[Chapter 49 Comment]
"Alright. It's time to go," said Theo, glancing at Haruka and Avalon. After considering the information provided by Baold, he believed that taking two students was the limit.
Having heard about their previous experiences, Haruka and Avalon had made the same decision. They dressed as authentically as possible. While Haruka might appear casual in a t-shirt and long pants, she had actually brought clothes similar to the exorcists Theo encountered in her world. Avalon had also brought his sword and knight emblem.
"Yes, Teacher," both of them respectfully answered, following him into the organization. Baold had taken care of all the necessary arrangements, making the process much smoother than the previous mission.
As expected from a high-ranking individual, Baold utilized his influence to expedite the entire process. In their previous mission, it had taken them hours to go through the portal, but with Baold's assistance, they were treated as VIPs and managed to pass through in less than forty minutes.
Upon their arrival at their destination, Baold was waiting for them. Instead of donning a formal black suit like on his previous visit, Baold now wore a white robe adorned with black and red shawls. He also wore a badge bearing a symbol that matched the empire's flag.
"Welcome to the Neutral City, Ashkhar," Baold greeted them, placing his hand on his chest and bowing politely.
As expected, the area was heavily guarded by soldiers, and curious bystanders looked on, wondering who Baold was meeting.
Theo approached him and extended his hand. "Haha, there's no need to treat me so specially. A grand reception for a regular guy."
Baold shook his hand, replying, "I wouldn't consider someone who dares to look down on the legendary illusionist as a regular guy."
"I never look down on anyone, even if it's a toddler or my students," Theo shrugged.
Baold glanced at the students. While Avalon, being a noble, was accustomed to such attention, Haruka, despite coming from a wealthy family, hadn't experienced this level of interest due to cultural differences.
"It seems one of your students is a bit uncomfortable. How about we talk while we walk?" Baold extended his hand to the side, signaling them to follow.
"Sounds good," Theo agreed, immediately following him.
As expected in a different world, the scenery was strikingly different. The building that housed the portal was located at the peak of a hill. After stepping out of the building, they were greeted by a picturesque green landscape. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the world. Despite the intense heat, the cool breeze from the hill made them feel comfortable.
The teleportation site itself occupied a large portion of the mountaintop, not only due to the portal but also because of the surrounding structures. On the left, they could see a large circular area at the corner. It was an empty circle where a gigantic entity would land, most likely a colossal creature rather than a helicopter, given the technology of the Sword and Magic Realm. On the right, numerous carriages were parked, intended for those planning to return.
Baold pointed towards the northeast and asked, "The Empire isn't too far from here. So, I wonder if you prefer traveling by land or by air?"
"I have told you that I dislike formality, right?" Theo squinted his eyes.
"Of course. You don't have to greet the emperor. That's why I'm the one guiding you this time. We will immediately head to the city near the ancient ruin," Baold replied with a smile before asking again, "So, which one is it?"
Theo turned to the students. "Anyone afraid of heights?"
Both Haruka and Avalon shook their heads.
"Then we'll take the shortest route," Theo agreed.
"Alright then. I have prepared our transportation over there," Baold said, pointing to their left.
As they reached the corner, they discovered multiple circles that stretched to the other corner. Many creatures were perched on top of them. One of them resembled a wyvern with two legs, two wings, and a pointed tail.
However, Baold led them to a large white lizard-like creature with four legs and four wings.
"Is this a dragon?" Avalon gasped.
"What's wrong? Is this your first time seeing one? Or does your world also have dragons?" Baold inquired.
"Yes. In my world, there are knights who can ride on top of a dragon. They are the most prestigious knights in the country, known as Dragon Knights. However, the dragons in my world have a preference for individuals with pure hearts, so..." Avalon trailed off, leaving Theo and Haruka to understand his straightforwardness.
"The dragon we have here is different. It's a lesser dragon, not an actual dragon. You could say they are an upgraded version of a wyvern. While their combat prowess isn't high, they can serve as mounts and possess intelligence," Baold explained, walking towards the dragon and saying, "Lushivar, these three are my guests."
The white dragon examined the three individuals. As a sensitive creature, the dragon could sense the essence lingering around them. It detected two additional presences besides Avalon's.
Avalon, in particular, appeared pure and innocent, and the dragon could sense his goodness.
However, when the dragon's gaze fell upon Theo, its body shook in reaction.
