Chapter 31 - The Wanderer’s Arrival

The phenomenon of Psionic energy materialization was beyond the understanding of most beings. It transcended normal existence, granting near-immortality as long as one's Psionic energy remained intact. Very few in the universe had ever reached this level.

Even Supergiant, with her legendary hypnotic abilities, couldn't truly embody this transformation—unless, of course, one possessed the Soul Stone, rumored to be the purest source of Psionic energy in existence.

Lin Fan sat aboard Temple-One, staring through the viewing port at the desolate planet ahead. He ran a hand through his pink hair, exhaling slowly.

His fingers twitched slightly—a subconscious reaction to the absence of something that had been in his grasp just moments ago. The Eternal Spear was gone. Recalled by Odin.

That old bastard had a habit of ruining his fun.

A voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Master, we have arrived at our destination: Pegasus Dwarf Galaxy DDO216."

Lin Fan turned his gaze toward Ebony Maw, who still carried signs of his previous injury. The servant was composed, but there was something different about him—less arrogance, more caution. Probably still feeling the aftermath of Odin's attack.

Through the porthole, the planet below was lifeless. A barren world of ashen gray, split by a massive fissure that nearly tore it in half.

"This is the place?" Lin Fan asked, his tone skeptical.

Ebony Maw straightened. "Yes, Master. The intelligence is accurate. I suggest scanning the surface. We should find something."

Lin Fan sighed, rolling his shoulders. He wasn't in the mood for an elaborate plan. He wanted answers, and he wanted them now.

"Fine. Do what you need to."

Ebony Maw gave a respectful nod and turned to the ship's systems. Temple-One's thrusters adjusted, bringing the vessel down onto the planet's surface.

There was no resistance. No energy barriers. No interference.

Only silence.

As they landed, Ebony Maw prepared to deploy reconnaissance drones—but before he could, a sudden shift in the air made Supergiant tense.

Her white cloak rippled, and she lifted her head sharply.

"Something's wrong," she murmured. "There's a terrifying Psionic energy presence…"

Before she could finish, a wave of Psionic energy erupted from the distance, crashing over them like an invisible tsunami.

And then, they saw it.

Outside the porthole, the air shimmered, bending like heatwaves on a desert horizon. The distortion tightened, condensed—until a figure, glowing with a golden aura, took form.

It was humanoid. Tall. Radiating an unnatural stillness.

Ebony Maw reacted instantly. With a wave of his hand, Temple-One's weapons locked on, targeting the figure.

Lin Fan didn't move. His gaze simply narrowed.

The golden being floated there, observing them through the reinforced glass as if the barriers meant nothing.

Then, without opening its mouth, a voice slid into their minds.

"Relax. There is no need for hostility."

Lin Fan exhaled slowly. Telepathic communication wasn't new to him, but the ease with which this being bypassed their ship's defenses was... unsettling.

The entity smiled. An expression eerily human, despite its ethereal form.

"Allow me to introduce myself," it said. "You may call me… The Wanderer."

Silence.

Lin Fan tilted his head slightly. "The Wanderer, huh?" He leaned forward, resting his elbow on the throne's armrest. "And what exactly are you wandering for?"

The being's golden eyes shimmered with amusement. "Knowledge. And today, I seem to have found something quite extraordinary."

Lin Fan's expression didn't change, but his fingers tapped against the armrest. "People usually introduce themselves before mind-invading my crew."

The Wanderer chuckled—not a villainous laugh, but one of genuine amusement. "Old habits," it admitted. "But you… you are different."

Lin Fan's brows furrowed slightly.

"I have seen countless beings across time and space," The Wanderer continued, "and yet, I have never encountered one quite like you."

Lin Fan huffed, shaking his head. He wasn't sure if he should be flattered or annoyed.

"So, what now?" Lin Fan asked, shifting in his seat. "You show up, call me special, and then what? We play twenty questions?"

The Wanderer gave a knowing smile. "Perhaps."

Lin Fan grinned, though there was an edge to it. "Fine. But let's make this quick. I've got things to do."

The golden figure tilted its head, as if studying him.

Then, with a pulse of Psionic energy, it raised its hand.

And in an instant, everything changed.

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