CHAPTER 1: THE FALL OF TREASURE PLANET 2

Continuation...

CITY OF LIGHT

EREBUS

The Great Palace looms ahead, its towering spires piercing the clouds like jagged teeth. The polished marble floors gleam under the weight of history, reflecting the golden light from torches lining the cavernous hallways. I move with purpose, the War Gauntlet heavy in my grasp, its dark metal pulsing faintly like a living thing. Each step echoes through the empty space, but the throne at the far end sits vacant.

I narrow my eyes. "Where is he?

Two palace guides, clad in polished armor that catches the light, stand at attention near the throne. Their expressions are unreadable, as if they've practiced masking fear itself.

"Where is your king?" My voice cuts through the stillness like a blade.

One of them straightens, his face betraying nothing. "No worries, he'll be here soon."

I don't like that answer. Not one bit. "How long will it take?"

"He won't take much time."

Before I can press further, a familiar voice slithers into the hall from the shadows.

"Well, well. Erebus… long time no see."

I turn sharply. Angrboda steps into view, her presence filling the room like a storm rolling over calm waters. She moves with the grace of a predator, her piercing eyes locked onto mine. The daughter of Goliath, always too curious for her own good.

"Angrboda," I greet her coolly. "Where's your father? I need to speak with him."

She tilts her head, a sly smile playing on her lips. "He told me someone was coming. Is it you?"

"Who else would be a loyal servant and a trustworthy friend to your father?" I reply, my patience thinning.

"Indeed," she murmurs, circling me slowly like a wolf sizing up prey. She lowers herself into her mother's throne, lounging comfortably as if she owns the palace. "So, what is it that you want?"

"It's not your concern."

"Oh, but it is, my dear." Her smile widens, daring me to challenge her.

Before I can answer, heavy footsteps echo from the corridor behind her, each one deliberate, thunderous. The air thickens, the temperature seeming to drop as the towering figure of King Goliath emerges from the same shadowed passage Angrboda had.

"Well, well," his voice rumbles, deep and commanding, "look at what we have here."

His presence is suffocating, his bulk dwarfing the towering doors behind him. Beside him, his wife glides into view—an imposing figure in her own right, her eyes cold, calculating, as they lock onto me.

"My loyal and best friend," Goliath booms, his steps reverberating through the marble floor as he approaches his throne. "I believe thou hast good news to share with me?"

I drop to one knee, bowing low, the War Gauntlet gleaming in my hands. "I do, my king."

Goliath's eyes narrow with approval as I raise the Gauntlet for him to see. The artifact pulses in the dim light, its runes glowing faintly with an otherworldly energy.

"Well done, my friend." His voice is like gravel grinding beneath a heavy boot. He steps closer, towering over me. "I knew thou wouldst not fail me."

From the throne, Angrboda's voice cuts in. "What weapon is that?" Her tone is sharp, tinged with curiosity—and suspicion.

Her mother answers before I can. "One of the Infinite Weapons." She doesn't take her eyes off the Gauntlet, her voice a low, reverent whisper.

Angrboda's brow furrows. "Thou knowest Sentry Giants cannot wield such weapons. They would consume our power and leave us as mere mortals."

"Aye, I am aware, Angrboda," Goliath snaps, his gaze flicking to his daughter with the weight of centuries behind it. "I am no child." He turns his attention back to me. "Rise, Emperor."

I rise smoothly, locking eyes with Goliath.

"I know we can't," Goliath rumbles, taking the Gauntlet from my hands. The metal seems to hum in his grasp before he hands it off to one of his guards with a dismissive wave. "However… others can."

His wife leans forward, eyes narrowing. "Who are they?"

"Infinite Warriors," I reply, my voice steady. "Your husband has been training ten vulnerable beings in secret, molding them into skillful fighters. Though powerless, they are dangerous. Armed with the Infinite Weapons, they shall wage a great war against Valhalla. Without them, they are but mortal combatants."

His wife's eyes darken. "Thou canst not be serious."

Goliath chuckles, the sound low and menacing. "He speaketh the truth, my love." He rises from his throne, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Go swiftly and gather the others. I would not tarry long, for I hunger to visit Roak with an unexpected battle."

I smirk, bowing gracefully to him. "I won't fail you, my king."

Goliath's gaze softens for a brief moment, a rare flicker of something resembling affection. "I know thou wilt not."

As I vanish into the shadows, the tension in the room remains, a silent promise of the chaos to come. The war is no longer a distant threat—it is here, simmering beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to erupt.