My Space-Time System

635  Before the Black Zone.

The moment the pink light enveloped them, the group felt their bodies being pulled upward but in the next instant they were already in what seemed to be a teleportation room which Blake was familiar with.

The Teleportation Room is strategically located near the centre of the Arcane Bastion, providing easy access to all critical areas of the Arcane Bastion. The room was circular in shape, with a high, domed ceiling. The walls were crafted from the same mana-infused metal as the rest of the bastion, adorned with intricate, glowing runes that pulsed gently with mana energy. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

At the centre of the room was the main teleportation platform, a large, circular dais raised slightly above the floor level. The platform was made of polished mana crystals, with intricate patterns and symbols carved into its surface.

Surrounding the platform were invisible barrier wards that activate during teleportation to protect against potential disruptions or accidents. These wards form a shimmering, protective dome when engaged.

"This is the most extravagant warp array I have seen in my life, and it seems so different from anything I have seen." As an A-rank adventurer, Brian had gone through hundreds of warp arrays and this didn't have any form of correlation with them.

"The Arcane Bastion is from the main realm, where every form of our outdated tech was derived from." Blake explained.

"It's quite disappointing that your dad didn't give us any pep talk." Damon who was unimpressed by the teleportation room changed the topic.

"That's because he is still with us but in here." Blake pointed at his head causing everyone to widen their eyes in shock.

Damon was shocked because that was not the tone he would use to address a Deity. As for Brian, Camilla and Tessie, they were surprised that Blake had once again allowed another consciousness to live in his head.

Before they could fully process their feelings, Dorian appeared in the room, this time without his mask.

"Welcome aboard, I am Blake's younger but older brother, Dorian. You might also know me as the Masked Man." Dorian's introduction confused them but this only made him smile.

Since their number one enemy was now dead, there was no point in him keeping his identity hidden.

After the introduction, Dorian gave the group a tour of the Arcane Bastion. This included the multiple areas that had been closed off to Blake during his time here.

They were also introduced to its insane features like long-distance warping, extreme cloaking capabilities that not even the Synder Empire could detect, and weapons that could easily level a fortified city.

"If these weapons were incorporated into a ship, sailing the Ocean Tribirus would be safe."

Once the tour of the almost empty ship was completed, they were shown their rooms for the next week, before they all settled at the central hub where they were to be briefed.

"To make sure that the mission isn't jeopardized in any way, the number of personnel was reduced to the bare minimum; Me for controlling the Arcane Bastion and the problems that may arise, and you guys for the mission."

"Our estimated time of arrival is a week, and everything you need is available most especially a one-year supply of food." Dorian stated as he turned to Blake, causing the entire group to chuckle.

"If there are no questions, then I will be handing over to my Dad." Dorian moved to the side, and a holographic projection of Cassius sitting on his Mana crystal throne appeared.

"I would have loved to accompany you all, at least on your journey to the southern continent, but I can't leave the mainland as two deities are still at large." Cassius apologized before going on with the main reason for the briefing.

"Every prison has guards preventing the inmates from leaving, the same goes for this cell of ours." Cassius began the story he had promised to tell Blake.

"When the human race was first banished individuals from the different races were selected to act as guards. Their task wasn't to stop the humans from leaving, but to make sure they only used the right method to open the gate."

"Normally, this would mean they were also prisoners, but the catch here was that after a century a new set of guards would take their position. The problem with this was that during the failed joint operation of the three empires, none of these guards had come to meet the humans that stepped on the continent, and everything about the continent had also seemed to change." Cassius paused to let them absorb the information before proceeding.

"There are multiple possibilities as to what might have happened, but three are the most plausible. The first is that they didn't want to come out, which is highly unlikely. Second is that all guards have exited the prison and the gate has been completely locked."

After a deep breath, he stated the last option. "Finally, it could be that they are all dead, meaning we have more issues to deal with."

Instantly, deep frowns appeared on their faces as they knew the implications of his words.

The fact that the guards were stationed there to keep things in order meant that they were very powerful. Anything strong enough to eliminate them meant big trouble for the group.

"The chances of the latter happening are quite slim since the new guards coming should have dealt with the issue by now." Cassius explained.

"You mentioned that the southern continent has changed. What do you mean by that?" Blake couldn't help but ask.

"This place used to be like every other piece of land: peaceful, a thriving plant and beast ecosystem, and a small civilization formed by the guards. However, over the years the continent has continuously been shrouded by darkness." Cassius' explanation made them imagine what the Black Zone would have looked like in its heyday.

"The second option is the most plausible, and at the same time, the best option. However, that doesn't mean we should disregard the rest."