Extra: Yandere Milfs Obsessed with me!-Chapter 96: Sky City

The next morning, Kaiser went to the port of Alexandria, from where he was to head to the academy. At dawn, merchant ships were docking at the quays, while merchants unloaded cargoes. On the other side, a group of individuals wearing a distinctive uniform walked excitedly toward the air transport terminal. Kaiser, walking calmly, followed the group of students.

After a few minutes, he reached a vast paved esplanade. There, a dozen aeroplanes were lined up. Their structure was reinforced by a metal frame and equipped with fixed wings, wide and thick, designed for lift. Under each wing, two pulsed crystal engines were embedded in aerodynamic nacelles; they emitted a deep and regular hum, ready for power-up. A line had formed in front of the nearest aircraft, where a conductor was scrupulously checking passes.

Progress in the queue was quick and efficient. Around Kaiser, conversations flew between the new students.

"My father insisted that I join the Strategy course, but I’m aiming more for the exploration of Island Mist," said a boy with a mop of red hair.

"Are you crazy? The success rates are impossible!" retorted his neighbor.

"So what? Being powerful enough to go to the Island is guaranteed glory..."

Kaiser listened without participating, observing the port landscape that stretched behind them.

Soon, he found himself facing the conductor, a middle-aged man with a serious face. Without a word, Kaiser handed over his official document. The man took it, scanned the inscriptions, then nodded briefly.

"Everything is in order," he said in a hoarse voice. "Welcome aboard. Sit wherever you want, departure is in five minutes."

Kaiser climbed the few steps and entered the cabin. The interior was spacious and designed for comfort on long journeys. Rows of seats were arranged on either side of a central aisle. Slightly tinted windows offered a clear view. He chose a window seat toward the front, placed his travel bag at his feet, and settled in. Other students scattered throughout the aircraft. A young girl with blond hair took the seat next to him. She gave him a frank, slightly nervous smile.

"This is your first year at the Academy, isn’t it? I can tell from your badge. It’s my first enrollment too. My name is Mista, I’m from the Northeastern Territories."

Kaiser briefly turned his gaze toward her. "Oh, you’re from the Hornraven duchy, pleased to meet you," he replied with a smile, before turning his attention back to the porthole. He made no effort to continue the conversation.

"Ah, okay... I see, have a good trip then." She turned slightly in her seat, took a book out of her bag, and immersed herself in it, not wanting to bother Kaiser anymore.

A few minutes later, the conductor closed the door. The engines, whose hum suddenly intensified into a low rumble, gained power. The aeroplane vibrated gently, then left the ground. The sensation of ascent was smooth, almost imperceptible. Through the porthole, Kaiser looked out the window; he saw the port shrink, then the ocean stretch as far as the eye could see, blue and calm, separating Alexandria from the distant continent of Ygdrassil.

After a steady climb, the floating city came into view. Sky City, the suspended city. Impressive in its size and position in the skies. This city covered five hundred square kilometers and housed more than a million inhabitants. It floated thanks to magical artifacts combined with advanced Babylonian technology maintained in altitude by floating crystals embedded in its base.

From afar, Sky City looked like an immense circular platform, bordered by high and solid ramparts. Slender towers pointed toward the sky, and lush gardens covered certain parts. At the center stood the main academy, a set of majestic buildings. Next to it, the Holy Cathedral dominated the landscape, with its white spires and colored stained glass that shone under the sun.

The aeroplane slowly approached the main air docks, a series of platforms jutting out from the outer flank of the city. It landed gently on the surface marked with luminescent markers. Once the aircraft was stabilized and the ramp deployed, the passengers filed out to descend. Upon setting foot on the ground of Sky City, Kaiser immediately felt the difference: the air was noticeably fresher, sharper, laden with a constant breeze that fluttered the banners and standards. The oxygen seemed purer, and the sunlight, filtered by the altitude, possessed a certain clarity.

"It must surely be the presence of a large concentration of mana..." He murmured to himself.

...

Mana is a universal energy, omnipresent in the air, comparable to oxygen.

By manipulating mana, a mage is capable of casting spells and bending the laws of nature to his will. However, magic does not manifest uniformly: it is divided into several distinct categories, each obeying its own rules.

