A few days later.
More than six hundred scholars from the Grand Natural Sciences Academy boarded twelve balloon airships, forming a fleet in a single line. Their shadows fell across the desert as they sailed majestically toward the X Advancement Academy.
Besides this.
Ahead of these balloon airships, a group of four-clawed Strange Birds with outstretched wings was clearing the way.
With only a little over six hundred elite scholars from the Grand Natural Sciences Academy, there was naturally no need to distribute them among twelve airships. However, the vessels carried far more than scholars. More importantly, their holds were loaded with specially made Magic Crystal Cannons developed by [Bomb King] Edward.
Chirp!
The Three-Colored Phoenix spread its wings and soared. Reilo sat astride the giant bird, gazing toward the Grand Natural Sciences Academy scholars who were pointing things out on the deck.
"Mentor, how much longer until we arrive?"
At that moment, Bailan was leaning against Reilo's chest and looking up as she asked.
Feeling exceptionally safe, the little girl was utterly delighted and excited. This was the life she wanted, rather than being trapped in some small place all day.
"It's still a long way off. The X Advancement Academy is beyond the eye of the storm. According to the landmarks on the ancient map, we're still within the central province of the Grand Duchy. If this had been a few decades earlier, there would have been vast stretches of farmland beneath us."
Reilo fondly rubbed the little girl's head.
Looking at her, Reilo could not help thinking of his senior apprentice sister, Bailing.
Unfortunately, he had never heard from her again after the Cataclysm. Thinking of this, a trace of sorrow inevitably surfaced deep in Reilo's heart.
"Heeheeheeheehee, Tianci kept clamoring to come out and play too.