Spark kept moving stealthily. The damp, oppressive atmosphere of the Ruined Palace of Gluttony seemed to part for him.
He slipped through crumbling archways. Past the silent, moss-covered statues. His dark-grey eyes were now glowing with Werelion intensity. Piercing the gloom.
Finally, he reached them. A group of individuals. Oddly uniformed for adventurers. They wore sleek, form-fitting combat suits. In stark red and black. Adorned with minimalist, circular eye symbol.
Their gear looked advanced. Almost futuristic in style. Like the one used by sci-fi space soldiers. Far beyond the standard enchanted leather or steel armor common in this world.
They were clustered around a large, ancient pedestal. Their voices were low but clear in the stagnant air.
Spark positioned himself behind a massive, overgrown pillar. His Werelion form blending perfectly with the shadows and debris. He listened.
"...signal is stronger here." One of them, a woman with short, practical hair, stated. Her voice was clipped and efficient. She held a device that pulsed with a faint purple light. "The Gluttony System must have been here once. Or its residual energy signature, at least."
"Our deep-scan showed strong energy concentrations in this sector." A burly man replied. Adjusting a strange, goggle-like apparatus on his face. "It seems that we aren't that lucky."
"I told you it won't be that easy." Another burly man with thick moustache said. "It must be located in the deepest part of the labyrinth."
"We need to accelerate." Another, slimmer figure with thick glasses said. His tone was impatient. "Director Bloomberg expects results. The Gluttony System is crucial for Project Chimera."
Spark contemplated. He searched for matching information in his internal library of knowledge. He had a surprising amount of information about various organizations in this world.
The circular eye symbol. And these specific terms: 'Gluttony System' and 'Project Chimera'. Along with the red-and-black uniform... The puzzle clicked into place immediately.
Zero Laboratory. These people were from the Zero Laboratory.
He frowned. A ripple of unease going through him. He recalled the information about Zero Laboratory. They were a secretive organization. Notorious across several kingdoms. Often referred to as 'mad scientists and scholars'.
Their primary purpose was simple: to retrieve, control, and utilize ancient technology. The various 'Systems'. Incorporated them into their various 'Projects'.
They believed the incorporation of these Ancient Systems into their Advanced Projects held the key to societal advancement and ultimate power.
The members of the organization were mostly brilliant, ruthless, and utterly pragmatic. Valuing knowledge and power above all else. Willing to break laws or doing terrible experiments just for the sake of power and knowledge.
And there was a problem with them being here. A very significant problem.
Because wherever the Zero Laboratory operated, their sworn opponents were almost guaranteed to appear. The Vault Guardians. Another secretive group. Often labeled as 'stubborn collectors' by those who crossed them.
Their purpose was the exact opposite of Zero Laboratory: to retrieve, seal, and keep ancient technology away from the current era. They were convinced that it was too dangerous for mankind to wield.
History assumed the ancient technology was the cause of the Ascension Cataclysm after all. The one that destroyed the ancient civilization. And the main cause for many islands in the world to float in the sky.
They were fanatical and uncompromising. And just as ruthless in their own way as Zero Laboratory.
Spark had no interest in getting caught in the crossfire between these two powerful factions. Their conflicts often left swathes of destruction and collateral damage.
He was here for treasure. For power. For his own gains. Not to be a pawn in their centuries-old ideological war.
The Gluttony System. Whatever it was... it was important enough to draw these hounds. And where these hounds went, other hounds would follow. He needed to be careful. Very careful.
...
The Zero Laboratory team finally left the place. Going to the deeper part of the ruined palace labyrinth.
Spark's Draconic Werelion form melted into the shadows. His massive body moved with unnatural silence. He had seen enough. The Zero Laboratory operatives were here. Their presence complicated everything.
His hidden campsite was exactly as he'd left it. A lavish tent. Woven with arcane threads for comfort. Covered by various arrays of protection.
Inside the tent, the air was warm. Thick with the scent of spent passion. And the faint lingering sweetness of various arcane incenses.
The women lay sprawled on a pile of silken furs and enchanted bedding. Their limbs were tangled. Naked. Faces were peaceful in sleep.
Lilith, Ivy, Melody, Serenade, and Scarlett. All exhausted. All completely spent from the night before. He'd been… thorough. Excessive, even. But they had enjoyed it. And so had he.
He shifted. The werelion's powerful form rippled. Bones reshaping. Horns disappearing. Fur and mane receding. Scales withdrawing...
In just a few moments, Spark Nighthawk returned to his normal form. man of immense height and musculature. Wearing rune-enchanted leather outfit. He moved silently. Careful not to disturb the sleeping figures.
