CHAPTER 95 – FAST TRAVEL

HIRAYA MISTELTEIN

It’s time to go home.

On the deck stood the entire Daybreaker Squad, gathered to greet the Minister of Onishira, Rielu Barschton. Minister Barschton, a chubby oni in his middle age, sported a long gray beard and a cap with holes to accommodate his horns. He exchanged pleasantries with shrine maiden onis and guards, his presence commanding respect. And then, he stepped forward to greet me.

"Thank you for liberating our island, Captain Misteltein," Minister Rielu extended his hand towards me.

I reciprocated the gesture with a smile. "The pleasure is mine. We merely fulfilled our duty—to end the dragonoids' occupation of this island."

"We can't express our gratitude enough," Minister Rielu bowed in appreciation.

Meanwhile, oni shrine maidens, wielding their mystical abilities, began loading crates with supplies. Mariko, noticing her comrades assisting us, approached them with a sense of camaraderie.

"I'm sorry, Cherry," Mariko's voice carried a tone of determination. "I'm entrusting you with leadership of the shrine. As the Fourth Dragon Lord, it's my duty to end this war and go with the Daybreaker Squad. I'll try to visit when I can."

Cherry, the shrine maiden oni, offered a reassuring smile. "No worries, Mariko. Focus on your duty. And don't forget to send me letters about your love story with Kate."

Mariko glanced at Kate, her cheeks flushed as she scratched her head in embarrassment. Catching her eye, Kate nodded, and returned her smile. Moving to Mariko's side, Kate engaged in conversation with the oni shrine maidens.

"Don't worry! I'll protect Mariko and keep her safe!" Kate's declaration was met with a firm punch to her chest.

"We're certain of that," the shrine maiden oni replied, exuding confidence in Kate's commitment.

As the onis departed the airship, I made my way to the bridge of the Windwalker, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. Glancing behind me, I found solace in the presence of Kate, Mariko, Charlotte, and Gaeun, stalwart allies who had always stood by my side. Despite the absence of Lysander, a pang of loneliness lingered, yet the unwavering support of my friends provided comfort.

"ULYSSES Activate," I commanded, breaking the silence.

In response, the computers hummed to life, casting a soft glow throughout the command room. The artificial intelligence of the Windwalker, ULYSSES, initiated communication.

"Where would you like to go, Captain Misteltein?" the AI inquired.

"Home," I replied, a sense of longing in my voice. "The Empire's Sanctuary."

"Initiating Fast Travel Teleportation Sequence," ULYSSES announced, setting the course for our destination.

As the airship gradually ascended, a sense of anticipation filled the cabin. Upon reaching the clouds, a magnificent green magical circle materialized at the ship's bow. With a gentle hum, the circle enveloped the Windwalker, scanning its entirety before...

In an instant, we found ourselves hovering before the docking station of Empire's Sanctuary.

"Well, that was... fast," Kate remarked, her surprise evident.

I nodded, eager to share the technological marvel with my companions. "The Windwalker registers all its traveled destinations, enabling it to utilize its Fast Travel Teleportation Sequence for instant transportation."

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Gaeun marveled at the innovation. "Truly the cutting edge of the empire."

Charlotte couldn't resist a sassy remark. "I, for one, am relieved. No more enduring that week-long cook fest."

Mariko, intrigued, turned to Kate. "What's the story behind this 'cook fest'?"

Kate's response was cryptic. "Best not to inquire. It's for the morale of the squad."

I redirected the conversation with a cheerful clap of my hands. "Well then! I'll need to report to Madam Corasell and the Empress. You ladies, however, should take a well-deserved break."

Gaeun expressed concern. "Hiraya, don't you need to rest too?"

I offered them a reassuring smile. "I'm good to go."

Despite my words, I wasn't truly ready to dive back into work. But with Lysander's life hanging in the balance, I couldn't afford to waste any time. I had to push myself, knowing that every moment counted while my dragonoid partner was in enemy hands. Plus, I still had to track down the traitor who had betrayed us to Gazelle.

Kate's fist tightened as she met my gaze. "Hiraya, trust me, we're bringing Lysander back."

