Camelot Star Tower base
Avalon Star system
Divine Federation
Krios 7th Y-1909 C.E
The Star Tower loomed as a beacon of authority and bureaucracy, its spires piercing the void of space above the planet of Albion. More than a mere structure, it served as the planet's foremost defense and hub of governance, standing as a testament to the Federation's fading dominance. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of tension and fatigue as the Zodiak broadcasted the Senate meeting across the tower's sprawling corridors. Holographic displays in every chamber projected the ongoing debates, making it impossible to escape the relentless arguments of the Federation's senators. For five grueling days, they had been locked in heated discussions about Lamentias, a beleaguered planet in the colony Regions whose plight had become a glaring symptom of the Federation's faltering stability.
Lamentias was a mining planet rich in adamant, seriphium ore and rare ores—resources critical to the Federation's economy and military. Yet, its value to the Federation had come at a steep cost to the Lamentian humans who called the planet home. Unlike the Pleiadians, the Lamentian natives bore no genetic ties to the elite ruling class and were treated as second-class citizens. Over time, the systemic injustices had escalated: jobs meant for the locals were handed to privileged off-worlders, and food and resources were disproportionately allocated to those higher up in the caste hierarchy. Protests had started as whispers of discontent but had grown into a deafening roar. The Uprising had left scars across the Federation, and Starlight, once a powerful stabilizing force, had been reduced to a shadow of its former self. The collapse of Starlight's authority in the outer colonies allowed unrest to fester, and Lamentias had become the loudest voice among many. Tensions between the lower classes and the elites were reaching a boiling point, not just on Lamentias but across the colony planets. The Outer regions were rife with conflicts that Starlight had struggled to contain, especially while battling the Abomination threat. Although the chaos had temporarily subsided, it was clear that the fragile peace was beginning to fracture once more.
The Fallen Stars, a notorious terrorist organization, had inflicted deep wounds on both the Federation and Starlight. Their influence had destabilized entire systems, and their actions had left a lingering shadow over the galaxy. Rex Pendragon tried to push the memories of them—and his family's entanglement in their actions—from his mind. He had just returned from the Infernal incident on the Avalor colony, a world perilously close to Albion. After delaying the Greater Devil's onslaught, he regrouped with his team, only to learn of Zelock's death. The loss had been grim but unsurprising. It was an unspoken truth among their ranks: their work came with a steep price.
Now, back in his quarters within the Star Tower, Rex sought refuge from the guilt gnawing at his soul. The shower offered momentary solace as hot water washed over him, but it did little to cleanse the weight of responsibility. After dressing in a red shirt and black pants, he stepped onto the patio of his room. The view before him momentarily stole his breath, as it always did. A nebula of vivid colors—crimson, azure, and gold—stretched across the infinite expanse of space, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within the Federation. It was a cruel irony, Rex thought, that such beauty could exist in a universe marred by conflict and suffering. Beyond the mesmerizing view, he could almost feel the faint echoes of cries and struggles rippling across the stars. The patio's serene atmosphere was at odds with the chaos unfolding on Lamentias and countless other worlds. The Federation was teetering on the edge, and Rex couldn't shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come.
As the Senate's arguments droned on in the background, Rex's thoughts turned inward. The Fallen Stars had torn apart lives, sowed discord, and pushed the Federation to its breaking point. Starlight, once a symbol of hope, was now overstretched and crumbling under the weight of its responsibilities. The Neutral Free Zone, a supposed buffer of independence, had become a battleground for exploitation and rebellion. The galaxy was in flux, and Rex knew that the decisions made in these moments would shape its future—for better or for worse
"Ziron cut the broadcast," Rex said. The monitor turned off, and the image of the Senate meeting vanished. He was tired of listening to it. Rex wanted to do something—anything—about the chaos in the outer regions or even the colony planets. He wished he could help the people who were suffering. But Rex knew that wasn't his job. His true purpose was more complicated than going from one region to another as a Star Knight. Though the Stellar Council had appointed him to the position, it hadn't been given to him willingly. Many within the Stellar Council didn't trust him. Rex's ties to the Fallen Stars, through his father, made his life within the Federation difficult. Whenever someone learned he was the son of the former leader of the Fallen Stars, their poisonous glares felt like tiny blades stabbing him from behind. His school years had given him the strength to endure it, especially with the help of his friends. The ache within his heart at the thought of his family made him pause. He pulled out his Zodiak and looked at the image it was set to. They were just kids when this image had been captured. Back in the Ascendant Academy days, when life had been simpler. Emily stood in the middle, her arms around him and Leon. They were laughing, dressed in the black uniforms of the Academy.
