Pillar of Yita

As they talked, the light went from dim to bright, and they had suddenly emerged from the woods into the open. Only then did Fang Hong realize they had left the forest behind. They were at the edge of a cliff with an unobstructed view—ahead lay the port of Elpaxin at the edge of the land, and the river shone like a ribbon of light tumbling down.

Further away lay a slender cape, where the sky met the sea, and clouds floated like islands.

The breeze from the outer harbor hit them, making his collar stand up straight. On it were four silver stars, signifying his status as a formal Alchemist. He turned to look at Miss Hilveld; the girl, too, was holding her long hair down as her shawl fluttered, her gaze stretching far into the distance.

Driven by curiosity, Fang Hong followed her gaze and discovered a shipyard below crowded with people surrounding a brand-new sailboat. On seeing this, a wave of excitement surged within him: ”Wait, is this a ship launching ceremony?”

Miss Hilveld nodded lightly. ”Just in time,” she whispered.

Elpaxin was the shipbuilding capital of Colin Ishurian. Dozens of shipyards and workshops almost always had their orders filled day and night, but the construction cycle of a Floating Ship was extremely long; thus, a new ship launch was not an everyday sight here.

Fang Hong held his breath; such a Floating Airship was precisely the thing he longed for in his dreams. Even just glancing at it from afar was enough to stir his emotions uncontrollably.

As if to affirm the girl’s words, the launching ceremony below just began. The shipbuilders let go of the rope, unfurled the side wings, and a long horn sounded from the ship. The buoyancy engines started up, and the sleek hull began to move forward slowly.

Someone then threw a bottle filled with white wine; it shattered against the bow of the ship as the crowd around let out a cheer in unison.

At that moment, cannons boomed from the shipyard, and fireworks soared into the sky. The myriad colors burst forth, reflecting off the edge of the woods and onto the faces of the young man and woman.

Miss Hilveld turned to look at Fang Hong.

But Fang Hong was oblivious, entranced by the scene before him. The new ship was beautiful, with a sleek and elegant shape, sporting two masts and four side wings—situated toward the rear of the sterncastle, resembling fish tails. They were like the Wing Sails of an airship, not only increasing speed but also enhancing maneuverability.

He recognized it to be a classic Tarun Wing Sail Boat, somewhat resembling a Caravel, only slimmer. It could be a small patrol boat; if it wasn’t ordered by Colin Ishurian, then it was certainly custom-made for some Adventure Group.

Because only Adventure Groups would use such Wing Sail Boats.

Fang Hong was filled with envy.

He watched from afar as the boat unfurled all its sails and slowly entered the Sky Sea, then raised its flags and numerous signal banners. Fang Hong didn’t recognize the emblem on the mainsail, but it wasn’t the Ishurian Navy’s—it was probably some obscure Adventure Group.

Next, the ship was to undertake a trial trip for a week, a longstanding tradition of Eteliria. He silently watched it sail away towards the open sea without looking back until it became a mere speck.

”I remember Mr. Ade’s dream was to own a Floating Ship and then go to the Second World, right?” Miss Hilveld spoke up, ”It just so happened I knew a ship was launching today, so I thought I’d bring Mr. Ade to see it—”

Only then did Fang Hong come to his senses: ”Miss Hilveld, did you bring me here just to see this?”

”Is it beautiful?” the girl asked.

Fang Hong looked at the stunning young woman and felt an inexplicable touch of emotion—she had actually remembered his words all this time.

”It’s beautiful,” he said somewhat wistfully as he watched the ship disappear into the distance, his mind filled with thoughts of how wonderful it would be to have such a ship of his own. ”By the way,” Fang Hong turned his head: ”Miss Hilveld, how do you know this place?”

Miss Hilveld raised her hand to adjust a lock of hair at her temple, carelessly sweeping it behind her ear. She gazed far out at the sea with a lingering look, but she did not answer his question right away.

It was quite a while before she replied: ”When I was young, my father brought me here once.”

Fang Hong gaped at Miss Hilveld, feeling both embarrassment and moved. He had previously suspected the worst, wondering more than once if the girl was blackmailing him with his stowaway status or trying to force him into joining some organization—yet he had never expected her motives to be so pure.

This place must be very important to her, right?

Fang Hong felt a softness in his heart as he watched Miss Hilveld.

As he looked at the girl unwittingly, Miss Hilveld was also looking at him. Their eyes met inadvertently, then hurriedly moved away. Miss Hilveld seemed unfazed, but Fang Hong’s face grew red.

The girl then said, ”I still remember what Mr. Ade said that day. Do you remember what I said then?”

”Ah?” Fang Hong was at a loss.

He stared blankly at Miss Hilveld—he didn’t remember a damn thing!

Miss Hilveld curiously watched him as he fidgeted uncomfortably, a hint of amusement flickered in her eyes. She covered her mouth to laugh but did not bring up the conversation from that day again. Instead, she asked, ”Would Mr. Ade be willing to do me a favor?”

”What favor?” Fang Hong asked instinctively.

Miss Hilveld set her suitcase down and placed her hand on the clasp.

”Build a ship.”

”Wait, what did you say you wanted to build just now?”

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