Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1871: Terrfying Storm

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The black raven aircraft glides steadily across the sky. Yet, a stealth shield envelops the craft. It remains invisible to anyone peering with bare eyes.

A Supreme Wizard or stronger could spot it without effort. However, no such powerful figures linger nearby right now.

Up to now, no issues have arisen. The aircraft sails above the vast blue clouds.

Through the window, I gaze at the passing scenery.

Occasionally, flocks of flying bird monsters appear in the distance. The sight proves quite delightful.

They're traversing over the mysterious dark territory. This caught me off guard somewhat.

I'd assumed monsters would be scarce here, given the prevalence of dark-mana resources.

The perils encircling this region are well-known to me.

Despite the smooth travel so far, surprises could strike anytime. Thus, I stay alert. I've instructed the system to remain watchful.

Though it alerts me unprompted, I prefer double-checking. Next, an idea struck me, prompting me to retrieve the device.

No signal reaches here. Communication with the city is impossible. I'm operating solo now. Preparations were already in place.

With old man Rock guarding the fort, troublemakers will think twice. Manager Lara promised regular visits to the shop.

Gathering my focus, I turned my attention back to the voyage.

Time whisked away in an instant.

Nightfall arrived. I reduced the aircraft's pace. Darkness enveloped the surroundings.

The unknown dark territory grew far more treacherous, especially the notorious Forbidden Zone.

Strange and foreboding spots abound as well. Since I haven't mapped the entire unknown dark territory, avoiding unnecessary gambles seems wise.

As more time slipped by, the outer landscape shifted dramatically. A sudden thunderclap boomed, unleashing a torrent of rain. It struck so abruptly that reaction was impossible.

This wasn't mere thunder. Mana infused its fury. Dark blue lightning bolts crackled. The roar echoed far and wide.

Within the cockpit, system alerts blared continuously.

[Ding! The host needs to be careful of the atmospheric lightning.]

[Ding! The lightning attack can injure Supreme Wizards and the Magic Lord.]

Upon hearing the system's cautions, realization lit my face.

Such strikes could wound elite wizards. Lesser ones would perish outright. Risking it holds no appeal.

Boom!

Suddenly, a lightning bolt hurtled near the raven aircraft. Fierce purple electricity nearly slammed into the black raven's frame.

Swoosh!

I yanked the controls, dodging swiftly. The blue bolt whizzed past the black raven aircraft. Relief flickered in my eyes.

"That was a close call," I muttered to myself.

In response, I descended to a lower height. Then, I boosted the aircraft's velocity.

Swoosh!

The raven aircraft darted ahead rapidly. It weaved in a zigzag pattern. Lightning hammered empty earth, failing to connect.

Deafening booms shattered the air.

Direct hits would shatter the raven aircraft to bits. Peril hung heavy.

Time wore on.

With cautious maneuvers, I guided the craft free from the deadly lightning labyrinth.

Only then did tension ease, drawing a deep sigh of relief.

I eased the speed. Swiveling back, I eyed the horrifying vista.

Dark clouds blanketed the rear landscape. Purple lightning relentlessly pounded the ground.

At that sight, my eyes sparkled briefly. Gratitude filled me for escaping unscathed.

Composing myself, I pressed onward. The raven aircraft resumed cruising at mid-altitude.

Time passed.

Daylight broke. Scanning the terrain below, I consulted the map. The outer fringes lay behind us.

The craft had now pierced the core of the unknown dark territory. Extra caution was essential.

...

Crystal City—Shop

Patrons began arriving for appraisals. Disappointment struck when Appraiser Frank was absent.

They questioned Otto, Patrick, and the team. Word spread that Appraiser Frank had departed on a mission.

Upset rippled through the crowd, including affluent clients.

They craved appraisals solely from Appraiser Frank for true peace of mind.

Out of options, they departed reluctantly. Before going, they probed the staff for details.

Staff couldn't pinpoint Appraiser Frank’s return, but customers shared contacts with them.

Others trickled out post-browsing. A few opted for appraisals by Otto and Patrick.

Time passed.

Word of Appraiser Frank's departure from the shop quickly swept through Crystal City. Both ordinary residents and prominent figures in the city learned about it.

Disappointment washed over everyone. They all longed to conduct business with Appraiser Frank.

Meanwhile, the Infinite Wizard Association fared much better. They had secured an earlier agreement with Wizard Vincent.

Antiques could be kept in storage inventory. As soon as sufficient items gathered, they could reach out to Appraiser Frank upon his return from the mission.

Leader Edmund harbored no disappointment. He had profited from the previously appraised treasures. Thus, Appraiser Frank's absence left him unconcerned.

He could continue gathering items and await his return.

...

Meanwhile, Black Tower Wizard Remi grew increasingly restless. Despite all their persuasive efforts, the target's location still eluded them.

He had no idea of Wizard Vincent's current position. Earlier, the Fate Wizard had informed him that the target lurked within the territory.

Doubt began to creep into his mind now.