Rex left the patio and went to the office within his quarters, where his report for the recent incident awaited him. As a Star Knight, his responsibilities as a Paladin had increased, meaning the only ones he answered to within Starlight were the Council members. But reporting an anomaly within the Beta Sector wasn't something he was sure the Council would take seriously—not when there were larger fires to extinguish. He sat down at the desk and began finalizing his report. He had just finished signing his name when a flicker of light caught his attention. A firefly emerged from a miniature rift and hovered in front of him. Raising his arm, Rex allowed the firefly to land on his finger. He felt the message it carried enter his mind. The transmission was one he had been waiting for. As the firefly vanished, Rex reached into his dimensional storage band and retrieved an additional Zodiak. He ensured the line was secure before initiating the call. A hologram projected from the device, revealing a figure clad in a dark golden cassock robe, their face obscured by a white veil.
"Looks like your seclusion paid off," the sweet, angelic voice said, her tone carrying an almost playful warmth. Rex couldn't help but smile, a rare break in his otherwise stoic demeanor. He stood from his chair, stepping closer to the hologram. Though her face was concealed by the veil of her golden cassock robe, her presence was unmistakable. Even after all these years, the sound of her voice still managed to stir a sense of familiarity and comfort within him.
"And how does it feel to be in the Sage Realm now?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Rex crossed his arms and exhaled. "It's… different," he admitted. "Not like the realms in the Awakening Phase. It's not just power—it's perspective, clarity, and an understanding that the universe is infinitely more vast and complex than I imagined. But you have to experience it to truly understand." A hint of satisfaction touched her voice as she responded.
"I knew you'd ascend, though I never doubted it."
"Your intel was spot on," Rex said, shifting gears. "Balial showed up just as you predicted. He tried to breach our plane, but I stopped him. Barely. If I hadn't broken through to Sage, I wouldn't have stood a chance."
"Does getting a little vengeance make you feel better?" she asked, her tone softening. Rex hesitated, his smile fading.
"A little," he admitted, his gaze dropping for a moment. "But that's not what I'm looking for."
"I know," she replied gently. The room fell into a brief silence, broken only by the faint hum of the Zodiak. Then Rex straightened.
"So, what's going on?" he asked, shifting to the matter at hand.
"The Fallen Star has made their move," she replied, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of urgency. "Terra is about to enter the Ascended Realms."
Rex frowned. "Mallus won't like it."
"That's precisely why it's time to let go of them," she said, her tone firm but layered with meaning.
Rex's brow furrowed. "Does the Admiral know?"
"He does," she confirmed. "Mallus should be reaching out to you soon. Be ready. Things on Terra are about to get… complicated."
Rex sighed, running a hand through his hair. He was barely out of seclusion, and already, duty was dragging him back into the chaos. His role as one of Starlight's Hunting Dogs—a title he despised—meant he couldn't afford rest, no matter how much he craved it. The mission was always waiting.
"I'll see you on Terra, then," he said finally, his voice tinged with resignation.
"See you there. And be careful," she replied softly. Her hologram flickered, then disappeared.
