Chapter 178: Dark God Descending
Richard strode through the gleaming corridors of Level -1, heading towards the central hall. Lina’s holographic avatar materialized beside him, her presence a cool, calm counterpoint to the underlying tension of the base.
"Sir," Lina stated, her voice precise, "I also received a data transfer from your doppelganger just now."
"Oh?" Richard said, not breaking his stride. "Display it."
Lina brought up a series of holographic images: faces, organizational charts, and detailed data packets. "These are the identities of the Divine Concordance Seats, sir, along with comprehensive information about their last meeting. And, most interestingly," she paused, a subtle shift in her tone, "a sample of the silver liquid they consumed."
Richard stopped, turning fully to her. His silver eyes gleamed with renewed interest. "So, what did you find? Any immediate breakthroughs?"
"Nothing conclusive yet, sir," Lina replied. "The sample is currently undergoing a full quantum-biological analysis. Its properties are... unique. We will have more data once the doppelganger arrives back at the mansion and I can conduct a more direct, high-resolution scan of its internal containment unit."
"Alright," Richard said, resuming his walk. "Keep me updated. This could be crucial."
"Yes, sir," Lina acknowledged, her avatar fading slightly as she returned to her core processing.
Somewhere 400 Light-Years Away – The Golden Palace
Four hundred light-years away from Earth, on a desolate, arid planet, a colossal palace of burnished gold and dark obsidian jutted from the peak of a jagged mountain range, its spires piercing the clouds. Within its vast, echoing halls, a scene of ancient power and simmering dread was unfolding.