His mind was already spinning. The Gluttony System. Whatever it was, it drew powerful factions. The Zero Laboratory was here. That meant the Vault Guardians wouldn't be far behind.
Two opposing forces... Both were ruthless. Both were capable of immense destruction.
He had no interest in their ideological war. Only in the treasures this island held. His objective remained the same: acquire power, gain wealth, and expand his influence. Getting caught in a factional skirmish was a waste of time and resources.
He walked out of the tent. Stepping into the cool, damp air of the ruins. The protective arrays they had laid shimmered faintly. Invisible to the untrained eye. He sat cross-legged on a piece of smooth, ancient stone. Pulling out his personal notebook from his Spatial Belt. The one filled with his own notes and tactical plans.
His original plan had been aggressive exploration. Pushing deep and fast. Now, that needed adjustment.
His priority shifted from speed to stealth and strategic avoidance. He would still press forward. But with heightened awareness. Every sound, every shadow, every shift in the arcane currents would need to be scrutinized.
He would need to ask Scarlett to deploy more gu-insects to watch for the surrounding. Even during combat. And Serenade to use the [Witch Doll of Misfortune] more often.
He also considered how the presence of these factions might indirectly benefit him. They might clear out tough guardians. Or open paths he would feel to troublesome to pass. He would let them do the heavy lifting. Then swoop in for the spoils. A blunt, opportunistic approach.
He spent a few hours in quiet contemplation. Modifying his plans. Planning escape routes. Contingency plans for every imaginable scenario.
And then, the women began to stir. One by one, they woke. Stretching languidly. Their bodies were still showing the slight after-effects of their night.
They shared a simple, high-energy breakfast. Then they performed their morning cultivation routines. Quickly recovering their stamina and energy. Spark watched them. Satisfied. They were resilient.
"New plan." Spark stated after they were ready to depart. He didn't offer apologies for the night. Nor did they expect any. It was simply a part of their existence now.
"Zero Laboratory was here. I've scouted their operatives." He said. "And, the Vault Guardians were likely here too. Our objective is to acquire treasures and any other valuable things without engaging either group directly. It also meant that we need to be vigilant all the time. Including during combat."
The women nodded. Their expressions were serious. They recognized the two factions. And understood the implications. These were not minor threats.
Their exploration resumed. The standard formation was deployed. Lilith moved slightly ahead. Her [Life Observing Spyglass] was often pressed to her eye. Scanning for any signs of life. Monsters or humans.
Scarlett's gu-insects were tiny and virtually undetectable. They swarmed through crevices and under debris. Extending her scouting range dramatically.
She also held the [Celestial Treasure Radar]. A compass-like device that could detect significant magical or technological artifacts.
Melody was the youngest. She was tasked to hold the [Witch Doll of Fortune]. Its small, stubby cotton arm would subtly twitch. Pointing to the direction of the greatest chance for success or fortune. Guiding them towards hidden paths or less guarded treasures.
Serenade, Melody's mother, held the [Witch Doll of Misfortune]. Contrary to the fortune doll, this one could indicate the most dangerous direction. Allowing them to circumvent traps, powerful guardians, or hostile humans.
Ivy kept monitoring the tablet-like [Labyrinth Chart]. Making sure that every twist, every turn, every significant anomaly, was meticulously recorded. Practically, updating their map in real-time.
This ensured that even in the most disorienting sections of the ruins, they could find their way back to their camp. Or to an escape route. With ease.
Spark, a towering figure, walked at the center. His senses were extended, ready to react to any threat from any direction. His mind processing the constant stream of information from his subordinates.
They moved deeper. Through interior corridors filled with ancient poisonous roots and fungi. And exterior paths where strange, deadly plants gave off an ethereal glow.
Poisonous gases were a constant, annoying presence. Even through their masks. Antidote candies were swallowed periodically. A ritual of survival.
Melody's [Witch Doll of Fortune] suddenly tugged hard. Pointing down a narrow, easily overlooked fissure in the floor. She quickly informed the others.
Spark didn't hesitate. He smashed through the resistant stone. Revealing a steep, crumbling staircase leading into the dark.
At the bottom, a vast, echoing cavern spread out before them. The air here was even heavier. Charged with a primal, untamed poisonous energy.
In the center of the hall, there was a massive, ornate treasure chest. Perched on a pedestal of rough-hewn jade.
But guarding it was a colossal Two-Headed Jade Serpent. Coiled around the pedestal. Its scales shimmered with a dull green luminescence.
And two serpentine heads, rose on thick necks. Each was the size of a small carriage. Its eyes were like chips of burning metal. Fixed on the intruders. Poisonous mist drifted from its nostrils.