vncnus Chapter 173 Sky-Piercing Fortress
Chapter 173 Sky-Piercing Fortress
Chapter 173 Sky-Piercing Fortress
Seth told Anne that she had to be extra careful once she arrived, as the lord here was extremely eccentric.
Seth Kelly, known as a gentleman.
After spending some time together, Annie had no idea whether Seth was truly a gentleman.
His demeanor was always refined and easygoing, yet he also possessed a kind of cynical nonchalance.
However, Anne is indeed impeccable when it comes to her work.
He led his men to thoroughly investigate the conditions along the way, and someone was always there to protect Anne.
If any situation arises, or if there are any changes to the itinerary, Annie will be notified in advance.
Only after experiencing it firsthand did Annie realize that the Unswearing Knights were not just a name without substance.
They were far more professional than Anne had imagined; she could hardly find fault with them.
Even so, Annie still couldn't feel much affection for them.
Lola, her sister, was injured because of the Unswearing Knights.
Anne felt a pang of heartache whenever she thought of the child's wound on Lola's shoulder.
Although Lola insisted that she had injured herself.
However, if it weren't for that brown braid, Lola wouldn't have injured herself in her panic.
Therefore, Anne hated the brown braid and couldn't bring herself to like the Unswearing Knights.
Fortunately, Brownie didn't participate in Anne's escort mission but went to carry out other tasks, so Anne didn't have to be hated and troubled all day long.
At this moment, Anne, escorted by the Unswearing Knights, has arrived at the central city of Coolidge Gorge.
Coolidge Isle is a land located on the edge of the kingdom, and its geographical location is very special.
Luxia is a long and narrow territory. If one wants to travel by land between the Kingdom of Judian and the Duchy of the Holy Envoy, one must pass through this territory.
Therefore, the Coolidge Isthmus is the dividing point between the two countries, and also the dividing point of the entire Ancent continent.
The entire continent resembles two inverted triangles, with only two corners touching.
Coolidge Gorge lies at the intersection of the two corners, like a bridge spanning between the two areas.
Using it as the dividing line, the continent of Ancent is divided into the East Continent and the West Continent.
The Kingdom of Great Classics is in the Western Continent, while the Principality of the Holy Envoy is in the Eastern Continent.
Due to its unique geographical location, this land has always been a focus of attention for various forces.
Anne had read many accounts of the Coolidge Pass, such as the unstoppable Emperor Vascos, who ultimately fell on the western side of the Coolidge Pass.
At that time, he had almost conquered the entire West Continent, and once he crossed the Coolidge Canyon, he would set his sights on the entire continent of Ancent.
Vascos died suddenly, and his death was so sudden that some people said he was cursed by the vengeful spirit of a cartographer.
But Anne didn't believe these strange legends. She thought that the human emperor Vascos was simply defeated by this resolute land.
Especially after Anne saw the magnificent estate with her own eyes.
Coolidge's territory was named Skyreach Fortress, which Anne initially thought was an overly exaggerated name.
But in reality, it's just stating the facts in a simple and straightforward way.
The towering city walls stretched horizontally before me, extending in both directions with no end in sight.
How long is this city wall? Anne couldn't tell with her eyes.
However, the gentleman told her that the city was built in the narrowest part of the land canyon, less than two leagues.
When Annie followed the Unswerving Knights into Skyhold Fortress, she discovered that the walls were not one, but a pair!
Two massive, parallel city walls stretch across the land canyon.
The city was sandwiched between the city walls.
As Annie walked through the city streets, she felt a strong sense of security, thinking that living in such a city meant she wouldn't have to worry about the changing world outside.
Sky Tower Fortress is an ancient city built during the mythical era. If the Human Emperor was indeed defeated by Sky Tower Fortress, his defeat would not be a disgrace.
Anne couldn't even imagine how the city could be taken by force.
However, Anne often saw fully armed soldiers patrolling the streets.
She found it very strange. Was the city's security so bad that so many troops had to be deployed?
Seth quickly explained to Anne that the Coolidge family was an ancient family that had been the masters of the landlocked region since mythical times.
The heirs of this family are often ambitious and warlike, and place great importance on military affairs.
Even in peacetime, a large amount of money is invested in military spending, resulting in an excess of troops.
A formidable military force, coupled with sturdy fortifications, is what ensured that few dared to easily declare war on Coolidge Crossroads, regardless of the era.
Although the Coolidge family was full of martial spirit, they were not warlike and chose to live in seclusion in a corner of the country, and even had little contact with other families.
Although the Coolidge family has surrendered and submitted many times, such as when they knelt before the Sinclair family a thousand years ago, no one dares to say that they are weak.
Therefore, many people call them "the aloof" Coolidge.