Mariko's hand pressed against her chest, her voice resolute. "Count me in. Lysander's the reason Onishira is liberated."

Charlotte's fingers twisted around strands of her long, brown hair, her expression tense. "I might not be on great terms with Lysander, but he's still a friend. I'm determined to bring him back safely."

Gaeun's hand pressed against her chest, her voice wavering but resolute. "I-I'll give it my all, for Lysander's sake!"

"I appreciate your support, ladies. But there's no need to fret. I have a strong conviction that Lysander is safe," I reassured them, placing a hand over my chest, feeling the steady rhythm of my own heartbeat. "Our Vesryn Pulse connection persists—I can still sense his presence within me. He's alive, I'm sure of it. So go on and have a rest."

As Charlotte, Mariko, and Kate left the bridge, Gaeun remained, her nervous energy palpable as she fidgeted with her black hair. It was clear she had something on her mind, something she wanted to discuss with me.

I met her gaze, and without hesitation, she spoke up. "Um, Hiraya. I need to talk to you... after your conference."

"Okay," I agreed with a nod. Gaeun appeared troubled, though not to the extent that I felt. Still, I could sense when something was bothering my friend, and I was ready to listen.

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In Madam Corasell's office, I found myself seated alongside Empress Serenity, Madam Corasell herself, and Eva, her dragonoid partner. The room was adorned with a round table, tea cups brimming, as I presented a written report detailing the events in Onishira.

"Congratulations on the successful liberation of the Island of Onis," Empress Serenity commended. "While we would like to celebrate, time is of the essence with two more Dragon Lords to recruit."

"I understand, your Grace," I replied with a respectful bow. "However, I must propose another mission. I seek to rescue my partner, Lysander."

Empress Serenity paused, her fingers tracing her chin in contemplation. "Lysander... I am aware of his formidable abilities, but do you have any idea of his whereabouts?"

I shook my head. "My assumption is that he's being held in the Guardian's Haven. I think it is called the Dragon’s Fortress now."

Madam Corasell, Eva, and the Empress exchanged glances, their expressions weighted with unspoken concern, before their gazes settled on me.

“The Dragon's Fortress is the heart of the Republic,” Madam Corasell asserted, her voice steady with conviction. “Launching an all-out attack is our primary objective, but we cannot overlook the threat posed by the Fifth and the Sixth Dragon Lord.”

Eva's eyes held a sense of urgency as she spoke, her words cutting through the tension-filled air. “Time is our enemy, Captain Misteltein. We must prioritize the mission over rescuing Lysander. Once we secure the fifth and sixth, our chances of saving him will greatly improve.”

My fists clenched instinctively, emotions roiling beneath the surface. I knew they were right. Rushing headlong into Dragon’s Fortress without a comprehensive strategy would be reckless, even suicidal. Swallowing my pride, I met their determined gazes with a forced smile.

“I understand,” I replied, my tone betraying none of the turmoil churning within me.

Eva's voice held a note of relief as she revealed, "Good thing Lysander provided the names of the next two dragonoids. We have some direction." With a swift motion, she extracted a document from her folder, offering it to us for inspection.

Madam Corasell leaned in, her eyes scanning the document intently. "So, Captain Misteltein," she prompted, her demeanor expectant. "Who shall be our next target?"

My gaze fixed on the image of a rugged dwarven figure with a flowing beard. "Darlix Mctavish," I stated firmly, my finger indicating his likeness. "According to Lysander, he is the Fifth Dragon Lord who resides in Kraghelm."

The Empress's smile was approving as she nodded. "Very well, Captain. Prepare your troops. In three days' time, you will set forth for the Land of Dwarves."

I acknowledged their instructions with a brisk nod, rising from my seat with gratitude evident in my demeanor. "Thank you, Your Grace," I murmured respectfully.

Exiting the chamber, I encountered Gaeun, her tear-stained face a stark contrast to the solemnity of the meeting. Clutching a letter tightly, she sobbed inconsolably.

"Gaeun, what's wrong?" Concern laced my voice as I approached her.

At the sight of me, she wordlessly collapsed into my embrace, seeking solace in the comfort of my presence.