The hustle and bustle of the port district gradually faded into the background.
The Gauss team, carrying a hefty bag of money from selling their spoils, found an inn in the Upper City District of the port to check in.
Captain Fern accompanied them to the inn’s entrance to bid farewell, and solemnly thanked them again, briefly recommending himself by saying they could contact the Seagull for future sea travels.
"Ha—"
Aaliyah yawned.
A trace of tiredness appeared on her face.
During the days on the Seagull and the island, she hadn’t rested well.
After disembarking, they encountered members of the Big Snake Adventurer Group, and selling the spoils took considerable time and effort.
Now, finally able to catch their breath, the fatigue of the journey hit her.
After all, humans aren’t machines.
"Let’s have a good night’s rest."
Gauss suggested, seeing the sky gradually turning yellow.
As for submitting the commission, it could wait until tomorrow, along with visiting the Adventurer’s Guild Skill Store to purchase a Spellbook for Knowledge of Languages.
"See you tomorrow."
....
Early the next morning.
Gauss opened the window, and the sea breeze blew in.
The port slowly woke up under the morning light.
Golden sunlight scattered across the sea surface, creating shimmering spots, illuminating the docks with a fleet of parked ships.
The dock workers, bare-chested, shouted as they moved bundles of goods from the ship’s hold onto the ramps, stacking them in designated areas.
Merchants and fishing vessels preparing to set sail were making final checks, inspecting ropes, adjusting sails....
Seagulls occasionally skimmed over the sea, chirping crisply, their wings stirring tiny droplets of water.
The vitality of the seaside city lay fully visible before him.
Gauss stood by the inn’s window, quietly observing this scene of life flourishing, the fatigue from days at sea completely vanished; indeed, only solid ground could grant him such a sense of belonging.
Thinking about the progress of his spell practice last night.
Gauss couldn’t help but feel happy inside.
He tried constructing models for two 3rd-level Spells almost every night.
Whether learning swordsmanship with Adelle or during the voyage on the Seagull, he never stopped.
Finally, last night brought good news.
The 3rd-level Spell Flying Technique spell model seemed to reveal some secrets, and several tricky nodes were quickly completed with breakthrough momentum.
Indeed, going out for commissions was useful.
He felt the progress was a breakthrough, thanks to the change of scenery.
For many things, changing the environment, changing the mindset can sometimes bring unexpected gains.
Flying Technique, 3rd-level Spell...
Thinking of the Flying Technique, his heart couldn’t help but race.
Among the two 3rd-level Spells, he was more excited about the Flying Technique, which didn’t possess obvious offensive capabilities.
Because, although the Fireball Technique is renowned, it’s ultimately just a more powerful attack, strengthening and extending existing combat methods.
But the significance of the Flying Technique is entirely different!
Its function is simple and straightforward, granting creatures the ability to fly; for Gauss, it’s a transformative change.
It’s not merely an additional mode of movement; on a deeper level, he felt it was the sublimation of life’s form and spiritual dimension.
Everyone might have fantasized about flying high to the sky once mastering the ability.
Flight engraves the most primal desire for conquering the sky deep in the human soul.
Gauss also often imagined himself flying when he was young, but as he grew older, he realized human body structures don’t support them reaching the blue sky on their own.
But upon coming to this world of swords and magic.
Flying was no longer an unrealistic dream; it was even getting closer.
"Stay calm..." Gauss settled his emotions.
Stepping out of his room, he went to wake the team members one by one.
"Serdur, are you up?"
"Captain, I’m here." Serdur had woken up early and, hearing Gauss’s call for assembly, opened the door and indicated he was ready to depart.
"Knock knock, what about Ying?" Ying was more direct.
Ying slipped right under the door seem.
Aaliyah was sleeping more soundly.
After knocking twice, Raven Aik inside opened the locked door.
Aaliyah, in a loose nightshirt, still lay sideways on the bed, clutching the quilt tightly, her lips emitting faint, kitten-like snores.
Clearly dreaming, her lashes fluttered lightly twice.
Gauss glanced outside as the sun streamed into the room.
"Aaliyah, it’s time to get up."
"Mm..."
The "little dumpling" squirmed on the bed and let out a muffled nasal sound.
"Gauss... Where is this?"
She slowly got up, sitting on the bed, dazed for about seconds before her mind finally connected to the "network."
"We’re setting off to submit the commission." Gauss hoped she could sleep a bit longer.
But time wasn’t really early.
The journey to the Adventurer’s Guild would also take some time.
"Ah! Right! The commission!" Aaliyah seemed activated by the keyword, leapt from the bed, barefoot on the floor, yawning and squinting as she searched for her robe and boots.
"Wait for me, I’ll be quick."
"It’s alright, take your time, there’s no need to rush now."
....
Riding chocobos along the busy main road.
The chocobos and Ying’s horses agilely weaved through the traffic laden with goods, without losing too much speed.