Chapter 142: Beyond the Skies

The sun had just barely broken pass the sky, but the area around the witches' coven had already spread out with a color almost like that of gold. At the very middle of this open workshop were Kael and Athena were waiting patiently for the latest thing they'd build to get to work. It was a mixture of genius and collaboration. Its huge wicker, made with an enchanted wood, was big enough to hold a dozen warriors inside it; the balloon itself was then made with cloth imbued with defensive magic, able to resist many blows in strong winds and light magical attacks, while the compartment housing the fire at its bottom providing warmth and burned due to the energy provided by the magic orb of Elira herself. Athena wiped her hands on the apron, turning to Kael with a triumphant smile. "This time, we've got it; I can feel it." Kael grinned, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's hope so. I am not ready to face another failure." "Failure?" Athena teased, nudging him playfully. "You mean the time we accidentally set half the workshop on fire? Kael chuckled, shaking his head. 'I'd rather not remember that moment. But this… this is different. We've thought of everything." As the final preparations were being made, several witches from the coven gathered around, curious about the outcome. Elira herself appeared, her long robes flowing behind her as she approached. Marvelous, she said, her voice dripping with sincerity and admiration. I had doubted whether you two really were capable of it, but it seems I underestimated you. "Ah, flattering words from the mighty Elira", Kael told her with a smile and bowed in a theatrical style before her. "We won't betray those words.". Athena, however, remained focused. She inspected every detail of the balloon, her sharp eyes scanning for any flaws. 'The wind is calm this morning," she said. 'It's the perfect time for a test flight." Elira raised an eyebrow. 'A test flight? You're confident it will work?" 'We are," Athena replied firmly. 'We've triple-checked everything. This balloon isn't just a prototype. It's ready." Murmurs of excited witches running amongst themselves. Skeptical ones couldn't even help themselves but light a small fire of hope, though just a moment before they had doubted such an invention's workability. Kael jumped in the basket and gestured for Athena to follow. "Let's see what she'll do.". Later, and finally, Athena stepped inside to lay hands on the magical orb servicing for turning the fire chamber. The glowing of the orb was soft, and the air started initiating inflation in the balloon. People in the crowd were standing, gazing with amazement when the basket left the ground - very gently. Cheers really started to go higher the more the shadow of the old balloon spread over the clearing. Kael leaned over the edge of the basket, waving at the crowd below. 'We're flying!" Athena beamed, pride and relief washing across her features as she turned to Kael. "It's working! All our hard work, it's finally paid off." The balloon continued upward, higher and higher, giving Kael and Athena a view of forest and hills beyond that took their breath away. The sun colored the landscape in warm hues while the breeze carried the scent of pine and wildflowers. "Incredible," Kael whispered, his voice full of wonder. "We can use this for supply transport, and even an attack element from above." Athena nodded-the wheels in her head already whirred on what that would mean: an extreme edge in battle that no one could see They flew around the area, then descended. The witches below guided them to the ground safely as they cheered across the clearing. The moment the basket touched down, Elira stepped forward, shining eyes with approval. "You've done it," she said. "This is more than I ever expected. You've created something extraordinary." Kael and Athena exchanged a look of pride. "It wasn't easy," Kael admitted. "But we believed in what we were doing. And now, we have something that can truly make a difference. One of the smaller witches, a girl named Lyra, approached the balloon with wide eyes. "Can I ride in it next time?" Athena smiled, ruffling Lyra's hair. "Someday, when it's safe. But for now, we need to perfect it and be able to train people to use it." Elira raised her hand for silence, and it came gradually. "Hear, all! What Kael and Athena have pulled off here is simply magnificent. This might turn the course in many of our struggles. Let this success be a time to glory, but let work ahead be our driving force." Upon his words, thunderous applause tore through them; the excitement in their veins was palpable. Kael and Athena stood with feet together, bathed by that very moment. As they finally began to disperse, Elira managed to draw them aside. "One thing I should take seriously is that this invention will gain attention-so long as someone lets this slip out of our control." "We are prepared for such," Athena rejoined confidently. Kael nodded in complete agreement. "Whatever it takes. We do whatever needs to be done to protect our coven and this creation." She laid a hand on each of their shoulders. "Then be prepared. The road ahead won't be easy, but with ingenuity like yours, I have no doubt we'll prevail." That night, there was a small feast thrown in Kael and Athena's honor. The air was rowdy with laughter and the murmur of voices. He found himself time and again looking over at Athena when she spoke about her work with passion. You're amazing, you know that?" he said, catching her off guard. Athena raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "What brought that on? Kael shrugged, his lips softening around the corners. "Just stating fact. Couldn't have done any of this without you." "Well," Athena replied, the color of her cheeks sanguine, "you weren't too terrible yourself." Their cups clicked in a silent toast, and they just sat for a second in wordless companionship surrounded by cheering.