This isolated family is the oldest family to have survived to this day.
Right now, Seth is planning to take Annie to visit the Coolidge family's castle.
The gentleman said, "My mentor Sanders instructed me to have you experience the culture of the various cities along the way, and he especially emphasized this towering fortress."
Annie asked, "Why?"
“It’s very simple,” the gentleman said. “Because this is a special city. Isn’t it enough to tell just by looking at these two city walls? Besides, you seem to be a top student of Mentor Sanders. I think you must understand what he wants you to see, right?”
Anne paused for a moment, then replied:
"The Ladder to Heaven".
“That’s right,” Seth nodded. “Although the Coolidge family has little contact with outsiders, they have nothing to do with poverty; they make their living by collecting tolls.”
"This is the only way between the kingdom and the duchy. In addition, directly below the Sky Tower Fortress is the famous Evil Spirit Water Corridor, which is a shortcut connecting the Flameheart Sea and the Gloomy Sea. It can bring huge income to the Coolidge family every year."
"But the water corridor and the fortress are more than 600 feet apart, and controlling it is more difficult than managing a city 50 miles away. The Ascending Ladder perfectly solved this problem for the Coolidge family."
A ladder to heaven, simply put, is a huge device that allows people to go up and down vertically.
It was certainly the Coolidge family's first creation, but not the only one. Anne also knew that the Iron Chain Fortress on the Highlands had also created a similar device, modeled after the Ladder to Heaven.
Upon arriving at the castle, the gentleman revealed his identity and purpose, and the guards then entered the castle to report.
When the guard returned, they said:
"Come in, follow me."
Anne immediately realized, "This isn't the way to the castle!"
"Don't say anything," the guard said. "Just follow along."
The gentleman gently bent down and said softly and tenderly:
"Miss Anne, please rest assured, I will protect you."
Since Seth believed the situation was still under control, Annie had no choice but to comply.
The guards led the two men around the castle and headed south.
After passing through a high wall, the view ahead suddenly opened up.
This land, which is clearly suspended 600 feet above the ground, looks like a dock with countless sailboats moored on the edge of the canyon.
Countless pedestrians moved back and forth on the steel planks with guardrails, loading and unloading goods.
Anne realized that this place was different from the real port in only two ways.
First, there is no market here; second, there is no seawater.
Anne had already seen that the ships were suspended in mid-air by only a few iron chains.
The guard urged, "Don't stand there, the prince is waiting up ahead."
The prince refers to the lord of the Coolidge family.
Eugene Sinclair did not rule the entire West Continent by force, but rather obtained the Coolidge family's submission through marriage.
The Coolidge family also received the title of "Prince," a rank even higher than that of a duke.
Today, members of the Coolidge family all have Sinclair blood in their bodies, making them, in a sense, a branch of the royal family.
However, the proud Coolidge would never admit it.
Anne remembered that the current Prince of Lutheran was named Hibastien Coolidge.
After walking a while, Annie saw a man standing ahead with his hands behind his back.
The man was wearing a loose-fitting red and black suit, and several rings inlaid with gemstones on his fingers.
Judging from his extraordinary demeanor, Anne guessed that this person was Hibastian Coolidge.
Seth stepped forward, bowed to the other person, and said:
"You must be Prince Hibastian?"
Upon hearing this, the man turned around, narrowed his eyes slightly, and stared at Annie and Seth, scrutinizing them.
"A renowned gentleman would actually be interested in my humble castle in this remote place."
"Compared to the Coolidge family, my fame is insignificant," Seth replied politely, "and this castle is magnificent and ancient, far from being described as shabby."
Hibastian clearly didn't intend to talk too much with Seth, and he immediately asked:
"What do you want, sir?"
"I have already made it very clear that this is a representative from the Herald Academy, and she wants to see the Ascension Ladder here."
Upon hearing this, Anne bowed to Hippostine and said:
"Prince Hibastien, I am Anne Booker, an apprentice at the Heraldry Academy."
"Hmph!" Hibastian chuckled. "Since when have even heraldry apprentices been able to represent the Heraldry Academy?"
With the reputation of the Herald Academy at stake, Anne straightened her back instantly.
“I am indeed a representative of the Academy and have been invited to the Principality of St. John to attend the cardinal’s ordination ceremony,” Anne said.
"But you still haven't explained your status as an apprentice."
“Few apprentices can represent the school because of their lack of status,” Anne said. “And the fact that I can represent it means that my strengths in other areas can make up for my lack of status.”
Hibastian frowned slightly: "The Coolidge family has never been afraid of power, and therefore hates arrogant attitudes. You're just an apprentice, yet you dare to talk to me with your chin held high?"
“The person speaking to you is not an apprentice, but a representative of the Herald Academy,” Anne said persistently. “The Herald Academy remains neutral to any regime, organization, or individual, and its attitude will not change because of who you are.”
