CHAPTER 11

In the ancient and resonant halls of Whittaker Castle, especially in the meeting room that was located underground, an air of joy and jubilation intertwined with the echo of recently told exploits. The three adventurers, recently returned from the Celestial Sanctuary of Aelion, shared with their clan the epic battle against the infamous Belial. With sparkling eyes and theatrical gestures, they recounted how Rodrick, with a well—aimed blow, had sent the villain fleeing, his pride wounded, his figure dwindling on the horizon.

—He thought maybe your brothers wouldn't be able to stand up to him,— Darius mused, his voice a murmur filled with surprise and admiration.

—Only he had not yet known the fury of our brother,— Ethan interceded, a proud smile lighting up his face as he placed a brotherly hand on Rodrick's shoulders.

—Enough of that,— Rodrick muttered, looking away, a blush of modesty tinting his cheeks. He had never been the focus of so much praise before and he felt strangely like a relic on display.

–Wait– Marcus intervened with a mischievous smile –Darius – he said looking at his friend – wasn't he the one who said years ago that he didn't need flattery because he already knew he was the best in the entire universe?–

—Of course I remember, he claimed to be the best in the entire universe,— Darius added, joining in the joke.

—Stop bothering us,— Rodrick protested, pointing at them with a playful gesture of exasperation. Darius, with a knowing smile, approached his nephew and put an arm around him, pulling him close.

—Come on, nephew, we all know you're extraordinary and that modesty isn't your strong suit. But, anyway, you're the best in the universe,— Darius said with a laugh, while Rodrick gave him a gentle push, indicating that he should stop joking. The contagious laughter spread among those present, filling the castle with a familiar and festive warmth.

In the dim light lit by the flickering holographic displays of TableHolo—3000, Ashtar stood, her voice a whisper filled with urgency. —Despite Belial's return, we must remain vigilant,— she began, her gaze sweeping over the faces of each of her comrades. —We cannot allow her to take the gem. And you, do not venture forth alone. Though she may not know of the other two fragments, and may not know that Rodrick and Ethan possess them, we cannot underestimate her.—

Sapphire nodded, seconding her uncle's caution. —We have consulted with the Cosmic Architects. They have investigated that vanished universe and the fate of the scientists fallen at the hands of Belial. All the information is already in our possession – he said, just before being interrupted by Claudius, whose concern was palpable.

—¿Have they returned to this universe yet?— Claudius asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.

—They will return tonight,— Safiro replied calmly. —They will give us their coordinates as soon as they arrive. We do not want to take any risks; if Belial was able to eliminate those Architects, we cannot allow our allies to run the same risk. Fortunately, they are still alive, and we intend to keep it that way.—

Ashtar nodded gravely. —It is vital that they survive, for they are the architects of this universe. We cannot afford to lose them. United, with our combined wisdom, we will confront and defeat Belial,— he concluded, his voice resonating with the determination of a born leader, a scientist, a warrior.

The assembly in the council chamber of Castle Whittaker resounded with unanimous agreement. None would allow Belial to usurp this universe or end the existence of the Cosmic Architects, the venerable creators of their world.

—I believe,— Kyran began, his voice tinged with a conviction that transcended knowledge, —that Ætheris was aware of this malevolent being long before we had any suspicion, even before my father met him –

—What makes you think that, son?— Terry inquired, his curiosity piqued by Kyran's introspection.

—It is a feeling, more than a thought,— Kyran confessed, his eyes lost in the reflection of past memories. —After analyzing everything that happened, I understand that you needed to rest due to the energy drain. But instead, Ætheris extracted you from your body and used that time to travel to different places. Although the purpose seemed to be to accumulate knowledge, I suspect that he was also looking for something else… or someone.

Francisco Javier nodded, considering Kyran's perspective. —Your logic makes sense. It's plausible that Ætheris had prior knowledge. Perhaps she was looking for a way to stop him, to protect this universe and all of us from his threat. After all, that has always been her mission since her creation: to give us the chance to live and to you, the new generation, the ability to keep the universe running and fight any danger that may arise.

