Chapter 9 – Infiltrating & Mobilisation Intel-I
Chapter 9 – Infiltrating & Mobilisation Intel-I
Before setting out, Vector laid a selection of weapons on the floor—swords, bows, spears, throwing knives, and smoke bombs. A necessary arsenal for infiltration. He didn't know what he might face inside the Colonel's estate, but preparation was key. If someone found him out, he needed to be ready.
He stretched out his hand, attempting to store the weapons in his Storage Space without direct contact—just a thought and a gesture.
Nothing happened.
Vector frowned. This wasn't the first time.
Previously, when he had tried to store the traitor's body and some weapons from a distance, it had failed. He'd brushed it off, thinking he was just too exhausted at the time, but now the truth was undeniable.
Again, he tried… Still no response.
Only silence.
"System," he muttered, brows furrowed, "Why can't I store weapons remotely?"
---
> [System Notification]
[Due to the absence of Origin Energy on Ethereum, items cannot be stored unless directly touched by the host. Remote access functions are currently disabled.]
---
Vector's expression darkened.
"Isn't Origin Energy supposed to be omnipresent throughout the universe? Why is it absent here?" It contradicted what he'd learned through the Will of the Void.
---
> [System Notification]
[Unknown. However, the system has determined that Origin Energy has been sealed or blocked across the entire Ethereum planet.]
---
A chill ran down his spine.
"Sealed? Who could possibly seal off the foundational energy of existence… from an entire planet?"
His mind reeled with possibilities. The implications were staggering.
Without Origin Energy, the entire structure of power shifted.
Vector murmured in shock "It means, no origin practitioner, no energy manipulation, and no elemental arts."
About these he knows from the information he received through the Will of Void, the basic power structure of this universe.
"That's why there are no Origin practitioners (cultivators) in the world…"
"Only martial arts and Body Refinement Manual techniques remained."
"Even the Void Library System's functions were limited in absence of Origin Energy."
Vector's voice dropped to a whisper, as a realization struck him.
"If that's true, then this planet's history... is more mysterious—and more dangerous—than I ever imagined. What kind of war… what kind of power… could do something like this?"
He stood silent for a moment, the weight of the unknown pressing into him like an invisible force.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on ancient secrets. He was still too weak—too far from the answers.
He took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts aside.
Yet something nagged at him.
Vector's expression turned thoughtful.
In the Simulation Space, the system had tempered his body with Chaos Energy—an energy classified as Origin-based. Then how had the system accessed it?
"System," he asked slowly, "during my body refinement training… you used Chaos Energy, didn't you?"
---
> [System Notification]
[Affirmative. Chaos Energy was utilized to reinforce the host's physical structure during the Body Refining practice in simulation space.]
---
He frowned deeper.
"But… isn't Origin Energy sealed across this world? How can the Simulation Space still use it?"
---
> [System Notification]
[The Simulation Space exists in a sub-dimensional domain of the Void and directly connected to the 'Will of the Void'. While Origin Energy is sealed from the physical world, it remains accessible through the Sub-dimensional domain, where the host's simulation space is anchored.]
---
Vector's thoughts churned.
"So the System bypasses the seal… it still connects to the Origin Energy through the Sub-dimensional domain of the Void."
---
> [System Notification]
[Correct. However, access to Chaos Energy is limited to Simulation Space. Direct manipulation outside the simulation is currently beyond the system and host's capabilities.]
---
"Which means I can only access Origin Energy inside the simulation—or if I ever leave this planet altogether."
His mind turned back to the planet's puzzling past. Ancient sites, lost technologies, architectural wonders predating recorded history… everything hinted at a forgotten age. A history wiped from the world's memory.
"This planet's history… Someone didn't just erase it. They locked it."
"If I ever want to go beyond the final stage of Body Refinement, I'll need to uncover the truth… or leave Ethereum and have to breakthrough in space."
After these exchanges with the system.
For now, though, he needed to move forward. The answers would come in time—when he had the power to uncover them.
His eyes sharpened.
It was time to prepare for infiltration.
He crouched, touching each weapon in turn. One by one, they shimmered and vanished into his Storage Space—swords, spears, throwing knives, bow and arrows, and other essentials.
Fully equipped, he turned to the exit.
The sun had fully risen by the time Vector stepped outside. It hung in the sky like a golden spear, cutting through morning mist with its brilliant glare. At 8 a.m., its warmth began to bathe the city in gold and amber, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets.
He walked toward the Colonel's estate with purpose, though his expression remained unreadable—just another day for a humble gardener.
"One step at a time…" he murmured, "and today, that step leads me into Kaelthorn's secrets… and the Lionheart Empire's covert operation."
---
As always, he approached the gate of the estate and saw the mighty estate infront of him.
Four guards clad in black armor, bearing the Lionheart insignia—a roaring lion's —stood like statues. After the routine security check, Vector passed through gates.
Beyond the gate sprawled a vast stone courtyard flanked by fortified walls and sharp-eyed watchtowers. Neatly trimmed hedges framed winding garden paths, and disciplined patrols moved in precise intervals like the gears of a well-oiled war machine.
Vector bowed slightly to patrolling guards and moved toward the gardener's shack, slipping seamlessly into his role. With his shears in hand, he appeared to be trimming hedges, but his sharp eyes were locked onto the estate's layout and guard movements.
He pretended to trim the leaves, all while surveying the terrain.
Above the central building flew the dark crimson banner of the Lionheart Empire.
At last, around 10 a.m., the stillness was shattered by the rhythmic thunder of hooves.
From the Northern Courtyard, Colonel Kael Thorn emerged on horseback, flanked by his personal guard and hunting entourage. Clad in ceremonial armor, its dark-blue surface embroidered with silver trim, he radiated a quiet, commanding authority.
Without pause, the hunting party rode through the estate's eastern gate, destination, towards the dense Northern forests, Naga Forest, for his weekly hunt.
Colonel Varent Kael Thorn, head of the estate, was feared not only for his formidable martial prowess but also because of his powerful family.
Today, Vector's target wasn't the man, but his secrets and what is the covert operation, being planned by the Lionheart Empire.
As the gates closed behind them, Vector straightened his back.
"Now… it's time to act."
[To be continued...]