SSS-Ranked Awakening: I Can Only Summon Mythical Beasts - Chapter 261

Chapter 261: Delayed Travel
The Teleportation Center described to Damien loomed before him, a grand structure that stood apart from most of the city’s architectural designs. Unlike the bustling streets and crowded taverns, this place exuded an aura of strict professionalism and exclusivity.

The entrance was guarded, but not by city soldiers—these men were private enforcers, clad in well-crafted armor and bearing insignias that marked them as belonging to a private faction.

As Damien stepped inside, he was immediately met with a stark contrast to the city’s outer chaos.

The interior was pristine, with polished marble floors, chandeliers casting a soft golden glow, and an air of refined wealth that only the elite could afford.

Rows of private booths and teleportation stations lined the expansive hall, their arcane symbols glowing faintly in the dim light.

Unlike public teleportation arrays, which were often overcrowded and slower, this facility catered exclusively to those who could afford its efficiency.

There were two main types of teleportation arrays in the world.

Publicly owned arrays which were operated by city, town, or kingdom officials. These arrays were regulated, requiring approval for certain destinations from the governing body or ruler.

Public owned arrays were less efficient but affordable for common citizens. Lastly, they were often overused, leading to long waiting times.

However, privately owned arrays were owned by wealthy individuals, groups, or organizations and were far more expensive but significantly faster and more effective.

They could bypass certain travel restrictions and were typically used by mercenaries, nobles, and influential figures.

Damien wasn’t surprised that Velhast had a private teleportation network. A city of its size and influence was bound to have one.

As he approached the reception counter, a well-dressed man in deep blue robes looked up from behind the desk.

“Welcome to the Velhast Private Teleportation Facility,” the receptionist said smoothly. “How may I assist you today?”

Damien placed a small pouch of gold coins on the counter.

“I need a teleportation to Westmont,” he stated.

The receptionist’s brows lifted slightly. “Westmont?”

He flipped through a large record book, scanning through listed destinations.

After a few moments, he shook his head.

“I’m afraid we do not have a direct teleportation route to Westmont,” he said.

Damien’s expression remained unreadable. “Then what’s the closest city to it?”

The receptionist turned a few pages, then nodded.

“The closest available teleportation array we have leads to Ryedale,” he said. “It is only a few hours’ travel from Westmont.”

Damien considered this. A few hours’ travel wasn’t bad.

But then—

“However,” the receptionist continued, “we currently cannot activate the array leading to Ryedale.”

Damien’s gaze sharpened slightly.

“And why is that?”

“There is currently a lockdown in Ryedale,” the receptionist explained.

“All teleportation arrays within the city have been deactivated, meaning we cannot send travelers there until their restrictions are lifted.”

Damien’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Lockdowns were not uncommon, but for an entire city to shut down its teleportation networks meant that something serious was happening.

“How long until the lockdown is lifted?” he asked.

The receptionist checked a small enchanted timepiece, which displayed countdowns for different teleportation schedules.

“Approximately nine hours,” he answered. “By morning, the restrictions should be lifted.”

Damien did the math in his head.

That meant he could leave at sunrise and arrive in Ryedale before midday. From there, it would only take him a few hours to reach Westmont.

After a brief pause, Damien nodded.

“Fine,” he said. “I’ll return in exactly nine hours to travel.”

The receptionist gave a professional nod.

“Understood. I will register your request in our list of travelers.”

Damien slid a few gold coins onto the counter.

“For the reservation.”

The receptionist took the payment without hesitation.

“Everything is set, sir. Have a good evening, and we will be expecting you in the morning.”

Without another word, Damien turned and left the facility.

By the time Damien stepped back onto the streets of Velhast, night had fully settled over the city.

The streets, once vibrant and full of life, had grown quieter, with only the occasional passerby making their way through dimly lit alleys.

He considered his options.

There was nothing for him to do for the next nine hours.

Rather than waste time wandering the streets, he made the practical decision—he would return to the tavern, book a room, and rest.

The Broken Fang Tavern was still lively when he arrived, though the crowd had thinned slightly since earlier.

The same bearded bartender from before gave him a nod as he approached the counter.

“Back already?” he asked, amused.

Damien leaned against the counter. “Need a room for the night.”

The bartender smirked. “That’ll be ten silver.”

Damien tossed a gold coin onto the counter.

“Keep the change.”

The bartender’s eyebrows raised slightly, but he took the coin with a nod.

“Second floor, third door on the left,” he said. “Enjoy your stay.”

Damien gave a simple nod before making his way up the stairs.

His room was small but clean, with a sturdy bed and a simple wooden table. A single window overlooked the quiet streets below.

He sat on the bed, removing his weapons and outer coat, placing them neatly on the table beside him.

Then, he lay back against the mattress, closing his eyes.

~~~~~

Far away, in the city of Ryedale, the reason for the lockdown was unfolding.

Three figures sat inside a grand chamber, their presence exuding an air of authority and hidden power.

They were representatives from the Eastern Shirefort Continent—that rarely involved itself in matters outside its own lands.

Yet, they had come here personally, summoned by the Lord of Ryedale himself.

The reason?

An dangerous piece of information they’d come to confirm—one that might change everything and sounded interesting as well.

One of the three, a tall man with piercing golden eyes, tapped his fingers on the table.

“So it’s true,” he murmured.

Across from him, the Lord of Ryedale—a nervous but powerful man—nodded.

“Yes, my lord,” he confirmed. “The signs are there. Everything is as I reported.”

The golden-eyed man exhaled slowly.

“Then that means…”

His companion, a woman with long silver hair, finished his sentence for him.

“Things are truly speeding up.”

A heavy silence settled in the room.

The lockdown in Ryedale wasn’t just a precaution.

It was a response to something far greater.

And Damien, unknowingly, was about to walk straight into it.