The Sky Phoenix sailed gracefully through the skies, its large mechanical wings propelling it steadily toward the town. The wind whistled past its hull, and the faint hum of its engine was the only sound accompanying the vast expanse of clouds around it.
Mary stood alone on the deck, her gloved hands gripping the railing. Her gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the silhouette of the town and its guild building grew ever closer. Behind her, a massive crate lay firmly secured—a grim prize from her battle with the wyvern.
The aftermath of the fight weighed on her. Though victorious, the ferocity of the beast and the strain of unleashing Thunderclap had taken their toll. Her muscles ached, and the faint static from Zephyr's maximum output still clung to her fingertips, a subtle reminder of the sheer power she had wielded.
Yet Mary's face betrayed no hint of her exhaustion. She carried herself with her usual composure, though her mind drifted briefly to Sora. The girl was still safe and sound in the inn, likely resting after their earlier mission.
"She deserves the peace," Mary murmured, her formal tone steady, though there was a trace of fondness in her voice. "No need to burden her with the likes of this."
The wyvern's head had been a necessary risk, but Mary had shouldered it alone, knowing the danger was far too great for Sora at her current level. Mary's grip on the railing tightened as she thought of the girl's golden eyes, always filled with determination and longing for growth.
Soon, the Sky Phoenix began its descent, its mechanical wings folding slightly as it prepared to land. With a low hiss of steam and a soft jolt, the airship touched down just outside the guildhall. Mary stepped back from the railing, brushing off her coat as she approached the crate.
Adjusting her gloves, she glanced briefly at the horizon, where the first hints of dawn began to bloom. "One task completed," she said to herself. "But many still remain."
With a firm grip, she began the task of unloading the crate, preparing to deliver her prize to the guild and claim the reward that would help keep her and Sora afloat for the days to come.
The guildhall was still and quiet, bathed in the soft amber glow of lanterns that lined the walls. Few adventurers stirred at this early hour, and those who did barely paid any attention as Mary strode in, her boots clicking softly against the stone floor. Behind her, the heavy crate containing the wyvern's severed head was dragged effortlessly, its weight seeming no burden for her.
The receptionist, the same nervous young woman from before, rubbed her eyes groggily as Mary approached the counter. Her gaze drifted toward the large crate, and she froze mid-yawn, her face draining of color.
"Is... Is that...?"
Mary adjusted her gloves with a calm precision, her formal tone cutting through the receptionist's shock. "Indeed. The wyvern that's been plaguing the region has been dealt with. The head is within. I trust this suffices for the proof required?"
The receptionist blinked rapidly, scrambling to grab a clipboard. "T-that's more than sufficient, ma'am! I'll log this immediately." She cast a glance toward the crate and then back at Mary, her awe evident. "You... you really took it down alone?"
Mary gave a faint smile but didn't answer directly. "The details of the battle are irrelevant. What matters is that the threat has been neutralized." Her tone was even, though there was a sharpness in her gaze, a silent reminder that questions would not be entertained further.
The receptionist nodded quickly, making a note in the guild's registry. "Of course. Thank you for your efforts. The reward is substantial—it's being processed now. Please wait a moment."
Mary stepped aside as the receptionist disappeared into the back room. Her gaze swept over the guildhall, taking in its quietude. The few adventurers present were now murmuring amongst themselves, casting sideways glances at her and the crate.
"Arcana Weaver," one whispered, his voice hushed. "That must've been her. The lightning scythe wielder."
"She brought down a wyvern on her own," another replied, awe tinged with disbelief. "I heard she's terrifying in battle—said to move like a bolt of lightning..."
Mary ignored the chatter, her attention drawn instead to the guild's mission board. Even now, new commissions were being posted, each one a reminder of the unending struggles faced by those seeking safety in these turbulent times.
The receptionist soon returned, carrying a leather pouch that jingled softly with its contents. "Here is your reward, ma'am," she said, setting it down carefully on the counter. "The guild and the townsfolk are deeply grateful for your efforts. This will bring much-needed relief."
Mary accepted the pouch with a polite nod. "Ensure the townspeople are informed that the danger has passed. They deserve to rest without fear."
"Yes, ma'am, of course!" the receptionist said quickly, her admiration evident.
With that, Mary turned and left the guildhall, the leather pouch secured at her side. As she stepped into the cool morning air, the town was beginning to stir. The soft glow of dawn painted the rooftops gold, and the first signs of life emerged in the streets.
Her steps were steady as she returned to the Sky Phoenix. Though her body ached and her mind craved rest, she felt no regret for the sleepless night. The reward would sustain her and Sora for some time, and, more importantly, it was one less danger threatening the town.
The Sky Phoenix soared through the early morning sky, its gentle hum a melody of reassurance as Mary guided it back toward the inn. The leather pouch containing the reward sat securely beside her. Though she carried herself with her usual poise, her thoughts lingered on Sora. The girl had been asleep when Mary left, her fiery red hair spilling across the pillow, her breathing steady.
"Sora must be awfully worried..." Mary murmured to herself as the inn came into view. She maneuvered the airship toward a small clearing nearby, its mechanical wings folding gracefully as it prepared to dock.
Inside the inn, Sora sat by the window, her golden eyes fixed on the horizon. She hadn't slept much. The bed had felt too large, too empty without Ms. Poppins nearby. Though she trusted her guardian's strength, the nagging worry in her chest refused to fade.
"Where are you, Ms. Poppins?" she muttered under her breath, her hands gripping the edge of the windowsill. The sun's rays filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Yet, the silence felt heavy.
Then, she heard it—a faint hum growing louder by the second. Her heart leapt as recognition set in. The Sky Phoenix.
Sora sprang to her feet, nearly tripping over the chair in her haste. She bolted down the stairs and out the inn's front door, her boots skidding slightly against the cobblestones as she reached the clearing. There it was: the Sky Phoenix, descending gracefully, its form gleaming in the morning light.
The hatch opened, and there stood Ms. Poppins, her dark coat billowing slightly in the breeze. Sora's heart swelled with relief, and she sprinted toward her.
"Ms. Poppins!" she called, her voice bright with emotion.
Mary stepped down from the airship, her calm demeanor unchanging despite the fatigue in her eyes. As Sora reached her, she extended a gloved hand to ruffle the girl's hair. "Good morning, dear," she said softly, her voice tinged with affection. "You seem eager this morning."
Sora blinked up at her, the worry in her golden eyes melting into a smile. "I was worried," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "I thought… what if something happened to you?"
Mary's gaze softened as she placed a hand on Sora's shoulder. "I told you before, dear, it will take far more than a wyvern to best me. But I appreciate your concern. It means a great deal."
Sora nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Did… did everything go well?"
Mary handed her the leather pouch. "See for yourself. This should last us a while." She paused, glancing back at the Sky Phoenix. "And now that the town is safe, it's time we continue our journey."
"The capital?" Sora asked, her excitement evident.
"Indeed," Mary confirmed. "There's much to do, and the road ahead will not be easy. But with the two of us, I'm confident we'll manage."
Sora's grin widened, her earlier worry replaced with excitement and determination. "Then let's get ready! The sooner we leave, the sooner we'll get there."
Mary chuckled softly, watching as Sora hurried back toward the inn to gather her things. The girl's enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, the weight of her sleepless night seemed lighter.
With the Sky Phoenix prepared and their next destination set, the duo readied themselves to embark on the next chapter of their journey—a path leading them closer to the heart of their adventure.