Chapter 181: Gathering Information
Aldrian and the group stepped out of the teleportation portal, immediately noticing a security checkpoint at the teleportation station plaza entrance. Six lines were set up to filter newcomers and prevent overcrowding. Soldiers, clad in armor bearing the symbol of the Rivas family, inspected each newcomer one by one with an artifact shaped like an Orb of Origin, which everyone had to touch before passing through.
Aldrian knows the sequence well, so he and his group join one of the lines, patiently waiting for their turn to pass through the checkpoint. While waiting, Aldrian sharpens his senses, listening closely to conversations around him to gather information. From his observations, he learns that much of the discussion revolves around the situation at the front lines. Although the war is distant, he can sense a deep unease among the people here, who seem all too aware that the situation isn’t as optimistic as they would hope.
Many rumors are spreading—some say the empire is likely to lose the war, forcing its people to seek refuge in neighboring lands, while others claim that certain citizens have already betrayed the empire and joined forces with the devils. One piece of information, however, captures Aldrian’s interest: news that his mother was recently seen in a certain part of the front lines. Now, he only needs to confirm her location through a trusted source.
Not long after, it was finally Aldrian’s turn, and the soldier there instructed him to inject his energy into the orb. However, Aldrian looked at the soldier and asked,
"Do you have another orb like this here? Or is this the only one?"
The soldier, confused by the unusual question, replied nonetheless,
"Of course, we have more. There’s no way we wouldn’t have a spare. Now hurry up and inject your energy; don’t make the others wait."
"Good," Aldrian responded.
As Aldrian injected his energy into the orb, the reaction from the soldier and onlookers was shocked. A sudden, blinding golden light erupted from the orb, illuminating the entire teleportation plaza in an intense glow that could be seen from a great distance. Expecting only the usual energy response, and primarily on guard for signs of devil’s characteristic, the people were caught completely off guard by this unprecedented display. After the light faded, the orb cracked sharply and, just as Eleine and Sylphia had anticipated, the orb shattered into countless pieces, leaving those around stunned and speechless.
Many people widened their eyes in shock, stunned by the sight before them. None of them had ever seen or heard of an Orb of Origin being destroyed simply by checking someone’s properties. The radiant golden light was unlike anything they had witnessed, leaving them to wonder about the identity of this young man and the type of cultivator he might be.
The soldier conducting the check seemed uncertain about how to handle the situation and looked at Aldrian with hesitation.