Chapter 12 Flying

Lenny stood at the edge of Rotengen's southern wall, the cold wind whipping around him. The city below was a patchwork of snow and stone, its inhabitants bustling in the streets or huddling indoors against the biting cold. The horizon stretched wide, a seemingly endless expanse of white and gray.

He had spent weeks preparing for this moment, drawing on every ounce of his mana and refining his ability to manipulate air. The solidified air technique had been meticulously studied, and Lenny now felt ready. He had mastered the delicate balance required to create stable, walkable surfaces in the air.

Taking a deep breath, Lenny closed his eyes and focused his energy. His hands moved gracefully through the air, tracing invisible patterns as he summoned his mana. A faint shimmer appeared around him, and he could feel the air beginning to solidify, forming a platform beneath his feet.

When he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of a translucent, crystalline pathway stretching out before him. The surface was solid and firm, yet it seemed to waver slightly, like a mirage. Lenny stepped onto the platform, feeling its solidity beneath his boots. It was as if he was walking on a floor made of glass, suspended high above the ground.

With a determined nod, Lenny took another step, and then another. Each movement was fluid and controlled as he ventured further from the wall, the platform extending with him. The cold wind tugged at his cloak, but the air beneath him held steady. He glanced down, watching the city grow smaller as he ascended.

He pushed his mana further, extending the solidified air into a sweeping arc that allowed him to maneuver with ease. The air solidified before him, forming a smooth path that he could follow. As he flew through the sky, he marveled at the sensation of freedom, the vast expanse of air solidified into a pathway that felt as natural as walking on solid ground.

Lenny ascended higher, the solidified air forming a stable, elevated platform beneath him. He hovered above the city, his figure silhouetted against the pale sky. His eyes scanned the city below, taking in the sight of Rotengen from a new perspective. He felt a sense of accomplishment and exhilaration, knowing that this new ability could change the dynamics of both defense and exploration.

He turned his attention to the solidified air beneath him, ensuring its stability. The mana required to maintain such a large expanse was significant, but he had prepared for it. With a final, graceful maneuver, he gently descended back to the wall, landing softly on the ground. He knew that, with time and further development, solidified air could transform the way they approached defense, transportation, and exploration.

"This changes everything," Lenny murmured to himself, a grin spreading across his face. "It's a game changer."

He could already see the possibilities unfolding in his mind. He could move swiftly across the land, bypassing natural obstacles and enemy fortifications. Supply lines could be maintained without the need for roads. Even the most fortified castle would be vulnerable to an attack from above. And beyond the practical military applications, there were countless ways to use flight to improve the lives of his people.

As he floated above Rotengen, his eyes flicked over the city below. The people moved like ants, unaware of the new power he wielded. He could help them—he could protect them from the bandits and raiders that threatened their livelihoods.

He descended slowly, landing softly on the wall's edge, his mind racing with plans. He would have to move carefully, be strategic in how he revealed this new ability. He would need allies, people he could trust, those who shared his vision for a better Obelia—an Obelia where the people thrived, not just the aristocracy.

"I want to help this kingdom," he thought aloud, his voice firm and resolute. "But the nobles.....only of themselves tsk."

He took a deep breath, his gaze steely. "I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. For the people of this kingdom, for those who have suffered for too long. If it means becoming a tyrant to protect them.....then so be it."

With that, he took another leap into the sky, his heart light with hope and determination. He soared over Rotengen, feeling the rush of the wind against his face, knowing that with this new power, nothing could hold him back. Not the nobles, not the cold, not even the limitations of the land itself. The sky was no longer the limit—it was just the beginning.

----

In Obelia, the months are as follows:

1. Frostfall– The coldest time of the year, with biting winds, long nights, and occasional snow, as frost thickens across the land.

2. Snowshade– A period of limited daylight when frost still clings to the ground, but ice begins to melt during the day, slowly loosening winter's hold.

3. Winterveil – The closing chapter of winter, where the snow starts to thin but does not fully disappear, as the days lengthen and the first signs of spring emerge beneath the lingering frost.

Each month represents a phase in the harsh winter, with Frostfall being the peak of the cold, Snowshade characterized by intense snow and cold, and Winterveil signaling the gradual transition towards a less severe climate.

The is the year 1174 of the Kingdom of Obelia, 2st month of Frostfall

The genetic adaptation of the Obelians played a crucial role in their geopolitical stability. Their ability to thrive in extreme cold was more than just a survival trait—it was a strategic advantage that made them formidable adversaries. The harsh climate and the unique resilience of the Obelian people created a natural barrier against invasion.

Other nations, recognizing the difficulties of penetrating Obelia's icy terrain and the formidable resistance of its inhabitants, were deterred from attempting conquest. The logistical challenges of mounting a successful invasion in such an inhospitable environment were significant. The Obelians' resilience and adeptness in managing their harsh climate meant that any external force would face not only severe weather conditions but also a determined and well-adapted populace.

Thus, the combination of Obelia's inhospitable geography and the natural fortitude of its people ensured that other countries avoided the costly and challenging endeavor of conquering them. Instead, they focused on diplomatic relations and trade, recognizing that the cost of war with such a well-adapted and resilient nation was too great.