Chapter 309 – Goblin Airship

Although Ben Lajie sat on the griffin with an “I don’t know spells and I’m justified” attitude, Punk really couldn’t do much about him. He certainly wasn’t going to just give away the spell model for “Extreme Speed Flight” to Ben Lajie just to save a little time.

In truth, mages like Ben Lajie—who, after reaching the Master-Level, knew very few Master-Level spells beyond the common ones—were actually quite typical. Even when they needed to conduct research, they would first figure out which spells they required and then learn them or purchase scrolls. As for the luxurious scenario like Punk’s, where he could carefully select from a plethora of spells for any research, they wouldn’t even dare to imagine it. After all, the more advanced the spell model, the more expensive and rare it became. In any organization, Master-Level spell models weren’t something that could be exchanged for casually.

Thus, most mages would use whatever they had on hand when facing situations. If nothing suitable was available, they would make do, and if they couldn’t make do, they would simply give up. A mage like Punk, who had inherited the legacy of Netheril and had countless spells to choose from, was truly extraordinary.

However, watching Ben Lajie sitting on the griffin’s back, pulling out chicken legs one after another from his Storage Ring and eating until his mouth was greasy, Punk couldn’t help but feel that this guy was simply in it for the enjoyment.

Having flown at high altitude for over an hour, with Ben Lajie still maintaining a leisurely, picnic-like attitude, Punk couldn’t help but voice his doubts:

“Mr. Nokani, where exactly is this ‘flying port’ you mentioned that can safely and comfortably take us to the Hoth Mountains in the shortest time?”

After flying so slowly in mid-air for so long, Punk was growing somewhat displeased. He had only accepted Ben Lajie’s suggestion because he was unfamiliar with the Gray Rain Country and the Hoth Mountains, and because Ben Lajie claimed to know someone who could guide them.

But now… Ben Lajie didn’t seem very reliable at all.

Hearing the displeasure in Punk’s tone over the wind, Ben Lajie finally wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his Mage Robe. Then, while tossing a small pile of chicken bones overboard as “high-altitude litter,” he mumbled through a mouthful of chicken:

“Wha’ss the rush, wha’ss the rush… Gulp… Young people these days are so impatient. That black dragon isn’t going anywhere. As mages, we need to stay calm…”

“Can you speak without beating around the bush?”

“Alright… I know a goblin in Gold Tooth City. That guy has the fastest and most comfortable goblin airship in the entire Gray Rain Country. Trust me, you’ll love the service on the luxury airship. I guarantee it’s far more interesting than flying with spells for a day and night.”

“The key is… how much longer until we actually reach your Gold Tooth City?”

Punk was very annoyed by Ben Lajie’s tendency to slow down their progress for the sake of enjoyment. He was still somewhat worried about Anya back at the apprentice villa of the Thought of Truth Branch… or more precisely, the Eerie Eyeball on Anya.

However, this was certainly not something he could let others notice. On the surface, Punk still belonged to the “leisurely” category of mages, and acting too rushed and frantic wouldn’t be appropriate. But now, he was thoroughly tired of this riding journey that he deeply disliked.”Really, the sky view is so splendid… alright, we’ll be there after crossing two more mountains. We’ll fly diagonally and land along the back hills of Gold Tooth City to reach the skyport directly.”

Seeing Punk’s gaze turning frosty, Ben Lajie finally stopped joking around. He pointed earnestly toward the distant Hoth Mountains and spoke with conviction.

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Ben Lajie’s statement was actually quite problematic, because between the two mountains he mentioned lay a vast stretch of jungle.

As a result, Punk had to fly for a full three hours in the sky, requiring him to recast the “Summon Griffon” spell before finally reaching the skyport Ben Lajie had described (Apprentice-Level Summoning Magic—”Summon Griffon”, duration one and a half hours).

Nevertheless, after what could be called an arduous journey over mountains and rivers, Punk and Ben Lajie finally set foot on the ground of this so-called “best” skyport.

“Adada, come out quickly! Congratulations, your luxury airship is going to be put to use once again!”

No sooner had they landed than Ben Lajie, after dismissing his precious griffon to fly back the way they came, cast an “Amplify Voice” spell on himself and shouted loudly.

No wonder Ben Lajie resorted to shouting to get someone’s attention – for some reason, the skyport appeared completely deserted now. Only a few small goblin airships hovered in mid-air, and the vast port contained no passengers at all aside from several goblins in work clothes hammering away.

However deserted the skyport might be, now that two Master-Level Mages had arrived, the skyport’s owner couldn’t possibly fail to come out and greet them.

Fortunately, this time the skyport didn’t keep Punk waiting long.

Almost before Ben Lajie’s words had finished echoing, a thin rope descended from the highest-flying and most agile-looking airship, down which slid a small green-skinned goblin.

“Ah, Master Ben Lajie… oh, and the distinguished unknown master, welcome to my skyport. Allow me to introduce myself – I am Adada Gold Tooth, the person in charge of this skyport.”

The goblin, dressed in silk robes, approached Ben Lajie and Punk respectfully, removing his hat and bowing as he spoke:

“Honorable masters, I’ve just acquired some delicious Red Sand Sea clams. My chef is particularly skilled at preparing seafood delicacies, and I would be most honored if both masters would sample them.”

Without waiting for Ben Lajie to speak, Adada quickly lowered his head and changed the subject to food, appearing somewhat flustered. Clearly, this fellow wasn’t actually welcoming Ben Lajie and Punk’s arrival at all.

However, neither Ben Lajie nor Punk showed any interest in the clams. This time, without waiting for Ben Lajie to speak first, Punk addressed Adada directly:

“Food tasting won’t be necessary. We need to proceed to the Hoth Mountains as quickly as possible. I’ve heard you not only have fast airships here, but also guides familiar with the Hoth Mountains?”

Punk’s chilly voice carried remarkable intimidation regardless of the situation. Startled, Adada immediately began shaking his head vigorously:

“No, no, these are… these are just… just…”Originally, Aidadada wanted to say that everything Punk claimed was baseless rumors, but when he turned his head and saw Ben Lajie smilingly watching him, Aidadada could only answer dejectedly:

“Alright… I did say that… but… but it was just commercial promotion! If… if you two esteemed sirs wish to go to the Hoth Mountains, I recommend my brother—Dada Ai. His goblin airship is faster and more luxurious, and…”

Hearing Punk immediately propose taking an airship to the Hoth Mountains, Aidadada’s face instantly changed dramatically. He almost tremblingly hurried to refuse, his green skin seemingly turning pale with fright.

It’s the end of the university semester lately… There are final exams, and I just found out universities have final exams too… But even during intense review sessions, the updates won’t decrease!

(End of Chapter)