Marcus stood firm, arms crossed over his chest, his gaze burning with unwavering determination – Regardless, it is our duty to fight Belial. We will not allow this universe to be destroyed fall, nor do we perish. We may not all have magical powers, but what we lack in magic, we make up for in the strength of our union. We are a family, and we will not let a being, no matter how powerful, bring us down, kill our loved ones, or destroy the innocent. As Francisco Javier says, our mission is to protect this universe, the Cosmic Architects, and our family. And so we will, even if only one of us is left standing, we will do our duty.

Darius, with a brotherly smile, patted Marcus on the back. —¡Way to talk, buddy! This is my friend,— he exclaimed, placing a hand on Marcus' shoulder in a sign of support and camaraderie.

—Flatter me all you want, I have no problem with that,— Marcus replied with a laugh, a gesture that was imitated by everyone present, filling the room with an echo of shared joy.

Dennis intervened in a serious tone, reminding them of the importance of their vigilance – It is crucial to be alert for the arrival of the Cosmic Architects.

—As soon as I have the data on your location, I will send it to everyone,— Safiro assured, her voice calm but firm.

With a collective nod, they all agreed, united in their resolve and ready to face whatever fate had in store for them.

In the twilight of the cosmos, where the stars twinkle like beacons of hope and unfathomable mysteries, the Cosmic Architects, beings of immemorial wisdom, shared with Sapphire the coordinates of a meeting destined to intertwine destinies. With the agility of a comet crossing the vast canvas of the universe, Sapphire shared this cryptic message with her Whittaker family, extending the invitation to those whose hearts beat in unison with the call of the unknown.

Among the first to answer the call were Darius and Terry, keepers of secrets and protectors of the helpless, navigating the cosmic arteries in the Imperial Highship, a fortress led by the enigmatic Ashtar. Their arrival was like a dawn on new worlds, filling the eager faces of those waiting with light.

—I hope your journey was uneventful,— Darius said in a voice as deep as the void between the stars, addressing Lyra with a gesture of brotherly concern.

—Everything went according to plan,— Caelum replied, his serenity contrasting with the beating of restless hearts. —We ran into some minor inconveniences, nothing we couldn't handle.—

– What do you mean by —minor problem —? – Terry inquired, his concern drawing shadows of doubt on his face.

—Don't worry, Terry,— Elio intervened, his smile as bright as the nebulas that adorned his hair. —My brother is just embellishing one more adventure with a veil of mystery. A slight stumble on our stellar journey.—

—For you it will be a 'slight stumble',— Lyra replied, her voice heavy with the weight of recent experiences, —but for us it was a trial by fire, especially for those of us not versed in the arts of war but in science and magic.

—¿Were they attacked?— Darius asked, his tone now tense, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

A chorus of voices confirmed her fears. —Yes,— Lyra and Caelum said in unison. It was Caelum who spoke up. —For Elio, accustomed to the skirmishes of the cosmos, it was just child's play. But we… we face beasts from the darkest nightmares, entities that defy reason, armed only with our wits and the magic that flows in our veins.

Thus, amid tales of courage and camaraderie, the Whittakers and their allies gathered under the starry sky, remembering once again that, in the vastness of the universe, unity and courage are lights that never go out.

In the gloom of dusk, as the constellations danced across the night sky, Terry's revelation fell upon the group like a fiery meteor. —It must have been Belial,— he said, his voice ringing with the earnestness of one who has faced shadow itself. —He struck us too, while my brothers were receiving Ætheris' teaching.

Lyra, with the gravity of someone who has seen too much, nodded. —That Belial has left a trail of chaos and despair in his wake. It took us a while to figure out his movements, but we finally have something concrete. It is imperative that we call a meeting and share our findings.

Without wasting a moment, Darius pulled out his portable LumiCom, a device that blinked with the light of a thousand distant suns, and contacted Francisco Javier to coordinate the meeting.

—¿How did he attack them?— Elio asked, his curiosity piqued by the mention of the confrontation.

– It was last night – Terry began – on our way back to the castle. Belial was looking to get his hands on the gem and ambushed us. But my brother Rodrick stood up to him and gave him a lesson the old—fashioned way. With his bare fists.

