A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1658: Is That Alright?

Archer watched as Eastwatch City came into view on the horizon. The three had been staying in their room for the last week, ordering food, enjoying themselves while waiting to arrive at Draconiaʼs biggest trading port. Heʼd been there once but didnʼt pay attention as he was heading somewhere.

Thanks to his eyesight, he was able to see hundreds of ships coming and going, guided by the massive lighthouse the empire built at the portʼs entrance. He modeled it after the Lighthouse of Alexandria on Earth. When Malakia and Meredith saw the building, they were shocked, amazed, and confused.

Their eyes widened as the lioness commented, voice full of awe. ʼʼWhat is that thing, husband? And why is it so big?ʼʼ

ʼʼThe Draconian Lighthouse,ʼʼ he answered, grinning ear to ear. ʼʼI created it just after Freya was born to guide ships into harbor. We had a few crashes before it was built, causing the empire to pay out thousands of gold.ʼʼ

ʼʼWas that the project you, Aisha, and Dellah were working on in your office, months ago?ʼʼ the blonde questioned, a curious expression crossing his face.

ʼʼWeʼve worked on many things, my love,ʼʼ he responded, chuckling. ʼʼI used to love history in my previous life, so I created this after one back on Earth; it was a wonder of the ancient world that was destroyed and lost to the pages of time.ʼʼ

The duo looked amazed at his words. He smiled at their reactions as Malakia inquired. ʼʼWhat did it look like?ʼʼ

Archer thought for a second, his mind going blank until he focused inward and remembered a documentary that recreated the lighthouse using ancient sources and artwork from the time period. The picture of the wonder appeared in his mind, prompting him to use mana to recreate it just off the balcony.

Meredithʼs green eyes glowed with fascination, and Malakiaʼs tail swayed side to side, excitement overwhelming the older woman when spotting the mana picture he created to show them. They turned to him, the lioness speaking first. ʼʼYours looks much better, itʼs suited for the empire.ʼʼ

With an eager nod, the blonde followed Archerʼs gaze toward the lighthouse, a symbol of the Draconia Empireʼs brilliance. Towering over its surroundings, the structure was crafted from gleaming white sunstone, stolen from Verdantia during the war and given to the government for its construction.

The building department, initially stunned by the plans, embraced the project, recognizing the need for a lighthouse to guide ships safely and prevent wrecks. At the top, a Mana Lamp blazed, cutting through even the most ferocious storms. At the base, he had designed a modest keeperʼs house, complete with well-stocked supply rooms.

Archer and the two women stood on the balcony, gazing out as the ship glided toward the port. Ten minutes later, the DTS White Storm docked in the biggest dock, set aside for Company ships, and a surge of passengers disembarked. Malakia turned to him, a curious glint in her blue eyes.

ʼʼAre we staying on to Orientia?ʼʼ she questioned.

ʼʼYes, Iʼll buy the tickets now,ʼʼ he replied instantly. ʼʼYou two stay here and rest.ʼʼ

Following that, Archer stepped inside and activated the disguise before exiting the room, joining the rich crowd as they wanted to explore the southern part of Draconia, thanks to it being more built up. He stayed unnoticed until the two guards discreetly saluted as he made his way out of the ship.

Archer weaved through the shipʼs corridors, his disguised form drawing no attention from the bustling crowd. The interior was adorned with tasteful decorations, polished brass fixtures, deep violet colors, and patterns etched into the walls. It was restrained, a choice to avoid gaudiness while still giving off a sense of refined comfort.

Soft mana lighting cast a warm glow, highlighting the craftsmanship without overwhelming the senses. As he moved toward the exit, his eyes lingered on a series of framed star charts along the passageway, each depicting constellations revered in the new Draconian lore created by Jethro.

The understated artistry intrigued him. His steps were measured, blending purpose with the casual gait of a curious traveler. Reaching the shipʼs exit, he stepped into the crisp air of Eastwatchʼs port. The ticket booth stood just ahead, a structure dwarfed by the towering spires of the cityʼs skyline in the distance.

A small queue had formed, and Archer joined it, his gaze scanning the crowd while maintaining his disguise. People, mostly merchants, wanted to stay on the White Storm until reaching Orientia. He listened to people talk about endless opportunities that appear all over the new empire.

