Chapter 746: Challenging the Skies

On the western side of the Dark Mountains, nestled deep within the forest, lay a secret military training facility.

It was a sizable complex, dominated by gray concrete walls and sprawling buildings no taller than two stories. The muted color scheme and low-profile architecture blended seamlessly with the rocky mountain backdrop, rendering the entire compound nearly invisible from afar. Inside the perimeter of walls and watchtowers, simple barracks and warehouses were scattered about, alongside unusually large open spaces. On one such clearing, soldiers undergoing training were assembling.

A biting winter wind stirred the imperial flag nearby. Dressed in their cold-weather gear, the soldiers stood in neat formation. At the front, a griffon knight named Jina waited with a hint of nervousness for their commanding officer’s arrival.

Jina hailed from a long line of griffon knights and had been training here—at the so-called “Windcaller Camp”—for nearly a hundred days. The other soldiers with her had undergone the same regimen.

None of them had been told the exact purpose of their mission or why this camp had been established. Their daily training fell into two categories: theoretical lessons on magi-mechanical devices and rapid calculations, and repetitive practical drills on various simulators.

Despite the secrecy imposed by their superiors, after weeks of training, Jina and her comrades had pieced together the camp’s true purpose.

Seventy percent of the soldiers selected here were griffon knights. They kept encountering terms related to flight during their lessons. The vast open grounds seemed perfect for landing something…

Flying units were not unheard of in this world, and for these soldiers—many of whom had some experience with aerial combat—the concept of flight was familiar.

This facility was designed to cultivate a new type of flying unit, one tied closely to magi-technology.

Though confined within this secretive compound, rumors had reached them: the Magi-Technology Research Institute had successfully developed new flying machines, though none had yet seen them in person.

Jina inhaled deeply, the cold air sharpening her mind. The previous night, she had heard strange humming sounds coming from behind the massive warehouses. Coupled with the sudden arrival of magi-technicians days earlier and the solemn tone of the instructors when announcing today’s assembly, the young knight sensed that something significant was about to happen.

Minutes later, the instructor finally appeared—Sonia, a silver elf of high rank, strode calmly toward the assembled soldiers.

Sonia was the lead instructor for Jina and the other trainees.

At first, Jina had wondered why a non-human was appointed to train imperial soldiers, but she never questioned the order. Besides, she had fought alongside this high-ranking messenger elf on the Plains of the Holy Spirit and knew firsthand of Sonia’s exceptional flying skills and dependable character. Throughout the training, Sonia had proven herself an excellent instructor, earning the trust of the soldiers. Now, this elf from the Silver Empire was a respected figure among them.

As Sonia approached, all the soldiers snapped to attention and saluted crisply.

She nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze sweeping over the ranks.

“Today marks the final phase of your training,” Sonia announced loudly. “You have been here for ninety-eight days. Frankly, that’s not a long time in my eyes, but I believe by now you have a good idea why you were gathered here.

“Just as you suspected—you are here to learn to fly.

“Most of you are no strangers to flight, but you should also realize that the skills you are about to master are not for riding griffons.

“Lift your heads and greet the partners you will soon fight alongside.”

A strange buzzing suddenly filled the air, growing louder as it approached.

Jina instinctively looked up. Against the clear winter sky, she saw it for the first time—

A flying machine forged from steel, leather, and crystal, with a bizarre inverted cone-shaped body and twin wings that spread out like a dragon’s.

Three identical aircraft glided over the forested slopes of the Dark Mountains, cutting through the blue sky toward the training ground.

Though bulky and heavy-looking, they moved with the agility of birds. They slowed smoothly above the clearing, hovering with the grace and steadiness of the finest griffons.

Once stationary, the crescent-shaped main wings folded inward, forming a sturdy support structure. The runic rings at the base of the fuselage dimmed slightly, lifting the craft gently as it descended to land just a short distance from the soldiers.

In that moment, Jina—who had been diligently studying magi-technology—understood why their instructor was a silver elf.

Not only was Sonia reliable and a masterful pilot, but she also possessed the world’s most advanced anti-gravity technology.

At first glance, Jina had already deduced that these flying machines were powered by anti-gravity spells.

She exhaled softly.

Her habit of self-studying magi-technology and tinkering with mechanical devices had truly paid off.

The soldiers stirred with excitement. Though still disciplined and quiet, Jina could hear their quickening breaths. Some craned their necks, eager for a better look.

“These are three training models,” Sonia explained, “with seventeen more currently being assembled and fine-tuned in the hangars. You’ve already learned the basics of their operation, but actual flight will require more practice. Throughout this winter, you will be spending every day alongside these magi-machines. I believe you will master them as skillfully as you do your griffons.”

