When he passed through the portal with its wobbly space, what greeted him was a large room with a giant formation in the center of it. He felt awe because he finally understood why it was called a teleportation station.
"Because the real teleportation formation is here." Initially, he felt strange because, from the way he saw it from the outside, the mechanism of the teleportation station seemed more like fast travel using folded space or wormhole, not how teleportation usually works. But it puzzled him why they had to build the teleportation formation inside a different space using a space formation. Wouldn't it be more effective to build it outside? So he asked Eleine.
"Because it's a preventive measure. There were cases in the past where the teleportation formation collapsed, causing everyone using that teleportation station to arrive at their destination scattered hundreds of meters from the supposed coordinates. This space acts as a cage for the teleportation formation, so if something goes wrong, they will still teleport here, just in this room, and not randomly outside."
Aldrian also finally understood why they chose teleportation over utilizing folded space like a wormhole. Teleportation is more stable than using folded space. If there's a malfunction in a wormhole portal, the effect is more catastrophic than just being scattered randomly. One could be trapped in a space void or a spatial storm, and losing their life is certain. This is what they relied on long ago before the teleportation station was founded.
When he stepped on the teleportation formation, he was suddenly in a different environment. It was still inside a room, but he knew it was a different room based on the aura. He then walked past the portal to see the other side, and what he saw could be described as a beautiful forest city. The wooden and root structures intertwined between tall trees, and many elves were going about their activities. However, he didn't see any other races here or at least not yet, which he already had a reason for from Elthar. The differences were apparent from Balin, so he was quite surprised.
"Let's go. I already informed his majesty about your arrival," Elthar said.
They got into a golden green carriage that was already waiting for them, pulled by four golden-horned horses that moved with elegance. Aldrian was already wearing a formal white noble attire that he had bought from Balin, which suited him greatly and even added to his charm on his disguised face, while Eleine wore her formal white-green dress.
From inside the carriage, Aldrian looked outside to enjoy the view. He saw many elves looking in their direction, knowing that this was the imperial family carriage, so they were curious about who was inside. Of course, they couldn't see inside because it was one-way glass. He could also see the giant world tree, which was far bigger and taller than the world tree in Balin.
The new environment and fresh atmosphere made him feel relaxed and refreshed, but there was one little thing that made him uncomfortable.
"Sigh, the feeling outside of the domain again. After my battle with the devils, I feel more fortunate to have my domain ability." But this was also okay because he thought it was good to keep training his other abilities without domain support. He still had his inner talent for being a super genius, easy comprehension, and other techniques, even though those techniques were not as strong as when he was inside his domain.
He knew the most significant contributor to the operation against the devils was his domain. Now that he was outside of it, he felt he needed to adjust his other abilities. Speaking of the devils, Aldrian looked at Elthar, who sat in front of him.
"How about the Golden Swan Commerce?"
Elthar, who heard the question, felt annoyed and even angry.
"When we searched their tower, we didn't find anything related to the devils. It looks like they erased every piece of evidence that same night you fought the hydra," Elthar said.
"But even if we found the evidence, we still don't know if it's only the action of the Balin branch or if those at the Golden Swan Commerce headquarters knew about it." he continued.
"What if I tell you I got the evidence, well not really evidence but a confession and a logbook?" He then took out the information crystal and a logbook he had taken from Norman's room and showed them to Elthar. After Elthar watched the information crystal, he fumed for a moment and then suddenly felt as if cold water had been poured over his head.
"Even if it's true, they will still deny it and consider him to have fallen for greed and slander without solid proof."
"That's why this recording is only to support what is in here." He then opened the logbook and explained his deduction of the smuggling from the Golden Swan caravan and their way of working.
"You are a genius! We can track them using this pattern and their source of goods. They will not realize this kind of move if we utilize this information correctly. But how did you get this evidence?" hearing Elthar's question, Aldrian just smiled.
"I have my own way. But be careful when you investigate the other branches. I bet now, after the news from Balin reached them, they are still vigilant and reducing their activities. They will wait for our move. Let them think we haven't found out for now, and we can deal a big blow to them." Aldrian said.
Elthar was deeply satisfied with Aldrian and his resourcefulness in solving the problem. With Aldrian's help, their investigation would be more focused and measurable. Before they realized it, time had passed quickly, and they were already in front of the imperial palace—a beautiful, large structure rooted under the world tree. As Aldrian stepped out of the carriage, he felt the rich energy in the air and sensed he could cultivate his mind in peace here.
They were greeted by lines of elf soldiers and knights in their armor as they walked past the inner gate and entered the palace. Aldrian continued walking down the grand hallway toward the throne hall and arrived at the door, which was guarded by duke-stage elves. This amazed Aldrian, such powerful cultivators were merely guarding the door to the throne hall.
"His Excellency, the Imperial Teacher, and his entourage have arrived."
After the guard's shout and the opening of the throne hall door, Aldrian saw many elves looking at him. Some with curiosity, some with hostility, but he ignored them all and focused on the elf sitting on the throne.
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Ladwin Evergreen
Age : 75.260 years
Race : Elf
Cultivation : High Emperor
Cultivation technique : The blessing of the heavenly tree
Attack techniques : Swamp of the death, The forest of destruction, The wrath of the world tree, Wooden dragon, Rain of acid, The emperor of the forest, Homing arrow.
Defense technique : Earth wall, Roots wall
Movement technique : Wind path
Supporting technique : Blessing of the forest
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"So he is the emperor of the Ivory Empire," Aldrian thought. The youthful face, despite his age, was typical of an elf. His tall stature and the aura of a national leader were evident just from the way he sat.
"I have brought him here, Your Majesty." Elthar said, lowering his head, followed by Aldrian and Eleine bowing.
"You have worked hard, teacher. Thank you." the emperor said to Elthar before turning his gaze to Aldrian.
"Finally, I meet you, Aldrian Aster."