"!!!" The white dragon sensed the flow of Theo's essence and raised its body in shock.
"What's wrong?!" Baold stepped forward, trying to protect the three guests while calming his dragon.
It took a few seconds for the white dragon, Lushivar, to regain its composure and lower its body. It looked at Theo and said, "What a dangerous human you are..."
"Huh?" Baold turned around, surprised. He knew Theo was strong, but it was the first time Lushivar had reacted so strongly to a human.
"Your control over essence is so perfect that it remains completely hidden within your body. It even diminishes your presence to some extent, making it difficult for people to look at you even when you're right in front of them. And..." The white dragon suddenly fell silent.
A shadow cast by the sun appeared behind Theo. In an instant, the shadow expanded and formed a pair of red eyes. The shadow extended towards the dragon as if trying to grab its neck for speaking too much.
In terms of raw strength and energy, Theo was far inferior to Baold. However, there were many things about Theo that couldn't be seen at first glance.
The white dragon quickly corrected its words and said, "I am Lushivar. I seek the answer from you, O' Traveler. Do you wish to harm this place?"
The students were completely shocked. They had underestimated their teacher despite re-evaluating him multiple times. The fact that the dragon feared him indicated that they still had much to learn about Theo.
"Lushivar, what are you..." Baold was bewildered.
"I'm just a guest, doing what he wants me to do. Unless others plan to harm me, I don't want to cause any harm," Theo shrugged.
Lushivar closed his eyes for a few seconds before saying, "I understand. O' Great Traveler, please hop on my back. I shall guide you to your destination."
Baold never expected that the dragon he had raised would bow its head to Theo. What had Theo done to earn such respect? This question would linger in Baold's mind for a long time.
Theo accepted the offer and asked Baold to board first, as he was the host. Although confused, Baold led him to the dragon's back.
Before taking flight, Baold placed his hand on Lushivar's scales, causing glowing lines to light up all over the creature's body, forming a translucent barrier.
"Hoh? What is this?" Theo looked at Baold curiously.
"This is..." Baold pondered, realizing he could understand the situation by taking advantage of Theo's curiosity. "I don't mind answering you, but I'm also curious about Lushivar's action."
"Well, you should ask him, not me," Theo shrugged.
Baold was unsure how to proceed. He looked at Lushivar, who flapped his wings and took to the sky before answering, "Since your excellency has given permission, may I ask if you have encountered a great dragon?"
"A great dragon?" Baold and Avalon gasped, while Haruka, unfamiliar with dragons in her world, looked confused.
Theo paused to recall his experiences and replied, "I had several dragon friends. I think I know which one you're referring to... He has passed away, but it seems his existence is still integrated into my soul."
Lushivar didn't say more, but he acknowledged Theo's words. Baold and Avalon could only stare in disbelief.
"A great dragon? Are they scary beings?" Haruka asked.
"I don't know. He was my friend and somewhat of a mentor. I learned a lot from him, and I found him quite friendly even when we first met," Theo recalled his past experiences.
"Great Dragons are superior to real dragons... They are so strong that..." Baold pointed at the building on the peak and continued, "They could reduce that building to ashes with their breath alone."
"Oh?!" Haruka was astonished to hear about a creature of such immense power, and to learn that Theo was friends with one.
Baold had been stopping in his sentences due to the successive shocks, and Theo added, "Well, he indeed had that capability. Although, in his case, he would probably just call forth a lightning bolt with a flick of his claw to flatten the entire hill."
Avalon dropped to the ground, stunned by his teacher's hidden secrets.
"Well, that doesn't really matter, I suppose," Theo shrugged. The dragon he mentioned was the renowned Lightning Dragon Saint from his original world, known among dragons as the Wise Dragon King.
During his time in his original world, Theo received guidance and even established a connection with the Lightning Dragon Saint. Although he had been transported to another reality, it appeared that his soul retained these memories.
As Theo understood, when he traveled to another world, his soul transferred to the new reality, carrying the memories, experiences, techniques, and mastery of his original world. However, it seemed that there were other aspects that could be included within one's soul besides these.
"I wonder where I can learn more about souls..." Theo muttered inwardly before turning to Baold. "By the way, are you planning to answer my earlier question? What is this?"
Theo's curiosity about the glowing lines that formed a barrier remained.
"Ah!" Baold regained his composure and began his explanation. "This is called Inscription. I might be a minister, but I'm also an Inscription Grandmaster."