Chapter 1454 Time Travel? Author's Note: Unedited Chapter ------------- 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎 Gustav nodded, his eyes alight with the thrill of theoretical discovery. "Exactly. This data isn't just spatial; it's temporal. The Stagnant Siterus Void isn't a location that's hidden or difficult to locate—it has not been formed yet. We haven't gotten to the timeline in which an event... a phenomenon will create the Stagnant Siterus void." Endric leaned forward with an apprehensive tone. "So, we are essentially chasing a shadow from the future." "How do we even begin to approach this?" Falco voiced in confusion. Gustav rubbed his chin thoughtfully, contemplating the complexities of their mission. "If my theory holds, then our path isn't through space but through time... Understanding the conditions under which the void will come to exist and finding a way to either witness or interact with its formation." Aildris asked the inevitable question; "How do we know what time it is? What if it is to come into existence after the fifth premonition?" "That's the problem," Gustav voiced in response. "The only other method would be time travel," Endric pointed out. "But how do we navigate time? Are we to find some sort of temporal gateway or device?" Ria questioned. "Time travel is a true myth. No one can really do it and it is forbidden to conduct research related to such if I recall clearly," Aildris mumbled with a slightly distressed look. "Then what do we do?" Ria questioned while everyone turned to face Gustav once more. "There's only one chance I think we have at getting to the Stagnant Siterus Void... or rather I. Since I don't intend to put you all in harm's way." The weight of Gustav's words hung heavily as the holographic projector displayed the swirling, ashy energy trail. "If I can predict where it will appear next, I can use it to get there.... actually shouldn't be much of a challenge because I've done it before." Endric and Aildris exchanged a look of skepticism, both well aware of the dangers such a plan entailed. "Are you certain about this, big brother?" Endric asked, his tone laced with concern. "Even if you do pinpoint the next emergence of the warp demolator, do you know if your body can withstand such a powerful temporal wave? We're talking about forces that could potentially rip you to shreds or disintegrate you completely." Aildris nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "It's extremely dangerous, Gustav. The Slarkovs must have fled because they somehow predicted the coming of the warp demolator and knew they wouldn't survive. Is your body as sturdy as an entire planet? Even if it is, Planet Humbad can't be 100% intact. There's no precedent for this kind of physical exposure." Gustav met their worried looks with a resolute gaze. "I understand the risks," he acknowledged. "But I believe it's the only way to reach Humbad." "You can't be serious, Rival!" Ria exclaimed, stepping forward. "Going alone is madness. Even if you manage to arrive at Humbad intact, how do you plan to return?" "Gustav, think this through. There has to be another way that doesn't involve such a suicidal risk," Falco chipped in. Gustav raised a hand, signaling for calm. "I've considered every possible angle," he insisted. "The risks are significant, but reaching Dimension Six and a chance to prevent the fifth premonition—are too great to ignore. If there's a chance this could work, I have to take it." They fell silent while internally wrestling with the gravity of Gustav's decision. After a moment, Aildris spoke up, his voice thoughtful. "If you're set on this, let's at least devise some contingencies. We need a plan for extraction, a way to pull you back if things go sideways." Gustav nodded, appreciative of Aildris's mindset. "That's a good suggestion." A plan appeared in Gustav's mind and he immediately got to work with something. Endric on the other hand turned away and moved towards one of the rooms within the spacecraft. His forehead beamed with a green light, "Do you think the armor can help?" He asked Husarius. "I think the armor is his best bet at surviving if he's trying something as dangerous as this." Husarius's voice resonated, clear, and compelling. "The armor will not only protect him physically but will anchor his essence across the temporal fluctuations." Endric frowned, considering the implications. "Is he strong enough to wield it? I remember he is supposed to be a fully-fledged Alpha ranked first." "Gustav's current strength isn't far off the required point. It isn't impossible for him, merely... challenging," Husarius replied, the green glow pulsing slightly as if emphasizing its point. Armed with the new insight, Endric made up