As the room dimmed in her absence, Rex allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection. Terra's induction into the Ascended Realms would undoubtedly shift the balance of power, and it wouldn't come without bloodshed. His mind raced through the possible implications before a sudden shift in the air drew his attention. The shadows in the corner of the room thickened unnaturally, warping and coalescing into a humanoid shape. Rex instinctively straightened, his hand twitching toward his blade, but he forced himself to relax as the figure fully materialized. A woman stepped forward, her pale skin glowing faintly under the dim light. Her black lips curved into a faint smirk, and her long, dark hair cascaded over a robe adorned with glistening silver star patterns. She carried an aura of unshakable confidence and command, her presence heavy and inescapable.
"Krios," she spoke, her voice smooth and laced with power. The sound of his secret name sent a jolt through him, though Rex maintained his composure.
"Hekate," he said, inclining his head respectfully. Suppressing his cultivation to his former level had been the right choice. For now, he couldn't let anyone—especially her—know that he had ascended. Even so, he couldn't hide his surprise. He hadn't been expecting her.
"I thought I'd be hearing from Master Mallus," Rex admitted, his tone carefully neutral.
"Master Mallus has requested your presence within the Citadel," Hekate said, her expression unreadable.
"The Citadel?" Rex repeated, his unease deepening. It wasn't a request to be taken lightly. For Hekate to leave the confines of the Citadel without explicit permission, let alone to summon him in person, meant that something significant was in motion.
"Why didn't he send word through the secret network?" Rex asked, suspicion creeping into his voice. "Is there a problem,"
"You do not ask questions, you do only what is requested of you," Hekate said as she took a few steps backward. The shadows that had formed around her spiraled into a swirling gateway, shimmering with an eerie, otherworldly light. This was the only path to the Citadel. Rex sighed, his plans to rest momentarily pushed aside. Things were moving too quickly. He prepared himself, donning his ram mask with practiced ease before stepping into the portal without a word. Hekate followed closely behind him, her presence barely noticeable, yet unmistakable in its cold power. Rex felt the world twist beneath his feet as if the very fabric of reality had been torn and remade. He was weightless for a moment, then everything snapped back into focus. He could sense the change in the air. He was no longer within the Beta Sector of the universe. He had crossed into a different realm entirely. Before him loomed the Citadel, a towering structure that pierced the thick, green sky, which was smeared with dark clouds swirling ominously. The planet that housed this Citadel was far from Federation territories, nestled deep within the Neutral Free Zone, a region so well-hidden it was nearly impossible to track.
Rex's thoughts briefly drifted back to his first day here, when Master Mallus had personally brought him to this enigmatic place, recruiting him after his Academy days. Mallus's presence still echoed within these halls, even now. Hekate moved ahead, stepping toward the massive door that awaited them, already opening of its own accord. Rex followed swiftly, the sheer scale of the place intimidating even for someone of his experience. The halls of the Citadel were vast, stretching endlessly in every direction, but they were eerily silent, save for the soft echo of their footsteps. The smooth, obsidian-like walls shimmered faintly, a reflection of the Citadel's mystical nature. Rex knew well that this place was more than just a technological marvel. Beneath its sophisticated machinery and countless layers of defense, there were powers here that few could comprehend.
He was not fooled by the silence. Hidden behind those walls were lethal Mana cannons capable of tearing through even the best barrier spells. And the Controllers—those ever-watchful figures—were scattered throughout, isolated in their surveillance rooms, constantly monitoring the movements within and outside the Citadel. They arrived at a large circular platform in the center of the hall, its edges adorned with ancient symbols etched in glowing runes. As they stepped onto it, the platform hummed with a low, resonant vibration. A beam of pure white light enveloped them, lifting them upward at an impossibly smooth rate as if they were rising through dimensions themselves. Rex kept his composure, though the feeling of traversing this Citadel's many layers was like stepping through a living, breathing entity.
