Chapter 1494: Gustav's Concern

Author's Note: Unedited Chapter

After what felt like an eternity, the officers finished their checks and exited the ship.

E.E waited a few moments longer to ensure the coast was clear before slipping out and making his way back to the elevator.

He descended to Commander Xanatus's office, his pulse still pounding from the close call. E.E then handed the button sized drive to the commander, who immediately plugged it into his computer.

"Let's see what we have here," Commander Xanatus said while his eyes scanned the data.

The coordinates appeared on the screen, and Commander Xanatus nodded. "These match the general region we suspected. This should be it."

E.E felt a wave of relief wash over him.

"Now, what do you intend to do next, E.E?" Commander Xanatus inquired.

Back at E.E's apartment, he briefed the others on the successful extraction of the coordinates. Falco, Endric, and Aildris listened intently with expressions of relief.

"We did it," E.E said. "We have the coordinates."

"That's great but what is going to be our next step?" Endric asked.

"We can't just barge in now that we know it's location," He added.

"No we can't... We have to know and understand the inner workings of the alliance first before we can think of infiltrating," Aildris pointed out.

"The best way to do that is by talking to someone who has been there," Falco chipped in.

"General Chell comes to mind," E.E. replied, shaking his head. "But he isn't the type of person we can approach for that kind of information."

Aildris suddenly perked up, an idea forming in his mind. "You know, the Alliance is a combination of planets from all across multiple galaxies. The Alliance Corps is made up of thousands of species, including Earthlings."

"Right," Endric nodded, catching on. "So, you're suggesting we find an Earthling in the Alliance Corps and get them to talk about it?"

"Exactly," Aildris confirmed. "We could ask in a joking way or get them to brag about being a part of it. It's possible they might spill some valuable information."

The group pondered this for a moment, seeing the sense in Aildris's suggestion. "But how do we come into contact with an Earthling in the Alliance Corps?" Falco asked.

They spent the next few hours doing research, combing through old records and connections.

Eventually, they stumbled upon an old fellow MBO cadet, Deitrick Haddon, who had joined the Alliance Corps. According to the information they gathered, Deitrick had been off-planet but was scheduled to return for a one-week break after being away for a year.

"I remember Deitrick," Aildris said. "Gustav beat him a couple of times in the Cadet versus challenges. He hated Gustav for it since he had a lot of pride. But we never had any issues with him."

Falco nodded. "I remember him too. He was always so full of himself."

"Perfect," E.E. said with a grin. "We can use that to our advantage. If we praise him and stroke his ego a bit, he might just give us the information we need."

They continued their research and discovered that Deitrick lived in Atrihea City. His father, an influential businessman, was planning to hold a welcome-back party for his son. They needed to get invites to that party and travel there.

"Getting invites won't be easy," Endric said, furrowing his brow.

E.E. shrugged. "I could try to use some of my connections."

"Likewise... Although I gave up being my family head, the name still has a lot of influence," Aildris added.

Falco could relate but he still hadn't made his return to earth known.

If the MBO were to be aware, he wouldn't necessarily be in trouble but they would question him and possibly detain him for some time. Now wasn't the time for any complications.

Over the next few days, E.E. and Aildris pulled some strings and managed to secure invites to the party. They decided that Endric and Falco would sit this one out and wait in Plankton City for them.

"We'll handle this," E.E. assured them. "You two stay here and be ready to move onto the next stage when we have the information."

The party was to be held in five days, so they spent that time preparing. They went over their plan repeatedly, ensuring that every detail was covered.

...

...

...

Gustav sat cross-legged, his entire form radiating a brilliant, golden light as the Three-in-One Golden Body form activated.

His skin glowed with an ethereal luster, his eyes shining like twin stars. The air around him buzzed with energy as the sheer power of his presence distorted the space nearby.

He decided to test some of his innate abilities, starting with atomic manipulation.

Gustav could already feel like the things he could achieve were limitless so he focused on a star in the far distance.

The energy of the golden body amplifying his control and with a mere thought, he willed the star to transform.

The star, thousands of light-years away, suddenly began to shift. Its fiery form contorted and changed until it resembled a delicate flower.

"Amazing," Gustav thought, marveling at the precision and ease with which he manipulated the star's atoms. "This is beyond anything I've ever felt."

Next, he tested his speed. Thinking about going to the other side of the planet. Even before the thought fully formed, he found himself standing at the designated spot. It was as if time and space bent to his will, obeying his every command.

"The Three-in-One Golden Body truly amplifies everything," Gustav mused, the realization filling him with awe. "My abilities are not just enhanced; they are transcendent."

He deactivated the form after 26 minutes of rigorous testing, feeling the immense power drain from his body. The golden glow receded, and his skin returned to its normal hue. Despite the fatigue that followed, Gustav was exhilarated by the potential.

As he meditated, Gustav pondered the possibilities. "If atomic manipulation and speed are this powerful in the Three-in-One Golden Body form, what about my other abilities?" He considered his arsenal: God Eyes, Iro Silk, Crimson Energy Discharge, and more. Each had its unique strengths, but with the golden body, they could become unstoppable.

He knew that nothing could penetrate his skin while in the golden form. Mental attacks, too, were rendered useless, and even spiritual assaults couldn't touch him. It was an ultimate power, a culmination of all his training and potential.

"I need to try God Eyes next," Gustav decided. The thought of what he might see, how far his vision could reach, filled him with burning curiosity.

Gustav soon went back to meditating.

He recalled the dream he had, where Angy, in her half-black, half-white form, fought against the world's most powerful Mixedblood, Jack.

He somewhat had a feeling that this dream was related to achieving the Golden Body form but he couldn't entirely place it.

Gustav's mind then wandered to his friends and little brother. He hoped they were all okay. Based on their original plan, they were to head to a particular planet after finishing repairs on his ship.

Gustav was sure that they were there right now.

'I should contact them tomorrow just to make sure they're alright.'

As he continued to meditate, Gustav focused on the intricacies of his abilities, imagining how each could be enhanced.

The possibilities were endless, and he knew that with enough practice, he could achieve a level of mastery that few could rival.

Time passed, and soon the next morning arrived.

"Next time, I'll try God Eyes," he resolved. "And keep pushing the limits of what I can do."

"But for now... Let me contact Endric and the others," he muttered while turning around to leave.

...

Gustav and Stark walked through the lush, vibrant landscapes of Agon, heading toward the location where Stark's ship was parked.

The air was crisp, and the sky was a mesmerizing blend of teal and gold, with clouds that looked like they were painted by a master artist. The planet's unique beauty never failed to amaze Gustav, but today his mind was preoccupied with other matters.

They finally arrived at Stark's silver spacecraft, which was parked on a raised platform surrounded by the planet's towering blue trees. The ship's metallic surface gleamed under the sun's rays, reflecting the vibrant colors of Agon's environment.

Gustav entered the spacecraft, settling into the pilot's seat. Stark followed, taking his position beside him.

Gustav activated the controls, and the ship's systems came to life, displaying a myriad of lights and holographic readouts.

Gustav reached into the spacecraft communication system, attempting to contact Endric, Aildris, Falco, and Ria. The system came to life, and he initiated a holographic transmission. After a few seconds of static, the call failed to connect.

"Hmm, that's strange," Gustav muttered, furrowing his brow. He tried again, adjusting the frequency and boosting the signal, but the result was the same. No connection.

"Still nothing?" Stark asked, glancing over.

"No, nothing," Gustav replied, frustration evident in his voice. "I've tried multiple times, but I can't get through to them. It's like they're not even on the ship."