you made the right choice, sleeping on the floor.] -With the mention of fleas, a tinge of disgust crept through the A.I.'s sentence.

'These acolytes were all of the noble birth and their daily accommodations had been the best their whole lives, hence, they are suffering now... Hmm, I wonder if anyone will be pathetic enough to fail this test...'

[What do you mean; test?]

'Did you think this place was left in such a dilapidated condition, merely because they don't have enough resources to hire servants to accommodate the students? I told you how that Professor Bones has a hard-on for willpower tests. It appears this trait is shared amongst all the professors in Death Beach Camp.' -Leylin affirmed.

[Then why throw the banquet?]

'First, so that nobody would suspect anything. Second, so that the students would have at least enough stamina to carry out the trip to the academies without any more inconvenience.'

While everyone kept doing their thing, Leylin silently walked around the camp with many different thoughts crossing his mind.

'During his short time, I've already established the bases for a 'friendship' with the meatbags of my semester. They shall be my new tools as we move forward. George will turn into a long-term investment, that will surely deliver nice profits in the future.' -Leylin mused coldly.

"Gather 'round! Gather 'round! Everyone, congregate according to your academy, and the respective professors will take charge! Do not wander off!" -A white-bearded geezer shouted from the center of the acolytes' inn courtyard.

His voice was extremely heavy, as he used some kind of magic to make it resound throughout the camp. Leylin's ears felt like they had been slightly crushed from the inside, and he grimaced imperceptibly.

[Does this geezer want to deafen every acolyte?] -Even Aralis knew the volume was extreme.

Regardless of the discomfort that megaphone-like spell had caused him, Leylin followed the instruction and hurriedly went towards the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy gathering area.

"Hey, Leylin. You're back? Kaliweir was looking for you earlier." -Beirut greeted him again.

"My apologies. I accidentally strayed a little far whilst lost in thought and had forgotten to keep track of time... Did Kaliweir need something?" -Leylin revealed an apologetic expression.

In fact, he hadn't 'lost track of time'. The Farlier heir had purposely distanced himself from the acolytes' inn to let Aralis record everything that went on at Death Beach Camp. He guessed he could catch a glimpse of the day-to-day magic utilized to disarm the tents and academy stands.

"It's nothing, really. Professor Dorotte asked him to make a headcount, so you'll just have to tell him later. Right now he is just being snobbish about it though!" -Beirut shook his head.

"Alright, I'll be sure to talk to him. By the way, do you know which form of transport we'll be leaving on?" -Leylin looked over at the distant blue seas with boundless horizons with a penetrating gaze.

[There were no traces of any ships, but that geezer already mobilized the acolytes...] -Noted Aralis.

'Not only are there no ships, but from a geographical point of view, we are not in a suitable location for a port.' -Leylin said cryptically.

[That is correct... What's your take on this, Doctor?] -Aralis was filled with suspicion.

'It's simple really. We shall be boarding some kind of vehicle with magical properties.' -Leylin deduced.

[Motorboats? Or a domesticated sea-creature?] -Aralis commented with a tint of irony.

'No. It will not be by the sea. Redhead had left it clear with his explanation that this world is exceedingly huge. Considering that estimated world map you prepared yesterday for me, crossing the seas to reach the South Coast where the academies are located would take us at least half a year, regardless of the traveling speed. Magi, acolytes or not, cannot give themselves the luxury of wasting so much time on a simple commute.'

[Then, an airplane?] -Told Aralis in a puzzled tone.

'Perhaps. Nonetheless, teleportation is not discardable either. It is highly unlikely, but still. I infer that such a method would be too expensive to employ for the number of students that have to be transported, and it would take several rounds since each group goes to different regions. Furthermore, if we take into account the feasibility that this world's technology relies on precious magical crystals as a source of energy...' -Leylin continued to weigh the variables.

[You so enjoy connecting the dots, don't you?] -Teased the A.I.

'Naturally. It is my calling and forever will remain so.'

[I thought your calling was murdering people?]

'That is only one of my hobbies. My research comes first. Always.'

Leylin touched the leather pouch containing his magic crystals, hung around his waist. He was seemingly deep in thoughts.

"I guess the ships should be arriving soon? *Sigh* This shall be a LOOOONG trip..." -Beirut scratched his head in frustration.

"Taking a boat? What naive thinking!" -A frosty voice traveled over, bringing ridicule along with it.

"Jayden." -Leylin looked at the approaching black-robed student.

"We are close to the Death Seas; any random fish in it is able to kill a Knight! Not to mention enormous beasts and even ancient creatures! They all loathe the smell of human vessels and often bring storms and disaster to them. So we would just be courting death if we were to take a ship!"

[Death Seas, huh? These guys should really take a naming class.]

Leylin squinted his eyes: 'A fish with the ability to kill a Knight... Right now I am but an insignificant preparatory Knight, and if what Jayden said was indeed true, I would die in a second if I were to fall into the sea...'

'Aralis, retrieve my body statistics.' -He ordered.

[At once.]

//

Dr. Fang Ming (Leylin Farlier's body)

<Physical Stats>

Strength - 1.90

Agility - 1.90

Vitality - 1.90

//

In the Great Plains of Death, Leylin had secretly dissected the wolves' flesh and had subsequently discovered that their eyeballs contained a special component that complemented his Cross Blade Breathing Technique, so he had collected many of those eyeballs.

With the contribution from these direwolves, Leylin had now reached the limits of a preparatory Knight. According to the calculations done by Aralis, when his stats have all reached 2, he would find himself in the bottleneck of a Preparatory Knight. Only by igniting his internal life energy could he get over this bottleneck.

Clenching his fist tightly, a strong force was controlled within his palms: 'This is what it's like to be an insect... I guess I needed a reminder of how much work lays ahead of me if I am to break my limits.'