When the light faded, they arrived at the next floor. This space was markedly different—a grand chamber with high vaulted ceilings, the walls decorated with intricate carvings and crystalline structures that pulsed with latent energy. The inhabitants of the Citadel, their identities concealed by suits of deep black, moved about silently. Their attire bore a symbol—a tiara adorned with two pairs of bull horns—marking them as the elite, the ones who served within the most secretive arm of the Federation. The Great Bull was carved along the walls, its image imbued with strange, arcane energy. The symbols of power were not just for decoration; they served to enhance the Citadel's protection, channeling both mysticism and advanced technology in perfect harmony. Rex followed the path laid before him, his footsteps echoing softly as they approached the grand set of doors. On these doors, an armored figure was sculpted, its form exuding both strength and authority.
Hekate stepped forward, placing her palm on the door's surface. With a subtle hum, the doors parted, revealing the inner sanctum beyond. She stepped aside, her movement deliberate, leaving Rex to enter first. The door closed silently behind him, and Hekate did not follow. Inside, the room was dim, lit only by the flickering glow of holographic displays and the faint shimmer of runes lining the walls. At the center of the room sat Master Mallus, seated on an imposing marble throne. The throne's armrests were crafted from the likeness of bull's heads, their eyes hollow, but Rex could feel their power—ancient and undeniable. Mallus wore his signature black tunic suit, the bull's horn mask that obscured his face a constant symbol of his authority. Rex couldn't sense Mallus's Mana, as it seemed to be cloaked by something beyond his immediate perception. What Rex did feel, however, was the sheer sense of order and control emanating from him, an aura so potent it suffused the very air around them. It was as if the room itself bent to Mallus's will. The other agents of Sector Zero stood in silence, their identities concealed beneath masks, but Rex knew them all well. Each one of them had earned their place in the shadows. But there was one who stood beside Mallus, a figure whose presence stood out from the rest. The silver-haired woman caught his attention immediately. Her aura was different, as though she belonged neither to the Federation's underbelly nor the ethereal forces of the Citadel.
"Greetings, Krios," Master Mallus said, his voice as impassive and cold as the stone throne he sat upon. There was no warmth, no hint of emotion behind the words, and his tone made it difficult to discern anything about the man beneath the mask. Mallus was a leader who operated from a place of pure calculation, and his mask concealed not only his identity but his entire being, making it nearly impossible to predict his actions.
"Greetings, Master Mallus," Rex responded, bowing respectfully. He could feel the weight of the other Agents' gazes upon him as if they were all waiting for him to make a mistake, or perhaps to say something that would reveal his thoughts. The tension in the room was palpable, but Rex was no stranger to such atmospheres. "Might I ask why I was brought here, My Lord? I know you're quite aware that I was in the middle of—"
"Insolence," hissed the purple-masked Agent. His voice was sharp, laced with an obvious disdain. Unlike Master Mallus, who was dressed in deep black, the other Agents wore colors that signified their respective Houses. This one, dressed in the garnet hues of the House of Capricorn, was one of the more vocal—and volatile—members.
"It's okay, Nabu," Master Mallus interjected smoothly, his voice still lacking warmth but somehow authoritative enough to quell the tension. Rex would have liked to imagine that Mallus smiled, but he knew it was unlikely. Smiling wasn't something the leader of Sector Zero was prone to. "I'm quite aware of your situation, Rex. It seems your Ascension into the higher realms didn't go as planned." Rex's brow furrowed slightly. He was grateful that Mallus was not fully aware of what had happened in the Beta Sector—the success of his Ascending, the struggles he had faced.
"It was taking longer than I planned," Rex replied, his voice steady, as the lie came so easily.
"Hmm. Not everyone steps out of the Awakening Phase, even those with talents as wonderful as yours," Mallus mused, his tone both understanding and dismissive at once. "But it matters not. There's been a situation within sector 29996."
"A situation?" Rex asked, his curiosity piqued despite himself.
