The "Dawnwalker" airship breaks through the clouds, its silver hull shimmering brightly in the sunlight, like a giant dragon cruising through the sky.
The wing membranes on either side of the ship gently stretch and tremble slightly with the air currents.
The propulsion crystals at the bottom of the hull emit a soft blue light, continuously converting complex energy into steady forward momentum.
Ron stands on the observation deck, overlooking the changing sea of clouds below.
Though the stars are invisible during the day, it does not hinder him from feeling the grace of "Star Projection."
The energy from the depths of the universe still flows into his body incessantly, though the absorption efficiency is somewhat lower compared to nighttime.
It’s been a week since leaving the Black Mist Jungle, and the airship has maintained a stable speed, heading towards Town 69.
This is one of the essential stopovers on the route from the Black Mist Jungle to the Central Lands, crucial for refueling and resupplying.
Besides Ron, a few other passengers on the deck are also enjoying the scenery.
Most of them are merchants or nobles, dressed in exquisite clothing and occasionally exchanging a few words, their laughter carried away by the wind.
As Ron approaches, their conversations inevitably quiet down, their eyes reflecting a subtle awe and curiosity.
"Is that the Official Wizard from the Black Mist Jungle?"
A young noble quietly asks his companion, his voice full of curiosity:
"He looks so young, even younger than me."
"Shh, keep your voice down."
His friend warns, a cautious look in his eyes:
"Wizards have hearing far superior to ordinary people, and they bear grudges easily. I once saw a merchant who ended up growing a pig’s tail overnight after talking about a wizard’s attire behind their back—it lasted for three whole months before disappearing."
The young noble immediately closes his mouth, a look of terror on his face as he quickly walks to the other side of the deck, as if this could avoid Ron’s attention.
This reaction brings a slight smile to Ron’s lips.
Since becoming an Official Wizard, he has increasingly been able to sense the subtle changes brought about by this identity.
Just standing there can change the atmosphere around him.
As his thoughts swirl, Ron senses a familiar energy fluctuation coming from behind.
Ailan appears silently beside him, her green vine-like body glistening healthily in the sunlight.
"Master, Dale has woken up."
Ailan reports softly, her voice like a gentle breeze rustling through leaves:
"She’s been saying lately how much she likes the environment of the new crystal vat, saying the water there is clearer and more comfortable than in the old vat."
Ron nods, feeling delighted.
The new crystal vat prepared for Dale on the airship is twice as large as the previous one.
Inside, there’s an alchemy device simulating an underwater environment, capable of creating various water currents and light effects, allowing the Little Sea Siren to experience more changes and joy.
"Let’s go and see her." Ron turns away from the observation deck and heads towards his suite.
Returning to the suite, Dale is happily swimming in the new crystal vat.
Her golden eyes light up immediately upon seeing Ron, her tail flapping the water and creating ripples.
"Master!" she exclaims excitedly, her voice full of joy:
"This place is amazing! There’s a special energy in the water that makes me feel very comfortable, just like swimming in the ocean!"
Ron smiles and nods, then walks over to the workbench on the other side of the room.
Spread out there is a series of complex blueprints and design sketches, with a small crystal container on the edge, inside which hovers a faintly glowing fragment, emitting a weak but stable energy fluctuation.
This is the precious gift he obtained from Soron in exchange for merit points and a life-saving favor—the complete blueprint of the "Simulation Battle Device."
As well as a core containing the soul fragment of his old acquaintance, the Weapon Master Aksa.
This gift is more valuable than any money or material, as it provides a possibility, a vital tool that could significantly accelerate his training progress.
Ron gave it much thought when choosing Soron’s reward.
Other wizards might opt for precious materials, ancient spells, or rare magic potion formulas, but none were as meaningful as a system capable of continuously generating value.
And the "Simulation Battle Device" precisely offers such a possibility.
The "Simulation Battle Device" was originally a large facility used by the Black Mist School to train apprentices, capable of creating various battle environments and opponents, allowing apprentices to gain combat experience under safe conditions.
However, the school’s device is bulky and requires multiple alchemists to maintain, its high cost combined with the less-than-expected improvement effect made it fall out of favor over time.
Ron’s goal is to miniaturize this device, creating a portable version, a personal training field just for himself.
In this way, he could engage in high-intensity realistic training anytime and anywhere, unrestricted by time and place.
"What is Master studying?"
Dale curiously pokes her head out from the crystal vat, her golden eyes fixed on the complex blueprints.
"A device that will allow me to train more efficiently."
Ron explains simply, his fingers lightly tracing the intricate lines:
"If successful, I will be able to create simulated battle scenarios anywhere, to spar with various imaginary opponents."
His thoughts returned to the combat phantoms he once faced in the simulation battle device, the sense of immersion, tension, and pressure incomparable to ordinary training.