[It could only be that Jayden has exaggerated things!] -Aralis was skeptical of it.

'There is only one way to find out how much danger truly lies under the Death Sea... Is it possible to scan the nearby waters?'

[Nope, it's actually impossible, Doctor. The amount of mana radiation surrounding you is off the charts. I am unable to scan due to an unknown field of interference...] -The A.I. assistant replied with a downed tone.

Leylin looked at Dorotte who wasn't too far away and had he clicked his tongue.

'As I feared. With how many acolytes and Magi professors are present in this camp, the mana radiation interference is too strong... Fuck! I keep hitting myself against the same wall!' -Leylin's face darkened, though he quickly regained his bearings.

'Right now, what is the furthest distance you can scan?'

[My precise scanning range? Within 300 meters radius of your body. I can also do a vague scanning within 1000 meters...] -Aralis intoned.

'Not too bad. This distance is enough to warn me of immediate dangers. Nevertheless, after reaching the South Coast and the academy, this scanning range will most likely be reduced yet again.' -Thought Leylin, upset.

[I have something I've been meditating on that will cheer you up... I think I may be able to increase my functionality at some point.]

'Hmm... Interesting... That you should be able to grow alongside me... How would you go about it? Breaking magical crystals down to absorb their latent mana radiation?] -Leylin probed.

[I guess? It's still too early to tell, and I don't have anything concrete... Yet... But, fingers crossed...?]

'Thank you Aralis, your theory is actually worth looking into. I want you to make it top-priority in my list of pending research.'

[Already done, Doctor.] -The A.I. was glad her idea had been approved by her Master.

"What did Jayden say to you guys earlier?" -A voice sounded and brought Leylin back to reality.

When Leylin recovered, he noticed that Jayden had left without him knowing, and it was Kaliweir who was presently beside him.

"Him? He just spoke some nonsense about Knight-killing fish. I reckon he was bored; after all, not speaking to anyone all day can be rather stifling." -Beirut told in annoyance.

"Yeah, I can only imagine. That guy is quite irritating..." -Kaliweir nodded his head and then looked at Leylin. "In any case, we're about to set off, so don't go anywhere. If you were to board the wrong ship, it would be rather troublesome!"

"Ship?" -Beirut looked at the surface of the sea and still didn't see any signs of a ship.

"Hehehe!" -Kaliweir chuckled loudly: "Who said it had to come from the water? Behold!"

Following the direction that Kaliweir pointed to, Leylin and Beirut raised their heads and gaped.

On the horizon, 3 massive white ships were slowly floating towards them. As the crafts approached, a massive shadow engulfed the whole camp, and it seemed as though night had suddenly descended upon them.

"Oooh! Look!"

"Incredible! What are those?!"

"How beautiful!"

The other people in the camp had also raised their heads to admire the extraordinary development and were now shouting in awe and shock.

"How is it? This is one of the Magi's modes of transport; a dirigible! We will be riding these soon!" -Kaliweir said rather smugly.

"All of this was just told to you by Professor Dorotte, so what is there to be gloating about?" -Jayden reappeared out of nowhere and said blandly.

"Dammit, you!" -Kaliweir growled.

The 3 dirigibles constantly got closer and slowly lowered themselves onto the ground outside the camp, under the various cheers of the masses.

'My suspicions are hereby confirmed. My only remaining question is not how they are built since that is obviously an industrial secret, but rather, how they are powered. This could very well be what I needed to test my hypothesis on magic crystals...' -Leylin had already recovered from his astonishment faster than others, and was pondering over the nature of the vehicles.

The pure white dirigibles landed on the ground and let out thunderous growling noises.

The doors of the dirigibles then opened, and a few white-robed Magi walked out from them. There were also some movements within the camp, a few old geezers also walked out and exchanged words with them.

"Anyone who still has belongings at the acolytes' inn, go get them and immediately gather behind me!" -Dorotte had a black cloak on, and the silhouette of his body was concealed within it.

He had started to gather the students of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, as they all scrambled and ran back to their little wooden huts to fetch their belongings.

Leylin had brought very few things with him, so he was ready to leave at any moment's notice since this morning. His belongings consisted of a leather satchel filled with many trinkets and items, the cross blade hung from his waist, and the crossbow slung over his back.

The acolytes fervently left the campgrounds under the guidance of the professors of their respective academies, and they gathered into individual groups based on their destination.

"Alright, listen to me! Pay attention to the names mentioned next...!" -The same old wizard as before indicated.

"Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, Wetland Gardens Academy, all of you will board the dirigible numbered as '332'. Don't miss it! Professors, please take note of the number. Acolytes, follow your professors!"

"As for Mercifura Academy, Kerita Academy, your dirigible is numbered '955'. It's the one in the middle." -The voice continued.

"Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, Sage Gotham's Hut. Yours will be the one on the left, number '455'. Don't miss the numbers up!"

When Leylin finally heard Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, he punctually contemplated his assigned dirigible. He realized that the airship was simply too enormous.

"Acolytes of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, follow me!" -Green flames flickered in Dorotte's eye sockets, and behind him were two figures which seemed to be his servants or subordinates.

Leylin walked into the center of the group and looked around.

Under his keen observation, he discerned a few familiar faces from his original traveling party. They also noticed him and smiled at him in response, also speaking to some fellows beside them. They all had excitement written across their faces.

At the far right, George waved vigorously at his best friend when it was his turn to board the dirigible. The Farlier heir returned the wave, albeit less energetically.

Leylin's mood had suddenly improved in that instant, as the prospect of delving into the mysterious forces of this world overcame the anger he had felt from his being so weak.

'The moment I have been waiting for...' -A sinister grin appeared on the Farlier heir; before it disappeared as if it was never there.