Chapter 1680: Chapter 1498: Secret Headquarters
Chapter 1680: Chapter 1498: Secret Headquarters
Chapter 1680: Chapter 1498: Secret Headquarters
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The decision to return to the hidden headquarters solidified in Maria's mind. The frustration of Number Two's escape was a bitter pill to swallow, but the chilling inscription on the scroll demanded immediate action.
Maria vanished into thin air right after announcing, "It's time to regroup and convene with the rest of the group."
The mountains rose like jagged giants, their peaks scraping the underbelly of the storm clouds. They weren't the graceful, snow-capped peaks you might see on a postcard. These were the Fangs of Oblivion, a range notorious for its unforgiving terrain and perpetual shroud of mystery.
The air hung heavy with the scent of damp stone and a strange, earthy must. It was the kind of must that clung to your clothes and lodged itself in your throat, a constant reminder of the mountains' ancient and untamed nature.
No sunlight pierced the perpetual twilight that reigned in the valleys below. Instead, an eerie luminescence emanated from strange, bioluminescent fungi clinging to the rock faces. This sickly green glow cast long, distorted shadows, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.
The wind howled a mournful song through the jagged peaks, carrying whispers of forgotten languages and the mournful cries of unseen creatures. Even the hardiest pines struggled to survive in this harsh environment, their branches twisted and gnarled like the claws of a forgotten god.
These mountains weren't just a geographical feature; they were a living, breathing entity, a place where the very air crackled with a sense of untamed magic. They were beautiful in their own harsh way, a testament to the raw power and mystery that still existed in the world.
Plunging through the icy vortex, Maria endured a harrowing journey. The raw magic tore at her, testing the very limits of her endurance. Finally, with a gasp, she emerged, spitting ice chips from her lips and blinking away the swirling colors.
She found herself deep within the Fangs of Oblivion, nestled within a treacherous, moss- carpeted valley. The air hung heavy with the musty scent of ancient stone and damp earth, a stark contrast to the chilling embrace of the false god realm. Eerie bioluminescent fungi clung to the rock faces, casting an unnatural green glow that danced across the jagged peaks. The wind howled a mournful song, a chilling counterpoint to the urgency pounding in her chest. Here, in the heart of this desolate mountain range, lay the gateway. An ancient teleportation portal, hidden for millennia, pulsed with a faint magical hum. Its surface, a swirling mass of obsidian and jade, was etched with arcane symbols that seemed to writhe and twist in the flickering green light.
Maria approached the portal with a mixture of trepidation and determination. This gateway, a relic from a forgotten age, was the gateway to their secret headquarters, something their discovered and modified to suit their needs.
Focusing her power, she traced the symbols with a gloved finger, channeling her ice magic into the ancient gateway.
The portal flared to life, a swirling vortex of emerald light and swirling mist. For a moment, Maria hesitated, the image of Number Two's mocking smile flashing through her mind. But the thought of Alex, the potential threat to him and their daughters, steeled her resolve. Taking a deep breath, Maria stepped into the swirling vortex. The world dissolved around her in a kaleidoscope of emerald light and disorienting motion. The icy winds of the Fangs of Oblivion gave way to the familiar, comforting chill of their hidden base.
With a final surge of power, she ripped herself free of the portal, collapsing onto the cold stone floor of the hidden chamber. The scent of damp earth and stale air filled her nostrils, a far cry from the desolate realm she had just left.
Leaving the room, Maria was met with a sight that took her breath away. Gone were the cold, sterile walls of the hidden base. Instead, she found herself standing on a lush green hilltop, bathed in the warm glow of the midday sun. Rolling hills stretched out before her, a tapestry of emerald green dotted with vibrant wildflowers. And dominating the landscape, suspended majestically in the clear blue sky, was a colossal fortress.
The fortress wasn't your average stone and mortar affair. Its spires glittered like polished amethysts, catching the sunlight and refracting it into a kaleidoscope of colors. The walls, instead of a dull grey, shimmered with a faint, ethereal glow, as if woven from moonlight itself. It was a sight that defied definition, breathtaking in its beauty.
Maria stood there, mesmerized once again. This wasn't just a fortress; it was a testament to their combined ingenuity, a symbol of their unwavering love. Even after countless visits, its magnificence never failed to steal her breath away.
"It doesn't matter how many times I've seen it," she murmured, a soft smile gracing her lips,
"I can't stop getting mesmerized every time. Truly beautiful."
With a sigh, she pushed away the moment's indulgence. Duty called. Descending the verdant hilltop, her gaze remained fixed on the enigmatic fortress in the sky. This wasn't just a haven; it was a strategic masterpiece, a hidden card they were holding close to their chest. Maria didn't need to walk. With a flick of her wrist, she gracefully rose into the air, propelled by an invisible current of frost. As she ascended, the details of the fortress came into sharper focus. The impenetrable walls, reinforced with layers of enchanted stone, bristled with ballistas, their immense frames dwarfing even the hardiest of warriors. But the most impressive feature was the array of magical cannons, their barrels humming with a barely contained power. These weren't your average cannons; they were fueled by magic stones and channeled raw mana, capable of unleashing devastating attacks.
A surge of pride swelled within her as she surveyed their creation. This wasn't just a fortress; it was a mobile siege weapon, a marvel of engineering and magic. It was named The Touch's Fortress, a tribute to Alex's unwavering support and the love that anchored them even amidst the coming storm. This fortress, along with their training and unwavering resolve, was their weapon against the encroaching chaos. The war was upon them, but they were ready. They had each other, their friends, and this magnificent fortress.