Chapter 1580 The Ritualistic Ploy Author's Note: Unedited Chapter ------------------- Miss Aimee's projection seemed to pause, as if considering her words carefully. "I am right where I need to be, Gustav. My journey has led me to a place where I can best assist you from afar. We will see each other soon." Gustav's brow furrowed in concern. "But why the secrecy? What's happening?" Miss Aimee's eyes softened. "There are forces at play that require careful navigation. You must trust me, as you always have. Remain focused." Gustav nodded reluctantly. "Alright, Miss Aimee. I just wish I knew more." Miss Aimee's projection began to fade slightly, her form becoming more ethereal. "You will, in time. For now, rest and regain your strength. You're almost there." Gustav watched as her projection vanished, leaving him alone in the chamber. He took a deep breath, the weight of her words settling over him. Despite her assurance he still felt unease,. He exited the chamber and made his way to the adjacent quarters where Stark was resting. The spacious room was filled with an array of food and comfortable seating areas. Stark looked up as Gustav entered, a concerned expression on his face. "How did it go?" Stark asked, setting aside a plate of fruit. Gustav sighed, collapsing into a chair. "I'm getting closer. Miss Aimee says I will be ready once I am able to maintain it for up to thirty minutes." Stark nodded. "You'll get there." Gustav leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment. "Thanks, Stark. I appreciate the support. But there's something else bothering me. Miss Aimee won't tell me where she is or why she's hiding." Stark frowned. "I noticed that as well. Do you think something is up?" Gustav eyes narrowed. "I am hundred percent sure something is up but she doesn't want me to know. She did say we'll see each other soon and that I just have to trust her." Stark leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Maybe you do. I mean, she is the most powerful person we know, right?" Gustav nodded while rubbing his temples. "That is true..." The two friends settled into a companionable silence for a bit as Gustav closed his eyes. He let his mind drift, focusing on the connection between his soul, mental form, and body. He could still feel the echo of the golden body within him. ... ... ... Gustav found himself in the midst of a crumbling city, buildings shattered and fires raging all around. The sky was dark, filled with swirling clouds of ash and smoke. The air was thick with the stench of destruction and despair. Before him, Angy stood with her form half black and half white. Horns protruded from her forehead in a grotesque, upside-down fashion. Her eyes burned with an intensity that Gustav had never seen before. She was locked in a fierce battle with Jack, the world's most powerful Mixedblood. Jack's aura radiated with pure, unbridled power that caused the world to tremble as he engaged her. With a swift and deadly motion, Angy suddenly severed Jack in two, her blade cutting through him like a knife through butter. At this moment, the world seemed to hold its breath as Jack's body fell to the ground in pieces, and an overwhelming sense of panic spread through the surroundings. The destruction around them intensified, and Gustav's heart pounded in his chest. Suddenly, Angy's eyes locked onto his, and she moved with lightning speed. Before Gustav could react, she was upon him and her blade pierced his chest. He felt a searing pain as the blade drove deep, and a black hole began to form around the wound, pulling everything into its abyss. Gustav suddenly jolted awake. His breath came in ragged gasps as he sat up. His body was covered in a cold sweat. He rarely had dreams but whenever he did, it always felt so real. This time was more real than any other. He still felt a slight pain in his chest where the blow from Angy's blade had struck. He couldn't shake the feeling of dread that lingered. "What kind of dream was that?" he muttered to himself, trying to make sense of it. After a few moments of contemplation, Gustav decided to put the unsettling dream out of his mind and focus on his training. He needed to focus on his aim. Sustaining the three in one golden body for thirty minutes. With renewed determination, he began his meditation. --- Meanwhile, in the cold expanse of outer space above Earth, Endric, Aildris, and Falco piloted Gustav's spacecraft towards their home planet. The vessel cut through the void like a blade as its engines thrummed softly. The barrier around Earth solidified and visibly appeared at this moment as a transmission crackled through the ship's comm system. "This is MBO space control. Identify yourselves and prepare for a scan." "Understood," Aildris replied, his voice calm and steady. "This is the vessel belonging to exploration team F#2110, carrying three passengers..." Endric adjusted his disguise, a holographic mask that altered his features. "We can't afford to be recognized, especially me," he said, his voice low. "They know I'm allied with Gustav so we could be in serious trouble." Falco nodded. "Just stay calm and let Aildris handle the communications. We'll be fine." The ship was soon bathed in a soft blue light as it got scanned. A few tense moments passed as the MBO officers conducted their scan. Finally, the transmission resumed. "Scan complete. You are cleared for entry," the officer said. "Proceed to the designated landing zone." "Thank you, control. Proceeding now," Aildris responded. The spacecraft descended smoothly through the atmosphere, breaking through the cloud cover to reveal the sprawling cityscape below. They navigated towards the designated landing zone, a secure facility in the outskirts of Plankton City. As the ship touched down, Endric adjusted his disguise once more, ensuring it was secure. "Let's hope this works," he muttered. The landing ramp lowered, and the trio stepped out into the bustling facility. MBO officers and personnel moved about, their attention focused on their duties. Aildris and Falco walked confidently, while Endric did his best to blend in, his holographic disguise altering his appearance to that of an ordinary civilian. "Welcome back to Earth," an officer greeted them, his tone professional but friendly. "Please follow the protocols, and you'll be cleared to enter the city." They nodded and moved through the facility, following the necessary procedures. After a thorough check, they were given the green light to proceed. As they exited the facility, the city spread out before them. "Now what?" Falco asked, glancing at Aildris. "We need to regroup back at E.E's and figure out our next steps," Aildris replied. "We can't risk being seen too much, especially with Endric's situation." Endric nodded in agreement. "Let's move quickly." ... They navigated the vibrant, futuristic metropolis that thrived on the cutting edge of technology. Hovercars zipped through the air on designated pathways, and the sidewalks were bustling with citizens as well as holographic circles. Soon the trio finally arrived in front of a building. As they approached E.E's apartment, which was perched on the 120th floor of a sleek, glass-walled building, he could already sense their approach. E.E immediately welcomed them at the door with an expression of disbelief. "Falco! You little son of a gun, come here!" E.E exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace his long-lost friend. Falco grinned, hugging E.E tightly. "It's good to see you too, E.E. It's been way too long." Aildris and Endric watched with smiles on their faces as they reunited. Once inside, the group settled into the spacious living area, which boasted floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of Plankton City. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦 "Tell me everything," E.E said, his eyes filled with concern as he looked at all three of them. "Why are you back on Earth and without Gustav?" Aildris nodded with a serious expression. "Ria's been captured by the Alliance Corps. They're using him as bait to lure Gustav out." E.E's face fell. "I am aware of that and trying to do something about it." He took a deep breath. "You just missed Elevora. She left on an off-planet mission to find the true head of the Gustavo Alliance." "Elevora's on a Gutavo alliance related mission?" Endric asked with an intrigued expression. E.E nodded. "She's following a lead that took her to the outer rim. She believes the real leader of the Gustavo Alliance might be hiding there. It's risky, but were determined to find out the truth so we can finally clear Gustav of all charges." Falco's brow furrowed. "But she might be a while and it's just a lead so it isn't guaranteed. We still need to figure out how to rescue Ria. A break-out might be our only option." E.E sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Things are tense between the Alliance and Earth right now. The MBO wanted to move Ria to Earth, but the Alliance refused. There are even rumors that the MBO might try to take Ria by force."