She paused, her expression growing more serious and solemn.

Jina and her comrades instinctively straightened.

Their instructor solemnly declared:

“By order of the Supreme Administrative Council, the Ministry of War, and His Majesty King Gawain Cecil, the First Dragon Cavalry Unit of the Cecil Empire is hereby established today!

“The unit’s commander will temporarily be Jina Prince from Tansan, pending official confirmation after the training period…”

…

After the initial introductions and familiarization with the “Dragon Cavalry Type-I Aerial Fighters,” the soldiers gained a basic understanding of these advanced machines. Sonia then dismissed the formation.

Standing beside the clearing, the high-ranking messenger elf watched the excited soldiers cluster around the aircraft, reluctant to leave. A faint smile touched her lips.

“Combining elven anti-gravity technology with human runic science… it actually worked,” she murmured. “This path was the right one after all…”

Footsteps approached from behind, and a voice spoke softly: “It’s because he’s so good at finding the right path in difficult times that I trust him so much.”

Sonia turned to see Solderin standing behind her, a squad of elite Iron Rangers patrolling nearby.

Solderin and his elite unit were also stationed here—not trainees, but tasked with securing the facility.

“Your judgment was correct this time,” Sonia said, narrowing her eyes and nodding slightly. “But only this time.”

“Mother, you see, it makes sense for me to stay here,” Solderin smiled, spreading his hands. “And you’re staying too, aren’t you?”

“I’m here under the Queen’s orders, temporarily serving King Gawain Cecil,” Sonia replied, glancing at him. “As for you, you didn’t decide to stay away from home for seven hundred years out of loyalty to King Gawain, did you?”

A cold north wind swept through, tossing their golden hair. Solderin was instantly reminded of one reason he remained in the north. Embarrassed, he adjusted his wig. Though Sonia appeared calm and composed to outsiders, to him she was more like a mother who liked to nag—and whenever she spoke of her years away from home, the topic always felt… awkward.

Seeing his discomfort, Sonia sighed and looked back at the three training machines and the soldiers still gathered around them.

She pondered for a moment before asking, “What do you think of that girl named Jina?”

“…Huh?”

“Jina—the one with the ponytail,” Sonia nudged him. “I’ve flown several missions with her on the Plains of the Holy Spirit. She’s steady and ambitious, and she’ll officially become the Dragon Cavalry commander. I’ve heard she’s unmarried…”

“Mother!” Solderin blurted, forgetting his hair troubles, half-laughing, half-exasperated. “This isn’t the place for that!”

“What’s wrong with it? Your father and I met on the day the Queen was born…”

Solderin was speechless.

Noticing his growing embarrassment, Sonia shook her head with a helpless smile. Then her expression turned serious again as her gaze shifted from the Tansan knight to the three “Dragon Cavalry” aircraft.

“Flying magi-machines powered by anti-gravity rings… this technology could certainly help with the challenges facing the Star Sanctuary.”

“Master Banner said as much,” Solderin nodded. “He believes that while the current anti-gravity ring technology can’t yet repair the Star Sanctuary’s engine systems, it can reduce their load. The logic of runic analysis on elven runes has also inspired him. He plans to discuss this further with Master Verania Silverstar during their next data exchange, hoping to provide some insight for the Sanctuary’s maintenance crews.”

“At first, the stubborn councilors opposed this technical exchange. The Queen and the Prime Minister faced immense pressure,” Sonia said quietly, “but as more and more technical data flowed between Cecil and the Silver Empire, those restless voices finally quieted. No matter how conservative, no one can refuse tangible benefits. Profit is the best silencer.”

Solderin was silent for a moment before saying softly, “Profit… that includes trade with the Typhon Empire, doesn’t it?”

“The Queen has her reasons. It’s about the nation’s interests, not personal feelings,” Sonia shook her head. “The Silver Empire is simply too far from Cecil.”

“I know—I’m not that naive,” Solderin said calmly. “It’s precisely because of the Silver Empire’s interests that I don’t want us getting too close to the Typhon people…”

Sonia said nothing, her gaze fixed quietly on the direction of the training grounds.

She was the Silver Empire’s high-ranking envoy to the northern continent.

A high-ranking envoy—the very eyes of the Silver Queen.

“The greatest courage of mortals is to challenge the sky and the sea…” Sonia murmured to herself. “Now, let us hope that the Cecilians’ bold venture into the skies will help them break through the blockade over the wasteland…

“Only by breaking that blockade can there be any real cooperation between Cecilia and the Silver Empire. Otherwise, it’s all just empty talk.”

(End of chapter)