As the sun rose, the view ahead of the aircraft grew clearer. Lady Ayana's aircraft flew at a lower altitude, leaving the sea behind and venturing into the territory of the Kingdom of Phaenon.
Phaenon was one of the two neutral kingdoms that had no ambitions of conquering the Forbidden Gate or defending it from the Kingdoms of Narak and Zahak.
The Kingdom of Phaenon was renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and cities. King Leander II, the ruler of Phaenon, had a fondness for vast gardens and magnificent lakes, both natural and man-made. The kingdom's cuisine and beverages were celebrated throughout the realms. Phoenicia, the capital city of Phaenon, hosted representatives from all the kingdoms in Gaia.
Flying lower now, Lady Ayana's aircraft maintained a speed surpassing that of cars yet avoided causing a sonic boom. To steer clear of cities, villages, and major roads, Lady Ayana steered the aircraft on several detours. Presently, they cruised along the coastal line, providing Tristan with the opportunity to relish the breathtaking coastal cliffs. These white cliffs resembled the famous White Cliff of Dover from Tristan Quinn's world.
"We'll stick to the coastal line as we head north for about an hour. This way, we'll avoid major roads, bridges, cities, and villages. Tristan, I'm sorry you missed seeing Phoenicia. It was an extraordinary sight—like something out of this world. A perfect fusion of natural landscapes and man-made structures," Lady Ayana shared with Tristan, who had been captivated by the scenery since sunrise, standing close to the window.
"No worries, Lady Ayana. Our mission is my main focus. The apparent excitement you see in me right now is just a brief diversion—a way to momentarily ease my anxiety about the impending danger," Tristan replied with a grin and a nod, clearly enjoying the view.
Tristan even borrowed Uncle Alex's binoculars to continue admiring the beautiful white cliffs when the aircraft deviated from the coastal line. Deep down, Tristan recalled his longing to visit Dover and witness the famous white cliffs back in his own world. Unfortunately, he never had the chance before leaving Earth and transmigrating to Gaia.
In contrast to Tristan, Princess Valeria sat in serene silence, her eyes closed, her breathing so subtle and smooth that it was nearly imperceptible. The warmth emanating from her presence indicated that she had resumed her meditation.
Suddenly, Tristan's eyes gleamed with a great idea to enhance his viewing experience.
Entering a Mental Mind state, Tristan projected himself outside the plane, surveying the nearby cliffs and lands. The experience resembled his first encounter with VAR goggles, except this time, no obstructions hindered his complete immersion in the view. He soared around, observing groves, birds, and grazing animals on the land.
Unbeknownst to Tristan, Valeria observed him closely, her eyes filled with admiration as she witnessed his childlike enjoyment of the scenery. Occasionally, Tristan would shout in excitement, deeply engrossed in the moment.
'May I join you, Tristan?' Valeria's voice reached his ears, accompanied by a smile spreading across her face.
'Valeria? You're here. Damn, I still can't sense your presence! Ugh...' Tristan pretended to be upset, though his genuine fascination with the experience overshadowed any concern about Valeria's presence.
'Oh, you want to join? Come on down here then,' he responded nonchalantly.
Within seconds, Valeria followed Tristan, soaring alongside him as they explored the land below. They marveled at blooming flowers together, and Tristan eagerly expressed his awe to Valeria.
As the aircraft neared the cliffs, Tristan and Valeria flew at a low altitude, hand in hand, relishing the closeness to the ground and the cliffs. They laughed joyously, locking eyes. At that moment, Tristan felt his heart skip a beat—a feeling he had never experienced before, not even as Tristan Quinn.
After an hour or so, Tristan and Valeria returned to the plane, concluding their mental mind experience. Suddenly, the aircraft took a sharp turn along a river, and the scenery transformed into barren rocky lands with scattered groves. The aircraft gradually ascended with the rising terrain, revealing white rocks on the distant horizon. They were now entering Mons Alpibus, Phaenon's most famous and treacherous snowy mountain.
"Get ready, everyone!" Uncle Alex called out to Tristan and Valeria. "Honey, are you prepared? You'll lead the way while I cover the rear," he added, shifting his gaze to Lady Ayana.
Tristan and Valeria responded with resolute nods while Ayana smiled and moved toward a trapdoor on the bridge leading to the cargo bay.
The plane was now under Ayana's command, and she left the bridge, followed by Valeria and Tristan. Prince Alex would be the last to join them, signaling the bridge to lock the door after he entered.
"Listen up, everyone! The plane will gradually increase its altitude and speed. Strap yourselves to the safety belts on the cargo bay wall. The bridge will signal when we reach the jump point," Ayana explained.
"When it signals, I'll open the door, release the belt, and we'll jump one by one. I'll be the first," she declared, fastening her belt.
They now waited for the bridge's signal as the aircraft flew above their intended landing target.
"Tristan, Valeria," Uncle Alex's voice resonated through their AI radio systems. "Can you hear me? Check-in, please," he requested.
"Loud and clear!" Tristan shouted in response.
"I can hear you, Uncle," Valeria calmly said in turn.
"Okay then. You two keep your eyes on my butt. My wings are white. You also turn on your AI radar and sync it with mine so it will display each of our positions. Get it?" Now Lady Ayana shouts with her sexy and calm voice.
"Yes, Ma'am." Exclaimed Tristan suddenly, which made everyone look at him. Apparently, his choice of words has attracted everyone's attention.
"I…I mean, Yes, Lady Ayana." He corrected hurriedly, with an awkward smile.
It was not for another 15 minutes before Lady Ayana asked them again to get ready, and she moved and pushed a button. Then, the alarm light in the cargo bay turned on, and the sound of the alarm blasted everyone's ears.
And slowly, the door on the aircraft's belly opened. As it opened, a strong and chill wind entered the cargo bay and struck everyone's face with numbing and freezing sensation. Within a second, a thin layer of a transparent ray of shield emerges a couple of inches from their face's skins.
The shield filtered the chill wind, making their skin less freezing and hurtful. Then Lady Ayana moved toward the door and jumped. Valeria quickly followed her. And then Tristan almost runs to the door. As he exits the plane, he stretches his arms to his side and relaxes his body. Still, the strong wind pushes him away from the aircraft, but Tristan manages to stay flat and begin floating. Immediately he shouts, "Daggo, activate radar and track Lady Ayana!"