Shock was written on the faces of those present, a chorus of disbelief and laughter rose among the Cosmic Architects – — Hit us!— – they exclaimed in unison, before bursting into laughter.

—But wait,— Lyra intervened, —you must tell us in detail what happened. That is a story we cannot let pass.

With a smile that revealed both pride and amusement, Terry shared, —Belial didn't take the encounter well. He literally ran away with his tail between his legs. Rodrick doesn't tolerate anyone threatening our family. And in the face of Belial's arrogance, saying how he was going to destroy us, well… you know Rodrick. He doesn't tolerate dishonoring us.

Caelum thoughtfully added, —It is understandable, but what is remarkable is that Rodrick did not fear physical contact with Belial in the slightest, facing him without fear. That shows his strength.

Terry continued, laughing: —Rodrick, driven by his rage, ignored our attempts to stop him. Ethan and I were thrown to the ground by his force. He lunged at Belial, grabbed him by the lapel and showed him what it meant to face a Whittaker. Belial, unable to bear it any longer, fled, humiliated not only in body but in spirit.—

Elio, with an approving smile, concluded: –The good thing is that Belial now knows that it won't be easy to face the Whittakers. I highly doubt he'll try anything against Rodrick again after that humiliating defeat.

Thus, amidst stories of bravery and shared laughter, the resolve grew stronger in their hearts. No matter what darkness they faced, together they would light the way to victory.

As Darius approached, his presence marked the prelude to a most important meeting. —Everything is now ready. Francis Xavier has notified everyone. We will meet in the underground conference room of Whittaker Castle,— he announced, his voice ringing with the solemnity of the moment.

—Excellent,— Lyra replied, her mind already wrapped up in the preparations and the magnitude of what they were about to share.

Time, that eternal weaver of fates, moved slowly forward until the moment of the meeting arrived. The men, both from the Whittaker family and their allies, gathered around the HoloTable —3000, an artifact of advanced technology that promised to reveal truths hidden in the folds of the universe.

Lyra activated the device, and a hologram emerged, illuminating the room with its ethereal light. —Here,— she began, pointing to a specific spot on the projected cosmic map. What she revealed next was a spectacle of desolation: a universe where Belial once reigned, now reduced to rubble. Annihilated planets, dying stars, and a haze of darkness engulfing everything in its path.

Caelum spoke up, his voice filled with deep sorrow for the lives lost. He showed even more harrowing images: the Cosmic Architects' laboratory, now in ruins, and mortal remains scattered among the rubble, silent witnesses to a genocide. —Belial seems to enjoy murder perpetrated with a… personal touch. Knives, swords, any bladed weapon. And when that fails, he turns to his magic as a last resort,— he explained, his words echoing with fear and revulsion.

But among the shadows of destruction, they found a light of hope. —During our search, we discovered a cache where, against all odds, one of the Cosmic Architects managed to preserve complete files on the creation of this gem,— he continued, revealing holographic documents detailing the structure and secrets of the precious gem.

This find was not just a triumph over adversity; it was a testament to resistance against Belial's tyranny. The information contained in these archives not only offered a window into the past and the origins of the gem, but also provided hope and a possible advantage in the struggle to come.

With every word, with every image projected, the weight of their mission became more palpable. Together, gathered in the darkness of the underground, they faced not only the immediate threat of Belial, but the task of preserving the light in a universe threatened by darkness. And now, more than ever, the union of their spirits promised to be the beacon that would guide their path to victory.

Elio stood up, capturing the attention of everyone in the room with a seriousness he rarely displayed. —We have discovered that this gem possesses a dark core. Thanks to the archives, as well as several preserved videos, we have learned that one of the Cosmic Architects was involved in dark magic. His goal was to create a gem that would feed off the darkness inherent in creatures, be they people or demons, in order to accumulate even greater power. It was an experiment, but his ultimate intentions, whether for destruction or redemption, are still a mystery to us.

Lyra, her gaze reflecting both determination and gravity in her words, added, —What we do know is that once complete, the gem not only came to life, but also formed a body for itself, identifying itself as Belial Infernus. Treacherously, it eliminated its creators, ensuring that none could oppose its thirst for dominance. Belial Infernus seeks to seize the power of gems from various universes, aiming to annihilate all resistance and proclaim himself absolute sovereign. In his distorted vision, only one universe will prevail under his tyranny.

