The transit base had a simple layout. The magic formation reserved for transporting personnel occupied the central plaza, while a ring of "cargo" teleportation magic formations surrounded it. Living beings such as demon beasts and giants also fell under cargo shipments.
Their tough hides and thick flesh allowed them to withstand greater turbulence and tearing during spatial teleportation. Clerics, by contrast, were generally very "fragile," apart from those who pursued physical reinforcement.
The distinction was intended to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
Everyone was now in position, and roll call was complete. Next came receiving their equipment. All the surrounding cargo teleportation magic formations had been activated and were operating at maximum throughput.
Kallen dismissed the others and took Neo alone to a lookout platform inside the base.
Neo took out a cigarette. When Kallen shook his head at the offer, he lit it for himself and teased:
"If you keep going the way you started, you'll end up offending every colleague in your branch. You realize that once a war drags on, logistical problems are inevitable."
"There's no helping it. That's how the process works. If nothing goes wrong on my end in this war, I'll be a cut above my former colleagues when I return. Offending them won't really matter;
"if things do go wrong, the fighting goes badly, and I squander everything we have, I'll face punishment as soon as I return. The colleagues I offended won't even need to seize the chance to attack me and get their revenge."
"True." Neo blew a smoke ring. "You certainly see things clearly."
Just then, magic crystal cannons wrapped in specially made leather were hauled out of the portals, pulled by golden-armored dragon turtles.
At the sight, Neo drew a deep breath, sucking the smoke ring he had just