"As you're quite aware, years ago, we began Project Starseed thanks to Orion's efforts," Mallus continued, his eyes briefly flickering toward the silver-haired masked female who stood beside him. Her presence in the room was almost as commanding as his own, and Rex knew her well—Orion was one of the best, one of the rare few who had reached the heights that Mallus had once predicted for him. She was an asset to Sector Zero, a fierce and dangerous agent who had played a crucial role in many of their covert missions. Rex's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. Orion had always been a mystery to him. Her mask gave no clues about her House affiliation, and unlike other Agents, he had never seen her use any of the specialized skills that defined their Houses. It was as if she stood outside of their hierarchical structure, a wild card in the most dangerous of games.
"Project Starseed reached its final phase not long ago," Mallus continued, his voice turning darker. "But something's gone wrong. We've lost contact with the facility. It's... unsettling. Which is why I'm sending those of you in this room to investigate and eliminate whatever obstacle stands in our way in that sector."
Nabu's mask shifted as if to show a sneer. "What kind of development, Lord Mallus?"
Mallus leaned forward, his hands clasped in front of him. "The kind that sets us back for many years." His voice was colder than ever, a statement not just of concern, but of something far worse. Rex's instincts screamed that this was serious, the kind of development that could threaten their entire operation. "Project Starseed was nearly complete, but now we face an unknown interference. It doesn't smell right to me."
The room fell into a tense silence, all eyes on Mallus. Rex could feel the subtle hum of anticipation in the air, the weight of a mission that could shift the balance of power within Sector Zero. Mallus, as always, was calm and calculated, yet there was something in his words that suggested urgency, perhaps even desperation.
"It shall be done, Lord Mallus," Nabu said, bowing low, his voice steady with the certainty of a warrior who had been given an order. The others followed suit, their response automatic.
"Make sure nothing gets in the way," Mallus instructed, his gaze sweeping over the Agents. "This is more than just a priority; it's critical. I would go myself, but I have pressing matters to attend to in Lamentias and Litvain. You are all dismissed."
Without another word, the Agents bowed once more and left the room, their movements synchronized as if they were trained to leave without hesitation. Rex lingered for a moment, his mind racing with questions, but none of them could be asked here.
****
Bel-Yor City, Exterior Ward
Spring court
Hidden World, Terra,
Gaea Solar system
Milky Way galaxy, Charlie Sector
Neutral Free Zone
January 14th 2019
Rex watched as the research base was burnt into nothing through the Zodiak that broadcasted it. As the flames burnt brighter, the light expanded, and then everything was sucked into a tiny hole that had broken through the space. Rex's heart had been beating fast when Leon Haravok had gone inside the building. He had not expected Emily to be there also. It had been a while since he had arrived on Terra with his fellow Agents, and Rex had managed to ditch them and ended up where he was currently. He watched as a burst of light flew out of the explosion that consumed the entire building, devouring every last speck of wood. The surprise of seeing Leon and Emily again made Rex's heart tighten. There had been years of separation between them, and yet in that moment, the years seemed to melt away. Seeing them there, amid all this destruction, stirred a mix of emotions within him—nostalgia, guilt, and something he couldn't quite name. Leon, with his unrelenting drive for vengeance, and Emily, always by his side, chasing whatever dreams they once had, together in exile now. They were banished from the Federation and sent to the Neutral Free Zone. But Leon's search for the Fallen Stars was something Rex knew too well. That obsession with revenge had never left his friend, and it was something Rex could fully understand.
The pain of seeing them again made him remember the bond they had once shared. Though years had passed, there was still a part of him that could never truly let go of that connection. Leon was still that stubborn, determined person, just as Emily remained the anchor, always watching over him. It was strange how time and distance could warp things, but some feelings never quite left. His surprise at seeing them wore off, and he could guess why they were here—he wasn't entirely blind to the path they had chosen. But there was a part of him that wished they'd chosen differently, wished they hadn't been forced into this exile, into this dangerous life. Rex felt the presence beside him, and he turned away from the video of his childhood friends to the white-hooded figure sitting across from him. They were in a pub in one of the Hidden Cities of Terra, a place that had been chosen for this meeting Rex was having.