The revelation plunged the room into a heavy silence, broken only by the occasional hum of the technology around them. The magnitude of the threat posed by Belial Infernus was overwhelming; he not only sought absolute power, but also craved total destruction, save for a universe he would rule as a despot.

In the face of this darkness looming over existence itself, the determination in the eyes of every individual present intensified. It was clear that the fight against Belial Infernus would not be for the survival of their own worlds alone, but for that of all known universes. The coming battle would not be easy, but the information recovered from the Cosmic Architects had provided a ray of light in the darkness: knowledge. And with knowledge came the power, not only to confront Belial, but to attempt to dismantle his plan at its very roots. The task was monumental, but the resolve of the allies was firm. United, they would face the tempest, in the hopes of restoring peace to the cosmos.

—Now that we are aware of his plans,— Terry began, a firm determination ringing in his voice, —would it be possible for you, with your vast knowledge and skills, to create some mechanism that could neutralize or at least reduce his power? Something that would give us the opportunity to confront him and, hopefully, destroy him.

Caelum nodded, sensing the urgency of the situation. —The task requires us to join forces, for all the scientists and experts here to work closely together. Our goal will be to develop an artifact, a tool of significant power that is capable of countering Belial. It could be something designed to absorb his power, or perhaps something that can match his strength.

This proposition marked the beginning of an unprecedented collective effort. The room, a moment before tense and somber, was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. In the face of adversity, the resolve and creativity of those gathered in the underground conference room of Whittaker Castle glowed with the promise of hope and resilience.

—Ætheris is already at the same power level as Belial— revealed Claudius, capturing the attention of everyone in the room –The key could be to further enhance the Ætheris gem to surpass Belial.

Ashtar, with a grave nod, acknowledged the importance of this strategy. —It is a crucial aspect that we had overlooked. The Ætheris gem, being on parity of power with Belial, has been the only obstacle preventing him from completely dominating Ætheris. That resistance is also the reason why Belial has come to our universe. In order to advance his plans in other universes, he must first eliminate Ætheris.—

Elio, shocked by the revelation, turned to Lyra and Caelum. —It seems we now have a clear purpose for the machine we plan to build. We must focus on increasing the power of the Ætheris gem. That way, we will have a chance to defeat Belial once and for all.

—Then we shall do so,— Lyra stated, her resolve radiating determination. —We shall summon all the scientists and experts among us to develop a tool capable of intensifying the power of the Ætheris gem.— Ashtar, Kyran, Sapphire, and Caelum all agreed, pledging to undertake the task of creating an artifact that would significantly enhance Ætheris.

As the meeting continued, weaving plans of hope and strategy, Ethan was abruptly brought out of his concentration by the insistent buzz of his portable LumiCom. As he answered, the urgent voice of one of his lieutenants informed him of an attack on Omegara, a reminder that, although they planned for the future, the conflict with Belial was already underway.

—How did it happen?— Ethan asked, worry casting shadows across his face.

It started with an explosion near the barracks, General,— the lieutenant reported, his shaky voice reflecting the magnitude of the crisis. —There are many

wounded, but the most alarming thing is our inability to fight these... creatures. We don't know how to attack them.

—¿What kind of creatures?— Ethan asked, his mind trying to wrap its head around the situation.

The lieutenant hesitated, searching for words to describe the indescribable. —They are like entities straight out of the worst nightmares, sir. We are in serious trouble; conventional weapons are useless against them.—

—It is Belial's doing ,— Rodrick interjected with certainty. —He has attacked your regiment knowing you will be heading there.—

—Still, I must go,— Ethan said, his determination unwavering. —I cannot allow my men to face that demon alone.—

—You're not going alone,— Terry said, standing up. —We can't let a personal vendetta cause more innocent victims.—

–Ashtar added –If you go, you must proceed with extreme caution. Although the Ætheris gem is on the same level of power as Belial, it could be a ploy to seize it.

