Like the steward had said, it did not take long for Michael and the others to arrive at their destination.
The airship descended smoothly through the clouds before slowing to a steady hover just above the forest canopy. Runes along its underside glowed faintly as stabilizing arrays activated, dispersing wind pressure and pushing loose debris away from the landing zone below.
One by one, the young nobles disembarked.
When Michael stepped off, his feet met solid ground in complete silence. He did not look back immediately, but when he finally did, he watched the airship rise again.
The massive vessel ascended with controlled grace as it turned away from the temporary expedition site.
Within moments, it was already retreating into the sky.
Only then did Michael turn his attention forward and observe their location.
They stood within a forest.
At first glance, it looked ordinary.
