Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1092 - 741: Enemy of the Universe

"Depart, outsiders," the ancient will commanded, its tone leaving no room for argument. "There is nothing here that you seek. The 'Silent Royal Court' shall continue its slumber; do not disturb it again."

As the words faded, the dark golden energy rune structure suspended in the hall's center began a slow rotation, projecting a subtle yet unyielding field of repulsive force.

Concurrently, the passage through which they had entered widened once more, silently.

The intent to dismiss them was undeniably clear.

Astra felt a pang of reluctance, a cloud of confusion, and a flicker of heightened curiosity regarding Bai E, sparked by the ancient presence's pronouncements.

However, he understood that confronting a being of such stature, attempting to forcibly remain or to plead for more, would be futile and could even spell their doom.

Bai E maintained his composure.

He had unearthed fragments of answers he'd long sought concerning cosmic history and the origins of higher dimensions, and had once again affirmed that certain peculiar "causalities" seemed intrinsically linked to him.

As for the matter of the "key"... his thoughts delved deep.

Within the increasingly potent repelling field, the two mechas gradually turned, retreating back towards the passage they had emerged from.

In the final instant before they fully re-entered the passage and the growing fissure began to seal, the blue flame atop the throne appeared to cast one last gaze. A whisper, fainter than a breath and almost inaudible, seemed to imprint itself directly onto Bai E's consciousness, audible to him alone:

"The 'Creator' never truly departed... the destination of the 'Fragment'... perhaps therein lies the key..."

The passage sealed completely, enshrouding the grand hall and its ancient sentinel in eternal silence once more.

Retracing their path through the now utterly silent corridor, preparing to potentially confront any lingering sentinels outside the 'Star Castle,' and finally reuniting with the 'Brilliant Destiny' and its anxiously waiting crew... these subsequent actions felt almost trivial compared to the earth-shattering secrets they had just uncovered.

Upon returning to the bridge of the 'Brilliant Destiny,' Astra promptly convened a meeting with the core team, including esteemed scholars from the Golden Federation he had brought along, and Bai E. Their purpose was to meticulously review and document the recent exchange with the ancient will of the 'Star Remnant Clan.'

The atmosphere within the meeting was profoundly somber.

On one side, they acknowledged that the 'Silent Royal Court' offered no immediate technological aid, rendering this costly expedition a failure in terms of acquiring tangible advancements.

On the other, the revelations imparted by the ancient will were intrinsically priceless, possessing the power to reshape the Star Alliance's current comprehension of cosmic history and numerous phenomena.

Yet, what most troubled Astra and several high-ranking Golden Federation officials present were the final words uttered by the ancient will, specifically concerning Bai E.

"With him present, what is your concern?"

"You already possess a more direct, and perhaps more perilous, 'key'."

What implications did these statements hold?

What was the unique nature of Bai E's 'Spiritual Energy essence'?

What precisely was his pivotal role as the "key" in combating the Bug Race and high-dimensional incursions?

Could he, as an individual, hold greater significance than a lost relic of an ancient civilization?

Or did he harbor a profound secret, possibly unknown even to himself, connected to the "Creator" or the "Divine Fragment," and consequently... pose a risk?

Astra's gaze shifted towards Bai E, now imbued with a more intricate quality.

Initially, he had viewed Bai E merely as a formidable adversary and a potential "tool" for unlocking ancient relics. Now, this very "tool" seemed to have transformed into an enigma demanding re-evaluation, potentially holding far greater worth.

Bai E sensed the focused attention, the scrutiny, the assessment, and a subtle undertone of apprehension directed his way.

He was not taken aback.

The ancient will's pronouncements would undoubtedly intensify the Golden Federation's interest in him, while simultaneously potentially fostering greater suspicion.

"Mr. Bai E," Astra deliberated before speaking, attempting to mask the urgency in his voice, "What are your thoughts on the words of that ancient presence? Regarding your 'Spiritual Energy essence' and the so-called 'key'..."

Bai E met Astra's gaze, his expression placid. "I am but a warrior treading the path against the Bug Race and high-dimensional threats. The pronouncements of that presence may carry profound significance, but my focus remains on the present. The Bug Race continues its rampage; the crisis on Jade Stone Star, though temporarily subdued, has not eradicated the threat. Numerous sectors across the Milky Way still require defense. Rather than becoming ensnared by ancient, obscure prophecies, it would be more prudent to consider how we can leverage our existing strengths for more effective combat."

His reply sidestepped the core issue, shifting focus to the present dangers while indirectly stating his reluctance to commit further.

Astra's gaze flickered, realizing this was not the opportune moment to press the matter.

He gave a nod: "You speak the truth; our immediate priority is confronting the Bug Race. This expedition... though it didn't yield the anticipated outcomes, the intelligence gathered is invaluable. We must make haste and relay this to the Federation's high command. As for future collaborative explorations..."

"We shall share intelligence as stipulated in our accord," Bai E interjected. "I will convey my findings to my subordinates. Concerning the remainder, let us deliberate once we have each returned and completed our assessments."

The discussion concluded with an undercurrent of unspoken thoughts.

The expeditionary fleet disengaged from the "Silent Royal Court," commencing its lengthy voyage back to the Golden Federation.

As the fleet's commander and the apparent mastermind behind this joint venture, Astra sequestered himself within the "Brilliant Destiny" cruiser's private meditation quarters, endeavoring to bring order to his tumultuous contemplations.

Seated with his eyes shut tight, his mind incessantly retraced the dialogue with the ancient consciousness of the "Star Remnant Clan," alongside his earlier encounters with Bai E during the Star Alliance tournament held in the Aisera Star System.