Amid the vast white clouds, the gatekeeper continued to explain Sky Island’s common knowledge to Michion.
However, Michion’s thoughts had already drifted elsewhere. What caught his attention wasn’t the man’s friendly attitude but rather the implications in his words.
Earlier, the gatekeeper had asked where Michion wanted to go, not if he wanted to enter, suggesting that this place functioned like a “station.” This meant Michion would be able to search for Birka on his own.
Realizing this, Michion decided to clarify some information first, not wanting to be misled by knowledge from the previous world. After all, this was more than a decade ago, and many details might not align.
“Is Berries enough? No need to exchange for Extols? How do you use it on Sky Island?” Michion asked curiously while handing over the money.
“Berries are fine. They are accepted on all Sky Islands. Some islands have trade with Blue Sea people,” the gatekeeper explained, pleased with Michion’s straightforward payment.
“So that’s how it is.” Michion nodded, not surprised by the answer.
“I would like to go to Birka. How do I get there?”
“It’s simple. Just take the ‘Express Shrimp.’ There’s an additional fee for it.”
The gatekeeper smiled, clearly happy to make another sale.
After paying the fare, Michion sat in a large basin, and giant pincers secured it on both sides. Before him was a cloud road constructed from island clouds, winding endlessly into the distance.
Riding the Express Shrimp down Sky Island’s unique cloud road, Michion experienced a thrilling “otherworldly roller coaster.” The shrimp’s speed was immense, and within moments, it had climbed 3,000 meters to the higher White-White Sea, where Sky Islanders resided.
But even at the White-White Sea, the Express Shrimp didn’t stop. It accelerated along the cloud road, heading further away. Michion looked down, seeing the cloud road floating mid-air like a roller coaster track.
Despite the shrimp’s size and speed, the cloud road remained stable, without any bumps, making the ride smooth and rapid.
Soon, the Express Shrimp halted, its giant pincers placing Michion’s basin down, signaling they had reached Birka. Michion thanked the shrimp before it vanished, taking his ride with it.
“Finally here. Now to find Enel and persuade…ahem, invite him to join,” Michion muttered, scratching his cheek as he looked towards the town.
Birka seemed significant, but Michion was confident about finding Enel, given his status as an “outcast” due to his lack of wings. People in Birka would surely know about him, even if negatively.
Nearby, Michion noticed some unique Sky Island plants growing beside the town. Due to the unique environment, these plants were enormous—a typical feature of Sky Island where flora and fauna were extensive.
Even after being blown into the sky by the Knock Up Stream, the vegetation of Jaya Island adapted to Sky Island’s environment, growing huge, particularly the giant vine.
Determined, Michion entered a restaurant to gather information while sampling Sky Island cuisine.
However, inside the restaurant, he noticed people pointing and whispering about him, some even casting disdainful glances. It Michioned on Michion that Birka, unlike Angel Island, was not welcoming to Blue Sea people; they discriminated against those without wings.
Despite his youthful face, Michion’s height was almost that of an average adult. Due to his encounters with pirates and his status as a prince, Michion exuded a regal and commanding presence, far from the ordinary doctor he once was. His Conqueror’s Haki further enhanced his aura, making him impossible to ignore.
Wearing the royal attire from Alabasta for the alliance, Michion’s appearance was too grand for anyone to dare trouble him directly. Still, he overheard the murmurs of contempt and disdain around him.
“Another wingless lowlife in Birka?”
“He might look noble, but he’s just another wingless freak.”
“No wonder Birka got ruined by Enel.”
Ignoring the whispers, Michion ordered some dishes and fruits, not bothered by the hostile environment.
“You must be a Blue Sea person, right? Sorry, but people in Birka almost live in isolation and despise those without wings. There’s a wingless child here who suffers terribly,” the restaurant owner explained apologetically as he served Michion.
“You don’t hate me?” Michion asked, sensing that this man might be his source of information.
“No, I’m from Angel Island, just here for business. I’ve saved enough to leave soon,” the owner laughed heartily.
“I see. You seem well-traveled. Haven’t you told them how vast the world is?”
“I have, but no one believes me,” the owner shook his head, reluctant to dwell on the topic.
Hearing this, Michion shook his head with a smile.
The saddest thing is not ignorance but refusing to see the world clearly when given a chance.
Birka’s inhabitants were pitifully trapped in their limited perceptions.
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