A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1659: Mages Get To Work

Archer made his way back to the main deck. He passed a group of crew members discussing the shipʼs upcoming voyage to the Orientia and the horrible weather plaguing their journey, then the four islands surrounding Draconia. Their excitement was real, and he caught mentions of new trade routes and diplomatic missions.

He kept his expression neutral, but inwardly, he was smiling. The Wyldheart Companyʼs creation was a game-changer, and Archer intended to make it his own. Stepping back onto the gangway, he cast a final glance at the vessel, its sleek silhouette framed against the portʼs vibrant chaos.

The morning sun was beginning to dip, casting long shadows across the dock. With his tickets tucked securely in his coat and his mind brimming, Archer rejoined the crowd as he stepped back onto the Whtie Storm, where he made his way back to their room. When he entered, he saw Meredith preparing tea in the kitchen.

Malakia was fast asleep beneath the blankets, seeking warmth against the cold air seeping into the room. He noticed the blonde wore a sexy green gown that ended just above her knees, highlighting her figure. She turned in his direction, a big smile crossing her face as she greeted him. ʼʼHello, handsome. Did you book the tickets?ʼʼ

Archer nodded in agreement. ʼʼYes, many other people are heading east,ʼʼ he said. ʼʼI donʼt blame them, most were stuck on Draconia for years and now want to explore the world youʼve created,ʼʼ Meredith commented.

Following that, he sat down and was given a cup of tea that smelled delicious, warming him up as the liquid poured down his throat. While sitting there, he glanced out the nearby window that overlooked Eastwatch, which stretched as far as the eye could see, thanks to its always-expanding.

People were already going about their day, heading to work or buying stuff from one of the markets that dotted the trading center of the empire. The buildings were a mix of stone and fancy wood, thanks to the legions finding rare sandwood at the time. He was impressed with how alive the place was.

Mothers led groups of children through the streets as store owners lifted their shutters, opening their shops to the world outside. Archerʼs Draconic eyes granted him flawless vision, allowing him to notice every detail perfectly when he focused. Just then, Meredithʼs voice brought him back to reality.

ʼʼMy love, when do we set sail?ʼʼ she asked.

Archer turned to the gorgeous blonde who was smiling at him and answered. ʼʼThe next couple of hours, it will take a week or two to reach Orientia if the weather holds out and it doesnʼt get any worse.ʼʼ

When the maid overheard his words, she gave a brisk nod, and the tension between them eased. Meredith began preparing sandwiches, her hands moving deftly, honed by Edithʼs meticulous training. Meanwhile, Ella was busy fussing over the white-haired woman, a sight that amused Archer to no end.

The calm of the morning broke when Malakia woke, stretching slowly and lazily, her blue gown hugging her curves, showing off her smooth brown skin and deep cleavage as her boobs jiggled. This sent Archerʼs lust skyrocketing, but he shook his head to control his urges, thanks to all the people outside the door.

His pointy ears twitched when hearing new passengers taking the rooms as their guides led them there. Archer turned his gaze toward the lioness who suddenly appeared in front of him with a grin. ʼʼMorning, handsome,ʼʼ she said, sitting in his lap.

Her dark grey hair was tied into a messy ponytail, but he couldnʼt focus on the older woman because she started kissing his neck, sending shivers down his spine as Meredith giggled at the scene. ʼʼLooks like she woke up horny, werenʼt last night enough?ʼʼ she teased.

Malakia glanced at the blonde, naughtiness appearing in her blue eyes as she replied. ʼʼIt was, but I love showing affection to our husband, isnʼt that what a relationship is?ʼʼ

ʼʼThat it is,ʼʼ Meredith smiled.

Following that, the lioness got up and went to grab a cup of tea while wrapping a blanket around herself. ʼʼItʼs cold this morning, has another storm hit?ʼʼ she asked.

