As the carriage passed through the broad cobblestoned avenue within the Outer City and made its way toward the Inner City, Adam and Valerian glanced out of the window, their eyes flashing with curiosity.

Amelia, who was sitting across from him, chuckled, "Do you find this place fascinating?"

"To be honest, yes," replied the youth as he turned to glance at her. "Even Moon City, uh, I mean my hometown back in Southen Federation isn't this bustling, and it's the most happening city there."

When the blonde young lady glanced at her clear reflection in Adam's jet-black eyes, she found herself momentarily tranced.

She had come across many handsome men in her life, most of them far more good-looking than the one sitting in front of her. But for some reason, when she looked into his eyes, she felt mesmerized.

Something about his eyes seemed to invoke natural feelings of attraction.

Realizing that she'd been staring at him for a prolonged time, she hurriedly looked away, her cheeks turning slightly red.

She gazed at the passing-by buildings outside the window and softly said, "The Outer City is where the majority of the city's population resides. It is also the home to the Grand Bazaar."

"Grand Bazaar?" Adam asked with raised brows, his lips curling into a smirk. "What's so grand about it?"

Amelia glanced at the youth with a sweet smile. "Merchants from across the Empire gather here to trade all types of goods. So, of course, this is the grandest of markets in the entire continent."

"Hmm." Adam pondered as he stroked his chin. "If you exclude the Murky Mountains and the Southern Federation, the Empire already constitutes three-fourths of the continent, and if all the merchants gather here"

"You won't believe it until you see it for yourself," Elaine chimed in.

Adam glanced at her and asked, his tone laced with a hint of excitement, "Are we going to go there now?"

"I'm afraid not." Elaine shook her head with a chuckle. "We're going to head to the Inner City first and grab a meal."

Valerian nodded with approval. "Myu! Myu!"

Elaine's gaze fell on the cat that was sitting on Adam's lap. Her heart melted seeing the cat's adorable actions.

She grabbed Valerian by the armpits and started gently patting him. "Adam, is this cat your familiar? He's so cute~"

Edward and Lisa who saw this scene take place, couldn't stop their lips from twitching.

Cat? That's a damn dragon!

The couple had the exact same thought.

Gradually, the carriage entered through the large gates of the Inner City after Elaine showed her identification tokens.

The scene that greeted Adam's eyes took his breath away.

"Whoa" the youth stuck his head out of the carriage window, his eyes widening in surprise.

He was immediately struck by the grandeur and magnificence that lay before him.

The air was thick with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, along with the refreshing aroma of the myriad number of plants.

Towering arches made of vines stretched over the broad streets, their leaves hung below, gently fluttering in the breeze.

These arches were not merely decorations, however. Some of them served as overhead bridges. While others served as conduits for mana to pass through and sustain the growth of the flora that permeated the city.

Buildings rose from the ground like natural extensions of the earth. They were like multi-layered terraces that resembled pyramids, each layer covered in rich and abundant vegetation.

The balconies and windowsills in these buildings were adorned with hanging gardens that overflowed with vibrant plants.

Flowers of every possible shape and color blossomed in the city, their petals reflecting the rays of the sun.

"What is this place?!" Lisa was stunned out of her mind.

She had never seen something so beautiful. The architecture of Moon City simply paled in comparison.

Seeing such an astonished look on Lisa's face, Elaine was reminded of her first time when she came here. She was no different.

"These are the Hanging Gardens of Acryon," she began. "It's a marvel of architecture and magic. The Inner City is home to the nobles and other affluent Magi. It is also where the Royal Family of Acadia resides."

"Whoa!" Adam was amazed. "Elaine, do you live here?"

"Most of the year, I spend my time in Caleport because that's where the Tower of Daybreak is located," Elaine patiently replied.

Adam was puzzled. He asked with a slight frown, "I always thought the Tower of Daybreak to be situated in Acryon."

Lilian, who had been quiet all this while, suddenly said, "Only members of the Royal Family are allowed to establish their Magus Towers here."

"What about other Magi and arcane organizations?" Edward asked curiously.

"The Empire is vast, Eddie," Elaine replied to him. "All the top organizations are given fertile lands rich with mana throughout the Acadian Empire."

As the group inside were chatting, the carriage had finally arrived at their destination - a single-story white building with a dome on top.

The building had loads of people dressed in lavish clothes going in and coming out. Also, this place was situated right next to a man-made waterfall that seemed to be originating from one of the many tall buildings.

As Adam stepped out of the carriage, he looked around in wonder and awe.

Towering buildings covered in lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls located every hundred meters, overhead vine bridges that connected the tall buildings, everything was so magical and breathtaking.

Amelia suddenly grabbed him by the hand and gently pulled him toward the domed building.

"If you want, I can show you around the city later in the evening," she said, "but for now, let's get to the Portal Station."

Adam was slightly taken aback. He involuntarily lowered his head and saw Amelia's hand holding his. Then, he glanced at the young lady who was looking at him with a coy smile.

Seeing that, the youth's lips curled up into a faint smile, "I'd love for you to give me a tour of this wonderful city, my fair lady."

Hearing his response, Amelia couldn't help but giggle cocuqetishly.

"What's this Portal Station, though?" Adam asked as he glanced at the one story building in front of him.

Ameila replied with a sweet voice, "It's where the Inner City's teleportation circles are housed."