Mages in flowing robes floated through the air, the staffs in their hands glowing with magical light. As magic spread outward, the sea of clouds was driven away, and the vast sky became clear.
Macken stared in amazement at the imprisoned Swift Eagle, then turned his gaze toward the floating island.
"There's no trace of Levitation Stone. Some miraculous creation is keeping this island afloat."
Brandt stood beside him, but rather than paying attention to the floating island, he was watching the Swift Eagle.
"This kind of magical beast..."
"It isn't a magical creature."
"There is no magic power inside its body."
Macken shook his head, then added:
"However, there is extremely pure elemental energy within it."
"The essence of Magic Factor is pure elements. It is not a magical creature, yet it is closer than any living thing to—the truth of magic." After speaking, Macken began pondering it himself and reached a rough conclusion.
"Specters. This form of life is similar to Specters, but more mature than them."
Inside the cage, the Swift Eagle's golden eyes stared fixedly at these suddenly appearing humans. Within the clouds, it had failed to detect their movements entirely.
Macken gazed into the Swift Eagle's eyes without the slightest emotion one would show toward a monster.
"Are you curious? Magic is wondrous. Though you possess the power of elements, magic constructs elements into Magic Factors, turning them into something beyond the elements themselves."
"You are the foundation of everything—the earth, the sky, the world. But magic is the towering structure rising from this world." Macken approached the Swift Eagle. The caged creature struggled madly, and Macken stopped. Brandt stepped forward. Without any of that ghostlike speed, legendary power descended. With a single slap, he sent the Swift Eagle reeling. Feathers scattered, and blood streamed.