"So Sector Zero believes that it was just an isolated incident," the figure asked. Rex nodded. Rex and the other Agents had already investigated the facility after the incident had happened, and from the investigation they did, it seemed the accident had happened from within. At least, that was how it was supposed to look. Titus, the Warbringer, removed his hood from his face, revealing a scarred face and a bald head with light brown skin.
"Are you sure of it?" Titus, a high-ranking member of the Fallen Stars, asked.
"They're not aware that it was us that sabotaged them," Rex nodded.
"Make sure that nothing gets in the way of this," Titus added. Mallus' words echoed in Rex's mind, Make sure nothing gets in the way of this. Rex clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to curse the bald man standing in front of him. Being a traitor to Sector Zero had complicated everything. Rex still couldn't believe he was in this mess. Three years had passed since he approached the Fallen Stars as a hunting dog for Yaeger Corp, working to gain their trust while secretly undermining Sector Zero from the inside. It had seemed like a simple mission back then, but now, it felt like he was teetering on a razor's edge. One misstep and everything he'd accomplished could come crashing down. Growing up in the Academy, Rex never imagined he would find himself in this position. His expectations, dreams, and ideals of purpose had all shifted the moment he stepped outside the gates of school. Now, his true purpose was to serve as the liaison between two opposing forces, each with its own agenda, while secretly working to dismantle the very heart of corruption within the Federation—Sector Zero. It was an exhausting double life, with each day bringing fresh risks and deeper complications. The further Rex delved, the more entangled he became. His role in undermining Sector Zero weighed heavily on him, like an invisible burden on his shoulders. Every conversation, every action—every word had to be measured. One mistake, one slip-up, and the entire facade would crumble. Rex couldn't afford that. His mission was too important. Too many lives depended on it. It was a relief that he was close to severing his ties with them. But before he could make that break, he had to keep playing the game
Rex's mind drifted to Leon and Emily. Neither of them knew the truth about him, just as no one in the Federation knew the truth about his father, Arexander I Pendragon. Publicly, his father was known as the most infamous criminal in Federation history, a figure shrouded in scandal and fear. But Rex knew there was more to the story—a much darker and more complex truth that no one had ever uncovered. The Federation's version was just the surface, the version that the public had been fed for decades. But Rex had seen the signs, the gaps in the narrative, and he understood the consequences if the full truth ever came to light. The thought of his father had always been a source of strength, pushing him forward through the darkest times. And now more than ever, Rex needed that strength.
"Hmm, the information that you passed along to us has been useful," Titus said, clapping his hands on the table. "They were nearly at the same level of success as we, Octagram, have reached."
"And now they're forced to begin from scratch," Rex replied, his tone controlled, though a hint of satisfaction flickered within him. "So, is that enough to grant me a meeting with the Herald?"
"Not yet. Things are about to change significantly now," Titus said, his voice taking on a weightier tone. "We've entered a new phase, and the Herald is occupied with more pressing matters." The Herald. The elusive figure at the top of the Fallen Stars—a name Rex had heard often, but one he had yet to encounter face-to-face. The leader of the group responsible for stirring rebellion on the colony planets. Yet, Rex had spent his time dealing with Titus, a brute of a man, who had little love for him. Every interaction felt like a step closer to the inevitable confrontation, but that moment hadn't come yet.
"I see," Rex said, leaning forward slightly. He wasn't about to let his patience crack, but inside, he could feel the stirrings of frustration. Time was a luxury he didn't have. "And what about Project Starseed?
"The Herald has decided that you've earned the right to know more about the project.," Titus said with a frown. "Follow me." After they paid for the drinks that they didn't drink, Rex followed Titus to one of the hidden bases of the Fallen stars that were embedded there.