—Darius and I will accompany you too,— Marcus said, ready for battle.

Francisco Javier, assuming command of the situation, concluded: –The warriors will go to Omegara to lend our help. The others, find ways to support from here– With unanimous consensus, they activated a transport portal, sending the family warriors straight to the heart of the conflict.

Upon arrival, the scene was bleak: devastation and destruction spread all around them, with fallen soldiers, some torn apart by the demons. Among the rubble, the bodies of some defeated demons also lay, testament to the fierce resistance faced. The air was heavy with despair, but also with a resolute determination. Before them, there was not only the battle for Omegara, but also the fight for the future of all the universes threatened by Belial's darkness.

The lieutenant, with palpable respect in his posture, approached Ethan with a martial salute before handing him the report. —General, we have had some success using bombs to attack these creatures. By having them ingest them, we have been able to inflict damage, but we are still looking for more effective methods.

Ethan nodded, grateful for the initiative.

–Well done, Lieutenant. Let us analyze the situation and determine the best course of action– As they reviewed the video of the initial attack, they watched as a portal opened, unleashing hordes of monsters under Belial's command. With his dark magic, he not only multiplied their ranks, but also strengthened his demons with armor resistant to conventional attacks.

—We must come up with a plan to exterminate them,— Marcus proposed, aware of the magnitude of his challenge.

Rodrick, always ready to face danger head on, suggested, —Those beasts can be defeated with punches, I'm sure. Just like their leader.—

Francisco Javier intervened cautiously: –We cannot allow ourselves to take unnecessary risks. And Rodrick, you must stay away from Belial, especially now that he does not know the power of your fragment and Ethan's and does not know about Kyran's hybrid power.

Accepting the wisdom in his father's words, Rodrick nodded in agreement.

Terry, determined to make a difference, announced his plan: —I will protect and rescue as many soldiers as I can, summon a dome to take refuge in, and fight the demons from there.

–Darius and I will cover you while you unleash your power– assured Marcus, ready to support his partner.

– Rodrick, Ethan, do the same – Francisco Javier instructed – Create domes to protect the soldiers. And remember, it is vital to avoid any contact with the demons and, of course, with Belial.

With clear instructions, they set out from the barracks and onto the battlefield. Terry, Rodrick, and Ethan deployed their skills, creating protective domes to shelter the soldiers. From their makeshift shelter, they launched targeted attacks on the demons, attempting to thin their ranks and provide a safe sanctuary for those caught in the crossfire.

This tactic not only offered some respite to the defending forces, but also marked the beginning of an organized resistance, a ray of hope in the darkness that Belial had brought to Omegara.

–Sergeant, get your men out of here– Ethan shouted, urging immediate action –Take shelter in the underground.

The sergeant, recognizing the urgency in his general's voice, motioned to his men. Together, they made their way through the tragedy—scarred streets, dodging the trails of blood and the torn bodies of fallen comrades.

Meanwhile, in different locations, Rodrick and Terry unleashed their power against the demonic hordes. Rodrick, summoning lightning from the ground, annihilated the demons with tempestuous ferocity, while Terry fought with equal determination, turning every space into a temporary sanctuary for the retreating soldiers.

Ethan, ensuring safe passage for his men into the underground, unexpectedly found himself face to face with Belial. The tension between them was palpable, a mix of anger and defiance dripping through the air.

—I finally found you,— Belial said, his smile dripping with pure evil.

Ethan, whose anger was evident, replied disdainfully: —If you wanted to find me so much, you could have done so without attacking my regiment.

Belial let out a mocking laugh, relishing the chaos he had unleashed. —It's much more fun this way. I delight in the scent of blood,— he declared coldly.

Ethan, not willing to be intimidated, challenged, —It seems that the lesson my brother Rodrick gave you wasn't enough. Are you here for more?—

–Unlike Rodrick, he is not here to save you. I have special plans for you– Belial replied, with a smile full of irony.

At that moment, Ethan felt tension wash over his body, aware that this confrontation might have been Belial's goal all along.

Preparing for combat, Ethan channeled lightning and energy through his hands, launching spheres of power towards Belial, who dodged them with supernatural agility.

