Chapter 1478 Welcome To Agon
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"Let's not force it. We might damage the ship—or worse, trigger a countermeasure we're not prepared for," Gustav instructed with a bothersome expression.
"Can we find a way around it?" Stark questioned.
"I'm not sure, there's a high chance it's surrounding the entire planet," Gustav paused, considering their options.
"This is no ordinary barrier," As Gustav delved deeper into his examination, Stark monitored the energy readings, noting a peculiar pattern.
"Gustav, it looks like the closer we get to the barrier, the more our ship's systems are drained. Our energy levels are dropping."
Gustav, pulling back from his focused state, nodded slowly.
"You're right. It's not just a physical barrier... It doesn't seem to allow any type of matter through."
Knowing how powerful Miss Aimee was, Gustav was very well aware that whatever he threw at the barrier wouldn't matter. She was able to keep even the third-strongest alpha out.
"What's our next move then? How do we get through?" Stark inquired.
"I'll use God Eyes to scan the barrier and the planet," Gustav voiced in response.
[ God Eyes Has Been Activated ]
Activating his God Eyes, Gustav's vision expanded, piercing through the veil to analyze the barrier's structure and the planet's surface.
His eyes glowed with an intense light as streams of complex data flowed into his mind.
As he scrutinized the terrain, a particular anomaly caught his attention—a subtle, unnatural opening on the far side of the planet.
"Stark, look there," he pointed towards the coordinates displayed on the ship's navigation screen.
"There's an opening on this side of the planet."
"An opening? That's peculiar," Stark was just as befuddled as him.
Why would there be a barrier covering up almost the entirety of the planet except for one spot?
They adjusted their course, heading towards the indicated location. The journey was brief, and soon they hovered above the opening, which was indeed too small for their spacecraft to pass through.
"It's smaller than I expected. Looks like we're going on a little excursion, then," Stark said to Gustav.
"Family head, it's not advisable for you to go without proper backup," one of his bodyguards voiced in defiance.
"I appreciate your concern, but Gustav is more than capable of handling any threats. We'll be fine."
Despite the bodyguards' protests, Stark reassured them of their safety due to Gustav's formidable power.
As Gustav and Stark approached the opening while flying, a brilliant beam of light suddenly materialized in front of them. The light morphed into a majestic creature adorned with a shimmering cape and conjoined silver horns that arched gracefully from its head.
The creature was imposing, standing about nine feet tall with eyes that blazed like twin suns. It carried a seven-foot-long sword, which it stabbed into the ground on a newly formed platform beneath its feet.
The creature's blazing eyes seemed to flicker, perhaps in approval, as it moved on to the third question.
"Third Question: What is the one secret shared by master and disciple that our creator warned Gustav never to reveal to anyone?"
At that moment, Gustav was sure that he had been right. He let out a little chuckle.
Stark stared at him in bewilderment.
"You do know the answer, right?"
"Of course. I'm just a little surprised," Gustav voiced in response before turning to face Gragaroth the pathkeeper once more.
"My ability to steal bloodlines and make them my own," Gustav answered.
Stark eyes nearly popped out of their sockets upon hearing this.
"What?"
Gragaroth the pathkeeper slowly withdrew its sword from the ground, the platform fading away as it considered their responses.
"Your answers are accepted. You may pass," He stated.
Stark was still in awe but Gragaroth's reaction proved that Gustav's response was accurate. Questions ran through his mind but at the moment, they needed to head forward.
As the barrier dissolved, Gustav and Stark exchanged a look of relief and curiosity.
They proceeded through the opening, each step taking them deeper into the heart of AGON and closer to the answers they sought.
They both descended through the teal skies of AGON, their path illuminated by ethereal clouds that shimmered with a heavenly glow.
The air was crisp and invigorating, filled with the scents of unfamiliar flora.
As they ventured deeper, the landscape revealed its unique beauty—rolling hills dotted with vibrant, alien flowers and towering structures that blended organic curves with crystalline sharpness, unlike anything on Earth.
Stark, taking in the breathtaking views, commented, "This place...it's like stepping into a painting. Every corner is a masterpiece. Miss Aimee didn't just create a world; she crafted a living artwork."
"But it's changed since I was last here. More... alive," Gustav intoned.
As they neared the structure that Gagaroth the Path Keeper had directed them toward, a magnificent temple emerged from the horizon, its spires piercing the clouds.
Its architecture was a harmonious blend of ancient earthly designs and otherworldly aesthetics, with walls made of a luminescent stone that seemed to pulse gently with internal light.
The area around the temple buzzed with activity. Beings clad in flowing, white garments moved about their daily routines. The creatures had an ethereal quality, their movements graceful and fluid, exuding an aura of peace and purpose.
Upon seeing Gustav and Stark, the creatures paused, their luminous eyes wide with curiosity. However, they maintained a respectful distance, whispering amongst themselves in a melodious language that filled the air with its lilting cadence.
As Gustav and Stark approached the temple, the crowd parted naturally, creating a pathway for them. The air was filled with a resonant hum, possibly from the temple itself, which vibrated with a powerful energy.
Stark, looking at the parting crowd, asked Gustav, "Do you think Miss Aimee is inside? Will she know we're here?"
"I can't be certain. I don't sense her presence but she's also very much more powerful than I am so it's possible that she can escape my perception," Gustav analysed with a disturbed look.
One thing for sure was that things were different. Miss Aimee would have been aware of his presence and revealed herself. Something didn't seem right.
Just then, a figure approached them. This being was taller than the others, with skin that shimmered like moonlight and eyes that reflected the stars of the night sky. Its robes were adorned with symbols that glowed faintly, tracing the contours of ancient celestial maps.