Chapter 1620 You Never Learn
Author's Note: Unedited Chapter
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"What are you saying?" Gustav's voice was low as his eyes glinted intensely. "Who are these enemies? Why don't they want me to regain my power?"
"They are beings like Ehyrian, Cosmic Superior beings who have glimpsed the memories of the deities," The monoliths' voices grew heavier, vibrating the air around Gustav. "When they reached their level of power, they saw the devastation and tyranny wrought by the deities, and they vowed that no being would ever reach that level of strength again." n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
Gustav's brows furrowed. "So they want to stop me because they're afraid I'll turn out like the deities? While knowing I put an end to them in the past? That's ridiculous. I'm nothing like them."
"They do not care for your intent," the monoliths replied. "They fear the power itself. And they have worked in secret to weaken you in this life, to strip you of even the fragments of your Outworldly strength."
The weight of their words hit Gustav like a hammer. "Are you saying my lack of power at birth wasn't a coincidence? That someone deliberately made me ordinary?"
"Yes," the monoliths confirmed. "When you were reborn, you should have retained a fraction of your Outworldly power, a tiny spark that would have guided you to your full potential. But it was taken from you. Suppressed by forces that do not wish to see you rise again."
Gustav eyed narrowed as he made a low hmph. "Who are these beings? Tell me their names. Tell me where to find them."
"We cannot," the monoliths said regretfully. "Their identities are hidden even from us. But know this: they are just as dangerous as Nocturnis. These beings seek to ensure that even he is destroyed. They will not tolerate the presence of beings being too powerful so they are currently pulling strings in the shadows."
Gustav took a deep breath. "And Ehyrian? Why is he no more?"
The central monolith's face softened slightly. "Ehyrian believed in you, Outworldly. He foresaw that you would be needed to protect the universe from the chaos that threatens it just as you have once done. He knew that only an Outworldly could defeat Nocturnis and the enemies beyond. And more importantly, he knew that his old friends would have no chance against Nocturnis if they got rid of you. That is why he entrusted his legacy to us, to guide you when the time came."
Gustav felt gratitude for a being he had never met. "Tell me what I need to do. How do I stop these enemies?"
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Gustav nodded in understanding. "So no powers..."
"Yes... Don't channel at all."
They began their descent, using the rough edges of the chasm to slowly make their way down.
The walls of the crater were uneven, with sharp protrusions and narrow ledges that offered precarious footing. They jumped from one protrusion to the next, each movement calculated and deliberate.
The descent was slow and treacherous. The deeper they went, the more intense the heat became, and the glow from the magma pits below grew brighter.
In as much as Miss Aimee had told Gustav not to channel his bloodline, he was still very much unaffecfed by this level of heat. A normal Mixedblood would have been toast by now but Gustav still had inbuilt durability.
"How deep do you think this goes?" Gustav asked while maintaining a steady gaze.
"It's hard to say," Miss Aimee replied, her voice calm and steady. "But it might take a while."
As they continued to descend, the walls of the chasm seemed to close in around them. The air grew thicker and more oppressive. The glow from the magma pits illuminated the rocky surfaces, casting a reddish hue that made the entire scene feel surreal.
Gustav glanced over at Miss Aimee, who moved with ease. "You seem to know your way around here," he remarked.
"I've had some time to explore," she said with a faint smile.
Gustav glanced at her briefly; "Pffft... It's the same for me Miss Aimee. Although I can't help but wonder if the world would have been kinder without bloodines..."
The glow from the magma pits grew brighter, casting an almost blinding light on the rocky surfaces. The heat was now beyond bearable for fabrics. Scorched holes were starting to appear on Gustav's clothes.
"How much further do you think we have to go?" Gustav was worried about being stripped completely naked before they arrived at their destination.
"We're getting close," Miss Aimee replied.
Gustav was sure he had heard that before but he decided to take Miss Aimee's word for it.
They continued to navigate the treacherous terrain, the path becoming increasingly unstable. Rocks crumbled beneath their feet, and the air was filled with the sound of distant rumbling.
...
...
...
Back on Planet Agon, it had already been a couple of days.
Yet, the air still carried the scent of Gustav's bittersweet departure.
The group stood in a clearing surrounded by towering trees, their leaves rustling softly in the gentle breeze.
Endric stood at the center of the group, his expression resolute. "I need to find the other Time Candidate," he announced. "The fifth sacred item of the Outworldly is crucial, and it's taking too long."
"Understandable but not outerspace missions for me at the moment. I think I need to spend some time with my earthly father. I haven't properly caught up with him, and I owe him that much," Falco said to everyone.
Angy looked at Endric in concern. "I wanted to wait here on Planet Agon, but Aetherial informed me that when Gustav returns, he will appear in a different location."
E.E. stepped forward. "Angy, do you want to go back to the MBO in the meantime? It's better than waiting here without knowing where Gustav will show up."
Angy sighed, her shoulders relaxing a bit. "That's true. I'm still an MBO officer after all."
Aildris smiled with a calm look. "I need to return to my family. It's time I take my position as the leader. I can no longer ignore my father's legacy. Besides, those bastards don't deserve it."
A spark of excitement appeared in Ria's eyes as he spoke up. "Endric, I'm coming with you. I want to go on missions outside Earth."
Endric turned to him, his expression serious. "Ria, it's going to be dangerous. We're going after a Time Candidate. There's no teling what we might encounter."
Ria's resolve was unwavering. "I know. But I'm ready for it."
The group fell silent, the weight of their decisions hanging in the air. They had been through so much together, and now it was time for some to go their separate ways pending Gustav's return.
Endric suddenly cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Listen, everyone. We need to be prepared for Gustav's return. When he comes back, a battle line will be drawn. We have to be ready for whatever challenges lie ahead."
E.E furrowed his brows. "A battle line? What do you mean, Endric?"
Endric met his gaze with a serious expression. "Gustav's return will mark the beginning of a new conflict. I believe it will be at a time where he is ready to face them head on. We must be ready to stand with him. The fourth premonition is only a few months away."
Angy had a perturbed expression. "What if Gustav doesn't return in time? What do we do then?"
Endric took a deep breath. "If Gustav hasn't returned by then, it will be up to us to prevent the devastation. We must be prepared for anything."