Chapter 823: Secrets of the Golden Key ( 3 )
Above the clouds, amidst the gentle hum of the airship's engines, Chad, Aubrey, and Lisa found themselves on a journey to the eastern town of the Ruri Kingdom, the nearest public dockyard they could use.
Needless to say, their destination was set upon the castle of the Shadow Immortal.
For Chad and Lisa, the path ahead seemed familiar. It was their return to the castle that held both solace and comfort... Perhaps, it wasn't an exaggeration to call that castle as their home.
The bond that tied them to the Shadow Immortal's domain could not be denied after living there for several years.
However, for Aubrey Hall, the journey held a different significance. She was traveling into the unknown realms of the supernatural. As a Paranormal Investigator by trade, she certainly navigated the realm of spirits and specters but not with the Immortals.
She felt nervous, but there was also a hint of excitement in her eyes at the prospect of facing the enigmatic Shadow Immortal that was able to somehow save the world from being invaded by the Demons...
'I heard that the new batch of students in the Dark Arts Academy were being taught about the Shadow Immortals' deeds... It can be said that he's a hero, but because the Churches didn't like his affinity to darkness, he was dubbed a Demon Killer instead of Savior of Humanity.' Aubrey mused to herself.
Although being a Demon Killer also implies that he has eradicated the invaders, it seems to have a bad connotation compared to being called a Savior.
Anyway, she had no time to think about this.
"Are you sure it's safe for me to accompany you to the castle?" Aubrey's voice carried a note of uncertainty as she turned to Chad, seeking reassurance as she was still filled with doubt about her decision.
Chad nodded at this... It seemed that Aubrey wasn't aware that the Shadow Immortal was Vale Chambers.
'I guess it was suppressed by the higher-ups in the Dark Arts Faction.' Chad mused.
"Fear not, Aubrey. The Shadow Immortal wishes to express his gratitude for your role in saving Lisa. Your presence is not only welcomed but appreciated," he assured her.
After all, if Aubrey failed to hide Lisa's remnant and protected it for a few days, the Untainted Sentinels would've taken Lisa and extracted her Vampire Blood or whatever could be taken from her.
Lisa's gratitude for Aubrey's intervention could be felt as she smiled warmly. She felt compelled to express her appreciation in kind.
"Aubrey, you saved me from a fate worse than death. I may have lost all material possessions from fighting against the Time Manipulators but once I returned to my room, I have a gift for you—a token of my gratitude..." She declared as she recalled all the items in her possession. There were so many of them and most of them were gifted to him by Vale. It shouldn't be a problem to give some of them to Lisa since she had already outgrown those artifacts.
As the airship glided through the clouds toward its destination, Aubrey could only resign herself to the unknown future that awaited her.
Time quickly passed, and soon, the group arrived at the castle.
Everyone seemed busy since, aside from Denise's golems, no one greeted them upon their return.
They just headed straight to the castle! Well, it was all thanks to Chad and Lisa's identity, which was still known by the golems or Androids.
"They're probably busy..." Chad mused as he sensed that everyone was in their own rooms, except for a person who was about to arrive.
It was Magnus, a formidable figure in his own right...
"Welcome back, Lisa... Now that you're back, you should start working... I had taken over all your jobs while you're gone... Ahem... Ahem... That's not what I'm trying to say. I'm just happy that you were able to get back. Sir Shadow Immortal was very sad after you left us... Of course, the saddest one was Sir Chad." Magnus said without stopping.
However, before Magnus and Lisa could reply, he immediately changed his demeanor and with a commanding presence, Magnus issued instructions from the Shadow Immortal's Avatar.
"Chad, prepare yourself. You will be accompanying the Shadow Immortal's Avatar, Jin, Aurion, and Odessa on a journey into the depths of the Celestial Prison Realm..." Magnus's voice resonated...
The three were all surprised at this.
Lisa was surprised at the unusual team they made for this expedition. It doesn't seem like this team would be a great one at all.
Aubrey, on the other hand, was surprised at the fact that Odessa, who had retired as a Royal Mage, was actually already working for the Shadow Immortal! It was no wonder why there were no reports about this since it would be a huge blow to have your Royal Mage join a different faction.
"W-wait... Celestial Prison Realm?"
Chad's astonishment at being included in such a dangerous expedition was evident, his mind racing with questions and uncertainties.
"Why am I being entrusted with such a dangerous mission? Is there a specific role that I am meant to fulfill?" Chad's inquiry was met with a knowing glance from Magnus.
Jin was a Time Manipulator and was certainly needed for this expedition. His strength could not be denied. Aurion, a True Immortal whose essence resonated with eternity, possessed ancient wisdom and boundless power and would be needed in the exploration. Odessa, on the other hand, was already a Half-Immortal of rare talent and unfathomable potential. She possessed a mastery of arcane arts that defied conventional understanding. From what he knew about her, she had several Original Spells with her!
On the other hand, Chad felt that he didn't belong to the group. He felt that as a Half-Dragon, Orden, and Ryzoir would be a better choice!
To be exact, Faith and Pearl wouldn't be a bad choice either! If they're not available, there are still other True Immortals and Demon Saints slaves who are stronger than him!
"You should join the expedition since it might benefit you... The Shadow Immortal wanted you to possess a physique that could also travel through the realm like a Dimensional Creature." Magnus said, which shocked Chad even more!
"Why do I need that?!"