Chapter 526 - 472 : A Path (1/2)

Zodiak stood at the edge of an artificial cliff, his mouth wide-open and his eye full of disbelief. The sight before him jolted him, making stand there, in a daze.

Unfortunately, he hadn't the time to enjoy the marvelous city as numerous flying bee-like objects were shooting lasers at him.

Due to his invasion, the whole city came back to life. Everywhere he looked, he saw something strange, purely mechanical and utterly void of any kind of energy. The city was running by itself, however, not magically. Even though his powers are all-rounded, they became very weak in this mysterious place, rendering him in a helpless situation.

All he could was bait the protectors and run around for a few hours until his resources were finally depleted. He was cornered, captured but not killed. The old man, bound by green handcuffs which negated his Dark Magic, was thrown into an advanced prison.

Through a small hole in his cell, he was given food and water and the prison wasn't that bad, to be honest.

In total, the old man passed 728 days inside that prison, planning and preparing his escape. He needed to not only escape but also acquire what he came for. It wasn't something for him but he had to finish this job, no matter what.

After a bitter prison break and a violent battle with the endless protectors, Zodiak miraculously obtained the treasure. He barged into the second level of the fortified treasure vault and got his hands on a thick jet black longsword. The strongest weapon ever crafted, also known as Anduril. In addition to Anduril, there were other powerful artifacts but he was only able to steal one before hastily leaving. He was curious about the third and fourth levels of the vault but it was practically impossible to get in without permission.

So, heavily injured, the old man escaped a place he called the city of light. He didn't remain a second longer in Riarravar, choosing to end this hellish journey as soon as possible. And, as per the agreement he previously made, this story was to not be recorded in his journal.

Although very few people knew, many years later, Zodiak the Mythical, who reached a self-created Realm, was killed by the Nameless Knight. Apart from the Whisperer King, no one witnessed their fight or knew the reason behind it. It was from that point onwards that everyone started fearing Leiu. As for the Whisperer King, he was spared on the condition that he utters not a single word about what he heard or saw.

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X, who was free after a relatively long imprisonment, just appeared in the Zutis Galaxy, his territory, only to be welcomed by an unwelcomed and unexpected guest.

”Come on, you don't have to react so intensely.”

The Joker hugged his arms and mockingly said, his lips arched upwards. He had an expression of interest as he gazed at the blurry figure of X.

Although the guest already stated that he didn't come to cause trouble, X still felt uneasy. He straightened his back and supported himself with his cane.

”Why are you here?”

He wasn't courteous or polite, after all, he wasn't weak and chose not to believe in the absurd rumors about the Joker's powers. Sadly, the rumors were actually an understatement as he's as strong as his brother, the Nameless Knight.

”I heard you're the best Time-controller around. I've come seeking your help… I'll pay, of course.”

The Joker knew the connection between Arthur and X but still chose to ask for the latter's help. No matter, he needs to prevent what's about to happen even if he needs to resort to a sly fox like the man currently facing him.

”I decline.”

As he heard the instantaneous reply, the Magician burst out in laughter, totally ignoring X, who was slowly retreating.

”Sorry but the negotiation is only about the price.” Then, before X could react, the Joker picked him but the back of his neck and vanished.

The teleportation lasted for a split second before they found themselves in a small room filled with monitors and cables… and an over-abundance of the color pink, whether it's in the walls or the scattered objects.

Through the blurry face, X gazed around for a few moments before saying

”Isn't this an office?”

He seemed to have gotten used to being thrown in random places and didn't even bother fleeing from the Joker, who fell on one of the round and soft couches.