Chapter 1177 To The City of Crafting!
Chapter 1177 To The City of Crafting!
...
Several hours later...
Selene soared through the skies at incredible speeds. She returned to the larger form she had after having emerged from the Gate of the Separati.
Izroth sat atop Selene's back as his gaze was set downward at the world below.
'Traveling this way is much more convenient.'
After departing from Kifa Karsts, Izroth rejoined with Empyrean, Selene and Yilsia with his destination set to Danaharpe, located in the kingdom of Amaharpe.
At first, Izroth thought that he would have to employ a few methods to make traveling on Selene's back possible. However, after utilizing the method he learned from the guild leader of Sacred Beasts, Meng Jiang, Izroth did not experience any trouble or discomfort during his journey. It was as if there was an invisible force keep the external winds and temperature at bay around Selene.
Izroth set his gaze back to the area in front of him as he looked down at the Arcane Script.
On his journey to Danaharpe, Izroth had been working toward the creation of his first Arcane Script.
The Arcane Script resembled a high quality scroll. While Izroth did not know precisely what it was made of, it seemed to contain a mixture of leather harvested from a powerful monster and other rare materials.
On the surface of the Arcane Script were complex patterns of unknown symbols that resembled several overlapping magic circles drawn in black ink; however, it was different in many ways that the two could only be considered distant relatives at best.
Izroth attempted to trace the complex patterns with the Runic Quill using the Diluted Arcane Ink in the process. He could even feel a faint mysterious power materializing with every symbol he completed. But, every time Izroth was roughly halfway through tracing the Arcane Script, the Runic Quill would tremble and the Diluted Arcane Ink vanished without a trace.
Izroth tried channeling his mana into the Runic Quill, using his Essence to stabilize the process—he even tried using the Imitation Law of Wind to make sure he did not make a single mistake when tracing the patterns. However, it all turned out to be useless.
'I've already gone through nearly half the bottle of Diluted Arcane Ink, but I still haven't made any progress in creating the Lower Zone of Progression. Since I haven't been given any instructions on how to create an Arcane Script, I assumed there's something about it that requires one to learn it naturally. It's more difficult than I anticipated.'
There was no guidance or manuals for creating an Arcane Script; therefore, Izroth could only experiment with different methods. The main problem was the Diluted Arcane Ink.
Izroth did not know how to create more Arcane Ink yet. As a result, there was a limit to what he was able to try. Regardless, Izroth was not the type to back away from a challenge.
'Maybe the approach is wrong. It is most likely true that Arcane Scripts are the origin of magic formations. But, perhaps I'm comparing the two too much. While there are certainly some similarities, it's comparable to the similarities between a monkey and a human. There must be something that I'm missing, but...'
"It's a bit unlikely, but perhaps I can find the answers I seek somewhere in Danaharpe. Even if I'm unable to find the answers I'm looking for, at the very least, I should be able to find an Alchemist capable of producing more Arcane Ink. That alone will provide me with more opportunities." Izroth said to himself.
Danaharpe was known as the city of crafting. If players in Amaharpe wanted to advance further along the path of their profession, they would have no choice but to visit Danaharpe sooner or later.
Of course, being the city of crafting, Danaharpe was also home to many rare treasures and materials that one would have a hard time getting anywhere else in the Mortal Realm. Because of this, many top guilds and other powers set up branches in Danaharpe to keep an eye on what appeared in the shops.
'We should be arriving soon.'
"Selene, prepare to land." Izroth instructed as he gently tapped Selene.
As one of the major cities of the Amaharpe Kingdom and a place where many powerful individuals resided, Danaharpe was a fortress under heavy guard.
Izroth knew that if someone like Selene abruptly appeared and attempted to fly over the city walls, it would be seen as an act of aggression and she would be attacked without question.
After flying for a few more minutes, Selene descended from the skies. She landed in an open space within the forest located roughly three kilometers from Danaharpe.
〈System Alert: You have entered «Darzhan Forest»!〉
Not long after she landed, Selene transformed herself back into her smaller form and perched upon Izroth's shoulder.
"Do you want to go join Empyrean and Yilsia?" Izroth asked.
Empyrean and Yilsia also made their way to Danaharpe; however, the two were flying in a more free spirited manner since they did not have someone to carry.
Izroth also made sure to send his intent to Empyrean via Soul Link about flying too close to Danaharpe. Of course, Izroth was not worried that Empyrean would have too much trouble escaping from harm with his strength and abilities. However, the same could not be said of Yilsia.
"I will stay with you. Back in Sarkan, I learned that there are a lot of good things in cities with lots of people." Selene said excitedly.
"Oh? Then, if you see anything that catches your eye, be sure to tell me. I will make sure to get it for you." Izroth said as he began to make his way toward the gates of Danaharpe.
"Really? You'll really get me whatever I want?" Selene said as she looked at Izroth with eyes that screamed 'you can't take it back'.
"As long as it's something within my means, you don't have to hold back." Izroth stated with a carefree smile.
As the owner of the Mystical Realm Palace and an Apothecary, Izroth did not lack funds. More importantly, he was curious as to what kind of items Selene would pick out. After all, it was the first time she clearly expressed her interest in material things.
'Sarkan... That place really changed those two. They must have experienced a lot during their time there. If possible, I would like to see that place with my own eyes one day.'
...
Approximately 30 minutes later...
'So, this is Danaharpe. It's a lot more heavily fortified than the capital city of Amaharpe. Then again, I suppose that's no surprise when that capital city is just for decoration.'
Izroth traveled through Darzhan Forest without issue. He ran into a few monsters along the way; however, the highest was level 52 and it did not take him long to deal with it. He also came across a few party of players hunting and gathering in Darzhan forest. But, everyone seemed to keep to their own devices as if there was an unspoken rule.
Izroth observed the massive metal gate protected by a powerful magic barrier and the towering walls that surrounded Danaharpe. Sat atop the walls were magic cannons manned by strong NPCs. Additionally, two guards stood on the left and right sides of the metal gate donned in a full set of luxurious heavy armor with a halberd in hand.
There were two ways into Danaharpe, which was through the east gate where Izroth was currently located and the west gate.
Izroth had already been informed by Niflheim to go through the east gate to get into the city faster. This was due to the fact that because of recent events, the entrance through the east gate had been restricted to members of the four war branches and those of high standing.
Izroth approached the metal gate. As he did so, neither of the guards attempted to stop him. Though this was to be expected since Izroth had pinned his General Support Unit Captain badge on the side of his arm.
Without halting his steps, Izroth walked into the metal gate. But, instead of being blocked, he phased right through it.
'It's just as Niflheim said. As long as I'm wearing the badge, I will be allowed entry without issue. Still, to reserve the entire east gate for members of the four war branches and those with high status—is there something else going on?'
〈System Alert: You have entered «Danaharpe City»!〉