Chapter 549 – Sea of Nothingness

“What is… the Sea of Void?” Grace tilted her head in confusion.

Hmm. Well, based on the terminology and effects, I understood it to mean outer space, but it could be something different. Since we might be dealing with it in the future, it’s probably better for everyone to have a common understanding.

“Would it be correct to say it’s the world of stars… above the sky?”

“Yes. In more familiar terms, it’s the space that separates the moon from the earth. If you go high enough above the ground, you’ll enter that space. The earth where we live, along with the moon and all the stars, are merely floating and scattered within the Sea of Void.”

When I looked over, Claudia nodded.

Yeah. So it seems correct that it roughly refers to outer space.

“…That’s right. Regardless of whether we need to go to the moon, it’s probably better to explain some basics. Simply put, it’s a space with no air or water, and no distinction between heaven and earth.”

“No air… That sounds even worse than suffocating.”

Rosemary seemed to be contemplating Claudia’s words, her expression slightly clouding.

“Yes… If living creatures were thrown into such a harsh environment without preparation, they would die immediately.”

“What do you mean by no distinction between heaven and earth?”

“When you’re in the Sea of Void, you’re always in a floating state. Since there’s no ground to stand on, there’s no up or down. Everything normally experiences a force pulling it toward the center of the earth, but if you go far enough from both the earth and the moon, that force becomes so weak it’s barely noticeable.”

“So in that case, nowhere can serve as a reference point for what constitutes ‘ground’.”

Claudia nodded at Ashley’s words.

No distinction between heaven and earth essentially means zero gravity. Given that Claudia and the other Moon Folk had the moon as their base, they seem to have ample knowledge about such matters.

“Water and air, temperature, and then heaven and earth… If these environmental factors are properly managed, then living creatures could indeed be active there.”

The idea that receiving the protection of the Four Great Spirits would allow activity in outer space—well, that might make sense.

“Hmm. I understand it’s not a place one can reach overnight… The question is whether we need to go to the moon or not.”

King Melvin spoke while showing a thoughtful expression.

“That’s right. Regardless of whether anyone still lives on the moon, it’s highly likely that ruins remain. Even if the lunar capital has been abandoned, it’s hard to imagine they would leave dangerous things behind. Especially if the moon side recognized the threat of the demons and the Seven Sages came.”

“Well… I suppose we should keep it in mind as a possibility. In that case, we’d need air and water purification and creation. Then propulsion. If we have these, it seems like the Sirius could make the journey…”

Since it was originally designed with high-altitude activity in mind, there should be no issues with airtightness or structural strength.

The remaining requirements would be sufficient propulsion and proper calculations for distance, direction, and other necessities… Could we really reach the moon? If needed, we might have to install booster-type propulsion devices, but it seems like we’d need either higher quality or greater quantity of magic stones.

“Propulsion, huh? Speaking of the Sirius, we’d have to consider movement in places without air.”

When our eyes met, Alfred said this with a smile.

“Hmm. Well, for now we need to focus on the investigation of Beriondora.”

Since our future actions will depend on those results, for now let’s stick to planning, calculations, and preparations. What’s important is having measures we can take when needed.

With my business concluded for the moment, everyone began greeting the Spirit Kings anew.

King Melvin did so, and Queen Eldorene also politely greeted the Spirit Kings.

Princess Adriana and Princess Elham, representing King Eberhart and King Farid respectively, did the same.

Penelope, Auria, Old Sigmund, and Forset—leaders of various organizations—each respectfully greeted the Spirit Kings in turn. It’s no wonder, given that the High Spirits are worshipped and beloved throughout the lands. The Spirit Kings themselves have bright, friendly personalities, creating a rather amiable atmosphere.

With the Spirit Kings gathered, it seemed to be a favorable environment for fairies too. Seraphina was in high spirits, sitting at the edge of the table and humming along to Irmhild and the others’ music and singing. Marlene was also smiling cheerfully, keeping time with small hand claps and swaying her feet to the rhythm.

Flower Fairies, apparently having emerged from the botanical garden, had gathered around the ritual site, and outside the windows had become quite lively as well.

“Lord Rakeld, it’s been too long.”

“Lord Ignatius, isn’t it? The last time we met was during the previous ritual, I believe.”

“That’s right. We spend most of our time sleeping unless needed. Even though we’re staying here, I apologize for not being better company.”

“Not at all. I believe I understand the missions and circumstances of both you and Lord Lazaro. Please don’t worry about it.”

After this round of greetings had settled down, Marl approached me.

“I’d like to talk about the Water Dragon parent and child, if that’s alright?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

Earlier, when I communicated with Marl via the communication device, I had also informed her that Lasnote wanted to meet with her.

Because of that, I had suggested the Water Spirit Hall as a meeting place, but since other Spirit Kings entering could affect the seal, we settled on meeting on the ground.

The royal castle would have been acceptable as a meeting place, but with all the Spirit Kings manifesting together, it was expected to draw large crowds and become a major event. So ultimately, King Melvin and Marl coordinated and decided on the ritual site.

“Given Pernas and the others’ circumstances, they’re living in near-seclusion. I hear they’re quite aware that they’re being overprotective of Lasnote.”

“That might be true.”

“So I was thinking, if possible, I’d like to let Lasnote see the outside world and learn from it… But dragons inevitably attract attention, so I was wondering if there might be a good solution.”

I thought for a moment after hearing this. Learning about the outside world, huh.

“When it comes to understanding what’s dangerous and what to be careful about in life… I don’t think it’s necessary to learn through direct experience. Knowledge gained from books should be sufficient as long as the content is accurate and one has the mindset to apply it properly.”

“That’s certainly true.”

I think that’s what educating children is about.

If it’s just about gaining that kind of knowledge and perspective, it should be possible even within Termwills town. Being dragonkin, their basic abilities are far superior to other races anyway.

“So, what about using the Humanization Spell? While maintaining the spell, they might lose their draconic powers, but as long as they’re within sight, providing escort should be possible. We already have magic tools for learning and maintaining the spell, so we can prepare them immediately.”

“Really?”

Marl’s expression brightened.

“Yes. Though if one lacks aptitude for the spell, the transformation might be incomplete. And… dragons are a proud race, so this would depend on whether they’re willing to take human form. There’s also the question of whether Pernas and Invel would trust the outside world’s inhabitants. Since this is a delicate matter, I can’t really push them too hard.”

Those are probably the main issues with this plan.

“Then… I’ll visit the Water Spirit Hall today and discuss it with them.”

Yeah. Whatever direction the conversation takes, Lasnote will probably be happy.

“Understood. I’ll give you the magic tools beforehand then. Tomorrow I’ll be at the underground paddy field in the botanical garden near this ritual site, so if anything comes up, please contact me via the communication device and I can come to meet you.”

“The botanical garden? Understood.”

With that, Marl smiled.

Thank you for always reading my work.

To mark the milestone of chapter 550, I’ve posted a brief introduction article for characters who first appeared between chapters 451 and 500 in the activity report.

While the content is kept simple to prevent spoilers, I hope you find it useful.