These words caused Hippostine's face to turn ashen, and Anne sensed the tense atmosphere was about to erupt.
But she absolutely could not look away. Since she intended to speak with the prince as his representative, she absolutely could not reveal the slightest sign of weakness.
Seth, seemingly worried that the situation might get out of control, quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Your Highness, please forgive Miss Anne. She is still very young and sometimes she may not be able to control her words properly."
Had I overstepped my bounds? Anne couldn't help but reflect.
However, she felt she had done nothing wrong.
After a short pause, Hippustin suddenly changed his serious demeanor and burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Young, yes, really young, and a woman too, rare indeed! The Coolidges despise cowards, but they don't dislike tough guys. Anne Booker, is that right? I'll remember your name."
Hearing this, Anne felt a little relieved, but still answered carefully:
"But it is true that I am young, so please forgive me if I have been impolite in any way, Your Highness."
Hippostine nodded approvingly: "Sir, so you're in charge of escorting her?"
"Yes," Seth nodded.
"Since you're interested in the Ladder to Heaven, I'm happy to show it to you; after all, it's no secret."
Hibastian said,
"This device is the pride of Sky Tower, and the greater its fame, the more outsiders will know about the power of the Coolidge family."
After saying this, Hibastine led them to a sky corridor.
After walking up, Annie glanced down and realized that she was walking high in the air.
Fear quickly spread through Anne's heart, but she tried her best to suppress her emotions.
She couldn't let her fear show.
Hibastian pointed forward: "It has begun."
At the edge of the cliff, a huge iron pillar protruded, bound with countless iron chains.
Suddenly, the iron pillar flashed with a certain light, and the iron chains on the pillar also started to turn.
Anne quickly guessed that those were magical runes.
So he immediately searched with his eyes and sure enough found several sheds on the edge of the cliff, filled with magicians holding staffs.
She concluded, "This device is powered by magic!"
"That shows you have some knowledge and good observation skills," Hibastine explained. "The Ascension Ladder was built and operated entirely using magic."
"The Iron Chain Fortress of the Lines Plateau actually wanted to learn our family's technology, but in the end, it was only superficial. They copied the form but did not understand the essence. They never grasped the key and naturally could not replicate the miracle."
"But that's not a miracle either," Anne said.
Hibastian paused for a moment upon hearing this, but quickly raised an eyebrow and asked with a hint of arrogance, "What did you say?!"
But Anne was telling the truth: "This device is indeed amazing, but it's not a miracle. The real miracle isn't this kind of grandiose, empty thing."
"So you've seen what you call a real miracle?"
"Yes, I have," Anne said without hesitation.
Aaron's library was a miracle, and Anne sensed within it the power to easily alter and influence the course of the world.
Hibastian seemed to regain his composure and asked:
"What miracle are you talking about?"
Will telling Aaron cause him trouble?
Anne would never say anything if there was any risk involved:
"No comment."
Hibastian squinted at Anne for a long time: "Few people can speak to me with such a firm tone. It seems you are truly not afraid of me, nor of the Coolidge family. Booker... what family name is that?"
"It's just an ordinary surname."
"I admire you, Anne," Hibastian said. "Would you like to be one of our Coolidge women?"
Anne was taken aback, not expecting Hibastine to suddenly bring up this topic.
But she immediately refused, saying, "I am an apprentice at the Herald Academy and will become a herald master somewhere. I am not destined for marriage."
"That's a real shame. Well then, how about becoming my goddaughter?" Hibastian said. "Anne Coolidge, that's a nice name too."
Anne understood that the prince truly valued her and was eager to win her over.
However, his suggestion—Anne puffed out her chest—was met with resistance: "The Booker surname is my pride."
"That's a real shame," Hibastine shook his head. "The Coolidge family has always preferred strong women; otherwise, they wouldn't be able to carry the weight of our family's rich history."
Anne did not intend to become a member of the Coolidge family, but:
"I am willing to maintain a permanent friendship with the Coolidge family."
"Hahaha!" Hibastian laughed again. "How dare you speak to me like that, hahaha! Anne, I seem to sense a kingly aura about you, but unfortunately you are a woman."
Even though Anne never felt remorseful for being a woman, she had to admit that the chances of a woman achieving anything were far too small, and her potential was nowhere near that of a man.
However, Anne has always been very competitive since she was a child, and her unwillingness to admit defeat was ingrained in her very being.
"There's nothing to regret. What men can do, women can do too."
"Well said!" Hippostine nodded approvingly. "Anne, since you mentioned friendship—"
As he spoke, Hippostine suddenly pulled something out and handed it to Anne:
"This is proof of our friendship."