First, elemental magic directly linked to pure mana, encompasses the fundamental forces such as Earth, Water, Fire, Ice, Wood, Wind, or Lightning. However, some elements remain much rarer than others. For example, it is exceptional for a human to master Ice magic, while it is relatively common among the elves of the Aqua clan. Similarly, the Spina clan is distinguished by an almost exclusive affinity with plants/thorns.

This particularity is explained by spiritual magic, unique to the elves of Yggdrasil: by binding to a spirit, they can not only develop specific elemental magics, but also acquire supernatural abilities such as spiritual vision, mana perception, or even flight.

In opposition to this tradition are sorceries, stemming from the controversial experiments conducted by the elves of Babylon. These methods rely on the use of alchemical potions, fusion with artifacts, or genetic modification through hybridization with other races. They grant varied abilities, but always leave a visible mark: the appearance of runes engraved in the flesh of the dark elf who uses them. These practices remain strictly reserved for the dark elves of Babylon.

Next comes demonic magic, which exploits demonic mana originating from demons, the Fallen of Spectrum, as well as monsters and their cores. It allows the handling of formidable attributes such as Blood, Bones, Darkness, Corruption, Illusion, Sulfur, Devouring, Subjugation, or even Death.

Conversely, arcane mana which finds its origin among angels, Seraphs, and especially within the paladins of the Holy Cathedral, as well as among rare chosen ones. Grants access to arcane magic such as Light, Life, Time, Space, or Gravity...

Despite this diversity, one exception remains: the demi-beasts. They are the only known races incapable of using mana and, consequently, magic. In compensation, they possess a naturally superior physical power to that of other peoples. Moreover, they can draw from their ancestral lineage to develop abilities or attributes linked to their blood. According to legends, their ancestors were ancient mythical beasts that dominated Arcadia.

...

Sky City was a truly complete city, perfectly designed to be autonomous. In addition to the vast academic campus, it included complete residential neighborhoods, very busy shopping centers, markets, artisan workshops, and relaxation areas. The streets, paved with light and perfectly jointed slabs, were bordered by enchanted crystals that would light up at nightfall. Fountains adorned the squares, and carefully maintained parks offered spaces for relaxation.

At the center of Sky City was the academy. Founded several decades earlier, its mission was clear: to prepare the new generations to face the threats weighing on humanity. This included the fight against the Spectrum, and the probable arrival of demons, control of the Rifts, but above all the conquest of Island Mist.

The academy was meritocratic. Social origin, noble or commoner, mattered little. Talent was the only admission criterion. In exchange for a commitment to the common defense, it offered training, resources, and the possibility of social ascent.

Only a few hundred meters from the main entrance of the academy rose the Holy Cathedral, spiritual heart and fortress of the faith. It served both as a place of worship, but also as a residence for the high clergy, priests, and the Order of Paladins. The latter, recognizable by their shining armor, regularly patrolled the streets of Sky City. They received orders only from Her Holiness.

Around these two pillars, the city was organized into neighborhoods with precise functions. There were many mansions and luxurious residences, inhabited by eminent professors, or the leaders of influential student factions. These student leaders who had climbed the ranks each had a private domain including housing, meeting rooms, training grounds, and sometimes gardens or personal libraries.

The student dormitories, grouped into several functional and comfortable buildings, offered individual rooms. Finally, relaxation spaces had been arranged: public parks with artificial lakes, walking paths, and even small cultivated forests where one could isolate oneself to study or meditate. An army of domestic staff, artisans, guards ensured the permanent functioning of this suspended micro-society.

Kaiser, after absorbing this first impression, headed toward the great doors of the academy, guided by clear signage. Older students, wearing uniforms or distinctive faction insignia, came and went, chatting animatedly.

Inside, in a large hall with walls covered in historical frescoes, an elderly professor, dressed in a long blue robe edged with silver threads, stood behind a reception desk. His gaze fell on Kaiser.

"New arrival?" he asked in a calm voice. "Your admission form, please."

"Yes," Kaiser replied, presenting the precious parchment again. The man scanned it, noted something in a large open register, then handed him a temporary metallic badge engraved with his name.

"Here is your identification card. The quarters assigned to you are in the west wing of the dormitories, building C, room 47. The plans are displayed on the panels in the hall. The welcome ceremony will take place in the Grand Central Amphitheater in three hours. Be punctual."