The world was entering an era of transformation due to the awakening of the ancient race.
“They” bestowed upon modern humans knowledge and technology. Of course, not everything. Just a small part. But that small part caused drastic changes.
Cars started appearing on the streets where there used to be horses, and ships sailed the seas. And strange objects were placed at strategic points in cities and houses to enable long-distance communication with others.
But the most notable was the flying vehicle that soared through the skies. It’s called the “flying ship.”
It’s a new type of vehicle that allows you to travel through the air, with a shape similar to a ship and multiple attached propellers. Its appearance not only showcased the vastness of the world, but also reduced it to a size that people could comprehend.
“Here you go.”
“Oh, it’s freshly made. Thank you.”
I received a paper bag from the clothesline and left the store.
The bag contained many small, round candies. I eagerly prepared to savor the sweetness of the still-warm treat with my fingers.
I headed to the arrival and departure area of the flying ships. In the lot where I arrived, I saw three large flying ships parked, one of which was being used for spare parts and maintenance of others.
In addition to these behemoths, there were smaller docks that were for private use.
“Hello, is everything ready for departure?��
“I think there shouldn’t be any problem. I can’t guarantee that everything will work perfectly because we haven’t tested it yet. But the magical energy has been filled, so you can use it anytime.”
“Thank you. Then I’ll fly right away.”
A small flying ship was parked at the corner of the warehouse.
Currently, only around thirty people own a personal flying ship. This is probably because there is a small number of individuals who can directly negotiate with the shipbuilder, Rockbell Shipbuilding Company.
The president of the shipbuilding company is Jonathan Rockbell. He was the first to embrace the aviation technology brought by the ancient race, and with the help of various connections, he built the largest flying ship factory in the world, which is now a well-known story. He partnered with his son’s transportation company and has since been expanding his business worldwide.
As the mechanic pulled the small flying ship out of the warehouse, I entered the cockpit and switched on every button on the control panel.
I waved to the employee at the facility and proceeded to take off.
****
After a moderately short aerial trip, I managed to reach the capital of Taikoku, called “Yoken.” I walked along the bustling main street in search of the Manyu Brigade headquarters.
The Manyu Brigade and the Second Manyu Brigade had officially merged. I continued to be the leader of the group, and Ney became the vice-leader.
But the reality is that Ney handles everything. The group members see me as a mysterious figure who regularly appears to sign documents. Although there is a small group who do know me.
“I see that not much has changed.”
I stood in front of a relatively new building where many adventurers come and go. There was a wooden sign at the entrance that read “Manyu Brigade.”
In this continent, a party with more than ten members is called a “clan.” And our party has become an organization with thousands of members.
I blended in with a group of people who seemed to be clan members and entered the building.
“I have completed the request. It is a document issued by the guild.”
“Yes, good job.”
The group members line up and hand over documents to the counter one by one.
I glanced at the scene as I climbed to the third floor and entered the dull leader’s office, where there was only a desk and a chair.
I hung my sword on the wall and slumped onto the chair. The desk was empty. But I knew that a massive amount of documents would soon come my way.
“Excuse me. These are the documents from last week and this week.”
My assistant entered the office and dropped stacks of papers onto my desk. It seemed like it would take me several days to get through this work.
Honestly, I have no desire to review them, but it’s my job, so I can’t escape from it. So, with a sigh, I picked up a pen.
“And Nei?”
“She went to colonize the mentioned island.”
The island being talked about is a recently discovered uninhabited place. It is said to be inhabited by high-level magical monsters and numerous intact archaeological sites. Currently, our organization is investing the majority of its members and resources to take possession of the place.
“Ah, right. I should help there too…”
“Of course, but first, you need to finish reviewing the documents.”
“Yes…”
I yearn to return to the time when I simply swung my sword without thinking about anything…
****
Half a day has passed since I left the port. The island of Odin is my new destination, and it won’t be long before it appears on the horizon.
The main reason for colonizing this place is that beneath the continent where the girls and I had traveled, there exists an even larger one.
It is a completely unknown land full of mysteries. Most of the research teams sent by other countries never returned, and the researchers who did return were in poor condition and unable to speak clearly.
However, that did not stop the countries involved from wanting to continue with the expedition.
The survivors brought back relics. They were so different from the relics we know that they managed to captivate people’s attention.
From now on, adventurers will be evaluated based on their knowledge of the southern continent. Not just us, but all countries, organizations, groups, and individuals are moving towards the southern continent. The colonization of this island is a project of vital importance to secure an early foothold.
The ship slowly entered the port. After waiting for a while, a bridge extended towards the firm land.
Adventurers and organizations were not the only ones wanting to come to this place. There were also civilians looking to move to this island every day. This led to the creation of a small city at the port.
The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. My appetite grows stronger… But before I even eat, I have to find Nei.
I started walking and immediately stopped when I saw some familiar faces.
“Hey, are you playing lovebirds again?”
“Oh, boss. It’s rare to see you here.”
Takigi was lying behind a barrel. I looked around, but I didn’t see Nanbara anywhere.
“Did you come to help with colonization?”
“Yes, I wouldn’t be a good leader if I left all the work to them. How much progress have you made?”
“About 10%. The island is big, and the enemies are strong.”
Takigi stood up and scratched his head while sighing.
“The vice-leader is fighting with the other members right now. I can’t keep up with the rest of my comrades; they’re quite enthusiastic about this.”
“I see, and have you found anything interesting, like ruins or something?”
��Mhmm… Come with me, I’ll show you something.”
Huh? Why does he have that expression on his face?