The ship descended through the clouds, heading toward Zephyr Isle, a massive floating island surrounded by swirling winds and smaller floating rocks. From a distance, the island looked like a giant mechanical fortress, with towers made of gears, steam vents hissing out pressure, and massive floating platforms constantly shifting in the sky.
As they got closer, Ren leaned over the ship's edge. "This place looks like a city built on top of a broken skyship."
Raidon smirked. "That's because it kind of is. Zephyr Isle was created by rogue engineers and enchanters who wanted to push technology beyond what's considered normal. If we want to upgrade the ship, this is the only place that can help us."
As they touched down on a floating dock, a small drone-like creature hovered over, scanning their ship with a blinking red eye.
"State your purpose," it spoke in a monotone voice.
Raidon stepped forward. "We need a speed enchantment strong enough to break through the Thunder Skies barrier."
The drone beeped, processing the request. "Request acknowledged. Proceed to Dock C7. The Mechanist awaits."
Shigan raised an eyebrow. "The Mechanist?"
Kaelen nodded. "He's the one who runs this place. If anyone can make this ship fast enough, it's him."
They followed the drone into the depths of the island, where massive airships were being built, scrapped, and repaired by hundreds of engineers. Sparks flew as metal was welded together, and the smell of burning fuel mixed with the scent of enchanted materials.
Meeting the Mechanist
At Dock C7, a massive hangar, they saw an old man with goggles, a long coat covered in soot, and mechanical arms replacing his real ones. He was tightening a bolt on a hovering ship when he noticed them.
"So, you're the ones looking for a speed boost?" he said, not bothering to look up from his work.
Raidon nodded. "We need to reach the Thunder Skies."
The Mechanist finally looked up, adjusting his goggles. "Hah! That's a first. Most people try to get out of the Thunder Skies, not into it." He walked over, inspecting their ship. "You're gonna need more than a simple enchantment. The wind pressure alone would tear this thing apart."
Sakayanagi crossed her arms. "Then what do you suggest?"
The Mechanist grinned. "I'm glad you asked."
With a snap of his fingers, the ground beneath them shifted—the floor itself was a massive lift, lowering them into an underground chamber. Before them was a sleek, advanced thruster engine, glowing with a mix of magic and technology.
"This is The Storm Drive. It doesn't just boost speed—it harnesses the very energy of lightning itself. With this, your ship will be able to reach thunder-speed in an instant."
Ren's eyes widened. "Sounds perfect. What's the price?"
The Mechanist chuckled. "Smart question, kid. The price is one thing of equal value. Either something rare… or a dangerous job for me."
Kaelen sighed. "Let me guess. A dangerous job."
The Mechanist nodded. "Bingo. There's a rogue storm beast causing havoc near the island, and I need it gone. Deal?"
Before Ren could respond, Raidon reached into his pocket, pulling out a stack of gleaming coins made of white-silver metal, stamped with a lightning emblem.
"We'll pay." He tossed the coins onto the table. "One hundred thousand Zephryx. That should cover your price, yeah?"
The Mechanist raised an eyebrow, picking up one of the coins and biting it. After a moment, he smirked. "Hah! Now that's real money. Alright, you got yourself a deal."
Ren looked at Raidon. "You just had that on you?"
Raidon shrugged. "I used to do jobs for this place. Got paid well. Never thought I'd be spending it on a ship upgrade, though."
The Mechanist cracked his knuckles. "Alright then, let's get to work. This is gonna take some serious modifications."
With the deal sealed, the crew prepared for their ship's transformation—the final step before reaching the Thunder Skies.
To be continued…