Bel-Yor was unlike any of the mundane city Rex had seen on Terra. Hidden beneath a veil of mist and shadow, it pulsed with a strange, otherworldly energy. Ancient architecture blended seamlessly with cutting-edge technology, creating a surreal landscape that felt both timeless and futuristic. Towering spires of glass and steel stretched into the sky, their surfaces etched with glowing runes that flickered like living circuits. The streets beneath them were paved with smooth, reflective material that hummed faintly underfoot, as if the city itself was alive. Titus moved with purpose, weaving through the labyrinthine alleys with the confidence of someone who knew every twist and turn. Rex followed closely, his eyes darting around to take in the peculiar sights. Despite the late hour, the streets weren't empty. Hooded figures walked past them, their faces hidden, their steps quick. Some carried glowing devices that projected holographic maps into the air, while others seemed to glide effortlessly on levitating platforms. The air was filled with a faint hum—machines at work, whispers of distant conversations, and the occasional flicker of neon lights from signs written in runic lanaguages.
The city felt alive in a way that was hard to describe. Streams of light moved through the air like flowing rivers, tracing paths along buildings and vanishing into unseen depths. At one point, they passed an enormous, crystalline fountain at the center of a plaza. It emitted a soft blue glow, and as they walked by, Rex noticed figures materializing from the light—holographic projections of past events, playing like fragments of forgotten history. Bel-Yor wasn't just a city; it was a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of those who lived outside the Federation's reach.
"You're slowing down," Titus grunted, snapping Rex out of his thoughts. The larger man glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable beneath the hood.
"I didn't realize we were in such a rush," Rex replied, quickening his pace.
They turned a corner and descended a set of steps carved into the side of a massive structure that appeared to be a combination of a temple and a skyscraper. The walls were lined with intricate carvings that glowed faintly in the dim light, depicting scenes of battles, celestial bodies, and figures wielding what looked like mana-infused technology. Rex had heard of Bel-Yor before, but seeing it in person was an entirely different experience. It was a city of secrets, its very existence a challenge to the Federation's rigid control. They passed beneath an archway inscribed with symbols that Rex vaguely recognized as being of Old Terran origin. Beyond it lay a narrow street, its edges lined with vendor stalls selling everything from bio-enhanced weapons to vials of shimmering liquid that promised miraculous effects. The vendors barely paid them any mind, though some glanced curiously at Titus's imposing frame and Rex's unfamiliar face.
"Not much farther," Titus muttered, leading him into an unmarked building tucked away in the shadows of a towering spire. The door slid open soundlessly as Titus placed his hand against a concealed scanner. Inside, the atmosphere changed abruptly.
Gone was the organic fusion of ancient and futuristic architecture. Here, everything was sleek and sterile, with smooth white walls and faintly glowing panels that displayed streams of data. The corridors stretched endlessly, lit by a soft, bluish-white light that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once. As they walked, Rex noticed guards stationed at various intervals, their armor as polished as the floors, their faces obscured by helmets. They acknowledged Titus with a brief nod but said nothing, their gazes lingering on Rex just long enough to remind him he was being watched. The deeper they went, the more the environment began to shift. The corridors became narrower, the lighting dimmer, and the air colder. The faint hum of machinery grew louder, accompanied by the occasional distant echo of footsteps or the whir of automated systems. Titus walked in silence, his massive frame casting long shadows on the walls, and Rex couldn't help but wonder what kind of secrets lay ahead.
Finally, they stopped before a pair of imposing steel doors, flanked by two guards in advanced white armor. Their helmets had a faintly glowing visor, and their weapons looked far more advanced than anything Rex had seen on the battlefield. They saluted Titus and moved aside without a word.
