Chapter 383: Departure

Royce panicked; he didn’t have 50,000 magic stones.

He knew Case was greedy but hadn’t expected such avarice.

Case, coldly, said, “Can’t pay? Your cargo could easily cover it.”

“Sir, please wait. I need to discuss this; 50,000 is too much,” Royce pleaded.

“Discuss? Forget it. I’ll inspect your cargo for issues.”

Case and his men headed to the lower deck, unchallenged.

They were North Slope city officials, with the right to inspect.

Royce, alarmed, contacted Sam via communication stone, trailing Case.

He couldn’t let Case seize the dragon bones; it would be a huge loss.

He quickly informed Sam of the situation.

Sam, in his room, frequently checked his stone for news, monitoring Helag’s situation.

His contacts on the airship kept him updated, ready to alert him of any changes.

Seeing Royce’s message, Sam’s face turned pale.

“Damn Case!” Sam cursed, furious.

Despite paying so much, Case now demanded 50,000 magic stones, his greed boundless.

But Sam was powerless against Case.

Case’s rank allowed him to crush Sam like an ant.

Moreover, this smuggling was different.

The dragon bones were secondary; Helag’s presence was crucial.

Helag’s survival meant Sam’s survival; he had to ensure Helag’s safety.

Sam messaged, “Pay him!”

50,000 magic stones was steep, but he had no choice.

Even 500,000 would be worth it.

It wasn’t about money anymore; it was life and death.

Meanwhile, Case reached the airship’s lowest deck entrance.

Before him was a door, leading to stairs and the cargo area, where Helag’s crate was.

Case eyed the door, ordering, “Open it!”

“Wait, sir! We’ll pay 50,000 now!” Royce, panting, pleaded.

Case raised an eyebrow, “Now it’s 100,000.”

“100,000!” Royce was stunned, the price doubling.

He hesitated, then informed Sam of the increase.

Crash!

A communication stone flew from Sam’s house, shattering a window.

Sam rushed out, retrieving the stone, and continued messaging.

Case, expressionless, told Royce, “This is punishment for disobedience. Next time, it won’t just double.”

“Sir, check your stone. Sam said he just transferred it,” Royce said quickly.

Case checked, seeing the transfer, and smirked, “Sam’s alright. Let’s go, guys. They’re law-abiding merchants; nothing to inspect.”

They left the airship.

***

Helag monitored the situation, tense as Case neared the door, ready to act.

If Case found him, Helag would have to fight.

Case was a first-level crystallized wizard; the others were first-level too. Helag could handle them, but the aftermath would be troublesome.

If a fight broke out, staying on the airship was impossible. He’d have to hide in North Slope and find another way out.

Helag watched until Case left, then relaxed slightly.

With Case gone, the trouble ended; it was the airship’s last day at the dock.

At dawn, the airship would depart.

As dawn broke, the airship began its journey to Silver Beach City.

It was a long trip, taking a month and a half by airship.

This was if everything went smoothly.

The airship flew over the polluted zone, where delays could extend the journey.

In the polluted zone, anything could happen.

With the airship airborne, Helag felt more at ease.

The next stop was Silver Beach, where he could relax.

***

In the polluted zone, beneath a barren hill, lay a spacious underground cave.

Three wizards worked on an array, nearly complete, awaiting activation.

Among them was an old man, with two younger men in their twenties or thirties.

After inspecting the array, the old man asked, “Has the airship departed on schedule?”

“I heard it has, following the planned route. It should pass overhead in five days,” a young man replied.

The old man nodded, “And the medium? It’s on board?”

“It’s in the lowest deck, loaded in Sord City. Lunsis is on board, handling things,” the young man said.

“Good. Let’s hope all goes well. In five days, we’ll witness the god’s arrival!” The old man showed fervor.

They’d prepared long for this, waiting in the polluted zone for the airship.

They planned to use the wooden carving as a medium, sacrificing the airship’s passengers to open a portal to the Abyssal Plane.

The portal would be brief but enough for their god to descend.

Once the god arrived, it would sweep across the Land of Dawn.

The old man and his companions were thrilled at the prospect.

On the airship, Helag held a small wooden box, deep in thought.