Chapter 2:
The Creed of Fools
WITHIN THREE DAYS of the press conference, we received more than sixty clan applications for the Seven Star Cup, not including the regalia clans. It was an incredible outcome. There were a total of seventy-two clans in the Velnant Empire. Though I had always known that the regalia would take part, even I hadn’t predicted such an enthusiastic response from the empire’s other clans.
Though the regalia and other top-class clans could arrange their schedules around the tournament, this was not nearly as easy for regular clans. After all, the real job of Seekers was to eliminate beasts—they received assignments from the Seekers Association and spent their days and nights in battle.
Even so, the vast majority of clans had already declared their intent to compete. They all knew the importance of the Seven Star Cup. According to the intelligence reports from my information brokers—aside from Loki, who was still in the Republic of Rodania—the clans who had still not applied would do so in due time. It was a wise decision. Everyone knew the Seven Star Cup was a huge opportunity.
However, if every single clan in the empire put its efforts into the upcoming tournament, beast elimination rates would decrease. This would not be an issue early on, as the regalia and other top-class clans would handle the high-level beasts, and lower-level beast assignments could be outsourced to Seeker parties who had yet to form clans. The problem lay with the middle area.
In response to this, Wild Tempest informed the Seekers Association that it would handle these assignments. My organizational responsibilities left me unable to participate, which limited the ones we could handle. In this sense, our offer to the Association was an attempt to help out where we could.
To complete all of the assignments, Wild Tempest would be traveling all across the empire. Fortunately, we had a particular set of “wings” to help with that.
We met at the airship terminal on the outskirts of the empire. Among the line of airships was a beautifully sleek and streamlined ship with proud black wings. It sat under the light of the morning sun with a divine magnificence.
“The ship is called the Black Odile. We’ve had it repaired and improved since it belonged to Lorelai, when it was called the White Odette. It’s fifty-two meters in length, with a top speed of Mach 2. Maximum capacity is two hundred passengers. It’s fully equipped with battle equipment and a barrier system. Just like any other airship, it eats up fuel like a fish drinks water, but it’s furnished with all the most cutting-edge airship technology to date.”
The rest of Wild Tempest oohed and aahed, their eyes glimmering with awe.
“It’s amazing. Such a beautiful ship…” said Alma.
Leon nodded. “Black base with gold lining. Equipped with weapons and yet nothing unsightly about it—superbly streamlined. It’s the perfect airship. You handled the improvements, Hugo?”
Hugo nodded. He looked extremely satisfied.
“Yes. Noel asked me to. The White Odette was already a gorgeous ship, so I worried a little about losing what made it special, but it turned out great. I’ve no complaints.”
“Oi, look over there!” Koga said, pointing. “Under the bow, at the bottom of the ship. It’s our clan symbol!”
He was beside himself with excitement over the golden winged snake drawn upon the ship. I wanted everyone who saw it from the ground to know who it belonged to.
Leon gazed at the vessel questioningly. “But for someone to just give us a ship like this… I almost fear we’ll wind up paying for it in one way or another.”
I chuckled. “Relax. It’s just a sign of how desperate the prince actually is. With Johann gone, the only person he can rely on against neighboring rivalries is me. If I fail, he’s the one who suffers most.”
“That’s all well and good, but this is the problem at hand,” Leon said, smacking me in the chest with a sheaf of documents. “I’ve checked out the specifications for the ship, and it’s a real princess, all right. She’s a needy one, and greedy for gold at that. Even putting together all the depth-5 and depth-8 assignments we just picked up, we’re still running at a deficit. Our accountant is fuming. The only way we’re going to earn a profit on this thing is if we use it to fight a beast above an abyssal depth of 10.”
Beasts with the power of flight powered all airships. They were melted down into a liquid, which was crystalized through a special process and used as fuel for the vehicles’ uniquely crafted engines. This was what made airships capable of such astounding maneuverability. Unfortunately, that crystal energy source was very, very expensive.
“We’ll just have to run at a deficit, then,” I replied. “Our debt to the Association takes priority.”
The tournament preparations required such a huge monetary investment that the once-abundant funds of Wild Tempest had sunk down the bottom of the barrel. Yet with the Valiant attack on the horizon, playing it safe was foolish. The empire’s biggest threat was also our biggest opportunity, and anyone who wasn’t willing to stake everything they owned on it couldn’t possibly call themselves the strongest Seeker.
“That’s it, then. Leon, you’re in charge of the rest.”
I would not be leaving with the party on this expedition. I had tasks of my own to see to, and I could not afford to be away from Etrai.
“If anything comes up, contact me via the airship radio,” I added.
“Got it. I’ll take care of everything. I’ll also help with Koga’s training where possible.”
“No need to overdo it. Even if Koga can’t make A-Rank, it won’t impact our plans.”
“The plan isn’t everything, you know?”
I let out a groan.
Leon chuckled and turned his gaze to the Black Odile. “All right everyone, let’s get to it! No time like the present!”
At his order, the party boarded the Black Odile. For a brief moment, Koga lingered at the entrance hatch, looking at me. Our eyes met. We said nothing because there was nothing more to be said. Our results would speak for us. He turned away and disappeared into the airship.
Not long afterward, the engines fired up, and the airship sped down the runway with a roar. It took off on pitch-black wings, and despite its size, it looked light as a feather. I watched it soar higher into the sky, where it picked up speed and easily broke the sound barrier. I laughed as the wind pushed against me, messing up my hair.
“Hope none of you get airsick and spew on my new airship,” I muttered.