Chapter 1680: Chapter 1498: Secret Headquarters

Chapter 1680: Chapter 1498: Secret Headquarters



The decision to return to the hidden headquarters solidified in Maria's mind. The frustration of Number Two's escape was a bitter pill to swallow, but the chilling inscription on the scroll demanded immediate action.

Maria vanished into thin air right after announcing, "It's time to regroup and convene with the rest of the group."

The mountains rose like jagged giants, their peaks scraping the underbelly of the storm clouds. They weren't the graceful, snow-capped peaks you might see on a postcard. These were the Fangs of Oblivion, a range notorious for its unforgiving terrain and perpetual shroud of mystery.

The air hung heavy with the scent of damp stone and a strange, earthy must. It was the kind of must that clung to your clothes and lodged itself in your throat, a constant reminder of the mountains' ancient and untamed nature.

No sunlight pierced the perpetual twilight that reigned in the valleys below. Instead, an eerie luminescence emanated from strange, bioluminescent fungi clinging to the rock faces. This sickly green glow cast long, distorted shadows, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

The wind howled a mournful song through the jagged peaks, carrying whispers of forgotten languages and the mournful cries of unseen creatures. Even the hardiest pines struggled to survive in this harsh environment, their branches twisted and gnarled like the claws of a forgotten god.

Leaving the room, Maria was met with a sight that took her breath away. Gone were the cold, sterile walls of the hidden base. Instead, she found herself standing on a lush green hilltop, bathed in the warm glow of the midday sun. Rolling hills stretched out before her, a tapestry of emerald green dotted with vibrant wildflowers. And dominating the landscape, suspended majestically in the clear blue sky, was a colossal fortress.

The fortress wasn't your average stone and mortar affair. Its spires glittered like polished amethysts, catching the sunlight and refracting it into a kaleidoscope of colors. The walls, instead of a dull grey, shimmered with a faint, ethereal glow, as if woven from moonlight itself. It was a sight that defied definition, breathtaking in its beauty.

Maria stood there, mesmerized once again. This wasn't just a fortress; it was a testament to their combined ingenuity, a symbol of their unwavering love. Even after countless visits, its magnificence never failed to steal her breath away.

"It doesn't matter how many times I've seen it," she murmured, a soft smile gracing her lips,

"I can't stop getting mesmerized every time. Truly beautiful."

With a sigh, she pushed away the moment's indulgence. Duty called. Descending the verdant hilltop, her gaze remained fixed on the enigmatic fortress in the sky. This wasn't just a haven; it was a strategic masterpiece, a hidden card they were holding close to their chest. Maria didn't need to walk. With a flick of her wrist, she gracefully rose into the air, propelled by an invisible current of frost. As she ascended, the details of the fortress came into sharper focus. The impenetrable walls, reinforced with layers of enchanted stone, bristled with ballistas, their immense frames dwarfing even the hardiest of warriors. But the most impressive feature was the array of magical cannons, their barrels humming with a barely contained power. These weren't your average cannons; they were fueled by magic stones and channeled raw mana, capable of unleashing devastating attacks.

A surge of pride swelled within her as she surveyed their creation. This wasn't just a fortress; it was a mobile siege weapon, a marvel of engineering and magic. It was named The Touch's Fortress, a tribute to Alex's unwavering support and the love that anchored them even amidst the coming storm. This fortress, along with their training and unwavering resolve, was their weapon against the encroaching chaos. The war was upon them, but they were ready. They had each other, their friends, and this magnificent fortress.