Archer approached the ticket booth and heard snippets of conversation from the crowd swirling around him, voices animated with talk of Draconia. ʼʼFinally, laws that hold everyone accountable,ʼʼ a man remarked, his tone tinged with approval. ʼʼNo more nobles dodging justice.ʼʼ

A woman nearby nodded. ʼʼTheyʼre even opening prisons on all four surrounding islands that hold the lawbreakers and making them work to earn their freedom. And the empire is filling every empty plot of land with Draconian settlers. The governmentʼs not playing around.ʼʼ

Archerʼs lips twitched beneath his disguise, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his face. His plans were unfolding as intended. Draconia, with its population in the trillions and territories spanning three continents, was a juggernaut under him. The other lands would soon fall in line, just as heʼd orchestrated.

His legions guarded the empireʼs borders, cities, and strongholds, working with the Homeguard to defend everything. The promise of generous pay had swelled the ranks, drawing billions to serve. Now, Archer commanded the largest army on Thrylos, a force unmatched in scale and power.

After daydreaming for a while, it was his time to buy tickets for their journey to Orientia, and he stepped toward the booth. An older woman glanced up from the ledger, giving him a bright smile as she spoke. ʼʼGood morning, traveler. Iʼm Tara, what can I do for you on this fine day?ʼʼ

Archer took out the three tickets he bought when at Northwatch and handed them to the worker. ʼʼI want to extend these to Orientia, please.ʼʼ

Tara, the clerk at the ticket booth, flashed a warm smile as she accepted them. ʼʼThatʼll be two gold per ticket,ʼʼ she said, her expression professional. ʼʼIs that alright?ʼʼ

Archer nodded, sliding four gold coins across the counter with a casual ease that matched his disguise. Tara stamped the tickets, her movements practiced and efficient, before handing them back to him. ʼʼSafe travels,ʼʼ she added with a nod, already turning to the next person in line.

With tickets secured, he slipped away from the booth, merging seamlessly into the bustling crowd. He doubled back toward the ship, his curiosity now fixed on exploring the first vessel ever crafted by the Wyldheart Company, a marvel of engineering moored at the edge of Draconiaʼs southern port.

Stepping aboard, he was immediately struck by the shipʼs ingenuity. The entrance hall gleamed with polished wood, a blend of function and artistry. Ella, the mastermind behind Wyldheart, had outdone themselves. The air hummed with the faint pulse of arcane engines, a testament to their innovative fusion of magic and mechanics.

Archer wandered through the main deck, marveling at the open atrium where translucent panels filtered sunlight into prismatic patterns across the floor. The crewʼs quarters were compact yet cleverly designed, with foldable bunks and storage woven seamlessly into the walls.

In the navigation chamber, he paused to admire the holographic star map suspended above a central console. Every detail spoke of Ellaʼs precision and bold creativity. Descending to the engine room, his eyes widened at the sight of twin crystalline cores pulsing with energy, their rhythmic glow powering the ship.

The engineering was flawless, a symphony of gears and enchantments that made the vessel feel alive. He ran his hand along a railing, feeling the faint warmth of imbued runes, and couldnʼt help but smile at the sistersʼ genius. As he explored the upper observation deck, Archer gazed out at Draconiaʼs skyline through panoramic windows, the cityʼs spires glinting under the midday sun.

The ship was more than a machine; it was a vision of progress, floating proof of what Ella had achieved. With each section he discovered, Archerʼs admiration grew, but so did his focus. This ship wasnʼt just a marvel; it was an asset, and he was already thinking of how it could serve his broader plans in the empire.

Moving toward the shipʼs library, which surprised him, Archer found himself in a cozy, oak-paneled room lined with shelves of leather-bound tomes and glowing data crystals. The space was quiet, save for the soft hum of a preservation enchantment keeping the air crisp and dust-free.

A small display case held a prototype of the shipʼs core, a miniature version of the mana engines below, its faint glow casting shadows. Next, he ventured into the cargo hold, a space where they stored everything needed to feed the passengers and crew alongside some shells for the defense cannons.