The battle between Ethan and Belial became a show of skill and power, a duel that would test not only Ethan's strength, but also his resolve to protect his people and confront the darkness that Belial represented. In that moment, more than ever, Ethan understood the weight of his responsibility, not only as a general but as a guardian of hope in the face of the despair that Belial sought to sow.

The confrontation between Ethan and Belial quickly escalated, the air charged with tension and power.

—It seems you have yet to get your attacks to reach me,— Belial provoked, his smile dripping with disdain. Without wasting a moment, he launched a sphere of dark energy at Ethan, who, in a reflex action, erected a protective barrier. The force of the impact pushed him back, a testament to the overwhelming power Belial wielded.

– Well done, boy, it seems you still have much to learn; you are nothing more than an apprentice in the magical arts.

Ethan, breathing heavily but not losing his determination, replied, —I may be an apprentice, but I will not allow you to continue killing innocents.— His voice, although filled with anger, did not hide the challenge towards the dark being in front of him.

Belial, visibly excited by the fight and the smell of blood filling the air, nodded with a sinister smile. —Let's see what else you can do then, boy.— In the blink of an eye, he moved with lightning speed towards Ethan, grabbing him by the neck and lifting him off the ground. Belial's strength was inhuman, his grip relentless, cutting off Ethan's airflow. Desperate, Ethan managed to land a kick to Belial's face, hard enough to break free and fall to the ground.

—Damn it,— Belial roared, clearly enraged by the attack. He lunged at Ethan, who was still on his knees trying to catch his breath. As he tried to get up, Ethan repelled Belial's hand in one swift movement, striking him in the stomach and making him double over in pain. This brief advantage allowed Ethan to stand up and gain some distance, preparing for the next assault.

However, the fight that followed was one—sided. Despite his best efforts, Ethan found it increasingly difficult to anticipate and counter Belial's attacks. The duel devolved into a series of frantic exchanges, where Ethan's every move was anticipated and countered with brutal precision. Belial, drawing on his experience and superior power, finally managed to overcome Ethan's defenses. With one swift, decisive move, Belial struck Ethan, knocking him to the ground with a thud that echoed through the desolate streets.

Ethan, beaten but not broken, tried to rise, but Belial was over him, his ominous presence blocking out the light. —It is the end, boy,— Belial said, his voice filled with victory and malice. Without giving Ethan a chance to respond, Belial took him hostage, planning to use him as bait to lure his brothers out.

Thus, with Ethan unable to resist, Belial disappeared with him into the shadows, leaving behind the echo of a battle where hope seemed to have been extinguished. But even in the deepest darkness, the determination and fighting spirit of those left behind promised to ignite a spark of resistance against the tyrant who threatened to consume everything in his path.

Once the last echoes of battle had died down and the demons lay defeated, marking the end of a grim chapter, the survivors began the arduous task of rebuilding. Dennis and Claudius, with their magical abilities, took the lead in restoring the devastated barracks. Moving their hands in harmony with ancient chants, they caused the broken stones and wood to rise and fit together, as if time were turning back to heal the wounds inflicted by battle.

Meanwhile, Terry was busy purifying the streets, dispelling the remnants of the demons with flashes of pure light emanating from his palms, ensuring that no trace of their corruption was left in the world. Rodrick, meanwhile, did his thing, his brute force as effective as magic, disintegrating any demonic vestiges he found in his path.

Darius, Marcus, and Francisco Javier moved through the rubble with a different purpose. They assisted the surviving soldiers, many of whom were wounded or in shock, helping them clear the worst—affected areas and collect the bodies of the fallen. The air was filled with a mixture of sadness and determination, a silent sign of respect for those who had sacrificed everything.

When physical reconstruction finally began to take shape, and rubble gave way to restored structures, the community gathered for a ceremony of remembrance. At the heart of the now—rebuilt barracks, a memorial was erected to honour the fallen, their names etched in stone so that the memory of their bravery would endure through the ages.

