Floating islands of all sizes, shrouded in azure-green magical radiance, drifted amid the vast White Sea.
The architectural complexes on each island were endlessly varied.
Some featured spires made of crystalline glass, shining with dazzling splendor.
Others were shaded by lush trees, their gardens bursting with color as all manner of magical creatures laughed and played within.
Everywhere, wizards of all ages and both sexes, dressed in robes of every style and color, went about their business or relaxed at leisure.
Inside the buildings.
Some walked through broad stone corridors inlaid with glowing runes, books tucked in their arms.
Some wielded wands in dueling arenas, testing their magic against one another.
Others sat in classrooms, quietly reciting ancient incantations and occasionally discussing their insights and doubts with nearby companions.
Outside the windows.
People could often be seen streaking swiftly through the air, either with wands tucked under their arms, riding griffins, or seated on flying carpets.
Yet no one found this surprising. They had long grown accustomed to such sights.
Because this was a city built and managed by the Mage Association headquarters.
It was also Sea Star's second magical city after Rondel.
Tristain!
However, Rondel was located in the RL1001 region of the Red Line, beside Reverse Mountain.
Tristain, meanwhile, was directly above Reverse Mountain, in the sky at an altitude of seven thousand meters.
This name had been chosen to commemorate the Tristain Kingdom of the Zero Magic World, which had been destroyed in the Wind Stone Disaster.
After all, the Mage Association's main members now came from that world and that kingdom.
At the same time.
Ten thousand meters above Tristain.
The Mage Association headquarters, the Magic Council, floated amid the White-White Sea.
This place now permitted entry only to A-rank or higher magicians and magic instructors