Chapter 292: Landing on the Sky Island

Chapter 292: Landing on the Sky IslandThere was an island floating 3000 meters in altitude, as though sitting on a bunch of clouds.

The mountain that was 1000m in elevation had likely been the place that the Aligerous Tribe resided in. A lake was visible in the island. It would seem that clean water springs forth mysteriously. The water, which flowed from the lake to the river to all the way out of the Sky Island, forming waterfalls. The water that flowed down from those waterfalls turned into clouds, giving rise to the wonderful spectacle.

「The forest has encroached upon it so it’s hard to tell, but there are still vestiges of an ancient civilization that remain, right?」

「The dungeon is likely within the ancient ruins swallowed up by the forest.」

Alongside Sophia, I couldn’t contain these feelings of excitement at the fantastical scene like this as we looked at the ruins that could have once been stone buildings that have collapsed and covered by the forest.

「Still, where does the water in that lake come from?」

「Ahh, that lake? I can tell you that a magic device from ancient times for welling water works even now.」

Valkan-san answered my question, telling me the sayings from his ancestors.

The Sky Island had other things from ancient times. He informed me that one was a special barrier that covered the island.

This barrier didn’t have the ability to block the invasion of flying monsters, but could protect against the strong winds at this altitude and doesn’t let lightning strikes pass through. However, it doesn’t completely stop the flow of wind, it is just to defend against factors that could cause harm to the island. Since it doesn’t hinder people’s and monsters’ movements, it did not become fetters on Valkan-san and his tribe when they fled.

Another thing, this island has a proper cycle of seasons, creating an easily livable environment for its inhabitants. Because the climate on the island which had been no different to those above ground was being maintained, the people, animals, and plants had no problem surviving.

For starters, we must first think about looking for the tribespeople that Valkan-san and the others had been separated from.

I didn’t feel comfortable accepting too much gratitude. As for why, it was because I genuinely wanted to see a floating island in the sky, and Valkan-san and his tribe’s circumstances had become a chance to do that now.

I just didn’t want to miss the opportunity to have “The Fantasy” known as a flying island. The only other member who was like me, Akane said “Wouldn’t you want to fly to it if you were told of its destruction?” when we talked about a certain super popular animated movie [1] ...... a masterpiece that transcends generations.

「Then we’ll land at the foot of the mountain and search there, right?」

「Please do. If I remember correctly, there should be a place a bit farther north where we can land, but......」

As expected, because his memory is from 200 years ago, Valkan-san gave directions without confidence, so I lowered the Ouranos’ altitude and speed as we searched for a place to land at the foot of the mountain.

「Everyone, we’re landing so please take a seat.」

Just as Valkan-san said, we found enough space for the Ouranos to land slightly northward, so we made preparations to land.

Soundlessly, the Ouranos descended vertically, and landed carefully.

***

Footnotes:

1. Reference to Laputa: Castle in the Sky | 天空の城ラピュタ.