Chapter 657 The Quest for the Whisperer's Medallion (2)
As soon as Madame Seraphina took Euphoria's name, Ashton and Flintmace were shocked. But for different reasons.
While Flintmace was a bit taken aback by the presence of an unknown artefact on a planet under Xyran's control. Ashton was a bit taken aback because of the emergence of a new trial on the world and the history the planet shared with Precursors.
After all, he had been tasked with completing all the trials Euphoria had to offer. At least, he thought that was all the planet had to offer, but now he was sure that wasn't the case.
Back to the connection Euphoria, or as his father called it, the New Eden, had with the Precursors. The planet was supposed to be a haven for humanity before the Xyrans attacked and took it over.
Considering how humanity was like a golden child to the Precursors, it made sense if the overlords of the galaxy left a gift for their beloved children on the planet that was supposed to belong to humans.
But with the revelation came a plethora of problems. Despite being the owner of the fourth seat of Euphoria, Ashton had been exiled from the planet forcefully by the first seat, who also happened to be a fallen Xyran like Flintmace.
Moreover, from what Ashton had uncovered during their brief encounter more than a year ago, the first seat had saved the second seat holder, who had been working with the Cult.
It could be said that the first seat was also a cult member, making things a lot more complex. Besides, if the first seat was indeed working with the Cult, then it was safe to assume some Xyrans had united with the Cult and were working undercover under his guidance.
A similar train of thoughts was cruising inside Flintmace's head, which
caused him to question the circumstances. How could a Xyran be willing to work against themselves?
After all, the Cult's hatred towards the Xyrans wasn't hidden from anybody aware of the Cult's existence. If what they were thinking was true, it would mean stepping into Euphoria was akin to walking into hostile territory.
"What if the Cult has a base there?" Ashton mumbled and immediately regretted saying it because Astaroth and Flintmace got eerily quiet.
Despite being betrayed by the Xyrans, they were still part of their proud race. If another Xyran did something wrong, they naturally felt ashamed and responsible for not stopping the person from bringing shame to their race.
If the first was indeed doing something wrong, they must stop him. Ashton also wanted to stop the first but for different reasons.
However, he also knew the first must have gotten stronger since their last meeting and fighting him head-on as such was the worst decision he could take.
After all, that fucker was on the verge of breaking into the S-grade a year ago. So, it was safe to assume the first was a full-fledged S-grader now.
In the meantime, Ashton still needed to convert two more people into werewolves to proceed with his evolution and achieve A-grade throughout his genes. Which would effectively make his cumulative levels ascend into the realm of S-graders.
The only issue was that he was short on time, and there weren't any capable candidates whom he would want to convert and invite into his werewolf family.
But there was a silver lining amongst the dark clouds. The distance between Euphoria and Earth would not be a problem because he owned one of the fastest spaceships in the galaxy.
It meant he could spend some time looking for suitable candidates on Earth and then evolve. Also, Flintmace and Vulcan could train him on their way so that he could get acquainted with his new strength before engaging against a seasoned warrior.
"Looks like we have no time to waste," Ashton stated.
***
On the other side of the galaxy...
In the dimly lit chamber of the Cult's underground sanctuary, the Cardinal sat upon a raised platform, draped in crimson robes adorned with intricate symbols.
Before him were two Archbishops, their faces obscured by hooded cloaks, knelt in solemn reverence. Behind them were hundreds of cultists eagerly waiting for the Cardinal to deliver a momentous proclamation.
"Brothers and sisters of our sacred order, the time has come to set our grand design into motion," With a voice that resonated like an ominous chant, the Cardinal began, "We stand on the precipice of ultimate power, and our destiny beckons."
The Archbishops' hearts, filled with hunger for vengeance, listened intently as the Cardinal continued, "We have discovered the first half of the final key—the key that will grant us dominion over all realms. With it, we shall unlock the gateway to the resurrection of the lords, the Precursors!"
A hushed murmur of reverence spread through the chamber as the cultists absorbed the gravity of the Cardinal's words. The resurrection of the Precursors was the ultimate goal, a feat that would reshape the galaxy itself.
"Archbishop Lucius, Archbishop Sena, you shall lead our forces to Planet Euphoria, where the first half of the final key awaits," The Cardinal's gaze bore into the Archbishops, his intensity unwavering. "It is guarded by ancient protectors whom you must surpass."
Archbishop Lucius, his eyes burning with passion, bowed low. "We shall do your bidding, Cardinal, and secure the half of the key. With it, our power shall be unrivalled."
"Yes," Archbishop Seraphina, a figure of enigmatic grace, nodded in agreement. "The protectors of Euphoria shall bow before our might, and the key will be ours."
The Cardinal's voice grew more ominous as he continued, "Once you possess the first half of the key, rendezvous with our brethren from the other sanctuaries. Mobilise every cultist under your command. Our ascension is nigh."
The Archbishops rose to their feet, a shared resolve etched upon their faces. They were the vanguards of the Cult's unholy mission, and the weight of their duty pressed upon their shoulders.
"We shall not falter, Your Holiness," Archbishop Lucius spoke with unwavering determination, "Planet Euphoria will be ours, and the final key shall be complete."
Archbishop Seraphina's voice held a mesmerising cadence as she added, "The resurrection of the Precursors will herald a new era of darkness, and our order will reign supreme."
With a final, reverent nod to the Cardinal, the Archbishops turned and departed the chamber. The cultists, their faith unwavering, watched them go, knowing that the destiny of their order was at hand.
A chilling smile crept across his lips as the Cardinal remained alone in the dimly lit chamber. The final key was within their grasp, and the resurrection of the Precursors drew near.
The galaxy would soon tremble in the face of their power, and nothing would stand in the way of their dominion.
"Once we have the keys, all we'd need is that succubus..." the Cardinal smirked. "Soon... the galaxy will feel the desperation we have been living in for millenniums!"
