Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Teleportation Array

Teleportation arrays are a unique and wondrous means of transportation on the Sky Profound Continent. By linking two such arrays, one can travel instantly from one place to another, even if separated by tens of thousands of miles or more.

The teleportation array in Geneva City is a relatively ordinary one, yet it is still capable of sending people in the blink of an eye to any city far away, as long as that city possesses a connected array.

Each activation of the array can transport up to ten people, and the combined weight of a person and their belongings must not exceed three hundred pounds. The size of the items must also remain within certain limits, for each teleportation talisman can only protect so much.

Traveling by teleportation array is considered a luxury on the Sky Profound Continent, for the energy required to operate it comes chiefly from a level-seven magic crystal and eight level-six magic crystals. Even this much energy only allows for five activations before the array is exhausted.

For this reason, each activation costs a million gold coins, regardless of whether one or ten people use it. Thus, most travelers wait until a group of ten has gathered before requesting the array to be activated, to share the expense.

There exist some arrays capable of teleporting across hundreds of thousands or even millions of miles, but such arrays are exceedingly rare, and the cost for each use is staggering—far beyond the means of ordinary folk.

Sandra City lies thirty thousand miles from Geneva City and possesses an array connected to it. Two guards, stationed beside the array, were nodding off, for seldom does anyone come to use it. Today, however, was not an ordinary day.

Suddenly, the array before them shimmered with silver-white light. The two sleepy guards snapped to attention, quickly regaining their composure and standing respectfully. Anyone capable of using the array was not someone they could afford to offend.

But when they saw that the person stepping out was merely a young boy, their expressions froze in surprise.

“I must leave at once. Activate the array!”

Hearing the boy’s request, the two guards were stunned again, but they soon recovered and escorted the boy to the side array. Without so much as blinking, the boy handed over a million gold coins. The array was activated.

As the boy’s figure vanished within the light, the array flashed again, to the guards’ amazement, and six burly men appeared. A wave of oppressive force swept over the area, pressing the guards flat to the ground.

“How dare you! Do you know where you are—”

One of the guards, trembling with fear, pointed a shaking finger at the six men and started to shout, but before he could finish, a cold snort echoed in the air, and he passed out. Several soldiers who had been rushing over also collapsed unconscious.

The six men ignored the chaos around them. With a few gestures, they activated the array and vanished in a burst of white light.

Scenes like this played out in every city with a teleportation array, causing widespread panic. But soon, news spread: Dragon Knights mounted on their dragons were in pursuit of a fugitive. The continent was thrown into an uproar.

What kind of person could warrant the pursuit of three Dragon Knights and their dragons?

Speculation ran wild. The appearance of the boy was described by the array attendants, and his story quickly spread. Some bards seized the opportunity to embellish the tale, and the legend of a little demon from the Abyss began to circulate.

The fifteenth of Holy Moon, the fifteenth day after the Festival of Qilu, was an important day for many children still on the road. It was the last day for enrollment at the continent’s academies.

Most children left their families on this day, carrying curiosity, excitement, and a trace of fear, as they entered the academies that had accepted them, hoping to fulfill their dreams of becoming powerful magicians or warriors.

From its name alone, one could see the status of the Sky Profound Academy—it took its name from the continent itself. It is the best academy on the Sky Profound Continent, without peer. No other institution can compare.

Each year, Sky Profound Academy enrolls a great number of the most gifted children, and every year many graduates reach the seventh rank—an elite level on the continent. Thus, Sky Profound Academy is known as the cradle of champions.

To be selected for Sky Profound Academy is the dream of every child and their parents, but only the most exceptional—one in ten thousand—are admitted.

The academy’s admissions are based solely on talent, without regard for status, and there are no tuition fees. Of course, the academy will make exceptions for royalty and nobles, accepting some students whose talent falls short of the standard, but such places are few and require a hefty payment in gold.

Sky Profound Academy gathers almost all the prodigies of the continent. Within its walls, strength is everything, and noble status counts for little. That said, if you are a prince, princess, or scion of a powerful house, your standing still carries weight, for few would dare provoke the force behind you.

The academy never reveals anyone’s identity. Most noble students are told by their families to keep their lineage secret as a test of character. Except for those who enjoy flaunting their status, no one exposes their identity. Even those who know each other’s backgrounds keep silent, mutually agreeing to protect one another’s secrets—a tacit rule.

The Land of the Fallen lies at the intersection of the five great empires, in a lawless and chaotic region where none of the empires can station troops.

Because of this, countless criminals have fled there, bringing with them endless bloodshed but also an influx of gold and people. The place attracts daring merchants, would-be heroes, and young heirs seeking to temper themselves.

The Land of the Fallen holds only one city, Fallen City, ruled by four major factions. Sky Profound Academy resides within the city as one of these powers, occupying a corner of the metropolis.

Beyond five miles from the city walls, killing is as common as slaughtering chickens. Within five miles, however, no one may kill, unless they can either afford the heavy blood price in gold or possess enough strength to make the four factions wary.

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Exams begin on the 7th, so updates may be irregular. I’ll do my best to keep posting—thank you all for your understanding!

Otherworldly Azure Dragon, Chapter 59: The Teleportation Array — End of Chapter.