Floating Island - Triple S Talent-Chapter 536: City of Auraborne

A massive portal, standing twenty meters tall, towered at the center of a wide, bright blue platform. Light from glowing crystals beneath the floor reflected softly onto the transparent ceiling above, creating an atmosphere that felt both grand and alien.

Every few moments, the portal would flash with a burst of energy, and figures would emerge—some humanoid, others not. Elves with long ears, scaled dragonfolk walking upright, serpent-like beings, even rooted figures with bodies resembling plants appeared in succession.

Amid this diversity, two figures stepped out without fanfare—Lein and Efan. They exited the portal with calm strides, landing on the platform like ordinary travelers, though the aura around them hinted at something far more significant. Lein observed their surroundings with sharp yet relaxed eyes.

"It's quite hot here," Lein muttered casually, glancing up at the cloudless, bright blue sky. The sun in this kingdom was far more intense than in the regions they had recently traveled through.

"Yes, Brother Lein. According to the map, we're currently in the Astralis Kingdom, specifically in a city called Stellaris Haven," Efan replied, his fingers swiping across a holographic map projected above his wrist. The map displayed a city layout that looked both modern and futuristic.

Lein gave a slight nod, then began walking toward the public transport lane on the edge of the platform. His movements were calm, as if he was used to traveling between regions like this.

"Good. At least we don't need to teleport again," he said casually. Their next destination, the city of Auraborne, could be reached by ground transport without further interference.

After crossing the main plaza, they arrived at the mount area, where various vehicles were neatly lined up.

Lein chose a small, four-person carriage pulled by a massive beast that resembled a peacock. The creature's tail was vibrant and long, fanning out like a living solar flare.

At first, Lein assumed the peacock would move slowly, given its elegant appearance. But once the carriage began moving, he immediately changed his mind.

With incredible speed, the carriage shot forward along a special track that stretched across valleys and plains. The wind whipped at their faces, and the scenery below changed rapidly—almost like watching a sped-up recording. The peacock's speed surpassed even the fastest sports cars that had ever existed on Earth.

Sitting back in the open carriage, Efan leaned against the seat and enjoyed the view. The city of Stellaris Haven spread out beneath them—full of crystal towers, glowing rivers, and hanging gardens suspended by gravitational technology. The wind carried the scent of unfamiliar exotic flowers, adding a magical touch to the entire place.

"Brother Lein," Efan said suddenly, his tone laced with longing, "I wonder how much the Celestial Sky Realm has progressed by now?"

Lein didn't answer right away. His eyes were fixed on the distance, watching as the shadows of the city slowly disappeared behind hills and thin clouds. There was a weight pressing on his chest, though none of it showed on his face.

"It shouldn't have progressed that much," he finally said, his voice calm, but deep. "What I really hope for now… is that they're all safe."

Efan nodded slightly, responding to Lein's words with a faint smile. Though unspoken, he shared the same wish—that those they left behind in the Celestial Sky Realm were still doing well.

The peacock-drawn carriage continued flying through the clear sky at incredible speed. Valleys, mountains, and vast oceans passed beneath them in a blink, making the journey feel like something out of a dream.

They traveled so far that the landscape gradually shifted, eventually arriving at a completely different region—a new continent. Not just another city, but a land well beyond typical range.

"I didn't think we'd come this far," Lein murmured, his eyes gazing down at the unfamiliar cityscape below.

"We're currently in the city of Auraborne," Efan confirmed after checking the holographic map once again. A 3D image of the map hovered in the air, showing the city's complex and highly technological structure.

The view below was unlike anything they'd seen. Towering buildings rose like crystal spires, adorned with multicolored neon lights that glowed even in daylight. Floating roads and automated transit systems moved seamlessly between structures, making the entire city look like something pulled straight from the future.

Lein furrowed his brows, mumbling under his breath, "Is this city built in the style of the Players?"

The carriage slowed as they approached the final station. From above, Lein could see that the drop-off point resembled the earlier transport hub. Several nearly identical peacocks rested there, being cared for by uniformed staff. It appeared the organization managing this transport system had a network that spanned across cities—organized and professional.

When the carriage finally stopped at the passenger drop-off platform, the driver—a polite elderly man with neatly combed white hair—dismounted from the back of the giant peacock. He promptly opened the carriage door with respectful grace, giving Lein and Efan a small bow.

