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In the aftermath of Zack's dramatic exit, the laboratory within the stronghold of the Malevolent Cosmos Universe was shrouded in an ominous silence. Malacar turned his attention back to Astralith, whose severed arm lay on the cold floor—a stark reminder of the encounter's severity.
"Are you alright?" Malacar asked, his voice tinged with genuine concern as he approached Astralith.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmr5Hyh2iH
Astralith glanced at her missing limb, then back at Malacar, a faint smile tracing her lips. "I'm fine," she assured him, though her voice carried a hint of frustration. "The 'Reversal' ability is beginning to resonate within me again. However, I'm uncertain if it will restore my arm; some time has elapsed since the severance."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0XGjT6DMD
"Don't worry about it," she continued, brushing off the concern with a wave of her remaining hand. "What's imperative now is the success of the extraction process. Ensure, at all costs, that it proceeds flawlessly, especially concerning Cairo. His survival through the full duration is crucial."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcJb3s6MKt
Astralith’s gaze hardened with resolve as she addressed the next steps of her plan. "During these two months, I will be visiting the Land of Spade. There are elements there I need to verify personally before we can move forward with using Cairo. Once I return, we will initiate the next phase."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYzT7BstAU
Malacar nodded, his expression a mask of determination. "You have my word, Astralith. I will oversee the extraction process myself and ensure no further interruptions."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYftbp09hua
With a final nod, Astralith turned and vanished from the lab, her departure as sudden as it was silent, leaving Malacar to ponder the tasks at hand.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuE9DEsUw7
As soon as Astralith’s presence had dissipated, The Celestial Covenant re-entered the lab, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity after the recent confrontation. Malacar addressed them with a stern but calculated tone.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaahA8fGGy
"Eclara, Phantomus, Soulminder," he began, gathering their undivided attention. "Follow Astralith to the Land of Spade discreetly and keep a watch over her activities. Report back everything."
The trio exchanged quick glances, sensing the gravity of Malacar’s request. "Why the secrecy?" Phantomus inquired, his voice low.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jNgbvmv5q
Malacar’s eyes flicked around the room, ensuring no lingering ears could catch his words. "I don't fully trust her motives, especially regarding her insistence on Cairo's importance. She’s keeping the true nature of her plans hidden, even from me."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtJ5cetedc
Eclara nodded, her form shimmering slightly with celestial energy as she prepared for the task. "We will shadow her movements and gather all necessary information. You will know her steps as if you were there yourself," she assured him.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4JKB22YoW
Soulminder stepped forward, her tone serious. "And if we find something... compromising?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl1tKqxRDH
"Report immediately. We may need to adjust our strategy depending on what she is truly planning," Malacar responded, his voice laced with a strategic coldness.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5iAiAlHfy
With their orders clear, The Celestial Covenant departed, slipping through the shadows of the cosmos toward the Land of Spade. Their mission was clear, but the uncertainty of what they might uncover weighed heavily on their minds.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6z6X6RvXG
Left alone in the lab, Malacar walked over to the containment units housing Cairo, Elara, and Nia. He watched the scientists at work, the machines humming steadily as they extracted the powerful jewels. His thoughts were a turbulent storm of strategy and suspicion, wondering not only about Astralith’s secrets but also about the broader implications of their actions.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SJT4PwGiO
As the stars outside the fortress window continued their eternal dance, the threads of deception and power woven by the inhabitants of the Malevolent Cosmos Universe grew ever more complex, each player unknowingly tied to the fate of the others in a cosmic game of shadow and light.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbW3OJfH1J
