『The concentration of free ether has roughly doubled. Even the golems seem to have energy to spare. Still, I can't afford to be reckless. I'll proceed with caution.』
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Adriana’s boat eventually reached what appeared to be the northern tip of the continent.
"But they are connected, aren't they?"
"Yes, Adriana-sama."
According to the report from M-003, who had been sent out to scout, the southern and northern continents were linked by a narrow isthmus.
"In that case, we’ll head north, but we need to be careful not to stray too far from the shore."
Adriana was a complete novice at navigation. Because she insisted on keeping within sight of the coast at all times, the journey was taking quite a while despite the boat's speed.
"But safety first."
Adriana was currently alone, and while her golem companions were waterproof, they couldn't swim. If something went wrong, she couldn't count on anyone to rescue her.
Exercising extreme caution was only natural.
"The waves are getting rough. It might be better to hug the coast even tighter... but then again, it would be a disaster if we ran aground on a reef."
Not too far, yet not too close.
Fortunately, the water was highly transparent. By having F-002 keep a constant watch from the bow, they were able to continue north while steering clear of shallows.
Even so, their pace was slow, averaging about twenty kilometers per hour.
Despite the delays, Adriana and her crew finished passing through the region that would later be known as the Pazdext Great Isthmus before the sun began to set.
"I can't seem to find a good place to anchor for the night."
The coastline in this area consisted mostly of sheer cliffs, and the waves were choppy. Her preference was to pull the boat up onto a sandy beach for peace of mind, but the shore was nothing but jagged rocks.
"I’d even settle for a deep cove."
Unable to find even that, Adriana had no choice but to keep pushing north. The sky was gradually fading into twilight.
"This is getting bad..."
Just as a touch of anxiety began to set in—
"Adriana-sama, I see lights."
F-002, who was scanning the surroundings from the bow, pointed diagonally ahead.
"You're right. Let's move in closer, slowly."
As they drew nearer, she realized it wasn't just a single light. These were clearly artificial—the warm glow of lamps from within houses.
"There really are people living here."
As they approached, she noticed that the shoreline had been modified. It was obvious the residents had developed the area to serve as a small port.
"I wonder if I'll finally get to talk to someone?"
It had been nearly ten days since Adriana last saw another human being, and she was beginning to feel a profound sense of loneliness.
Her boat was equipped with basic lighting—a makeshift searchlight fitted with a reflector. As she switched it on and approached the shore, several figures came into view.
"Ah, they really are people!"
Adriana waved her hands vigorously to get their attention.
The figures on the shore seemed to hesitate, looking on with visible confusion. This was hardly surprising—Adriana’s boat was currently towing the carcasses of three Death Sea Serpents, each ten meters long, right behind it.
＊ ＊ ＊
"I am the chief of this settlement, Hamuntasu of the 'Azure Sky'."
"My name is Adriana."
After docking at the port, Adriana exchanged greetings with the chief, who had come down to investigate her with a wary eye.
The man who called himself Hamuntasu appeared to be in his early elder years, with white hair and yellow eyes. His skin was pale.
"Adriana-dono, I see. And what brings you here?"
"Well, I'm traveling north, and I was looking for a place to dock for the night. I saw your lights and headed this way."
"I see... And what about those Death Sea Serpents?"
"They attacked me on the way, so I had to take care of them. I figured they might be useful for something, so I towed them along."
When Adriana gave her honest answer, Hamuntasu burst into a hearty laugh.
"Wahahaha! You’re a fascinating young lady. I welcome you. You shall stay at my home tonight. I’ll have the villagers get to work butchering those Death Sea Serpents."
As it turned out, while the meat of a Death Sea Serpent was too foul to be edible, the hide and bones were highly valuable materials.
"If you could just set aside a small portion for me, everyone else is welcome to use the rest however they like."
"Oh, that is most generous of you!"
Taking M-003 along just in case, Adriana visited Hamuntasu's home. It was a sturdy, one-story stone building with ample space inside. She learned that four households lived there together.
"Right this way."
Hamuntasu led her to a grand entrance where several people were waiting to greet them.
"Welcome back, Master," said an elderly woman who appeared to be his wife.
"Welcome back, Father-in-law," said another woman with a polite bow. She was a beauty in her twenties with silver hair and light blue eyes, evidently the daughter-in-law.
"Welcome back, Grandpa!" A young boy of about five, likely the grandson, piped up.
"Welcome back, Hamuntasu-sama." A powerful-looking man with dark skin bowed deeply.
"Mm, I’m home. I've brought a guest. This is Adriana-dono, who has come all the way from the south."
"I'm Adriana. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Welcome, Adriana-san."
"We welcome you, Adriana-san."
"Welcome, Big Sis!"
"Adriana-sama, we are honored by your visit."
The four of them greeted her in their own respective ways.
Hamuntasu’s wife was Solamaris, the daughter-in-law was Sheeramari, and the grandson was Randerto. The dark-skinned man was a servant named Magtasu. She was told there was one more son, Jangaris, but he was currently away and wouldn't return for some time.
"Please, eat as much as you like."
"Thank you so much."
Adriana listened to their stories as they gathered around the dinner table.
"I would have been perfectly happy just being allowed to dock my boat. I feel bad for imposing on you like this."
When Adriana said this, Solamaris waved off her concerns.
"It is our custom to welcome guests from afar. If the chief's family doesn't set the example, who will?"
A large pot sat in the center of the table, filled with simmering seafood. It was a sort of seafood stew. They ladled portions into their own bowls to eat. Though it was summer, the nights in this region were chilly, making the hot meal perfect.
Conversation remained light during the meal, but they spoke more freely over tea afterward.
"We were born with a high aptitude for magic. Nearly everyone here is a magi."
"Is that so!"
Given the high concentration of free ether in the area, Adriana thought that made perfect sense. Hoping she might learn some useful new spells, she took the opportunity to explain her own background.
"Ah, so you're a magi engineer."
"Ho, and you can use Healing magic? That is quite rare."
It seemed that even among their people, those capable of using Healing magic were few and far between.
However, Hamuntasu had a suggestion.
"Further north, there is a clan called 'All-Creation'. Their level of knowledge is truly formidable. If you wish, Adriana-dono, I can write a letter of introduction for you."
"I would love that! Please, thank you!"
It was a godsend. Without a moment's hesitation, Adriana accepted the offer.