plans

I continued my walk, pondering the enigma surrounding the two researchers. A suspicion lingered within me, suggesting a possible connection to the Black King's palace, though I remained uncertain.

After a few minutes, I encountered the door to another head researcher. Approaching the massive door, I proceeded to knock upon it.

My Thoughts: ...

After a brief pause, the door swung open, revealing a female head researcher—a cosmic being standing at a towering height of 14 feet. She possessed captivating curves and exuded an aura of cosmic energy, making her appearance truly remarkable.

She gazed down at me and spoke:

Head Researcher: Yes?

Myself: May we have a conversation?

Head Researcher: Certainly, come inside.

She stepped aside, granting me passage. I entered the room, and as I did, she closed the door behind me. Taking her seat a few meters away, she settled into her chair.

The Head Researcher inquired:

Head Researcher: What can I assist you with?

Myself: Have you encountered these two new researchers?

Head Researcher: I'm not sure what you're referring to...

Myself: The two researchers who lack color, have you seen them?

Head Researcher: Yes, I have encountered them. They are quite intriguing. Why do you ask?

Myself: It's difficult to explain, but I have a suspicion that they may be from the Black King's palace.

Head Researcher: I had similar thoughts as well. They do appear somewhat suspicious, but overall, they seem harmless. Perhaps we are being too judgmental?

Myself: You may be right. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but being near them evoked a sense of unease within me.

Head Researcher: Hmm, that's interesting. Maybe spending more time with them would help you feel more at ease.

Myself: I'll give it a try. Thank you for your advice. Can you please open the door?

Head Researcher: Of course, you're welcome.

With a snap of her fingers, the door swung open, allowing me to exit the room. Moments later, she closed the door again, securing her office.

Now standing in the hallway, I contemplated my next move.

My Thoughts: I must find someone or something.

I resumed walking through the hallway, and after a few minutes, I spotted Astralux. Calling out to him, I requested his assistance.

Myself: Astralux! Come here, I need your help.

Astralux turned around upon hearing my voice. Within moments, he teleported next to me, now standing in front of me.

Astralux: Liran? What do you need?

Myself: I have a feeling that we may be facing a potential threat within this foundation. It involves the two colorless researchers.

Astralux: I have seen them. What about them?

Myself: They could pose a danger to all of us. Haven't you noticed anything peculiar about them?

Astralux: Well, they do stand out, but they haven't exhibited any suspicious behavior thus far.

Myself: Look, I know this may sound crazy, but we need to take action. We need a plan.

Astralux: What do you suggest? Explain your plan.

Myself: We should remove them from the foundation, relocate them to a remote desert area. This way, I can meet them there later. What do you think?

Astralux: Hmm, so you want me to deceive them?

Me: That's correct. Lie to them and inform them that it's an emergency. If they don't believe you, seek approval from Epsilon.

Astralux: Do you think Epsilon will agree?

Me: Tell Epsilon that the request is coming from me. "He" has to trust me. I'm not fabricating this. It's a serious matter.

Astralux: Alright, I'll do that. I'll see you later.

After our conversation, Astralux walked away, leaving me to my thoughts.

My Thoughts: I need to find Derek.

I retraced my steps, heading back in the direction of Derek's room.

After a few minutes of walking, I returned to the hallway where I last saw the two researchers. However, this time, they were nowhere to be found.

My Thoughts: Hm...

Continuing down the hallway, I walked for some time.

After a couple more minutes, I reached the door that led to Derek's room. Approaching it, I knocked and called out to him.

Myself: Derek? Are you in there? Open the door!

I continued knocking and calling out to Derek, but there was no response. Was he sleeping? I wasn't sure.

After a few moments of unsuccessful attempts, I stopped.

Myself: Damn it...

I considered breaking into the room, but I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go that far.

However, the nagging feeling of unease persisted. Along with the unsettling presence of the two researchers, I felt compelled to take action.

I made up my mind. I kicked the door, causing it to break and fall. With determination, I entered the room.

As I scanned the room, I realized it was empty. There was no sign of Derek. He wasn't in the bed, and he wasn't anywhere in the room.

Myself: ?!

Feeling puzzled and concerned, I exited the room, searching for any clues or signs of where Derek might be.

My thoughts raced as I realized Derek was nowhere to be found. Concerned and determined to find him, I made a decision.

Myself: I need to get out of here. I'll head to the desert.

A few minutes passed as I made my way out of the base. Now standing in the streets, I focused on my objective.

My thoughts continued: The desert should be in that direction. I need to make my way there.

With determination in my steps, I started walking towards the desert, keeping my mind focused on reaching my destination.

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ASTRALUX'S POV:

Upon hearing Liran's proposals, I proceeded to the council chamber, where I beheld Epsilon and the other divine entities. With reverence, I prostrated myself before their august presence.

Myself: Epsilon, I beseech your assistance.

Epsilon: Pray, what is the nature of your request?

Myself: Have you, by chance, perceived, heard, or observed these two ostensibly "colorless" scholars?

Epsilon: I have been apprised of their existence; what has prompted this inquiry?

Myself: Liran has divulged to me a disquieting revelation regarding their origins. He has informed me that these two individuals hail from the hallowed precincts of the Palace of the Black Monarch...

Epsilon: ...

Myself: Liran himself has relayed this information, and I have personally laid eyes upon these two figures. Liran's assertions bear veracity! Their countenance bears a striking resemblance to the denizens of the aforementioned palace.

Epsilon: Pray, enlighten me on Liran's course of action.

Myself: I intend to approach these individuals and guide them to the arid expanse of the desert, where Liran shall confront them directly. However, I shall initially resort to deception and convey to them that an exigency demands their immediate presence. Yet, I require your esteemed endorsement to substantiate my claim.

Epsilon: I comprehend the situation. Very well, you have my approval.

Epsilon, with a decisive snap of "his" fingers, materialized a parchment before me, wherein the endorsement and accompanying details were inscribed.

Myself: I express my heartfelt gratitude...

Taking hold of the paper, I clutched it in my hand.

After a few moments, I rose from my prostrate position and proceeded to depart the council chamber.

Several minutes elapsed as I traversed the corridor, diligently scouring for the presence of the aforementioned duo of scholars. And lo and behold, my perseverance bore fruit, for I beheld them in the company of a diminutive individual garbed in ebony gloves.

Approaching them with resolve, I initiated contact.

Myself: Greetings.

Their attention was immediately drawn to my presence, prompting them to turn around and face me.

As I beheld their countenances, I cast my gaze momentarily upon the diminutive figure—Liran's confidant known as "Derek."

One of the two researchers then addressed me:

Researcher: Good day. Is there a matter of concern?

Myself: Alas, no. It is a matter of utmost urgency...

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