The Journey

After finalizing their plan, the alchemical airship resumed its course toward Cossay Island at full speed.

Upon politely declining Bennett's offer to join a "scholarly discussion," Lucian returned to his cabin, intending to spend the remaining travel time on further alchemical studies.

"Mentor Lucian!" Carrie called out, coming to him with news about the second-tier apprentices forming a small alliance for self-protection.

"Self-protection?" Lucian found the concept mildly amusing but couldn't help smiling at Carrie's expression of pride, as if she had accomplished something significant.

"Carrie," he said seriously, "understand this: their mentors are fully aware of the apprentices' small schemes. Bennett and Lilia haven't acted because, for now, they choose not to."

He continued, "Just as we third-tier apprentices were herded into this mission, the academy's full sorcerers are well aware of our frustrations. But to them, it's irrelevant. As long as we serve their purpose, that's all that matters."

"And… the second-tier apprentices?" Carrie ventured, her voice trembling.

"They're useful to their mentors, for now," Lucian replied, shaking his head.

Carrie paled slightly. "Focus on yourself," he advised. "This mission is life-threatening for us third-tier apprentices. For the lower apprentices, the survival rate is extremely low."

Carrie nodded, her gaze hardening as she pulled out her notebook and began reviewing areas of sorcery she had struggled with. Seeing her resolve, Lucian smirked faintly.

He took out paper and pen from his space ring, jotting down ideas for crafting a personal sorcery tool. Lost in their work, the travel time passed quickly.

Suddenly, there was a jolt as the airship touched down. Despite the shock-absorbing mechanisms, the cabin still shook.

Lucian sighed, eyeing the ink-stained draft that had taken the brunt of the turbulence. This was the tenth concept drawing he'd had to discard; none of them felt like the perfect fit. Unlike most sorcerers who specialized in one area, Lucian's broad approach complicated his sorcery tool design. A specialized sorcerer could easily craft a tool to either enhance their strengths or mitigate their weaknesses. For example, a lightning sorcerer would typically craft tools to boost lightning attacks or break through defences against it.

Lucian, however, was more versatile, making it challenging to find a design that felt fully compatible.

"If nothing else, I could always make 'Cooke's Magic Mirror' from the alchemical notes," Lucian considered as he exited his cabin. "It's not an ideal match, but its damage absorption and redirection abilities are highly practical."

Stepping off the airship, Lucian surveyed the barren, desolate landscape. Bennett and Lilia soon joined him with their respective apprentices and retinues. They exchanged nods before splitting into their assigned teams and setting off.

Lucian and Lilia's smaller group posed as adventurers. Passing through a nearby town, they hired a guide named Martin, a talkative young man, who explained they were a team heading to Cossay Island to gather moonlight moss.

"You're quite early this season," Martin commented, leading the way. "Most adventurers head to Cossay around June or July. Sure, the island offers good earnings, but living there is no picnic."

Martin continued, "Rumor has it that some big stuff went down on the island. Several resource sites have been closed off recently…"

Lucian and Lilia exchanged glances. "Martin, do you know anything more specific?" Lilia asked, her tone light and curious.

"Of course! I'm Martin Ludsaddle, future king of adventurers!" Martin declared, interrupting her with excitement, as though answering a beautiful woman elevated his status. His boastful display, however, sparked a flash of disdain in Lilia's eyes.

Lucian, meanwhile, felt an unshakeable sense of unease that had been growing since they left the town. "Stay alert, Carrie," he whispered, casting a detection spell as his apprehension deepened.