Chapter 1471 Enters The Anomaly Author's Note: Unedited Chapter -------------- Yet, we cannot ignore the signs," counters Lumina, a member whose wisdom is often sought in matters of the arcane. "The celestial alignments speak of a truth we must acknowledge. The stars do not lie, and their message is clear—we face a threat that could unravel the very essence of Orion. It is much better to take it seriously than end up like the Ozis." The council descends into debate, with voices rising and falling like the tides. Some members dismiss the phenomenon as an unfounded basis for panic, arguing that their advanced knowledge and capabilities can withstand any challenge. Others, however, sense the weight of the prophecy and fear that dismissing it could lead to their downfall. As the discussions reach an impasse, the Archon raises a hand for silence. "It is clear that we stand divided on this matter," they state, their voice calm but firm. "However, we must act for the welfare of our people and our planet. There is one among us, a being of unparalleled insight and power, who can traverse the boundaries of our knowledge and seek the truth." Heads nod in agreement, the tension in the room easing at the mention of this revered figure. "We speak of the Crakle," the Archon continues. "Let us call upon them to investigate this disturbing phenomenon. Only then can we truly understand the nature of the threat and decide our course of action." The council members rise, their wings unfurling in a display of unity and resolve. ... ... ... In the unfathomable reaches of a dimension far beyond the confines of human understanding, there lies an expanse where the fabric of reality twists into configurations impossible to grasp. This realm, shrouded in impenetrable darkness, defies the very notions of space and time. It is a place where time does not flow, standing still in a perpetual now that stretches into infinity. The concept of distance here is equally elusive; locations seem both infinitely far and unsettlingly close, creating an overwhelming sense of disorientation. The structure of this higher dimension exists in a state that can only be described as roundabout and yet hollow. It's as if the very essence of being is both condensed into a single point and dispersed across an endless void. The darkness that envelops everything is not merely the absence of light but a palpable entity that seems to consume any semblance of warmth or comfort. It whispers of forgotten ages and lost existences, filling the atmosphere with an eerie sense of ancientness and otherworldliness. Amidst this indescribable setting, two figures emerge, their presence an anomaly in the timeless expanse. One with dirty blonde hair and the other with hair as dark as the void around them, they stand as stark contrasts not only to each other but to the very fabric of the dimension itself. Their arrival is silent, unnoticed by the unseen forces that dwell within the darkness, yet it is a bold defiance of the natural order of this place. The vicinity ahead of them, if one could even call it that in a place devoid of physical landmarks, appears as a fluctuating mirage. It is an area where the dense darkness seems to swirl with a purpose, hiding secrets that have never been witnessed by mortal eyes. Endric lays out the items, forming a perimeter around a drawn runic circle. The runes, etched into the ground with a precision that speaks of ancient knowledge, seem to dance in the fading light, awaiting infusion of energy to awaken them from their slumber. They all step forward as Gustav directs them to stand at particular positions. Gustav and Aildris stand at opposite ends of the circle, their hands extended as they gathered energy that permeates this ancient. Ria and Endric move around the perimeter, ensuring each item resonates with the energy being channeled. As the ritual progresses, the air around them becomes charged, the boundary between the physical and the ethereal blurring. The runes start to glow, a soft light at first, growing in intensity with each passing moment until the circle becomes a beacon of pulsating energy. "Endric, now," Gustav announces, his voice steady, a counterpoint to the storm of energy that rages around them. Endric's forehead emits a bright green glow at this moment, causing the energy of the time candidate to spread across the vicinity. He currently wasn't making use of his telekinesis, only Husarius was at work. The energy around them peaks, a crescendo of light and power that envelops the group, the ancient items, and the runic circle in a dome of radiant energy. The heart of the mixedblood pulses once, a beat that resonates through the ground and into the very fabric of the universe. And then, as suddenly as it began, the energy recedes, the light dimming until only the glow of the runes remains. Thrrriighzzzhzhhhh~ A violent ripping sound suddenly resonates across the surroundings and in the next moment, two rifts start to materialise, one on each side of the monolith. The rifts continously extend, till they become large enough to form a passageway. Gustav, opening his eyes, looks around at his companions in the intensity of the moment. "We've done it." "It is time to rescue them," Aildris voiced with a tone of seriousness. Ria gulps saliva as this moment had been long anticipated. "That one should lead to Falco, while this one leads to Angy," Gustav pointed at the one directly perpendicular to his location. "Which one do you wanna take?" Endric asked. This was a difficult question Gustav hadn't answered in weeks. He always said he would cross that bridge when he got here and now they had finally gotten here and yet he hesitated. 'I don't know what Falco might have become so despite this being a rescue, he is a threat. There should be lesser complications with Angy so I should let them handle bringing her back instead of myself. I'll take on the bigger threat so as not to jeopardise their safety,' Gustav put the whole situation into retrospective view and made a conscious decision. ("Are you sure about that?") The system inquired internally. 'It's the best choice. Safer option for them,' Gustav answered. The system bothered him no more afterwards and Gustav decided to make his decision known. "I'll leave getting Angy back into the hands of you two," He pointed at Endric and Aildris. He believed that with their capabilities they would be able to handle that much. "Ria, you're with me," Gustav said while moving towards the left. "Alright," Endric nodded before heading towards the right. "Use the cloaking tool and try as much as possible not to attract any presence. The rift will only be open for three hours... afterwards, anyone still within, will be stuck in the other dimension forever," Gustav warned them with a tone of caution. "Then, let us not waste another moment," Aildris peered forward in determination. Together, they step forward, leaving the ancient structure and the activated runic circle behind. The path before them is uncharted, a journey into that promises imminent danger and destruction but yet they remain unfettered. ... ... In the far reaches of the cosmos, nestled within a constellation seldom gazed upon by human eyes, lies a planet unlike any other. This world, known to its inhabitants as Orion, is a marvel of natural beauty and ethereal landscapes. Its sky, a canvas of vibrant hues, reflects the diverse and rich life forms that call Orion home. Among these beings are the Aetherials, a race distinguished by their luminous halo-like rings that float gracefully above their skulls, and magnificent wings that unfurl with the colors of the dawn. The Aetherials reside in a society governed by wisdom, harmony, and the pursuit of enlightenment. High-ranking members of this society often gather in a council, held in a location as breathtaking as their appearance—a floating citadel of light and crystal, suspended in the sky by ancient power known only to them. It is within this citadel that unfolds a council meeting unlike any before. As the meeting commences, the chamber is filled with the soft glow of the Aetherials' halos, casting ethereal shadows on the walls. The council members, each representing different facets of Aetherial society, are seated in a circle, their wings gently folded behind them. At the head of the circle sits the Archon, a figure of noble stature, whose halo shines with a brilliance that signifies their leadership. "Esteemed members of the council," the Archon begins, their voice echoing softly in the crystalline chamber. "We are gathered here to discuss a matter of grave concern. Reports have emerged from the edges of our solar system of a phenomenon that disturbs the very fabric of our reality. Whispers of an omen of destruction plague our people, stirring unrest and fear." A murmur of concern spreads among the council members, their halos flickering with unease. "Surely, we cannot lend credence to mere superstitions," argues Sraphel, a council member known for their rational mind and keen insights. "Our ancestors have long taught us to seek explanations in the stars, not in the shadows of fear." "