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Crossing into The Luminar Concordia Universe, Drew's first steps were met with an unexpected sight. Just beyond the invisible border that separated the realms, a duo of guards stood watch, their presence marked by an air of authority and vigilance. Clad in armor that shimmered with an ethereal light, they were clearly not ordinary sentinels. Drew approached, his demeanor calm and composed, despite the uncertainty that lay ahead.
"Greetings," Drew began, his voice carrying the weight of his mission. "I am a part of the Astral Concord Delegation. We seek to meet with the leader of The Luminar Concordia Universe to discuss a crucial alliance. Have you, by any chance, seen a group of mages pass through here?"
Before he could further elaborate on his purpose or the importance of his visit, one of the guards raised a hand, cutting him off mid-sentence. The guard's voice was firm, brooking no argument. "You are to leave this universe at once," he commanded, his stance unyielding.
Drew, taken aback by the abrupt interruption and the insistence on his departure, sought to reason with them. "I must insist on your understanding. Our mission is of great importance to the balance of the universes. If you could just—"
Again, the guard interrupted, his tone even more adamant. "We will not repeat ourselves. Leave now, or face the consequences."
Perplexed by their unwelcoming demeanor and unwilling to provoke a conflict, Drew contemplated his next move. It was then he sensed a familiar energy signature, a subtle yet unmistakable presence that he recognized instantly—Nia. Knowing she and the rest of the Astral Concord Delegation had to be close, Drew realized he couldn't afford to be turned away at such a critical moment.
Without revealing his intentions, Drew subtly manipulated the moisture in the air around them, cooling it to absolute zero. The Glacial Time-Freeze ability was one he had mastered over years, and it required a delicate touch to avoid unintended consequences. As time around the guards came to a standstill, their figures were encapsulated in a moment, frozen and oblivious to the manipulation of their environment.
Taking advantage of the situation, Drew swiftly moved past the immobilized guards, his steps silent and measured. The ability to freeze time was not something he used lightly, knowing the strain it could place on the natural order of things. However, the urgency of reuniting with his delegation and ensuring the success of their mission outweighed the risks.
As he advanced beyond the guards' position, Drew released his hold on the Glacial Time-Freeze, allowing time to flow once again in their vicinity. Unaware of his passage, the guards remained vigilant at their post, while Drew hastened his steps, guided by the faint trace of Nia's energy.
Drew's pursuit of Nia's energy signature led him across the vast expanse of The Luminar Concordia Universe, finally culminating at an enormous planet that seemed to pulse with a serene power. The moment he set foot on this world, however, the energy trail vanished as if it had never been. Yet, Drew's sharp memory and attunement to the nuances of energy allowed him to pinpoint Nia's last known location—a magnificent castle that dominated the landscape, its spires reaching towards the cosmos.
Before he could approach the castle's imposing gates, Drew was intercepted by a group of five individuals who materialized seemingly from thin air. They introduced themselves simply as "The Five," their tones bearing an authority that suggested they were not merely guardians but perhaps, the ruling council or elite protectors of this realm.
Drew, undeterred by the unexpected welcome, explained his identity and the purpose of his mission, emphasizing the importance of forming an alliance for the greater good of the universes. However, The Five, with a demeanor that blended curiosity with caution, claimed they were already well aware of who he was and the nature of his quest.
When Drew inquired about the whereabouts of the Astral Concord Delegation, hoping for any lead that could reunite him with his companions, The Five maintained a stance of ignorance. They neither confirmed nor denied having any knowledge of the delegations location. The conversation took a sudden turn when The Five revealed that Drew was, in fact, an extremely wanted man within The Luminar Concordia Universe.
The destruction of Ragnarok and its leadership, which had secretly been under the protection of The Luminar Concordia Universe, had severed a critical supply line, causing unforeseen consequences for this universe. As Drew processed this revelation, understanding the complexity of the situation he now found himself in, The Five stated their intention to bring him before the leader of The Luminar Concordia Universe.
Drew, always one to face challenges head-on, agreed to meet with the leader, but made it clear that his cooperation was on his terms alone. He would not be coerced or controlled; his journey to this point had been driven by a mission of peace and alliance, not one of submission to forces that sought to dictate his path.
As he was escorted into the grandiose castle, the air thick with anticipation, Drew remained composed, his resolve unshaken. The grand halls whispered the stories of countless meetings and decisions that had shaped the fate of this universe, setting the stage for a confrontation that could alter the course of history.
Upon reaching the chamber where the leader awaited, one of The Five, their voice tinged with a mix of respect and a hint of uncertainty, announced, "Are you ready to see Drew, Empress Astralith?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyILiJ04JAU
