Chapter 656 - Translation

<h1>Chapter 656 144.4 - Finally</h1><p>Chapter 656 144.4 - Finally</p><p>&lt;Arcadia Dominion, 00.15 P.M&gt;</p><p>Irina leaned back in her seat, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery as the vehicle glided smoothly along the path toward the Teleportation Center in Etheria Haven.</p><p>Her attire was meticulously chosen—a simple yet elegant ensemble in deep ember and charcoal tones, hinting at her family's legacy without the usual intensity.</p><p>Her hair, styled just enough to appear refined but understated, felt right for the occasion. It was exactly what she'd wanted: presentable without the overt glamor her mother might have insisted upon.</p><p>With each passing moment, her anticipation grew. She couldn't deny the way her pulse quickened, the faint sense of exhilaration that made the journey seem both endless and fleeting.</p><p>'Almost there,' she thought, glancing down at her smartwatch. A small smile tugged at her lips as she opened the messaging app and began typing.</p><p>Irina: "You're ready, aren't you? Waiting close to the Teleportation Center in Arcadia?"</p><p>She watched as the screen indicated that he was typing a response, a flicker of warmth sparking in her chest. It had been a while since she'd been able to simply reach out to him like this, to communicate without the barriers of family or duty.</p><p>Astron: "Yes, just outside the center."</p><p>Irina rolled her eyes, a soft laugh escaping her despite herself. Even through text, his calm, slightly teasing tone came through, grounding her in the familiarity of his presence.</p><p>Irina: "What are you doing?"</p><p>Astron: "Reading a book."</p><p>Irina stared at his last message, the casualness of it settling in her mind in an oddly irritating way.</p><p>Reading a book? she thought, almost scoffing. Here she was, dressed to the nines, her heart pounding, barely containing her anticipation. And he was waiting there… reading? Calm and composed, as if this were just another day for him.</p><p>'Of course, he'd be completely unbothered,' she mused, feeling a prickling annoyance. She almost felt foolish for how much she'd prepared, the time she'd spent thinking about this moment. Meanwhile, he was just… reading a book.</p><p>'You're the one making this a big deal,' she reminded herself, but it did little to settle her frustration. It was exactly like him to be so unaffected, always so calm and detached. And yet, it only made her determination grow—to surprise him, to see even the smallest flicker of something different in his expression when he saw her standing there instead of some random agent.</p><p>Irina: "Good, then. The agent there will handle everything when you arrive on this end."</p><p>She couldn't help but smirk slightly, knowing she'd be the one waiting for him, not some faceless envoy. It was her decision, after all, to take control, to ensure that she'd be the one by his side the moment he stepped through the portal. But there was no need for him to know that just yet.</p><p>Astron: "Understood. I'll see you soon, then."</p><p>Her thumb hovered over the screen, almost tempted to add something more, but she stopped herself, closing the messaging app and setting her smartwatch down with a satisfied huff.</p><p>'Heh…..Let's see the face you will make when you see me….'</p><p>Irina was excited.</p><p>********</p><p>At around 12:30, the faint ring of my smartwatch interrupted the silence, pulling me out of the mental labyrinth I'd been exploring. I glanced at the caller ID—Lyra Fendral, one of the Emberheart Family's assistants. Irina must have arranged for her to escort me to Etheria Haven.</p><p>I tapped to answer, leaning back as her voice came through, calm and professional. "Mr. Natusalune, this is Lora Fendral from the Emberheart Family. I'll be handling your transport to Etheria Haven. Could you let me know where you are currently?"</p><p>I glanced around the café, a relaxed smile from habit as I took in the surroundings. "I'm at the Arcane Oak Café, near the Teleportation Center," I replied.</p><p>"Understood," she answered promptly. "I'll be there in a few minutes. Please wait there."