Day 9…
On this day Shun was still in the Crocus city leisurely walking around, eating street food. When suddenly someone shouted from behind.
"Mr. Shun"
"Oh, you are…"
It was one of Zoltan's bodyguard, not sure if he introduced himself before or not. Shun didn't remember his name.
"Sir, I'm Debra, one of Mr.Zoltan's subordinates. I was ordered to bring you to Mr.Zoltan, he said the information you asked from him is ready."
'He became much more respectful than before, probably warned by Zoltan' Shun thought betore replying
"Sure, lead the way." Shun said casually
"Yes!"
…
After walking for around half an hour they arrived at an expensive looking mansion. Neither too luxurious nor too shabby.
Owning a mansion like this in the capital of Fiore kingdom…
'Seems Zoltan was more capable as a merchant than I thought.'
As Shun was internally evaluating Zoltan stepped out of the mansion with few servants to welcome Shun.
"Mr.Shun welcome to my humble abode." Zoltan said cheerfully.
"Yes, thanks for the invite… so I heard you got a clue?"
"Yes, Mr.Shun let's head inside to talk."
…
The inside of the mansion was decorated gracefully.
The foundation is a sophisticated, neutral palette of warm taupe, soft greige, and creamy off-white on the walls, providing a calm and cohesive backdrop. This is accented with deeper, earthy tones—forest green in velvet throw pillows, a navy blue statement armchair, or the rich burgundy of a Persian rug. These colors add depth and warmth without being loud.
The furniture is a harmonious mix of classic and comfortable. Think a large, overstuffed linen sofa you can sink into, paired with a sleek, solid wood coffee table with a simple, elegant design.
While Shun was looking around the mansion and thinking, they arrived at the living room.
Zoltan and Shun took their seats, Zoltan sent his servants away after they served a warm tea with sweets.
After sipping his tea, Zoltan opened his mouth.
"Mr.Shun the information you asked last time. We found out that there were dark guilds raiding villages and kidnapping citizens to force them labor in northern part of the country. They then take them by ships to an island called 'Caelum'. It will take about a week to reach there from here."
Zoltan revealed everything he found without hiding anything.
'Caelum island… I don't remember a thing about that from the original story. It was good that I asked him'
"Thanks for the information, I owe you one. I will pay you back in the future" Shun said before leaving without hesitation.
Finally, found the Tower of Heaven.
A vacation of 9 days were good at first but it got boring after a week.
Shun appeared at the port and hired a boatman using the reward money he got from the mission.
…
Travelling is really a problem in this world.
'If I knew the directions I could just fly there…'
On the sixth day of the boat travel.
"Sir, the island is visible"
The boatman's eager shout woke Shun from his thoughts. The boatman was happy since he got 50000J for this journey. Almost doubling his usual pay.
"Alright, I will get off here. You can return." Shun said decisively, happy to finally say goodbye to the seas.
"Eh? Here, but the island is still far…"
Boatman said dumbfoundedly looking at the small island still a far away. However when he looked back Shun was no longer there.
On the sky above Shun was standing on air. When looked closely there was a paw shaped air bubble was on both of his foot. Looking like a unique shoes.
This was a magic Shun developed while training at his 'home'. Tenroujima island. With this technique he can stand on air and walk freely. It's not some strong magic but very efficient. It doesn't require much magic power.
After locking on the island. Shun removed the glove he was wearing. Then he placed his palms behind the back. He repelled the air and used the recoil to fly.
The speed is roughly 100km/hour.
'In the original it was said the paw paw fruit can reach the speed of light after awakening. I can go faster but theres no need.'
Shun arrived on the sky above the tower of heaven shortly after.
…
Sorano Agria POV:
'I'm tired… I don't know how long I've been here, I want to go home.' Sorano murmured to herself
She was inside one of the many cells that contained the slaves of Tower of heaven.
She was living a normal life with her parents and little sister in a small village. Her parents were kind to her but her little sister was a bit clumsy, so she often comforted and protected her little sister from her parents' scolding.
Sorano was happy with her peaceful life. She loved her little sister the most.
But that peace didn't last long.
One day Zeref worshipping cult attacked her village. There was fire and scream everywhere. There wasn't much of a resistance from the weak villagers.
Sorano's parents were brutally murdered during the chaos. Sorano and her little sister Yukino were hiding in a barrel far from their home.
"Shhh, it'll be fine."Little Sorano told her sister with teary eyes.
Yukino nodded, sobbing but covering her mouth with her tiny hands. Leaning into her sister's embrace for comfort.
Sorano prayed for help.
*Click-clack. Click-clack.*
However there was sound of footsteps, coming closer to their direction. One of the attackers were heading their way.
Yukino was so terrified that she almost made a sound. But Sorano covered her mouth and whispered.
"Yukino don't make a sound and stay hidden. We will be caught if we both stay here. I will go outside and attract their attention." Sorano said to her sister while trembling. Doing her best to appear strong.
Yukino wanted to tell her to don't, but she was scared of making noise and causing trouble to her sister. She was always protected by her sister from her parents scolding. Even now…
Yukino nodded tears streaming down her cheeks.
Sorano took one last look at her sister then smiled.
Then Sorano decisively got out of the barrel and started running away. She ran desparately with her small legs. However as a child she couldn't possibly get away. She was caught after a few minutes. But she successfully diverted their attention from the barrel.
'At least Yukino will be safe' Sorano thought then was forced to follow the attackers.
...
After getting captured by Zeref-worshipping cult, Sorano was forced to construct the Tower of Heaven along with other slaves. There were many around her age. But none of them were willing to chat in this environment.
Sorano was curled up on the floor of her cell. She got up and looked at the sky through the window. This was the rare peace the slaves got.
She looked at the flying birds outside.
'Ahh, my prayer… to fade into the sky… like an angel…' Sorano thought with teary eyes. Holding the iron frame of the window with her tiny hands.
'Or like that boy floating there…'
'Ehh, there is somebody flying… standing on air?!'