his mind. "Then I must retrieve the Armor and hand it to him before Gustav embarks on this mission. We cannot afford to have him leave unprotected." Leaving his quarters, Endric hurried back to the control room where Gustav and the rest of the crew were engrossed in their preparations. The room was abuzz with activity, screens flickering with data streams and calculations as they tried to pinpoint the next appearance of the warp demolator. "Gustav," Endric called out as he entered, drawing the attention of the others, "How long until we determine the location for the warp demolator's next appearance?" Gustav, who was poring over a series of complex astro-navigation charts, looked up, "I estimate within a day or two." Endric nodded, relief mingling with resolve. "Good. You'll wear the armor before leaving." Gustav's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The first sacred item?" "I've consulted with Husarius," Endric explained. "He agrees that the armor is essential for your survival through the demolator. It will protect you from the worst of the temporal distortions and enhance your physical capabilities." Gustav and Endric delved into a crucial discussion about the Sacred Armor's capabilities and limitations. Gustav, arms crossed, addressed Endric with a mix of concern and curiosity, "Endric, remember, the Sacred Armor is renowned for its physical defense capabilities. We're talking about riding the warp demolator—a phenomenon that transcends mere physicality." "I know the lore suggests that the armor is impervious to physical damage, and that's true—it offers unparalleled physical protection. However, it's not just a suit of armor. It's imbued with ancient energies, capable of warding off forces of physicality. You would have known if you could touch it at the moment since you're becoming unbound." Gustav raised an eyebrow, skeptical yet intrigued by Endric's confidence. "So, you're saying it has other protective measures?" Endric tapped on the hologram, bringing up layers of arcane symbols and protective wards that lined the interior of the armor. "See here," he pointed, "these inscriptions aren't just for show. Each one is crafted to absorb and dissipate a range of energies. Indeed, its efficacy against non-physical threats isn't 100%, but it's designed to adapt to its wearer's needs, especially against mystical and temporal threats." Gustav, his expression softening from skepticism to consideration, continued to probe, "And you're sure this adaptation will extend to something as volatile as the warp demolator?" "There's an inherent risk, yes, but the armor is our best bet. Your body will have to handle the rest. You were going to do it without the armor before anyways," Endric rubbed his temple in frustration. Gustav paused, processing the information, then nodded slowly. "Alright, then I'll use it." Endric, relieved to have Gustav's buy-in, added a crucial detail, "I'll keep the armor secured in the dimension where Husarius and I have sealed it until you're ready to embark. Taking it out prematurely would put a massive target on our backs—every intergalactic marauder and treasure hunter would come after us." Gustav's nod was grave and understanding. "Makes sense. Until the last possible moment then." ... ... ... On Earth, shrouded in a perpetual veil of thick, silver fog, lay an isolated island, inaccessible to most Earthlings. The island, with its tall infrastructures, rose starkly against the view of a restless sea that guarded its mysteries well. The architecture was a seamless blend of nature and technology; towering structures with reflective surfaces standing alongside verdant, genetically engineered gardens that climbed skywards. Neon lights cut through the fog, casting a surreal glow that reflected off the hyper-modern buildings. The crown jewel of the urban marvel was a vast, imposing structure known as the Citadel. It was not only the largest and most luxurious building on the island but also the center of power for its ruling dynasty. The Citadel, with its sweeping arcs and towering spires, exuded lavishness. Its walls, lined with energy-efficient panels, illuminated the interiors, bathing expansive halls in a gentle, ambient light that highlighted intricate designs inspired by both past civilizations and speculative futures. Inside the Citadel, in the grandest hall, a young man is seated on a throne that seems as much a piece of art as a seat of power. The throne, crafted from rare metals and hover-stone, floated slightly above the ground. The young man had the poised bearing of a seasoned leader despite his youth. His black dreadlocks were tied back neatly, accentuating sharp, tanned features that carried the weight of his responsibilities.