</p><p>The call ended, and I returned to my book, skimming the last few passages I'd been studying on mental fortification. Control, intention, precision, I reminded myself. These principles applied well beyond psychic magic—they were keys to survival and advantage in any setting.</p><p>Moments later, a figure entered the café, her posture straight and expression composed. Lora was tall, with a calm presence that conveyed both discipline and confidence, her attire formal yet efficient, suited for the duties of a high-ranking family's assistant. She scanned the room briefly before her eyes settled on me, and she approached with a polite nod.</p><p>"Mr. Natusalune," she greeted, her tone even but respectful.</p><p>'Indeed the same reaction….' As Lora greeted me, I caught the faintest stammer in her voice, almost unnoticeable—a subtle tremor as her gaze met mine. She quickly masked it, her professionalism reasserting itself, but it didn't escape my notice.</p><p>That reaction had become all too familiar ever since my charm had spiked; it was expected, almost routine by now. I gave no indication that I'd noticed, merely returning her nod with a calm, neutral expression.</p><p>But a faint, unexpected excitement stirred within me as we left the café. A thought crept in, one I hadn't anticipated: how would Irina react when she saw me again?</p><p>The last time we'd met, things had been different. Now, with this new face—one that seemed to draw people in effortlessly—I couldn't help but wonder how she would respond. She wasn't the type to be easily swayed, but this was no ordinary shift.</p><p>'With the increase in charm, would she even notice?' I mused, feeling the slightest hint of curiosity mixing with the growing anticipation.</p><p>'There is no way, she doesn't…..' Irina's reaction would be worth noting, at the very least.</p><p>Lora led the way through the bustling street toward the Teleportation Center, her pace brisk and efficient. She kept her gaze forward, saying little as we walked, perhaps determined not to betray any further reaction.</p><p>But I could still sense her occasional, fleeting glances as if she was caught between curiosity and the restraint her position required.</p><p>As we approached the Teleportation Center, Lora broke the silence, her tone composed and reassuring. "Mr. Natusalune, I'll be handling all the documents and permissions for our travel to Etheria Haven, so there's no need for you to worry about any formalities," she said, glancing briefly in my direction. "The entire process should take no more than fifteen minutes."</p><p>I nodded, appreciating her efficiency. We entered the grand hall, and as expected, the teleportation area dedicated to Arcadia Dominion had drawn quite a crowd. A long line of travelers, each waiting for the standard spatial storage inspection, wound its way toward the security checkpoint.</p><p>This process was mandatory for nearly everyone heading into the Dominion—arcane items and other enchanted goods were tightly controlled.</p><p>–Nearly everyone, that is.</p><p>Lora directed me to a separate, less obvious pathway that led toward a discreet section at the back of the teleportation area. Here, the crowds thinned, and the only people present were either high-ranking officials or trusted individuals under the authority of the Dominion's pillar families. A guard in sleek, enchanted armor stood by the entrance, his stance alert but unintrusive. He looked up as we approached, noting Lora with a slight nod.</p><p>Without a word, Lora produced her ID card, the Emberheart family crest gleaming subtly on its surface. The guard examined it for a moment before stepping aside, gesturing us through with a respectful nod.</p><p>"This way, please," Lora said, her professionalism never wavering. She led me down a short corridor, bypassing the main inspection area entirely. I took in the process, noting the efficiency and the understated security Emberheart's influence afforded me. These were the privileges of association with one of Arcadia Dominion's elite families.</p><p>As we moved past the initial checkpoint, another line awaited us, shorter but nonetheless present—a reminder that even the Emberheart Family, with all their influence, couldn't circumvent every procedure.