The Sky Harbor of the Black Mist Jungle is entirely different from a typical port.
There are no tumultuous waves, no bustling cargo ships; only a vast platform protected by a special energy barrier, with several large Sky Airships docked on it.
These airships vary in appearance, some resembling a huge metallic fish, with a surface covered in shiny scales, able to freely change posture in the sky;
others look like ancient sailboats, but instead of canvas sails, their masts are adorned with translucent crystals that automatically adjust angles, constantly collecting and transforming high-altitude magic airflow.
Yet, the most eye-catching at the moment is a massive airship slowly descending, stirring up a circle of dust.
Unlike ordinary airships, this one is entirely silver-white, with a streamlined hull like a fish, and a pair of giant translucent wing membranes on either side, gently vibrating like biological wings.
The surface of the hull is covered with a complex network of runes, glowing faint blue under the sunlight.
"Flying Dragon Level commercial cruiser, ’Dawnwalker’."
Ron stood on the edge of the square, squinting slightly to scrutinize the giant airship, evaluating it silently in his heart.
This level of airship usually operates only on major routes and rarely visits a remote area like the Black Mist Jungle.
Being able to come for rescue in such an urgent situation, obviously, the School must have paid a considerable price.
The hatch at the bottom of the airship slowly opened, and a silver-white gangway extended downwards, eventually reaching the ground steadily.
By the time Ron reached the gangway, quite a few School members had already gathered around the airship, coming to bid farewell to this silver giant ship.
Among the crowd, he immediately spotted Lady Allen’s slender figure, standing alone at the edge.
"Madam, you came too." Ron quickly walked up, with a rare gentleness in his eyes.
Lady Allen turned around, with a seldom-seen smile on her wrinkled face, but soon returned to her usual stern expression.
Today she was wearing an unusually exquisite deep purple robe, which should be one of the few outfits she reserved for formal occasions.
Her hair was meticulously styled, no longer the usual disheveled appearance.
"Why, what’s so surprising about a teacher sending off their student?"
She said with her customary sarcastic tone, but deep in her voice, there was a trace of hard-to-conceal pride:
"After all, I’m the one who led you onto the path of wizardry; this title can’t be taken by others."
Ron smiled subtly, his calm and composed expression rarely showing a hint of warmth:
"Madam, without your guidance, I couldn’t have reached this point so quickly."
"Stop with the useless platitudes."
Lady Allen waved her hand, but a flash of satisfaction crossed her eyes:
"You, on the other hand, must be cautious when you reach the Central Lands. The atmosphere over there at the Crystal Tower is entirely different from the Black Mist Jungle. On the surface, it seems harmonious, but underneath the serenity, currents run deep, conflicts abound."
Her tone suddenly turned serious:
"Especially the people of the Crown Clan, seeing you as a Primordial Wizard who can generate pure blessings, they might pounce on you like hungry wolves upon a fat sheep. They’ll try to win you over, control you in various ways, so remain vigilant."
Ron nodded slightly, taking the advice to heart.
Lady Allen hailing from the Crystal Tower, surely has a profound understanding of the situation there.
As a Primordial Wizard, the blessings he generates are irresistibly attractive to those in power, which is both an advantage and a potential danger.
"And..." Lady Allen’s voice suddenly softened, with rare hesitation:
"Lilia, that child, was nowhere to be found early this morning. I guess... she doesn’t want to face the farewell scene."
Ron fell silent for a moment, with a wave stirring in his heart.
Lilia has always been of such a quiet and sensitive disposition; facing an impending separation, avoidance might be the best way she can handle it.
Actually, with his current status, he could take Lilia along to the Central Lands.
But Ailan can already handle most of the assistant duties;
On the other hand, regarding Lilia, he has deeper considerations.
Although Lilia is diligent and eager to learn, her current growth rate indeed can’t keep up with his pace.
More importantly, the magic power concentration in the Central Lands far exceeds that of the Black Mist Jungle.
The air there is rich with high-purity magic, causing severe "overload" symptoms for those who haven’t reached the Advanced Apprentice level over the long term.
Mild symptoms include headache, dizziness, and insomnia;
while severe ones could lead to magic circuit disorders, and even permanent damage.
Only those who have grown up in the Central Lands among the extraordinary tribes and Wizard Clan members, and after reaching the level of Advanced Apprentice, can adapt to the magic environment there.
Currently, Lilia has not yet broken through to the Intermediate Apprentice, with a long way to the Advanced Apprentice.
Taking her to the Central Lands would be more of a harm than an opportunity.
Under Lady Allen’s protection, she can progress step by step, which is the best arrangement for now.
"That child, although somewhat weak, has a pure heart, and is diligent and grounded."
Lady Allen continued, with rare tenderness in her tone:
"I will guide her well; you needn’t worry."
"I believe she will grow significantly under your supervision." Ron said sincerely.