Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen: Arrival

Lando’s application for the confidential laboratory was not going to be processed quickly. Therefore, when Seth asked for leave and enthusiastically invited him to his home world, the world of Liveredrickson, Lando readily agreed. He also wanted to see if there might be an opportunity to visit the sacred grounds of the Tree-Sea Elf tribe and experience the environment there.

The method for traveling to the world of Liveredrickson was simple, as the academy’s teleportation array could take them there directly. With no need for extensive preparations, the two went straight to the array.

The transit time was short. When Lando regained his senses, he found himself standing in a massive plaza. The ground was covered in etched runes, and looking into the distance, a city that blended nature and modern order came into view. Stone buildings and treehouses were scattered throughout the city in a peculiar, harmonious arrangement.

As Seth recovered from the dizziness of the teleportation, he saw Lando observing the city and said with pride, "Senior Lando, this is the largest city in our world of Liveredrickson, Dresas. It is the central city we are so proud of!"

"It is truly impressive," Lando praised. This was not mere flattery; the place genuinely aligned with his aesthetic. Not only was the scenery pleasant, but the air was also filled with the fragrances of various flowers. Since almost every household grew some flora, these scents mingled together, yet they did not feel overwhelming to Lando; instead, they made him feel relaxed in both body and mind.

"Hehe, Senior, let's stop by my home first. I came back in such a rush that I didn't notify my family."

"Very well, I will follow your lead."

Under the respectful gazes of the guards at the teleportation array, the two walked toward the city center. Lando had long expected that Seth’s family held considerable influence among the Tree-Sea Elves. When they arrived at a massive mansion, the guards at the gate, sharp-eyed, spotted Seth from a distance. One of them shouted for his companion to open the gate while jogging over to salute Seth.

Seth paid no mind to the guard’s attentiveness. After giving a brief, casual instruction to notify his father, he brought Lando into the mansion, excitedly explaining the various unique sights and culinary delights along the way. Before they even reached the inner courtyard, a servant arrived to announce that Seth’s parents were already waiting in the drawing room.

Seth immediately led Lando toward the parlor with excitement. Upon entering, Lando met them. Unlike Seth’s delicate appearance, his father was tall and robust, possessing an aura of natural authority—the look of a high-ranking individual accustomed to issuing commands. His mother, however, was graceful and gentle; at first glance, she looked like a young woman in her prime, yet she carried a mature charm that belied her youthful appearance. Upon seeing Seth, she pulled him into a hug, looking more like his sister than his mother.

Seth, trapped in his mother’s embrace and keenly aware of Lando’s presence, felt incredibly embarrassed. He struggled to break free, but his lack of strength rendered his efforts futile, leaving him to eventually hang motionless in a state of existential despair.

His father finally intervened, smiling as he said, "Nadila, we have a guest. Mind your image."

Only then did his mother, Nadila, release Seth and turn her gaze toward Lando. Having finally escaped his mother’s "clutches," Seth retreated to his father’s side, let out a long breath, and hurriedly introduced them: "Father, Mother, this is the senior I mentioned to you, who has taken such great care of me at the Silver Tower Academy—Lando. Senior Lando, this is my father, Kuros Kane, and my mother, Nadila Logan. We intend to spend a few days playing here, and I have promised to be his guide!"

Upon hearing Lando’s name, Kuros’s eyes brightened slightly. He smiled and said, "Lando, is it? I’ll call you that, if you don't mind. I’ve heard so much about you from Seth. Thank you for looking after my son. You young people have such boundless energy; go wherever you wish to have fun. Haha, let this boy Seth show you around our Liveredrickson properly. Consider this your own home, and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."

"Thank you, Uncle. The scenery of Liveredrickson is a wonderful surprise, and I trust the food will not disappoint either. Seth’s company is more than enough; we are not children, so no special care is required." Having said this, Lando revealed a flicker of hesitation before it quickly vanished.

Kuros noticed the hesitation and laughed, "Lando, feel free to speak your mind. Since you are visiting our world, we must ensure you have a fulfilling stay to uphold our duties as hosts!"

"Well..." Lando gave a wry smile. "Very well, Uncle Kuros. To be honest, I have a particular hobby: I am very interested in the history and antiques of various worlds. I wonder if I might have the honor of viewing some?"

"Haha, is that all? I thought it was something major! Very well, our Kane family collection is yours to browse. If you see anything you like, feel free to take it. I will contact a few of my old friends over the next few days and have them bring out their collections for you to examine as well. I believe I have enough pull for that."

Lando was overjoyed. "Thank you, Uncle Kuros!"

"Haha!"

After Lando left, Kuros’s smile faded. He frowned and asked, "What do you think?"

Nadila, who had remained silent throughout, said calmly, "It aligns with the information we received. His behavior showed no abnormalities. It seems to be exactly as he said—a unique hobby."

"I see. Perhaps so."

Lando had not expected that while his plans to visit the sacred grounds were still up in the air, his mission to "fleece" the world of Liveredrickson could begin immediately. He was not overly impatient, however. Due to the time zone difference, although he and Seth had left the academy in the morning, it was already nearing dusk in this world. Despite having eaten breakfast, he did not mind having a meal of local delicacies.

After the meal, Seth took Lando to their family’s antique collection room. Upon arrival, two elderly scholars were already waiting; Kuros had arranged them specifically for Lando, as they were experts in the history of the Tree-Sea Elves.

The collection room was quite large, yet it contained only about a hundred items. It could not compare to the warehouse Lando had established at his laboratory, where a single shelf could hold dozens of pieces.

By the time Lando and Seth left the collection room, it was nearly midnight. The two scholars had been exceptionally talkative, and Seth had been yawning for some time—not because he was tired, but because he found it rather boring. Lando felt much the same, though he had to maintain his persona by appearing deeply interested. The two scholars, however, were still unsatisfied; for them, the opportunity to examine precious antiques up close was a rare privilege.

Although the delay was unexpected, Lando was very satisfied with the harvest.