Chapter3 Accident

The feeling of flying with Altera towards the sky city was magical. We soared through the clouds, higher and higher, until everything on the ground became blurry dots of light.

"Is this your first flight?" Altera asked me.

"Yes," I nodded, "it's even more wonderful than I imagined."

"You'll like our city," Altera said with a smile.

Soon, a colossal city appeared before us. Floating above the clouds, it was composed of countless white buildings that shimmered in the sunlight.

"Welcome to Sky City," Altera said.

We landed in front of a magnificent castle. The castle was built entirely of white marble, with towering spires that pierced the sky.

"This is the royal palace," Altera explained, "and also our future home."

Several servants from the Sky Tribe came forward to greet them.

"Your Highness," an older servant greeted, bowing, "welcome back."

"Thank you, Erwin." Altera nodded. "This is Alexander Sterling, my fiancé."

"Welcome, Mr. Sterling," Irwin said, bowing to me.

Altera showed me around the castle. The interior was even more ornate, with exquisite sculptures and murals everywhere.

"You must be tired," Altira said. "I've had a room prepared for you. We can talk more in detail tomorrow."

The next day, Altera took me on a tour of the entire Sky City.

Everything here is amazing: exquisite architecture, friendly residents, and members of the Sky Tribe who fly freely in the air.

"Our Sky Tribe has a total population of 100,000," Altera explained.

We arrived at the city's commercial district. It was bustling with activity, filled with shops and stalls. To my surprise, the goods in these shops were all very expensive and exquisite.

"These are all our specialties," Altera explained, "sky gems, cloud silk fabrics, and other precious materials that can only be found high in the sky."

I picked up a sky gem and examined it closely. The gem emitted a pale blue light.

"How much is this gem worth?" I asked.

"About ten thousand gold coins," Altera said casually.

Ten thousand gold coins? I was shocked.

"Do you think it's expensive?" Altera noticed my expression.

"A little," I said honestly.

"Actually, this is quite cheap," Altera laughed. "The best Sky Gems can sell for over 100,000 gold coins."

I began to reassess the Sky Tribe's wealth.

"Altera," I couldn't help but ask, "just how wealthy are the Sky Tribes?"

Altera thought for a moment: "We have businesses all over the world. Mines, caravans, banks... we probably have assets worth tens of billions of gold coins."

Hundreds of billions? I was utterly shocked.

"You look surprised," Altera said.

"Compared to you, we are beggars," I said with a wry smile.

"Wealth is not the most important thing," Altera said gently.

We arrived at a huge warehouse.

"This is our storage depot," Altera said.

We entered the warehouse, and the sight inside left me speechless. The enormous warehouse was divided into countless areas, each storing different supplies: food, water, medicine, weapons, tools... everything imaginable.

"How many people are these enough for?" I asked.

"If used sparingly, it's enough for the whole city for a year," Altera replied.

A year? That's exactly what I need.

"Why are we stockpiling so many supplies?" I asked casually.

"This is our tradition," Altera explained. "While Sky City is safe, it's also relatively isolated. These reserves can be lifesavers in case of any emergency."

It seems the leaders of the Sky Clan are very farsighted.

"Oh, by the way," Altera suddenly said, "my father wishes to see you."

We arrived at the top floor of the palace. Alfred, the King of the Sky, was a dignified middle-aged man with blond hair and blue eyes similar to Altera's.

"Mr. Sterling," Alfred looked me over, "welcome to Sky City."

"It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty." I bowed respectfully.

"Have a seat," Alfred said, gesturing to a chair. "I'd like to talk to you."

"What do you think of my daughter?" Alfred asked bluntly.

"She is the kindest and most beautiful person I have ever met," I answered sincerely.

"Very good." Alfred nodded. "What do you know about our Sky Tribe?"

"Not many," I said honestly, "but I know the Sky Tribe values freedom and peace."

"You know what?" Alfred said suddenly, "I've been observing the changes in the human world. Lately, I've felt some unease."

"What kind of unease?" I asked.

"Climate." Alfred frowned. "Global temperatures have been rising abnormally in recent months. I'm worried about a possible catastrophe."

I was shocked. I never expected the King of the Sky to have such keen observation skills.

"What do you think will happen?" I asked cautiously.

"I'm not sure," Alfred shook his head, "but I have a feeling that an unprecedented disaster is about to strike."

This is an opportunity.

"Your Majesty," I said, "if a disaster were to occur, what do you think we should do?"

"Increase reserves and strengthen defenses," Alfred replied without hesitation. "I have already ordered an increase in food and water reserves."

"What about other aspects?" I continued, "For example, if a crisis occurs on the surface world, there will be many refugees..."

"We will do our best to help them," Alfred said, "but Sky City has limited capacity, and we cannot save everyone."

"So," I said, "shouldn't we establish a screening criterion to prioritize helping those who truly need it?"

Alfred glanced at me, a glint of approval in his eyes: "You've thought this through very well. Indeed, if a disaster were to occur, we would need to be selective in our aid."

"I suggest," I continued, "that we should prioritize helping the kind-hearted, those who contribute to society. As for the malicious, the selfish..."

"They don't deserve our help," Alfred nodded in agreement.

Very good. I have planted the seed in Alfred's heart.

"By the way," Alfred suddenly said, "how is your family? If a disaster really happens, would you want to save them?"

This is a crucial issue.

"Your Majesty," I said, "my family...has not been good to me. They have never treated me like family."

"Is that so?" Alfred frowned.

"However," I paused, "if they ask for my help, I think I'll still consider it. After all, I don't want to be a cold-blooded person."

"You are a kind person." Alfred nodded with satisfaction.

Just then, a servant rushed in.

"Your Majesty," the attendant said breathlessly, "there's an emergency! The meteorological department reports that global temperatures are rising rapidly! It's predicted that within three months, surface temperatures could reach dangerous levels!"

Three months? That matches my memory perfectly.

Alfred's expression turned serious: "Call a meeting with all department heads immediately!"

"Yes!" The attendant hurriedly left.

Alfred turned to me: "It seems my fears were true. Alexander, would you be willing to help us through this crisis?"

"Of course," I answered without hesitation.

"Very good." Alfred stood up. "Then, let's begin preparations."

As we left the palace, Altera asked me, "Aren't you worried? What if a disaster really happens..."

"I'm not worried," I said, looking at her, "because we're well-prepared. And besides, we're together."

Altera smiled. "Yes, we're together."

We quickly completed the marriage formalities. In the tradition of the Sky Tribe, this ceremony is sufficient to establish a marital relationship.

Now I have the wealth, status, and protection of the Sky Tribe. More importantly, I have a partner who truly cares about me.

Edmund and my "parents," they will soon pay the price for their greed.