The realms being filled with void rivers was just like how the Earth was covered with oceans. For the flying Alfa station circling the three realms, entering the void river was a common matter.
"They announced that they will enter in an hour or so, and this time, they will be inside for two weeks," Silva explained.
Having been inside the void river before, Emery understood it would be extremely hard to navigate a ship in it. Moreover, being inside for two weeks would mean a total extension of one month for their travels.
"I'm sorry, Emery, but we must leave as soon as possible," Silva said again.
Emery subtly nodded in response. "I understand. Please just give me a few more minutes to talk to the senior."
Without a word out of her mouth, Silva nodded in understanding and walked away to give the two some space. After Silva left, Emery looked at the old man and gave him a respectful bow.
"It is truly a shame. With your talent, I think you could be a very good assistant," The old man said before pausing for a second. "Why don't you stay here for just one circle? I am sure you will learn many things in three years."
Hearing the old man's offer, Emery gave a much deeper bow and apologized, "Senior, I am really sorry. Although I would love to stay, I currently still have my own responsibilities to deal with."
The old man nodded. "That's too bad…but yes. I understand."
Emery really would have loved to stay. It was not only because of how amazing this place was. At this moment, Emery truly felt indebted to the old man for teaching him such a valuable spell and opening his mind to a new understanding of nature. He truly wished he could help the old man with his research. To bring out life from such tiny plant lifeforms was certainly a noble goal.
Emery looked at the old man and with a serious tone he said, "I promise when I am able, I will return and assist you, senior."
This time, the old man nodded with a smile.
"Good, I will wait for your return."
The old man, however, was not done. Under Emery's curious gaze, the old man took out a scroll which then flew toward Emery.
Emery received the scroll and looked at its contents.
[Metamorph Theory]
Emery's eyes widened. Even with just a glance, he could immediately tell that this was the secret process to create the humanoid plants.
The old man was satisfied when he saw Emery's expression and said.
"That is for you to study. I would like to see how far you can reach with it when we meet again."
Emery closed the scroll and once again gave the old man a deep bow. If the previous one was out of apology, this one was to express his gratitude.
He was indeed very much thankful for the precious gift.
"Senior, I still don't know your name," Emery said
Hearing his words, the old man's smile deepened.
"I am Linnaeus. People call me the Arbor Master, but you can just call me senior. I like it."
"Senior Linnaeus." Emery finally knew how to call his senior, and the old man nodded in satisfaction.
Emery was about to bid farewell to not keep Silva waiting, but suddenly the dozens of little humanoid plants walked past him and gathered around the master. All stood staring at him as if they were all sending him off.
Before he left, Senior Linnaeus told him to take his unfinished sapling as well.
"You take care of this young one."
One of the little plant creatures took the sapling and approached him to hand over the sapling. Emery moved to receive it, but to his surprise, another one actually brought a second plant to him.
It was a beautiful flower.
"Is that for me?!" Emery asked, flabbergasted.
The previously devilish little creature seemed really adorable to him as it nodded. Emery received the little creature's present with gratitude and once again thanked Master Linnaeus before leaving the spectrum garden.
It was such a short meeting, but it was certainly a memorable one.
As he walked outside the door, Emery silently looked at the flower given by the little plant creature. It had yellow and white petals neatly arranged, and its entire body seemed to faintly glow. Curious, he used [Analyze] on the flower.
[Flower of Eternity]
[A flower that blooms forever without water. It can also make the surrounding landscape more fertile.]
While Emery was still observing the flower and reading its data, Silva suddenly approached him. Noticing his gaze, she curiously looked at the object of his attention.
"What's that plant for?" Silva curiously asked. It was only while taking a closer look at it that she realized Emery was holding not just a plant, but also a flower.
Responding to her question, Emery showed her the flower and told her how one of the little creatures gifted it to him before briefly telling her its description.
However, the moment Emery showed the flower to her, Silva's mind was instantly locked on it and unconsciously received it. The girl blushed. "Thank… you… I really like it."
Emery instantly worried when he saw this. He tried to explain that it was from the little plant creature once again, but none of the words he said after got through her. The girl suddenly grabbed his hand and said.
"We'll be late if we don't hurry!"
Silva did not give him any chance to explain, and in front of the girl's enthusiasm, Emery's words got stuck in his throat. With Silva still firmly holding his hand, the two ran on the street near the forest.
Emery deeply sighed. He knew the girl misunderstood, but they needed to hurry to exit the station, hence he decided that he could clear this up later on the journey back.
Soon after, a flying vehicle driven by the magus bodyguard came to pick them up. They flew towards the dock and switched into the spaceship, before slowly detaching themselves from the station.
Emery looked out the glass window. He really wished he could stay longer.
Now that he had learned about the rare spell, the alfa station must have a few rare spells to buy, unfortunately, he has to go so abruptly. He could only hope there would also be some to find in the Academy or Golden City. Perhaps he could also visit the Furia black market.
Just as the ship flew away from the station, Emery saw the humongous space station enter the dark void river and disappear.