[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical-":3,"chapter-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-261":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","SSS-Ranked Awakening: I Can Only Summon Mythical Beasts",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1326712,1762,"Chapter 261 261: Delayed Travel","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-261",261,"\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Damien stepped inside, he was immediately met with a stark contrast to the city's outer chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rows of private booths and teleportation stations lined the expansive hall, their arcane symbols glowing faintly in the dim light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike public teleportation arrays, which were often overcrowded and slower, this facility catered exclusively to those who could afford its efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were two main types of teleportation arrays in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Public owned arrays were less efficient but affordable for common citizens. Lastly, they were often overused, leading to long waiting times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, privately owned arrays were owned by wealthy individuals, groups, or organizations and were far more expensive but significantly faster and more effective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could bypass certain travel restrictions and were typically used by mercenaries, nobles, and influential figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien wasn't surprised that Velhast had a private teleportation network. A city of its size and influence was bound to have one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he approached the reception counter, a well-dressed man in deep blue robes looked up from behind the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Welcome to the Velhast Private Teleportation Facility,\" the receptionist said smoothly. \"How may I assist you today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien placed a small pouch of gold coins on the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need a teleportation to Westmont,\" he stated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The receptionist's brows lifted slightly. \"Westmont?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flipped through a large record book, scanning through listed destinations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few moments, he shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm afraid we do not have a direct teleportation route to Westmont,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's expression remained unreadable. \"Then what's the closest city to it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The receptionist turned a few pages, then nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The closest available teleportation array we have leads to Ryedale,\" he said. \"It is only a few hours' travel from Westmont.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien considered this. A few hours' travel wasn't bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However,\" the receptionist continued, \"we currently cannot activate the array leading to Ryedale.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's gaze sharpened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And why is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is currently a lockdown in Ryedale,\" the receptionist explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All teleportation arrays within the city have been deactivated, meaning we cannot send travelers there until their restrictions are lifted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lockdowns were not uncommon, but for an entire city to shut down its teleportation networks meant that something serious was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How long until the lockdown is lifted?\" he asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The receptionist checked a small enchanted timepiece, which displayed countdowns for different teleportation schedules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Approximately nine hours,\" he answered. \"By morning, the restrictions should be lifted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien did the math in his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, Damien nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine,\" he said. \"I'll return in exactly nine hours to travel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The receptionist gave a professional nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood. I will register your request in our list of travelers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien slid a few gold coins onto the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the reservation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The receptionist took the payment without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything is set, sir. Have a good evening, and we will be expecting you in the morning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without another word, Damien turned and left the facility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time Damien stepped back onto the streets of Velhast, night had fully settled over the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The streets, once vibrant and full of life, had grown quieter, with only the occasional passerby making their way through dimly lit alleys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He considered his options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing for him to do for the next nine hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather than waste time wandering the streets, he made the practical decision—he would return to the tavern, book a room, and rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Broken Fang Tavern was still lively when he arrived, though the crowd had thinned slightly since earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same bearded bartender from before gave him a nod as he approached the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back already?\" he asked, amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien leaned against the counter. \"Need a room for the night.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender smirked. \"That'll be ten silver.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien tossed a gold coin onto the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep the change.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender's eyebrows raised slightly, but he took the coin with a nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second floor, third door on the left,\" he said. \"Enjoy your stay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien gave a simple nod before making his way up the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His room was small but clean, with a sturdy bed and a simple wooden table. A single window overlooked the quiet streets below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat on the bed, removing his weapons and outer coat, placing them neatly on the table beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he lay back against the mattress, closing his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~~~~~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far away, in the city of Ryedale, the reason for the lockdown was unfolding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three figures sat inside a grand chamber, their presence exuding an air of authority and hidden power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were representatives from the Eastern Shirefort Continent—that rarely involved itself in matters outside its own lands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, they had come here personally, summoned by the Lord of Ryedale himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An dangerous piece of information they'd come to confirm—one that might change everything and sounded interesting as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the three, a tall man with piercing golden eyes, tapped his fingers on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So it's true,\" he murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across from him, the Lord of Ryedale—a nervous but powerful man—nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, my lord,\" he confirmed. \"The signs are there. Everything is as I reported.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden-eyed man exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then that means…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His companion, a woman with long silver hair, finished his sentence for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Things are truly speeding up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy silence settled in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lockdown in Ryedale wasn't just a precaution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a response to something far greater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Damien, unknowingly, was about to walk straight into it.\u003C\u002Fp>",1063,"2026-06-05T19:28:51.148Z",1,"novelbin.me","55f4df6c805e4eb1edc856e4828f782bb82e76bb5b7a01a386ae92cfe0c6e73b","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-262","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-260",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--cover.jpg"]