But as the evening light bathed the place in golden hues, a sense of unease hung in the air. Victory had been theirs, yes, but at a high cost. And there were questions that remained unanswered, dark mysteries that stirred in the shadows, waiting for their moment to emerge. The war against Belial was over, but they all knew, deep in their hearts, that peace would be short—lived. There were other secrets, other enemies lurking in the darkness, waiting their turn to challenge the world they had fought so hard to protect.

Once they managed to restore the place, one after another, they began to gather in the office that Ethan used to occupy.

—It's incredible,— Rodrick said, his fatigue evident, —this demonic being really knows no limits.—

– He has no limits when it comes to devastation and destruction. Remember, he thrives on it – Darius added, just as Terry and Marcus crossed the threshold of the door. Behind them, the nephews, Dennis and Claudius, entered, followed by Francisco Javier.

—¿Are we all here?— asked Francisco Javier, glancing at the group.

—No,— Rodrick replied worriedly. —Ethan is missing. ¿Has anyone seen him?

One by one, they shook their heads, sharing looks of bewilderment.

—I haven't actually seen him since we parted ways on that avenue,— Terry confessed, trying to remember. —We turned into a back alley, and after that, I lost track of him. I haven't seen him since.

Francisco Javier went to the desk to press the HoloLink—Com X200 device, activating its holographic user interface with a determined gesture. The module's light spread out, creating a three—dimensional control panel before him. He was looking to track the chip implanted in Ethan, missing after the last confrontation with Belial. Data began to flow, encoded in beams of light that danced before his eyes, displaying coordinates, signals, and a dynamic star map.

Entering the unique identifier of Ethan's chip, Francisco Javier began the tracking process. The HoloLink —Com X200 hummed softly, its circuits working at full speed to locate the signal. The tension in the room was palpable, everyone anxiously awaiting some news on Ethan's whereabouts.

After a few moments that seemed like an eternity, the device emitted a clear and precise sound, indicating that the search had concluded. A small planet, previously unknown to them, appeared highlighted on the holographic map. —Location found,— the device announced in a synthesized voice. —Ethan's chip is not located on Omegara. The signal originates from the planet Dyronia .

Dyronia, a world uncatalogued on their star charts, seemed to float in the void of space before them, represented by a detailed holographic globe. The planet displayed vast, deep blue oceans and emerald continents, with cloudy atmospheres suggesting a rich biodiversity. But the beauty of the hologram could not dispel the worry that now filled the room. Ethan was here, potentially in Belial's hands, on an alien and unknown planet.

—We must prepare for an immediate rescue mission to Dyronia,— reiterated Francisco Javier, encapsulating the urgency and hope that filled the room. The news of Ethan's location had not only rekindled their resolve, but had also brought to light the magnitude of their next adventure. Although the task seemed daunting, the strength of their drive and purpose promised to overcome any obstacles that stood in their way.

Preparations for the mission began without delay. Each member of the team moved with a precision and efficiency forged from countless previous challenges. They checked their equipment, made sure they had enough supplies, and fine—tuned the details of their travel plan to Dyronia. They knew that time was of the essence and that every moment lost could mean a critical difference in Ethan's fate.

As the ship was being fueled and final safety checks performed, the group gathered for a moment of reflection. Francisco Javier, his gaze fixed on the stellar horizon that stretched beyond the control tower window, shared some words of encouragement: —What awaits us on Dyronia is unknown, but our purpose is clear. We are not only going to rescue Ethan, but also to confront the forces that seek to destabilize the peace in our universe. Together, we have overcome challenges that seemed insurmountable. And together, we will overcome this one as well.

The ship took off at dusk, its silhouette silhouetted against the twilight as it ascended into the starry sky. On board, the team shared a sense of impending challenge mixed with unwavering determination. The mission to Dyronia would not only be a test of their bravery, but also a journey into the unknown that would test the limits of their camaraderie and fortitude.

What they would discover on that distant planet and how it would influence the fate of their world remained to be seen. But one thing was certain: their journey together was far from over.

With the ship disappearing into the vastness of space, the stage was set for the next chapter in their epic story, a story that would unfold in the darkest and brightest corners of the universe. Ethan's search for Dyronia would not only be a rescue mission, but also the catalyst for events that would define the future of all involved, paving the way for even greater adventures in the book to come.