As we shot across the skies at incredible speeds, we witnessed several landmarks in the distance. Rabae told us we wouldn't have time to properly travel to each district, but once we concluded our audience with the Ryfi Theos, we would have time to do so.
We'd passed over a swampy area where we saw green toxic lakes that gave off fumes.
"That is the Bane Swamp; it comprises most of the Basilisk District," Rabae informed, slowing a bit as we flew thousands of feet over part of the district. "They produce the best beverages you will find throughout Pneuma City."
Just below the surface of part of the lake, we saw the movement of a colossal creature as it surfaced. From the top down, it looked almost like a giant, monstrous alligator.
"That is a basilisk," Rabae announced over the wind. "In fact, that is the district's Sacred Guardian – a distant descendant of an Ancient Beast. Each district has one. However, the swamp is still full of much smaller versions as well."
"That's what an Ancient Beast looked like?" Za'Fia said, looking down.
"To a degree," Rabae answered. "The Ancient Beasts are believed to have been slightly bigger than their descendants. And unlike their predecessors, Sacred Guardians are relatively weaker, possessing EQNs anywhere between 250 million and 350 million. Actually, only one beast within our solar system remains with power grand enough to be a problem. Given time, perhaps I will introduce her to you all."
That's weak to them!? I commented internally.
"We'll pass on that," Za'Fia said, waving the suggestion off.
"Speak for yourself," Avarice remarked, still looking down at the beast far below.
"Oh, Sacred Guardians also cannot transform into a biped form or speak like their predecessors. Though they do understand us," Rabae finished as we sped up to continue.
From so high up, I could see a range of icy mountains in the distance to our left as we flew.
"They have snowy mountains too," I commented, thinking of skiing, though I had never done so before.
"To see them this far away...Temporal Sight has always amazed me," Rabae complimented as he led. "The mountains you have noticed are the Frozen Scales. They are part of the Dragon District. Oddly enough, you will find the best hot spring as well as great winter activities there."
"Hot springs in an ice district?" Za'Fia asked incredulously.
"Most who are unfamiliar react that way at first," Rabae grinned warmly. "There is an active water volcano that erupts once a year. Deep within the volcano is trapped hot water. By drilling holes into the mountain, the Dragon Crest created hot water pools at the base. Using blue sonium, they moderate the temperature of the waters for guests."
"There is an annual spectacle that attracts many visitors there," Rabae continued, looking back at us. "Every year when the Blue Mountain erupts, a team of klevonians is sent to the top of the mountain. Once the eruption begins, they all use their ice elemental ability to turn the scalding water into misty ice crystals that cover the entire district. I must say it is a beautiful sight to behold."
I noticed we were over water now, but that wasn't what caught our attention. Somewhere deep below the surface, we could see lights in the clear, clean water.
"Ah, the Marine District," Rabae said, looking down at the water. "There is a bustling city far below there."
"Do you live down there too? You know, since you're made of water and all," I asked him.
"No, this is the Ocean Queen's territory."
"Another pneumarian of water?" Avarice inquired.
Rabae bellowed in light laughter again.
"Your ignorance of our kinds is almost child-like," he grinned. "There are many cindarians who share elements. Even among those of my caliber, a few possess the same element. However, everyone's skill with their element can differentiate. For example, though the Ocean Queen and I possess the same element, my water manipulation skills aren't nearly as fine as her control."
"Whoever this queen is must be something to receive that much praise from you," Tymon voiced from the rear. "You nearly flooded our world without trying."
"Your world's atmosphere had little resistance," Rabae offered. "Again, though, I do apologize for that."
The rest of the flight was quick as we raced across the sky and saw several things from a distance before our tour would be cut short.
First, we saw a giant spider-shaped creature within a vast forest covered in visible, thick webs. Rabae had informed us that the creature's name was Silky, the Arachne District's Sacred Guardian.
After that, we eventually came across an extensive rocky mountain range in the distance. Apparently, they were the Jagged Mountains of the Minotaur District.
By enhancing my vision, I could see that the mountains encircled a great city of tomb-like buildings. Rabae said those buildings were part of an above and underground labyrinth. That district was supposedly known for its entertainment by hosting non-lethal arena battles for civilians to enjoy and klevonians or pneumarians to cut loose.
Throughout the tour, I'd occasionally peeked into Rabae with Heart's Eye. His greyness had become much lighter in tone, but it was still grey and difficult to discern his emotions.
We then came across something unexpected. There was a weird, clouded area not too far off from us. It was elevated high in the sky, unlike the other districts we'd encountered, but some of the clouds also fell to the ground.
The area on the ground beneath the clouds was a grey forest.
"...the Iridescent Falls of the Pegasus District," Rabae said, nodding to the grey forest below the distant clouds. "The iridescent effect on the area makes it easy to get lost in there. The area on the ground is also the entryway to the Pegasus District's main city in the sky. The only way to get to the entrance is through the forest, where one must ride the iridescent element up to the clouds. The only way to get through the forest is with someone with an iridescence cintracy."
"Why not just fly up?" Michael said, looking at the clouded area in the sky. Funnily enough, we couldn't see the city that was supposed to be there. It seemed well hidden.
"Only those authorized can enter. Otherwise, they will simply fly through an illusion of clouds," Rabae answered as he pulled something out with numbers – a watch, maybe? – and then said, "We should be heading to the Royal Palace now. You all can properly explore Pneuma City afterward."
Rabae shifted his direction, us following behind him.
"How do you preserve the lives of your people? Keeping the peace with so many powerful beings around must be difficult even for you," Michael said as we flew.