Titus placed his palm against a scanner, and the doors slid open with a low hiss. Inside was a vast, cold laboratory bathed in an eerie red light. The air was noticeably colder, and the hum of machinery was almost deafening now. In the center of the room stood ten massive pods, their surfaces covered in frost, each one pulsing faintly with crimson light. Scientists in white coats moved silently between them, their faces illuminated by the glowing screens they carried. Rex stepped inside, his gaze drawn immediately to the pods. Whatever Project Starseed was, it was happening here, in the hidden depths of Bel-Yor—a city that seemed to thrive on secrets and mysteries. And now, he was about to uncover one more.
"Do you think the situation on Terra will play out differently than it did on Lamentias?" Rex asked.
"You lack faith. A dog like you can't comprehend the bigger picture," Titus said, his voice edged with disdain. He turned to Rex, his hooded face shadowed, but the growl in his tone was unmistakable. "The Lady may trust you because of your bloodline, but I don't trust you one bit, Pendragon."
"I can tell," Rex said calmly. "I may not share your unwavering faith, but I've held up my end. It's only fair you hold up yours. What's this?" Rex asked, his voice steady but laced with curiosity.
"Welcome to Project Starseed," Titus said, gesturing toward the lab as several scientists turned their attention to them. Project Starseed. The name instantly struck a chord with Rex. It was the same as the secret project Sector Zero had been working on. His sharp eyes scanned the room, noting the array of glowing instruments and the pods humming softly in the center of the lab. One of the scientists walked over, a man with brown skin and unassuming stature with a semi-bald head and wisps of white hair scattered here and there. Despite his modest appearance, there was an air of intelligence and mastery about him, reminiscent of Rex's old academy professors.
"Master Titus, what brings you here?" the scientist said, his voice measured and inquisitive.
"Dr. Ahmad," Titus replied, his tone curt. "This is Arexander II Pendragon. One of our faithful." He turned to Rex. "Pendragon, meet Dr. Ahmad, the lead researcher and alchemist in charge of Project Starseed."
"Pendragon?" Dr. Ahmad's eyes flickered with interest. "Any relation to the Arthurian legend of the British Isles?" Rex regarded the scientist carefully, noting the man's fascination with myth and his likely dabbling in forces beyond conventional understanding.
"Yes," Rex said, keeping his tone neutral. "My family name has inspired many myths across the galaxy." It wasn't an exaggeration. Many Named Families, like his own, had carved their legacies across the stars, their heroic deeds and exploits evolving into legendary tales.
"Here is everything you need to know about Project Starseed," Titus said, handing a Zodiak tab to Rex. Rex accepted the device and began scrolling through the data. The more he read, the harder it became to suppress his reactions. Shock, unease, and disbelief churned within him, but he kept his expression neutral, knowing Titus was watching him closely.
"And this is all in preparation for the Ascension?" Rex asked once he finished. His voice was calm, almost detached.
"That's right," Titus said, his lips curling into a faint, grim smile.
"We still haven't fully cracked the code to the perfect serum," Dr. Ahmad interjected, his tone tinged with frustration. "What we have is close to perfect, but our current level of technology isn't advanced enough to achieve the ideal concoction."
"Which has forced us to take more extreme measures," Titus added bluntly.
"Like what?" Rex asked, his gaze sharp.
"We need to conduct more experiments," Dr. Ahmad said, adjusting his coat. "But not in controlled environments like this lab. To refine the serum, we must test it under natural conditions—observe how environmental factors affect genetic mutation."
Rex's eyes narrowed. "You're planning to release the serum on the humans of this planet?"
"Sacrifices are necessary to uphold our great cause," Titus said coldly. "As the Ascension approaches, we must strengthen our base and prepare for any unforeseen interference. I trust we can count on you and the Admiral when the time comes."
"You can," Rex said, though the words felt heavy in his throat.
"Which part of the planet will serve as the test site?" Rex asked after a moment of silence.
"We've chosen New York City," Titus replied. "The land there contains a vergence within the Odyllic energy. It should make the results far more promising." Rex remained silent, his thoughts a whirlwind. New York City. The scale of this experiment was far beyond anything he had anticipated.