Chapter 397: Departure

“Wasn’t Seranthiel involved in the rescue after such a major airship crash?” Helag asked.

He had been focused on his training and hadn’t kept up with current events.

Crystal City, located in eastern Seranthiel, was a significant city.

Toby replied, “Seranthiel acted immediately to rescue people, saving as many as they could. But Abyssal creatures appeared on the airship, causing chaos. Many fled into the polluted zone, and those scattered couldn’t be easily rescued. They have to find their own way back.”

The crash was indeed a major event, and Seranthiel dispatched rescue teams as soon as they learned of it.

However, by the time they arrived, only a few survivors and Abyssal creatures remained near the crash site.

Most survivors had fled into various parts of the polluted zone to escape the creatures.

This made it difficult for Seranthiel to rescue everyone.

The cost of deploying resources to save people was too high, and they’d already fulfilled their basic duty by rescuing those they could.

Those scattered in the zone had to rely on themselves or their factions to send rescue teams.

Seranthiel’s responsibility was limited to the airship crash site.

“When did this happen?” Helag asked.

“Just last night. After hearing about David, I came to contact you immediately. I happened to be in Silvermoon City for business,” Toby answered.

Helag thought for a moment and said, “Could you send me more detailed information? I plan to head to Crystal City tomorrow to find David.”

“Helag…” Reese instinctively held Helag’s hand.

She hoped for David’s safety but feared Helag risking himself in the polluted zone.

Helag reassured her with a smile, “Don’t worry. The polluted zones within the Land of Dawn aren’t as dangerous as those outside. I have enough experience to keep myself safe.”

“And if I don’t go after David, no one else in the Land of Dawn will care about his fate.”

Helag, usually cautious, decided to take this risk.

From a benefit perspective, the Terchy family had helped him greatly, and he felt obligated to go.

From Larry’s early assistance to opportunities in the Elven Plane, the Terchy family had been instrumental.

Without their help, Helag wouldn’t have progressed so quickly or easily.

Moreover, David was a good person, and Helag was pleased with him.

Though quiet and reserved, David was hardworking and never complained.

Helag brought David and Reese to the Land of Dawn, hoping for their improvement.

Learning of David’s uncertain fate in the polluted zone, Helag chose to act despite the risks.

As Helag said, he was the only one who could rescue David in the Land of Dawn.

“I’ll go with you,” Reese insisted.

Helag shook his head, “Stay home. More people in the polluted zone won’t necessarily help. I can handle many situations alone. Trust me.”

Reese, still worried, was eventually convinced by Helag’s reassurances.

She didn’t want to be a burden.

“I can arrange a small airship for you, from our Eastern Source Trading Company,” Toby offered, admiring Helag’s courage.

“Thank you, Mr. Toby,” Helag replied gratefully.

***

Toby efficiently arranged for the Eastern Source airship to approach Silvermoon City, expected to arrive at the port in a few hours.

Helag used this time to gather detailed information about the airship crash near Crystal City.

Crystal City wasn’t far from Silvermoon; the airship journey would take about six days.

While six days seemed short, the urgency made it feel longer.

However, the airship was the fastest mode of transport available.

After preparing at home, Helag left with Toby for Silvermoon’s port.

Through Pruis’s channels, Helag confirmed the crash details and verified Toby’s account.

He also had Pruis check the airship’s passenger list, confirming David’s presence and current status as missing.

Helag did this to ensure Toby’s intentions were genuine, as they weren’t well-acquainted.

Pruis’s information was reliable.

Helag informed Pruis of his situation, though Pruis couldn’t spare resources for Helag’s personal matter.

Helag hadn’t expected Pruis to help, only to inform him.

Silvermoon’s northern port was quiet, as it was late at night.

Airships typically arrived between dawn and early evening, avoiding late-night arrivals due to noise.

The Eastern Source airship, being small, caused minimal noise, even at night.

At the port, Helag saw the airship on the plaza.

It resembled a three-deck ship but differed in structure.

Small airships lacked open decks and had limited interior space.

The airship had five crew members from Eastern Source, maintaining its operations.

Toby accompanied Helag onto the airship, also heading to Crystal City for business.

Once aboard, the airship took off for Crystal City.

The interior was luxurious, though small and exclusive, intended for the wealthy and influential.

After a brief conversation with Toby, Helag retreated to his assigned room to meditate.

While meditating, he planned his next steps, aware of the polluted zone’s dangers.

Though the Land of Dawn’s zones were relatively safer, vigilance was necessary.

In his mind, Helag visualized a map of the polluted zone’s terrain outside Crystal City.