ʼʼNot yet,ʼʼ Archer replied, finishing off the drink he had after warming it up using mana. ʼʼOnce we leave port and get to the open ocean, they will hit.ʼʼ

When the two women heard this, frowns crossed their faces as Meredith commented. ʼʼLong Winter again?ʼʼ

ʼʼIt will only get worse, Mere,ʼʼ he revealed, an annoyed expression crossing his face. ʼʼThe others had to hunker down because the storms are heading this way, they claim itʼs worse than anything theyʼve seen.ʼʼ

ʼʼDoesnʼt surprise me,ʼʼ Malakia added. ʼʼEspecially when mana is thrown in, turns everything chaotic.ʼʼ

ʼʼYes, one of the storms that hit the palace a few weeks ago,ʼʼ the blonde replied, shivering when remembering it. ʼʼIt was horrible and turned everything into an ice box.ʼʼ

Following that, the duo continued talking about Long Winter as Archer turned toward the window, seeing the ship starting to move thanks to the tug boats pushing it out of port while the mana engines roared to life. He could sense the energy coming from them, putting a smile on his face as the power vibrated through his body.

When the DTS White Storm left Eastwatch, the seas were peaceful, but days later, a Mana Storm descended, cutting off magic and halting the vessel until it passed.

***

(Nefertiti, Talila, Brooke, Nala, Sera, Alexa, Elara)

Alexa was standing by her tent, which was inside the ring of airships, shielding them from the worst of the storm that appeared out of nowhere and battered the floating island they were on. The place gave the expedition some safety, but everyone was still affected by the cold as fires blazed all over the place.

She was wrapped in a thick cloak that Brooke had given her once the camp was set up and done commanding the soldiers. While standing there, Talila and Sera appeared; they had returned to the camp days ago after exploring the undiscovered land. The Dragoness grinned as she finally spoke. ʼʼThis place is empty now, only your usual monsters inhabit it.ʼʼ

ʼʼAre they all dead?ʼʼ she curiously asked as there were no signs of battle.

The silver-haired Elf shook her head. ʼʼNo, we left them so the soldiers could hunt; theyʼll need the creatures for food.ʼʼ

ʼʼSo Brooke has decided to set up an outpost here?ʼʼ Alexa questioned.

ʼʼYes, itʼs safe and shielded from the Long Winter once the mages get to work,ʼʼ Talila revealed.

Following that, the pair set out to patrol the fortress rising around her as she neared the islandʼs edge, where a vast sea of white clouds obscured any glimpse of the land below. As she stood there, a flock of enormous birds soared past, and two of them suddenly dove toward her.

Moments later, a barrage of violet projectiles erupted from the fortress behind her, streaking through the sky like amethyst comets. Each projectile pulsed with energy, homing in on the monstrous birds. Before they could reach her, the missiles struck, exploding in bursts of radiant light.

The creatures screeched once, then plummeted into the clouds below, leaving Alexa unharmed, her heart pounding as she stared at the fading violet trails. ʼDamn Arch and his weapons mixed with magic,ʼ she mused.

After that, the days stretched on as the storm only got worse, and the expedition was forced to shelter in place. Talila, Sera, and Nerfertiti began collecting the monsters that lived on the floating island. Alexa was shocked at the warehouse full to the brim with creatures that came straight from a fantasy book.

When she asked Archer about his recent visit, he revealed that some members of the harem were eager to establish a sanctuary for them, catching the navy-haired beauty by surprise. Their husband ensured he visited several times a week, cherishing moments spent with each of them.

She was looking a fluffy bears, vicious-looking dinosaurs that growled at her through the thick bars made from mitharil. Alexa found out that the metal was so expensive, but the empire had so much that it filled up dozens of warehouses back on Draconia. This news shocked her, but unfazed the others.

Brooke appeared behind her and revealed. ʼʼBe careful in here, Lexi, some of these beasts are dangerous.ʼʼ

Alexa jumped back until she was beside the older woman, replying. ʼʼWhy would they bring those things here?ʼʼ

ʼʼStudy, to learn and to impress the people,ʼʼ the brunette answered, giggling. ʼʼPlus Archer wants to show the little ones these impressive monsters when building his sanctuary.ʼʼ

ʼʼWhat is this place you all keep mentioning?ʼʼ she asked, making Brooke laugh even more before she motioned for her to follow.

Following that, the two women made their way back to the small palace the legion built for them, connected to the back of the fortress. It was secured from the rest of the floating island, allowing everyone to relax as the Oathkeepers patrolled the ramparts, keeping guard from the outside world.