Chapter 202. Shopping
The first thing Tyler and the others noticed upon entering the Ixalaria Continent was the overwhelming abundance of energy in the air. Unlike other regions, where practitioners could easily manipulate the natural energy around them, the Source Energy here was complex. It wasn’t a pure form of energy like Aura or Prana. Instead, it was a potent mixture that also contained impurities, making it impossible to extract directly. Despite this, the sheer volume of Source Energy made the entire northern side of the continent uninhabitable for ordinary mortals. Only Immortal Practitioners, those who had transcended the limitations of mortality, could survive and thrive in these areas. Even the taxi drivers were Elite Level Warriors or Mages, their power far surpassing the ordinary practitioners Tyler had encountered elsewhere.
As the flying taxi zoomed through the bustling city, Tyler found himself sandwiched between Mathilda and Silvia, who both peered eagerly out of the windows. They were captivated by the sheer scale and beauty of the city, as vibrant and alive as it was steeped in mystical power. Astrid sat in the center of the backseat, Zuzia curled up in her lap, fast asleep. Lily was seated by the opposite window, gazing out with a mix of curiosity and intrigue.
"Huh... We could have just booked more taxis," Tyler muttered, feeling a little cramped between the excited girls.
"Nooo..." they all responded in unison, laughing. They clearly enjoyed being together in the same car and were not about to miss out on the shared experience.
The city they passed through was a fascinating blend of modern technology and ancient structures. Tall buildings of glass and metal stretched toward the sky, while down below, beautiful Ginkgo trees lined the streets, their golden leaves creating a stunning yellow canopy. The trees looked so out of place amidst the modern buildings, yet they blended seamlessly with the vibrant energy of the place. Tyler marveled at the contrast, taking in the cars zooming on the roads below, as well as the flying vehicles that zipped through the air above them.
The driver, a middle-aged man with the aura of an Elite Level Warrior, chatted amicably about the city as he guided the taxi toward their destination. "This city, Velkryna, is one of the most advanced in Ixalaria," he said, his voice calm but proud. "We’ve got some of the finest shops, inns, and training grounds for practitioners. A lot of the buildings may look ancient, but don’t let that fool you. The materials we use last centuries, and with most of us having long lifespans, there’s no rush to tear them down and rebuild. Tradition and modernity live side by side here."
Tyler nodded as he listened, gazing out at the roads below. Though they were flying, he noticed plenty of vehicles driving on the ground as well. "It seems like those rides are even cheaper," he observed.
The driver chuckled. "Oh, definitely. Ground taxis are more affordable, but when you’re Immortal Practitioner, time is more valuable than money. Flying cars save a lot of time, especially in a big city like this."
Their first stop was to rent an inn. Despite the city’s technological advancements, there were still plenty of old structures, relics of the past that had withstood the test of time. The inn they arrived at was one of the most prestigious in the city. From the outside, it looked like a mountain covered in caves, but the moment they entered, it was clear this was no ordinary inn. Each cave led to a lavish suite, equipped with comfortable beds, modern lighting, refrigerators, and all the conveniences one would expect in a luxury hotel.