Its voice seemed to be a mix of echoes from the past, present, and future:
"But the window of opportunity has closed, at least for the near future."
The threads manipulating the spider mask on its face trembled:
"Cassandra has now reached the Star Gate outpost at the edge of the Main World, and will officially return to the Central Lands in just a few days.
Before she returns, we cannot undertake any large-scale direct actions against that target."
This news deeply frustrated and angered the other two Apostles.
Cassandra’s power was undeniable, even to the Supreme Apostle; she was an extremely dangerous opponent.
Moreover, as the primary driver of the Abyssal observation network, her protection over the Observation Station and all related personnel could be described as meticulous.
"Damn Star Gate outpost!"
Grush roared angrily, his flesh tentacles frantically tearing at the surrounding distorted space: "Those ancient immortals of the Court of Truth!"
The Star Gate outpost is located in a special space within the Abyss Sixth Layer "Maze Domain."
Not only is it the most important strategic facility of the Wizard World, but it is also a stable passage from the Main World to various planes and dimensions.
The outpost is equipped with the most advanced defense systems, and the presence of Wizard King level entities have maintained a high level of interest in it.
Even the Supreme Apostle dare not make trouble in such a place.
Nas’s fog-like body slowly contracted, showing deep resentment and anger:
"Since direct action is not feasible in the short term, we’ll have to patiently wait for other opportunities."
Its tone became more sinister and threatening:
"But remember, this human will eventually be driven to explore deeper into the core regions of the Abyss.
When that time comes... in the Abyss’s absolute domain, we will have ways to ’convince’ him."
"Don’t forget that the brat Uther is secretly protecting him."
Maggs timely reminded, its special vision revealing a blurry image of a silver phantom:
"His Void Remains have fully adapted and taken root in the Abyss environment, making his historical observation and perception abilities extremely frightening."
Its voice became more serious:
"This attempt ends here for now; let us proceed cautiously to avoid drawing unwanted attention from the Main World."
The three shadows began to gradually dissipate, marking the end of this conspiracy-filled secret meeting.
......
The largest "Falling Stars Hall" of the Crystal Tower has been transformed beyond recognition.
The gentle light originally used for academic gatherings was replaced by intense gold-red magical flames, with hundreds of floating lanterns slowly rotating under the dome, illuminating the hall like a palace of the war god.
The stone slabs originally engraved with the maxims of scholars from past generations were now replaced by three-dimensional reliefs depicting scenes of conquest:
Dragons crouching at the feet of wizards, cities from otherworlds burning in magical flames, and various non-human species kneeling in surrender.
Each relief emitted a faint energy fluctuation, making the scenes depicted appear vivid and as if truly happening.
Ron stood within the Abyssal Observation Station’s contingent, alongside the research group leader Wayne, and a dozen other researchers and explorers from the station.
He activated the "Extraordinary Recognition" skill, carefully observing the conditions of the thousands of attendees around him.
Almost everyone was at least a Morning Star Level Official Wizard, but their expressions and stances varied greatly.
The faces of the traditional faction wizards were mostly solemn, with flickers of worry in their gazes;
while the younger wizards seemed excited and expectant, as if about to witness a historical moment.
The most unsettling change was within the contingent from the Observation Station.
Those members who had long suffered from Abyssal erosion were now exhibiting a certain pathological excitement.
Wayne’s petrified half-face began to faintly glow, Mary’s artificial eye flickered more rapidly, and even the usually steady Martin was absentmindedly tapping the instrument at his waist with his keratinized fingers.
"They can sense something we cannot feel."
Ron analyzed this abnormal phenomenon in his mind:
"The aftereffects of Abyssal erosion have caused them to resonate with a certain type of energy fluctuation?"
As he was pondering this, the space at the center of the hall began to twist violently.
The air rippled like water waves, emitting a low humming sound.
Soon, a giant teleportation gate slowly opened, filling the entire field of vision.
This was not the common circular teleportation gate, but a complex six-point star shape, with each vertex pointing to different spatial dimensions.
The gate frame was made of some living metal that autonomously writhes, inscribed with conquest declarations written in otherworldly script.
Those texts continuously changed color and shape, as if narrating the countless lamentations from conquered civilizations.
"Certainly... an unforgettable entrance."
Ron narrowed his eyes, through the special perception of "Hermit’s Knowledge," he could sense the terrifying energy contained within this teleportation gate.
Conducting a cross-world transmission of such scale would probably consume magic power equivalent to a year’s worth at Dawn Harbor.
And the otherworldly aura emanating from the gate’s other side was even more unsettling.
It was not Cassandra herself who first emerged, but a giant war banner.
This banner was stitched together from thirteen flags of different civilizations, each representing an otherworldly race conquered by her.
At the top was a transparent flag woven with crystal threads, flickering with vibrant cognitive light within;