As they talked, the light went from dim to bright, and they had suddenly emerged from the woods into the open. Only then did Fang Hong realize they had left the forest behind. They were at the edge of a cliff with an unobstructed view—ahead lay the port of Elpaxin at the edge of the land, and the river shone like a ribbon of light tumbling down.
Further away lay a slender cape, where the sky met the sea, and clouds floated like islands.
The breeze from the outer harbor hit them, making his collar stand up straight. On it were four silver stars, signifying his status as a formal Alchemist. He turned to look at Miss Hilveld; the girl, too, was holding her long hair down as her shawl fluttered, her gaze stretching far into the distance.
Driven by curiosity, Fang Hong followed her gaze and discovered a shipyard below crowded with people surrounding a brand-new sailboat. On seeing this, a wave of excitement surged within him: "Wait, is this a ship launching ceremony?"