</p><p>This checkpoint was purely for document verification, an agreement that had been solidified by the Council of Magic to ensure that everyone, regardless of status, adhered to certain protocols. Etheria Haven's gates didn't open for just anyone without strict documentation.</p><p>'In the game, it was also the same for the player.'</p><p>Ethan would also go through the same procedure, regardless of whether the player was closer to Seraphine or Irina.</p><p>Lora glanced at me briefly, sensing my awareness of the situation. "This will only take a little," she informed, her tone maintaining its professional calm.</p><p>The line moved steadily, each person ahead of us presenting identification and entry documents to a group of officials stationed behind a desk.</p><p>When our turn came, Lora handed over a neatly organized bundle of documents to the official at the counter. The Emberheart crest caught his attention immediately, his demeanor shifting to one of careful respect as he scanned through each page.</p><p>"Emberheart Family authorization," he murmured to himself as he read, nodding in approval before marking the documents with a glowing seal. His gaze flickered briefly to me, curiosity in his eyes, but he offered no comment beyond a professional, "Everything is in order. Welcome to Arcadia Dominion, Mr. Natusalune."</p><p>With the final approval in hand, Lora led me toward the portal room where the gate to Etheria Haven was prepped and ready. The room's ambient hum of mana grew stronger as we approached, a testament to the level of magical prowess maintained within the Dominion's capital.</p><p>Lora paused at the portal, giving me a slight nod. "Once you step through, the Emberheart Family will be informed of your arrival. Thank you for your patience, Mr. Natusalune."</p><p>"Understood."</p><p>Without further delay, I stepped onto the portal platform, feeling the mana gather around me, dense and charged with purpose.</p><p>A moment later, the familiar tug of teleportation took hold, drawing me through the dimensional boundary and straight into the heart of Etheria Haven.</p><p>The teleportation process felt slightly different this time, a faint but undeniable shift in the mana currents that tugged me forward.</p><p>The sensation was both familiar and strange, a subtle reminder that the gate to Etheria Haven wasn't an ordinary transport link. It had a depth to it, a resonance that hinted at the arcane layers woven into the very fabric of the portal.</p><p>And then, in a flash, I arrived.</p><p>As I stepped onto solid ground, the first thing I noticed was the mana. It was everywhere—dense, vibrant, and potent, saturating the air itself. Unlike any other place, the atmosphere here was thick with power, each breath filled with a faint charge that tingled against my skin.</p><p>Countless streams of mana in different hues and signatures coursed around me, almost as if the entire capital pulsed with its own lifeblood. 'So, this is the heart of Etheria Haven,' I thought, taking a moment to absorb the unique energy.</p><p>All around, people moved with purpose, their robes and attire marking them as scholars, mages, and various other practitioners of magic.</p><p>There was an air of quiet authority, a disciplined focus that distinguished the inhabitants here from those in other regions.</p><p>Many walked with the kind of calm intensity that spoke of years spent in study, research, or magical refinement.</p><p>'Even the breathing here feels different.'</p><p>That was something that I couldn't just get used to immediately, but even at this moment, my body started adapting to the conditions.</p><p>[Everchanging Glyph]</p><p>It was adapting to how the mana levels here were different.</p><p>Just then, as I was feeling absorbed in the potent atmosphere of Etheria Haven, feeling Everchanging Glyph adjusting to the dense mana currents around me, a sudden shift in the air alerted me.</p><p>My senses flared instinctively, picking up on the distinct presence moving quickly in my direction—a presence I recognized.</p><p>Before I could even turn fully, a familiar voice called out, a soft but excited shout breaking through the controlled hum of the capital. "Astron!"</p><p>And then, with a flash of motion, she was there.</p>

