Chapter 31: A Mode of Transportation

In the city of Holy Lotean, people who is slightly more well-informed noticed an unusual atmosphere within the city walls.

Under the emperor’s rule, there was a sizable force stationed within Holy Lotean City. Apart from the Imperial Legion and the Gryphon Legion, there were armed divisions like the City Garrison, Imperial Guards, and the City Defense Patrol, not under the Legion’s jurisdiction.

Suddenly, these divisions were mobilized to crack down on illegal activities, focusing intensely on the underground arena, seizing batches of magical creatures.

This turn of events puzzled many. While the underground arena was indeed an illegal operation, its existence, especially in the form it took, was not sanctioned by imperial law. However, the arena seemed to have strong support from influential quarters, leading to a complex situation where the Emperor seemed to turn a blind eye, tacitly acknowledging their existence.

Despite the sudden crackdown, there was no dissent from the upper echelons of the empire. When the arena’s management sought help and were turned away, they were cryptically warned that it was time for a temporary closure.

The unusual part was the confiscation of the magical creatures – they were sent to two legions within the imperial city, which make some people speculate something.

This response left people perplexed. The astute ones sniffed a hint; the real target of this crackdown wasn’t the arena but rather the creatures within their possession.

Further inquiries revealed a significant movement of personnel from the Gryphon Legion, responsible for guarding Holy Lotean City. They were dispatched in large numbers, seemingly on a mission related to magical creatures.

Even the tasks for adventurers on the fringes involving the purchase of magical creatures were suspended.

Some speculated it might signal an impending wave of creatures, prompting this mobilization. However, the idea of an imminent creature wave was swiftly dismissed. If such an event were true, precautions would have been shared with other towns rather than being shrouded in secrecy. Something was amiss, and no one knew what.

“Even if it is a creature surge, what’s the connection to the arena? Shouldn’t they let the arena continue its operations? At least the arena contributes to managing the population of these creatures; they even have their own teams for capturing them.”

“True, and we’ve noticed that the tasks for adventurers nearby to capture live creatures have increased. The commissions offered are high, ensuring the creatures are in good condition without severe injuries or disabilities, and the buying prices have nearly doubled.”

Although they knew creatures were somehow involved in this peculiar situation, getting to the bottom of it internally, without leads, posed a challenge. One thing was certain: the upper echelons of the empire were aware and complicit, evident from their synchronized action.

While the reasons remained unknown, people cooperated as best they could. Sensing an opportunity, some began stockpiling beast eggs, causing a surge in prices within the beast market.

Gradually, a palpable tension enveloped the entire city of Holy Lotean.

Even within the Imperial Court, there was a sense of impact.

The closed-off educational model made it challenging for the students to grasp external developments. Though they received letters often, the elders seldom divulged the perplexing details, fearing it might affect their studies.

The daily routine of the students remained simple and calm, but there was an underlying unease, spreading rapidly throughout the campus.

It was like any other day.

Early in the morning, Karina headed towards Aresia’s room for their usual breakfast together.

Accustomed to campus life, the students were punctual, never letting their hair go uncombed or being late. Karina even insisted on arriving a bit earlier than Aresia, often finding herself waiting outside her door.

Karina knocked on the door, receiving a response from inside before the door swung open by itself.

Encountering this situation for the first time, Karina was startled, but Aresia quickly explained it was an effect of a magical device, which eased her apprehension.

“Good morning, Aresia.”

Karina stepped into the room, observing the dormitory cluttered with various items, her gaze settling on the tall figure packing a backpack.

“Good morning.”

Aresia greeted while continuing to arrange her bag, lifting an eyebrow and gesturing towards the things Aresia had placed on the other side of the table. “For you. Does it suit?”

Karina froze. “What?”

Aresia explained, “Isn’t it inconvenient to move around campus? So, I made a mode of transportation for us. One for each of us. Could you help me test this thing out? Maybe there are aspects that need improvement.”

Upon realizing that it was Aresia’s personalized creation, Karina’s face lit up with an almost silly, radiant smile. “Oh, yes, of course! I’ll try it first!”

With an eager stride, she made her way toward Aresia’s belongings.

However, upon reaching the items, Karina was baffled.

“Aresia, what is this?” She held up what seemed like a flat piece of board, completely failing to see how it could be a mode of transportation.

“Magic Hoverboard.”

This wasn’t the reason for Aresia’s recent absence from the laboratory but rather her attempt to unwind from the exhaustion of research.

Yes, while most would unwind by doing a few sets of exercises, Aresia’s way of relaxing was to create something simple (at least in her perspective).

Aresia finished packing her bag and headed out.

The dormant magic hoverboard resembled a wheeled skateboard, its curved board shaped with raised ends, adorned with magical patterns on both sides. The silver lines on the black board stood out prominently.

Not only did it look like a skateboard, but its mode of operation was quite similar.

Aresia picked it up and demonstrated to Karina.

Placing the hoverboard on the floor, she stepped onto it, placing one foot on a circular magic pattern at the board’s bottom, explaining to Karina, “This is the activation button. Press down for two seconds, and the board will activate.”

As she pressed down, faint blue light traced along the magic pattern under her feet, circulating in a circuit-like formation. The black hoverboard emitted a futuristic glow—it was a blend of future tech and magical craftsmanship, a testament to the advancements in magical engineering.

As Karina stared in amazement, Aresia, riding the hoverboard, glided around the room at a leisurely pace. The hoverboard was controlled by the rider’s body movements. Leaning forward made it move forward, backward for backward movement, and tilting left or right for steering—it was not just about controlling the board, but also executing aerial tricks effortlessly.

Karina, being a novice, had never tried this common mode of transport. These two hoverboards not only restricted hovering height but also constrained speed, and it can match a normal running pace.

Furthermore, besides the hoverboard mode, there was another mode accessible via a button on the outer edge of the hoverboard’s raised end. This mode extended a telescopic pole, similar to handlebars on a scooter, for easy and safe maneuvering—particularly suitable for beginners like them.

Aresia had not only crafted these two hoverboards but also prepared one as a gift for Amos.

After showcasing the skateboard mode’s operation, Aresia swiftly switched to the handlebar mode, stood on it, gripped the handles, and reassured Karina, “The idea is that apart from the thrill, I’ve incorporated numerous safety measures into the hoverboard to ensure even if you fall off, there won’t be any harm.”