"We've arrived, Sir. Welcome to the city of Auraborne," he said warmly. His black-and-white uniform was spotless and tidy, somehow reminding Lein of the ride-hailing drivers from Earth's past.

Lein stepped out of the carriage with calm steps. He glanced briefly at the old man, then casually pulled out a gold coin from his pocket and handed it over.

The old man's eyes widened at the sight of the coin. He quickly caught up to Lein, speaking in a flustered tone, "Excuse me, Sir, this is far too much…"

But Lein simply waved a hand without looking back—a wordless gesture telling him to keep it. That simple motion conveyed more meaning than any words could.

The old man stood still for a moment. Slowly, his hand clenched around the coin, gripping it tightly. Then, he gave a deep bow toward the retreating figures of Lein and Efan before climbing back onto the peacock's back and continuing his duties with a bright smile.

Meanwhile, Lein stood at the edge of the glowing road that marked the entrance to Auraborne, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Veyron forgot to mention where we're supposed to meet him," he muttered. A rare trace of uncertainty showed on his usually composed face.

With no further information to go on, they took the simplest course of action—find a place to sit and wait while having a meal. A restaurant at the end of the street caught their attention, surrounded by tantalizing aromas from a variety of dishes.

Efan followed Lein with a light step, his eyes gleaming with excitement, almost like a child at a theme park. He always got enthusiastic when it came to food—especially when it involved new flavors he couldn't find back on Earth. In this world, taste was its own kind of adventure.

***

In a spacious room filled with luxury yet veiled in a dark aura, ornamental skulls of various beasts lined the walls—symbols of power and dominance. Near a large window framed in antique gold stood a long desk, its surface covered in rare animal hide that gleamed under the soft light of a crystal chandelier.

Behind the desk sat a broad-shouldered man, intently scanning through a series of floating blue holograms. Reports flickered in midair, displaying line after line of information.

His previously calm expression began to shift—his jaw tightening, brows drawing together as his eyes absorbed each detail. Tension began to rise in the rhythm of his breathing.

"How did they manage to recruit that man into their group?" Veyron muttered, his voice low but laced with clear pressure. It was deep, resonating in the chest of the room like a distant drum.

Upon reaching the final page, he moved his hand, dismissing the holograms. The transparent screens faded slowly until they vanished. He then turned his chair, facing the large window behind his desk.

His gaze was vacant, cast far beyond the horizon, piercing through the expansive view of Auraborne spread below.

From this high vantage point, the entire city resembled a living diorama. Towering skyscrapers stood like crystal spears, while residential zones were neatly arrayed in tight urban grids.

Industrial areas gave off faint streams of smoke, and in the far distance, slums sprawled like shadows between the glittering lights of the city.

Knock… Knock…

A light tapping echoed from the entrance, pulling Veyron out of his thoughts.

"Enter," he said curtly, his voice firm but calm.

The door opened without a sound. A young man with white hair stepped in with steady strides. He wore a formal black uniform trimmed with silver along the collar and sleeves—the signature attire of Auraborne's elite guards. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

His expression was blank, his face composed. He approached and stopped a few steps behind Veyron's chair, standing firm like a statue.

"The man you've been looking for has arrived, Sir," the young man reported, his tone calm yet clear.

"We've confirmed his location. He's currently at the Celestial Spoon restaurant, accompanied by a young man of Grandmaster level."

Veyron didn't respond right away. His face remained turned toward the window, his eyes still distant—his mind not yet returned from the chaos stirred by the report earlier.

A few seconds of silence passed before he blinked and turned slightly.

"What did you just say?" he asked softly, his voice slightly broken as if unsure of what he'd heard.

The young man repeated his report exactly as before, in the same steady tone. This time, Veyron listened more carefully. The tension on his face gradually eased, replaced by a more composed expression. As if the news had replaced his irritation with a glimmer of hope.

"…Very well," he said after a moment. He stood up from his chair, brushing off his long black coat. "Come with me. Let's go."

Without waiting for a reply, Veyron strode out of the room. The young man followed immediately, his steps steady, posture perfect. Throughout the entire walk, his expression didn't change at all—calm, rigid, and disciplined.