<h1>Chapitre 656 144.4 - Enfin</h1> <p>Chapitre 656 144.4 - Enfin</p> <p>&lt;Domaine d'Arcadia, 00h15&gt;</p> <p>Irina s'enfonça confortablement dans son siège, les yeux rivés sur le paysage nocturne qui filait derrière la vitre tandis que le véhicule avançait en silence vers le Centre de Téléportation d'Etheria Haven. </p> <p>Sa tenue avait été sélectionnée avec une attention méticuleuse – une robe sobre mais raffinée aux nuances d'ambre brûlé et de noir profond, évoquant avec discrétion son lignage aristocratique sans en étaler l'opulence habituelle. </p> <p>Sa chevelure, coiffée avec un savant équilibre entre élégance et naturel, correspondait parfaitement à l'occasion. C'était exactement l'effet recherché : une apparence présentable mais dépourvue des fioritures que sa mère aurait probablement exigées.</p> <p>À mesure que les minutes passaient, son impatience croissait. Impossible d'ignorer les battements précipités de son cœur, cette excitation nerveuse qui transformait le trajet en une éternité tout en lui donnant l'impression de s'écouler trop vite.</p> <p>« Presque arrivée », songea-t-elle en consultant sa montre connectée d'un geste machinal. Un sourire fugitif joua sur ses lèvres tandis qu'elle ouvrait l'application de messagerie et commençait à composer son texte.</p> <p>Irina : « Tu es prêt, n'est-ce pas ? Tu m'attends bien près du Centre de Téléportation d'Arcadia ? »</p> <p>Elle observa l'indicateur de frappe en temps réel, une chaleur soudaine lui irradiant la poitrine. Cela faisait une éternité qu'elle n'avait pu lui écrire aussi librement, sans les contraintes familiales ou protocolaires.</p> <p>Astron : « Oui, juste devant l'entrée principale. »</p> <p>Irina roula des yeux, un rire doux lui échappant malgré elle. Même à travers un simple échange textuel, son ton impassible et légèrement moqueur transparaissait, réveillant en elle la douce familiarité de leur complicité.</p> <p>Irina : « Qu'est-ce que tu es en train de faire ? »</p> <p>Astron : « Je lis un livre. »</p> <p>Irina fixa l'écran, une irritation sourde l'envahissant. </p> <p>Lire un livre ? pensa-t-elle, le sarcasme teintant sa réflexion. Elle qui s'était préparée avec tant de soin, le cœur battant la chamade, à peine capable de contenir son impatience. Et lui, il attendait tranquillement... en train de lire ? Aussi détendu que s'il s'agissait d'une banale journée ordinaire.</p> <p>« Bien sûr qu'il ne serait pas le moins du monde perturbé », songea-t-elle, une pointe d'agacement la picotant. Elle se sentait presque ridicule d'avoir accordé tant d'importance à ce moment. Lui, il se contentait simplement de lire.</p> <p>« C'est toi qui dramatises la situation », se rappela-t-elle, mais cette pensée n'atténua en rien sa frustration. C'était tellement caractéristique de lui, toujours aussi imperturbable. Pourtant, cette impassibilité ne faisait qu'aviver sa détermination – celle de le surprendre, de discerner ne serait-ce qu'une infime variation dans son regard lorsqu'il la verrait, elle, et non quelque émissaire anonyme.</p> <p>Irina : « Parfait, dans ce cas. L'agent sur place s'occupera de tout à ton arrivée. »</p> <p>Elle ne put réprimer un sourire en sachant qu'elle serait celle qui l'attendrait, et non un simple envoyé. C'était son choix délibéré de prendre les devants pour être à ses côtés dès son passage par le portail. Mais il n'avait nul besoin de le savoir immédiatement.</p> <p>Astron : « Compris. À tout à l'heure, alors. »</p> <p>Son doigt hésita un instant au-dessus de l'écran, tenté d'ajouter quelque chose, mais elle se retint, ferma l'application et reposa sa montre avec un petit soupir satisfait.</p> <p>« Héhé... Voyons un peu l'expression que tu auras en m'apercevant... »</p> <p>Irina ressentait une excitation palpable.</p> <p>********</p> <p>Vers 12h30, la sonnerie discrète de ma montre brisa le silence, me tirant brutalement du labyrinthe mental où j'étais englué. Je jetai un œil à l'identifiant – Lyra Fendral, une assistante de la famille Emberheart. Irina avait visiblement arrangé son intervention pour m'escorter vers Etheria Haven.