The hum of the air-train deepened as it began its ascent, the entire cabin vibrating faintly with a soothing resonance. Emma pressed back against her seat, her wide eyes fixed on the crystalline panels that displayed the world outside. Slowly but surely, the train lifted off the ground, its engines exuding a gentle, rhythmic thrum that seemed to harmonize with the magical energy surrounding it.
Beneath the air-train, the world receded as if it were shrinking, the vibrant bustle of the air-train station becoming a distant speck. From her vantage point, Emma could see the train's sleek partly transparent wings extend outward, their tips glowing faintly with runic inscriptions. These inscriptions shimmered in hues of gold and azure, channeling mana into the atmosphere and creating ripples of translucent light that helped the train glide effortlessly through the sky.
The initial turbulence of the ascent gave way to an exhilarating smoothness as the air-train breached the clouds. Outside, the tightly sealed glass panes framed a breathtaking panorama. Emma leaned closer to the window, her nose nearly touching the glass, as the air-train moved through a sea of fluffy white clouds tinged with golden sunlight.
Above, the sky stretched endlessly, a gradient of soft blues fading into deeper indigos. A rainbow arched across the heavens, its vibrant colors shimmering with an almost ethereal glow, as if enchanted by unseen magic.
“Oh, look at that,” Emma whispered to herself, her voice filled with awe.
The scene outside seemed alive with wonder. Birds with radiant, jewel-toned plumage flitted alongside the train, their feathers catching the sunlight in dazzling displays. Some resembled creatures from fabled tomes: one bird bore feathers that shifted colors like flowing water, while another left behind a trail of sparkling mist as it flew.
Even more astonishing were the magical water birds—majestic creatures seemingly sculpted from liquid crystal. They glided through the air with a grace that defied logic, droplets of water cascading from their wings before vanishing into mist. Beyond them, schools of flying fish darted playfully through the skies, their iridescent scales catching the light in a dance of color.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“Flying fish…” Emma muttered, blinking in disbelief. The fish weaved between the air currents, their fins outstretched like gossamer wings. Occasionally, they would dip through pockets of moisture, their bodies glowing faintly as though energized by the act.
Vivian, seated beside her, watched Emma with quiet amusement. “Enjoying the view?” she asked, her voice soft yet laced with warmth.
Emma turned to her mother, her expression one of pure joy. “It’s like a dream, Mom. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Vivian gave a small smile, her gaze drifting briefly to the window. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? The skies always seem to hold a bit of magic, even when you think you’ve seen it all.”
The air-train continued its journey, its path occasionally marked by shimmering streams of mana that crisscrossed the sky like celestial rivers. Other air-trains could be seen in the distance, their glowing forms cutting sleek lines through the atmosphere. Each one moved with a rhythm that seemed almost musical, the harmony of their engines blending with the natural beauty of the heavens.
Emma felt as though she were suspended in time, each moment etching itself into her memory. The air inside the air-train was cool, carrying a faint scent of mana and polished crystal. Every now and then, she would glance back at the cabin, taking in the calm faces of fellow passengers who seemed equally enchanted by the journey.
The magic of the skies held her in its grasp, and for a while, she forgot all her worries.
After what felt like both an eternity and an instant, the air-train began its descent. The wings folded inward with a smooth, mechanical grace, and the glow of the runic inscriptions dimmed slightly. Emma watched as the clouds parted below, revealing a sprawling landscape bathed in sunlight.
The terrain of Eldo-Clearoth Kingdom was unlike anything she had imagined. Rolling hills of emerald green stretched into the distance, dotted with vibrant wildflowers that seemed to glow faintly under the sun. Rivers shimmered like molten silver, winding their way through villages and towns that sparkled with the light of enchanted lanterns.
A grand city loomed ahead, its skyline dominated by towering spires of alabaster and gold. Airships hovered gracefully above the city, their forms dwarfing even the air-train, while streams of mana arced between them like bridges of light.
As the air-train touched down on a suspended platform adorned with glowing runes, Emma felt her heart swell with anticipation. The landing was as smooth as silk, the faint hum of the engines fading into silence as the train came to a halt.
Vivian placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder, her voice calm yet tinged with excitement. “We’ve arrived.”
Emma couldn’t contain her smile. “Eldo-Clearoth Kingdom…” she whispered, her words brimming with wonder.
And as they stepped off the air-train onto the glimmering platform, Emma knew that her journey was only just beginning.