Chapter 88: The Portal of Leap

The magical level of the Kingdom of Azure is indeed far superior to that of the United Kingdom. Represented by the Silver Winged Tribe here, they have even developed spatial magic close to the level of 【Fantasy World】, though they are still lacking in higher-level applications.

To save time getting to Sky City, the envoy group must use a technique called 【Portal of Leap】.

Based on intelligence gathered from Sigrid, this thing is less a type of magic and more like a gigantic magical device or perhaps a structure.

Compared to Vilyric’s 【Invisible Space Portal】, the 【Portal of Leap】 is naturally far inferior in both quality and effectiveness.

First, while this thing has a long-distance transfer capability, it still has its limits—seems to be around three thousand kilometers.

Moreover, the 【Portal of Leap】 is enormous and can only be fixed on even larger floating islands; it cannot be moved, and the cost of creating and maintaining it is astronomical.

Also, the leap process isn’t 100% safe; while the risks are low, it’s like traffic accidents—no one can guarantee they won’t happen.

The reason for sending the Son of Leviathan to transport the envoy group also seems to be the Kingdom of Azure’s effort to ensure safety and minimize potential accidents.

Speaking of which, Vilyric suddenly remembered the Beastmen, including Kunier, she had encountered on Island of Spris. If they were indeed an envoy from Beast Kingdom, how would they move?

Surely, they wouldn’t be calling in another Son of Leviathan.

At least they weren’t traveling together, that much the Priestess could confirm.

However, the Beast Kingdom is located in the west of the world, and qualified diplomatic personnel are scarce. They wouldn’t send a massive delegation like the United Kingdom.

Other than the United Kingdom and Beast Kingdom, many other nations have also recently dispatched envoys to visit the Kingdom of Azure.

The disturbances from the 【Abyss】 are one reason, but a more significant and official reason is to celebrate the upcoming 300th birthday of the current Wing Emperor.

Just like when Liliya ascended the throne, countries from around the world came to congratulate her.

After the battle on Omoland, Sigrid has inexplicably become very busy, hardly being seen, and she hasn’t played cards with Vilyric lately.

While the Priestess reluctantly took over her “duties,” she couldn’t help but feel curious.

What on earth could she be so busy with?

Although significant events occurred on Omoland, arguably among the biggest disasters caused by the Abyss’s invasion on the mainland of the Kingdom of Azure, that should have been handled by designated personnel, and Sigrid should have stepped back after reporting the situation.

Vilyric keenly sensed that aside from Sigrid’s already heavy responsibilities as the Captain of the Guards, perhaps it also related to that inexplicable sense of alertness and the sudden change in attitude post-battle on Omoland.

No rush; once she’s ready, she’ll surely lay her cards on the table. The Priestess has plenty of depth and time.

After a few days of mundane travel, the envoy group aboard the Son of Leviathan finally reached their first destination, the super large floating island with the 【Portal of Leap】—Island of Estin.

A super large floating island is akin to a national economic and cultural hub comparable to a first-tier city in the United Kingdom. Besides needing ample area, it also has high requirements for population density, distribution of strong individuals, and economic development levels.

When Vilyric and her companions first arrived on Island of Spris, it too was a super large floating island teeming with people from all over the world, which is why special events like the Fragrant Auction House are frequently held in the city.

And this Island of Estin serves as a transportation hub and gateway, connecting multiple large and super large floating islands within the country through the 【Portal of Leap】. It is also the most critical stop after entering the northern part of the Kingdom of Azure.

Missing this city means a long stretch ahead without encountering any new floating islands, or facing islands populated with vicious magical beasts, which is troublesome.

Additionally, the name Estin was changed a century ago in honor of the current seventh-generation Wing Emperor Aistini Kurk, related to a significant event that occurred here before Aistini ascended.

This floating island closely tied to Wing Emperor Aistini naturally implements her “Multi-Winged Tribe Co-habitation Policy,” from which it has developed significantly, resulting in its current prosperous state.

While Vilyric is quite eager to see what this floating island named after the Wing Emperor looks like, it seems there are no plans for the envoy to stop here, so Vilyric must give up her desire.

It’s not something that must be done; no need to waste the time of thousands for such trivial matters.

As the Son of Leviathan flew over the Island of Estin, the massive door standing in the center of the island immediately came into view through the image magic in the cabin.

Rather than a “door,” Vilyric would prefer to describe it as “a space wedged between two grand stone pillars.”

Indeed, this 【Portal of Leap】 has no ceiling, consisting entirely of two towering stone pillars nearly a thousand meters apart, soaring into the clouds, with the large central space flickering with faint silver distorted light.

What a novel design.

Apparently, due to the news of the Son of Leviathan passing through, a large number of winged soldiers had been stationed around the 【Portal of Leap】 ahead of time, blocking off outsiders and temporarily halting civilian passage.

It’s said that the 【Portal of Leap】 was initially designed as a means to rapidly relocate large numbers of troops in times of war, even taking the size of creatures like the Son of Leviathan into consideration, which is why they constructed it so large.

Moreover, it’s not just anyone who can waltz right in and arrive safely on the other side; using it requires a special coordinate device customized for the Kingdom of Azure, or else there’s a high chance of getting lost in the gaps of space and turbulence.

Additionally, if the traverser’s abilities or physical condition are inadequate, wearing protective equipment or seeking refuge inside a large magical beast like the Son of Leviathan is highly advisable.

It’s said there’s a special magical beast raised specifically for the 【Portal of Leap】 in the Kingdom of Azure, capable of safely carrying about thirty people for a leap and frequently traversing between various locations—just needing to verify identity and pay a fee to board.

This 【Portal of Leap】—transporting magical beast—charging system has developed quite maturely, becoming a significant source of income for the Kingdom of Azure.

Honestly, the first time I heard about it, it felt a lot like the tolls they charge for roads and bridges back on the Blue Star…

Thanks to the proactive measures taken, the Son of Leviathan encountered no obstructions and quickly followed the designated path provided by the Island of Estin, entering the door radiating slight spatial fluctuations.

   

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