</p> <p>Je décrochai, me redressant légèrement tandis que sa voix posée et professionnelle résonnait. « Monsieur Natusalune, je suis Lora Fendral de la famille Emberheart. Je serai responsable de votre transfert vers Etheria Haven. Pourriez-vous m'indiquer votre position actuelle ? »</p> <p>Mon regard parcourut la salle du Café du Chêne Arcanique, un sourire habituel aux lèvres. « Je me trouve actuellement au Café du Chêne Arcanique, à proximité immédiate du Centre de Téléportation », répondis-je.</p> <p>« Message reçu », répliqua-t-elle avec efficacité. « J'arrive dans quelques instants. Veuillez patienter. »</p> <p>La communication s'interrompit, et je retournai à ma lecture, parcourant les derniers paragraphes consacrés aux techniques de fortification mentale. Contrôle, intention, précision, me rappelai-je. Ces principes transcendaient la simple magie psychique – ils constituaient des fondements essentiels pour survivre dans n'importe quel contexte.</p> <p>Peu après, une silhouette fit son entrée dans l'établissement, la posture droite et l'expression maîtrisée. Lora était grande, dégageant une présence apaisante qui évoquait à la fois discipline et assurance, sa tenue formelle mais fonctionnelle reflétant parfaitement son statut d'assistante d'une grande famille. Son regard balaya rapidement la salle avant de se poser sur moi, et elle s'approcha avec un hochement de tête poli.</p> <p>« Monsieur Natusalune », me salua-t-elle, d'un ton neutre mais empreint de respect.</p> <p>« Encore cette même réaction... » Alors que Lora me saluait, je perçus une infime hésitation dans sa voix – une légère vibration lorsque nos regards se croisèrent. Elle la dissimula instantanément, son professionnalisme reprenant le dessus, mais je ne l'avais pas manquée.</p> <p>Cette réaction m'était devenue familière depuis l'augmentation de mon charisme ; elle faisait presque partie de la routine désormais. Je n'en laissai rien paraître, me contentant d'un hochement de tête impassible.</p> <p>Mais une excitation inattendue m'envahit alors que nous quittions le café. Une pensée surgit, à laquelle je ne m'attendais pas : comment Irina réagirait-elle en me revoyant ?</p> <p>Lors de notre dernière rencontre, les circonstances étaient bien différentes. Maintenant, avec cette nouvelle apparence – qui semblait attirer les regards sans effort – je ne pouvais m'empêcher de spéculer sur sa réaction. Elle n'était certes pas du genre à se laisser facilement impressionner, mais ce changement n'avait rien d'ordinaire.</p> <p>« Avec l'augmentation de mon charisme, parviendra-t-elle seulement à le remarquer ? » songeai-je, une pointe de curiosité se mêlant à mon impatience grandissante.</p> <p>« Il est impossible qu'elle ne... » La réaction d'Irina valait assurément le détour.</p> <p>Lora nous guida à travers les rues animées en direction du Centre de Téléportation, son pas vif et déterminé. Elle maintint son regard droit devant, parlant peu, comme déterminée à ne laisser transparaître aucune émotion.</p> <p>Mais je sentais ses regards furtifs, tiraillée entre curiosité et devoir professionnel.</p> <p>Alors que nous approchions du Centre, Lora rompit le silence d'une voix rassurante. « Monsieur Natusalune, je vais m'occuper de toutes les formalités administratives pour notre voyage vers Etheria Haven. Vous n'aurez à vous soucier de rien », déclara-t-elle, me lançant un bref regard. « La procédure ne prendra pas plus d'un quart d'heure. »</p> <p>Je hochai la tête, appréciant son efficacité. Nous pénétrâmes dans le vaste hall, et comme prévu, la zone de téléportation réservée au Domaine d'Arcadia attirait une foule considérable. Une file de voyageurs patientait pour l'inspection réglementaire des artefacts spatiaux avant le poste de sécurité.</p> <p>Cette formalité était obligatoire pour la quasi-totalité des arrivants – les objets arcaniques et autres artefacts enchantés étant soumis à un contrôle strict.</p> <p>– À de rares exceptions près.</p> <p>Lora m'orienta vers un passage discret situé à l'arrière de la zone. Là, la foule s'éclaircissait, ne laissant place qu'à des officiels ou des individus accrédités par les familles dirigeantes du Domaine. Un garde en armure enchantée surveillait l'entrée, son attitude vigilante mais discrète. Il leva les yeux à notre approche, reconnaissant Lora d'un signe