Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 68 - 65 Chasing the Flame Demon

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Magic had allowed this era to transcend itself, and this was no mere platitude.

The tallest building in Cassandra was Dawnlight Cathedral, and when the sun rose, it always managed to catch a slice of sunlight, like the tallest tree in the forest.

But before Lyle, in this City of Wandering he had stepped into, the lofty stature of Dawnlight Cathedral was like a dwarf only half his size.

The spires on either side seemed almost to pierce the sky, while the sky above looked like tattered scraps of cloth strewn over the massive Gothic buildings. Looking up was like peering out from the bottom of a well.

The sky in the City of Wandering was always changing. Sometimes it was night, sometimes day, sometimes solid, and other times a deep blue like the sea. The transformation was so rapid it was like your pupils were packed with paint, with a hand frantically stirring inside. Lyle felt a bit nauseous. Was this what they called vertigo? He was thankful for the buildings that filled his view, preventing the wild sky from dominating his line of sight.

The surrounding buildings were a deep black, with ever-burning lights of dark blue stone, worth noting that each had a doorway opening outward on every floor, be it the first or the eleventh.

In front of the doorways, there was a small protruding stone slab, like a tongue extending and connecting to the door.

It was clear to see that as the people of Andrey stepped onto these stone slabs, their figures would appear on the slabs of the upper levels, breathing the fresh air high above, knocking on doors nearly among the clouds.

Without any safety measures, the stone slab one stood on wasn’t even as large as a millstone; Lyle was profoundly relieved that almost none of the high-level doors opened outward—you wouldn’t commit a murder simply by performing a simple door-opening gesture.

Watching the residents of Andrey ascend this "free" elevator-like device, fortunately, no one fell.

"Sir, what if someone falls from the sky?"

"Simple, do everything in your power to avoid shattering on impact, or do everything to piece yourself back together. Generally, reassembly is much more convenient, provided no body parts are missing."

"I hope our journey will stick to the ground from now on."

"Relax, Plague Doctor. If you want to visit the music exhibition with Alianna, we could first head to the fifth floor of the Gulian Building. If you prefer to go straight to the Black Abyss Arena, we could just leave here."

"The arena, Sir, my blood is boiling." With a wave goodbye to Alianna, Mr. Dragon had already left ahead.

Lyle and the gentleman departed from the black cluster of buildings side by side.

At this moment, they stood at a crossroads of sorts.

It turned out that those black spire buildings were not the main feature of the City of Wandering. To their right was a cluster of floating island buildings, with figures riding brooms weaving through the floating islands.

"This is the Witches’ district."

On the other side, it was difficult to describe—a great cave bristling with hollows and various colored ores, resembling a monstrous beast’s lair.

"That is the Stone Monster district."

"And what is this?" Lyle pointed to the black buildings they had just exited.

"Of course, this is our own Andrei district."

So those "jumping machines" are also our specialty.

"This is Dark Zone Seven. To get to the arena, we need to use the teleportation array to Dark Zone Two, a stronghold of the Demon Race."

The gentleman led Lyle to an array at the intersection of Dark Zone Seven, "Walking normally, we’d have to pass through the Secret Pivot Council and central square in the central district to get to Dark Zone Two, the central connection. The faster way is these teleportation arrays."

The gentleman pointed to his feet at a huge crystal stone slab, with a substantial number of people also standing on it.

"Input Magic Power into the slab beneath your feet, the amount needed is not substantial, and this mana crystal will take you to the district you want to visit."

Dark Zone Two.

Loud voices buzzed in the ears, a clamorous contrast to the silence he had grown accustomed to in Andrey.

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Lyle, rubbing his ears beneath the black cloth of his bird-beak mask, found himself standing before a colossal building shaped like a curved demon claw. The cheers from inside could be heard from afar.

That was the Black Abyss Arena.

The distinctive architectural style of the demonic race district featured long, horn-like buildings interwoven in shades of black and red.

The primary residents here were from the Demon Race.

Contrary to the hideous appearance one might expect, their facial features were not much different from humans, save for some striking racial characteristics like the horns on their heads and the obsidian-like scales that adorned their bodies.

Perhaps on average, the populace was more attractive, at least the horned beings strutting before Lyle seemed to be significantly more handsome and beautiful.

But most commendable were their figures, with exquisite muscular proportions—the men resembled fitness models, causing onlookers to feel inadequate in comparison.

As for the women, they were the epitome of curvaceous beauty, truly a creation from the heavens—and that’s without any intention to belittle.

When it came to attire, well, chaotic was the word, exuding wild boldness.

Just like their hearty nature.

"Hey, friend of Andrey, are you here to see the fights at the Black Abyss Arena too?" A tall female of the Demon Race walking beside Lyle greeted him; her chest was covered by a scale armor that served as a natural blouse, and leather hot pants were among the few articles of clothing she wore. Her horns were similar to those of a ram, and she had a warm smile on her face.

"Yes," he replied.

She moved closer, and Lyle felt as if he were about to catch on fire; it was as though the air around her was burning, and he could even feel the fabric of his clothes beginning to dry and crackle.

"Oh, can you share which warrior you support? Maybe we’re rooting for the same one."

Lyle wasn’t sure how to answer, but the gentleman provided a response, "We support the Fallen Angel, but you forgot to keep a safe distance, Flame Demon."

"Ah, sorry about that." The Flame Demon stepped back a few paces, "I always forget about it when I get excited. But it’s so great to meet you, I just knew you were supporters of the mighty Fallen Angel. Would you like to watch the gladiatorial match with me? I have a private box. Maybe we could chat about that legendary warrior of Andrey while we’re at it. I’m a huge fan of his, could you help me get his autograph? I’d love to even have him carve it on my horn."

"I’m sorry, we have our own reserved seating, but thank you for your kind invitation."

"That’s a real shame," the Flame Demon stride forward, her steps no longer as leisurely as before.

"Rule number one of socializing with the Demon Race: don’t stand too close to a Flame Demon. Sharing a box with them is like sitting in a steam room."

"She sure is fiery," Lyle commented.

"Certainly, a characteristic of the Demon Race. They worship powerful warriors and everything that embodies strength and beauty. Their passion can be rather overwhelming."

"When a demon girl talks about her favorite gladiator, choosing the Fallen Angel is always a safe bet. He’s practically every demon girl’s heartthrob."

"It’s incredible. I wouldn’t have imagined an Andreyan could be so popular, especially among these fervent young ladies."

"Yes, I’m surprised too, but given his special circumstances, it actually makes sense."

"That girl’s eyes lit up the moment she talked about the Fallen Angel. If only I could be like that—mesmerizingly attractive. If I managed to get the Fallen Angel’s autograph, she might even kiss me," Lyle mused.

"She certainly would, right after leaving a second-degree burn on your cheekbone."

"But chances like that are hard to come by."

"Perhaps for others, but for you, Plague Doctor, the likelihood is quite high. If you really want it, the Fallen Angel might agree to engrave his name on that girl’s horn."

"All you need to do is sign the request form from Mr. Raymond, and he’d surely be happy to meet all your wishes."