Chapter 530: Chapter 48 Conspiracy
At this moment, in a dark and secluded stone hall on the outside, a dozen eerie cloaked figures had gathered.
Based on their positions, invisibly forming several small groups, as well as the distinct colors of their cloaks, it was evident that these cloaked figures came from different factions.
"Is this really okay? Are our actions too excessive? What if, due to the big commotion, we are discovered by the forces of the Empire or the Four Great Families, our current strength is surely not enough to withstand."
At this time, one of the three figures wearing pure black cloaks and dark gold masks spoke to another group, shrouded in dark green hooded robes.
The two parties respectively represented some Nobles within the Glory Realm and the Mysterious Sect that approached through certain Prophets, proposing a collaboration.
The one expressing concerns now was from the Nobles’ side.
Since the first step of the plan involved multiple members of the Four Great Families as well as the Empire Family, they were worried that if the mysterious sect went too far and messed up, it would also drag them into the catastrophe.
Unlike the Mysterious Sect, which arranged a large number of bizarre entities to replace many significant figures’ true subordinates in advance and then entered the Secret Realm with them.
The Nobles had significant assets within the Gloria Empire; if they were to flee, the losses would be incalculable.
"What a pitiable question. Have the divine beings been gone for so long that even their former might has been forgotten by the people?"
Regarding the Nobles’ questions, a Sect member in a dark green hooded cloak slightly turned, his gaze mocking and disdainful as he glanced at the three Nobles and retorted with a strange, foreign intonation.
If one observed carefully, they would notice that the dark green cloaks worn by these Sect members were not entirely without decorations.
On one side of their back, embossed in a dark green color so close to the fabric, was a symbol like a twisted pentagram.
"Fear not, the Gate has been opened, and even if it closes again, it can never return to its perfect state. The Divine are nearing; even a mere breath of Their presence cannot be peered into by mortals."
"Hmph, I hope so!"
Listening to the Sect members’ weird and cryptic statements, another Noble in a black robe gave a cold snort, as if agreeing with their explanation.
Even though they were aware of the procedures of the plan beforehand, when it came time to actually carry it out, they still harbored some fears and anxieties.
Indeed, they could not fathom the depth of this obscure Sect, but the enemies they currently faced were no ordinary cats and dogs—they were the Four Great Families and the Empire Family, colossal entities that had persisted for thousands of years!
"Worry not, guided by fate, our trajectory will eventually hang high under the firmament."
"Moreover, in the first step of the plan, the targets will not die immediately, but will merely lose control of their bodies, which will not be immediately noticed by the outside world."
At this point, the third faction present, figures in gray robes, each spoke and briefly put an end to the conversation.
After indicating the progress of their respective tasks to one another, the brief meeting was declared over.
Subsequently, the many figures dispersed, traversing through space, reverting back to their original identities.
One of the black-robed figures flickered, and the surrounding environment of the original stone palace instantly turned into a familiar study.
He casually removed his hood and mask and placed them aside, revealing the face of Marquis Winter beneath.
Although he was aware that cooperation with these purpose-driven external forces was akin to dealing with a tiger for its skin, he did not want to wait any longer.
Because of the existence of the Four Great Families, the expansion of his family’s power had already stalled. Even his own Magic Power strength had been at the Ninth Rank Limit for hundreds of years.
Simply waiting was never going to bring hope.
Faced with the truly higher level of power shown to him by the Mysterious Sect, he could not refuse.
"The Four Great Families that uphold the nation? Hmph... Unfortunately, the current Empire no longer needs the Guardianship of the Four Great Families. My old friends, they must be thinking the same as me."
Low laughter echoed in the study, eventually dissipating along with the remaining dim light.
.........
Carrying the Alchemy Shuttle, Anvis and his companions finally arrived within the vicinity of the city ruins.
It was only after they truly entered the city that Anvis realized the degree of dilapidation was much less than he had previously imagined.
Despite the signs of weathering and erosion from the lengthy passage of time on the facades of numerous buildings, their overall structures were still intact.
What was peculiar was that some buildings in this city were unusually large, and there were many statues of different forms.
"That one, it must be the legendary Titan Statue, right?"
Orbins suddenly spoke while pointing to a massive moon-gray rock statue that had collapsed onto the ground.
"It should be, let’s land and take a look."
Anvis nodded and controlled the Alchemy Shuttle to descend onto an open area next to that gigantic Titan Statue.
From above, it didn’t feel that massive. But only after landing did the three realize that the length of the Alchemy Shuttle they were aboard was not even one fifth of that statue’s size.
Even though Anvis and the others were only aboard a small shuttle, it was enough to underscore the enormity of the statue.
Uniquely, the surface of this statue was covered with some pale white Crystal Clusters. The sparkling objects Anvis had seen from afar were the reflections from these clusters.
"It’s undoubtedly the Titan Statue. The sculptor very likely saw a living Titan. According to those special gigantic structures, it’s even possible that Titans truly resided in this city."
After a closer inspection, Anvis came to this conclusion.
"Those Crystal Clusters on the statue are a bit unusual, they should hold a certain value, and I hope to study them."
Orbins showed interest in those Crystal Clusters; he sensed that they possessed an extraordinary power. Their presence seemed to be constantly interfering with the temporal constants of the vicinity.
"Then, let’s each explore the ruins freely for now. If you encounter any dangers you can’t handle, use the Talisman I gave you before to contact me."
Hearing the implied meaning in Orbins’ words, Anvis waved his hand, broke off a part of the Crystal Clusters from the statue to take back for research.
"According to the records, each time the Radiant Ruins open, the exploration time for entrants is fixed at seven days. After the time ends, no matter where the Explorers are, they will be directly transported out.
Let’s rendezvous beneath the central tower of the city after one day."
"Okay."
Anvis nodded, and without any visible motions from Orbins, a pure black metallic armor structure suddenly extended from his waist belt and enveloped his entire body.
Bluish Magic Power radiance flowed through the intricate circuits on the surface of the armor. In Anvis’ perception, the aura emitted by Orbins at the moment was infinitely close to Seventh Rank.
After glancing at him, Anvis too focused his mind.
The Alchemy Shuttle behind the trio automatically shrunk to the size of a watermelon, floating behind Anvis like a Floating Cannon.
At the same time, the magic core of the shuttle was now connected to the Magic Ceremony Dress on Anvis, causing the aura of power he emitted to also rise to a level near Seventh Rank.
"..."
Seeing his two companions, both ’Bosses’ capable of morphing forms, the Last Dragon Descendant felt an immense pressure.