Early the next morning, figures were already dotting the academy square, where a light mist had yet to disperse.
This was one of the hubs of the academy's transportation network. In a corner of the square, several massive, ring-shaped platforms hovered in mid-air, inscribed with complex Rune Arrays whose edges shimmered with light.
A few rugged-looking Alchemy Airships were quietly moored at their respective berths, their hulls marked with different route numbers.
Early-rising apprentices gathered in small groups at the platforms' edges. The sound of their conversations mingled with the hum of distant airship engines, painting a vibrant picture of extraordinary daily life.
Most of them were Advanced Apprentices, either traveling in groups to the First Ring Belt, the [Ring of Practice], to conduct project research, or having accepted high-risk missions to try and earn a profit.
The appearance of Allen's group of four was recognized by a few perpetually-online students.
