'Jack, it's time. I need you to inspect Olympic Chateau immediately!'
Daruun's voice played through Jack's mind, catching the hero off guard by the shocked tone. 'Gramps, did something--'
'Gem has infiltrators among the challengers apart from Halmut. Exercise extreme caution during your challenge. The infiltrators found in the waiting chamber self-destructed in an attempt to eliminate all evidence and anyone that could possibly investigate.'
'That--'
'Oli handled the situation there but you're still inside the keep,' Daruun continued. 'It's best to retreat should more threats like that appear in the keep. Such explosions may even be unwillingly done by Jewel through illegal seals, using the souls of their cosmicians as fuel to eradicate anything in the area. Any normal one-star would be eliminated for good with no chance of resurrection, so don't let the others fight anyone! Is that understood, Jack?'
'Understood…' It was rare for Daruun to be so forceful with his speech, only making Jack less hesitant to alter his plan. 'I'll scout the chateau immediately and inform you of what happens.'
'Thank you, Jack.'
The conversation ended there and Jack immediately made the necessary changes to their plan. He was still following Halmut's team and wasn't too worried about Rynheart, but Jack wasted no time using god's perspective to see through Luanra's and Moratni's eyes. Immediately, he telepathically ordered, 'Offer them half your points and leave. We have no more time to waste.'
A few moments passed as the two made their deal with Woltiin and Moranti spoke up, 'Jack, how come--'
But Jack cut off Moranti, showing the same seriousness that Daruun had, 'There's no time. Just hurry and scour the maze for any signs of a purple barrier or something that may lead you to one. Don't fight anyone or anything, cause we need to hurry!'
'Got it… Then I'll just do that, though it's no fun…'
With Moranti agreeing, the God of Space and the Water Goddess turned into one of the best exploration parties possible. Moranti became the fast vehicle able to pass through battlefields untouched while Lunara's three heads and icy control skills kept them aware of everything around them while offering boosted protection of the rare moments that a foe was strong enough to slow Moranti.
Jack kept close to Halmut, more cautious than ever of the Sun Dragon. He tried to use god's perspective on the dragon but Halmut's mind still felt off-limits to him. With that, all he could do was watch as Halmut's jumpy nature was gone and replaced with an overly cautious and aware nature. The way Halmut acted was as if he knew where he was going, as if he didn't question any step he took and that he was getting closer and closer to his goal.
While Jack followed Halmut, Rynheart followed Torian and Kylon, and Moranti carried Lunara in exploration, a flash of purple energy appeared near the summit of Kartonia's tallest mountain. A figure emerged within that small wooded area, wearing a shadowy hood that used illusions to conceal the wearer's identity and face.
That figure took in a deep breath as he walked carefully toward his target, Olympic Chateau. He then retrieved an item from his storage and clutched it carefully. It was a holy amulet, the same type used by the legendary gods to teleport themselves into the chateau.
With the amulet in hand, the figure made himself invisible and entered Olympic Chateau. He effortlessly passed through the holy barrier but felt that something was off, as if there was more than one barrier. However, the man passed through and entered the chateau without fail. He then stored the amulet and began exploring the place according to his old memories of the layout.
The moment he entered, he was startled by the amount of destruction that filled the chateau. It seemed apocalyptic in comparison to what he had seen so many times before, something incredibly hard to believe.
But he kept quiet and continued searching the area.
'Nothing yet… Hello?'
Upon trying to contact Daruun, the figure was startled to feel disconnected and unable to reach anyone telepathically. After a moment of trying multiple times, the man gave up. He understood that it was useless and likely due to the additional barrier that he had never felt before.
"Would you prefer to die anonymously, or reveal yourself and beg for mercy?"
Before the man knew it, a nearly invisible pulse of illusory energy filled the room and removed his invisibility. He immediately tensed up, finding himself immobile and only able to move his eyes. That was when things made more sense, when he noticed the now-visible man shrouded in darkness clapping his hands casually.
"To think you made it this far… Jack's plan was brilliant, after all, so this much is to be expected. Too bad his reliance on Kylon resulted in his downfall…" chuckled the man. "I like your style. It's very much like mine, but I'd prefer that we don't match. Mind removing your hood?"
The trapped man found himself able to move again but still unable to summon or control energy. He was effectively caught and trapped. But he only shook his head, distorting his voice in reply, "You first…"
"Oh… It's amusing to see how innocent you are to the void… Allow me to introduce myself as 12-13. But if you won't tell me your name, then how about I guess to make it more amusing? Are you Rikko?"
"Nope…" replied the man, still unshaken by the situation.
"Hmmm… Eedaj, perhaps?" chuckled 12-13.
"Wrong again…"
"True… There's only one person you could be, given Jack's plan and how many people are in on it. I'm sure you understand that I've understood your true abilities since the moment you and Jack spoke with Kylon underground. Right, Perchet?"
But the man shook his head again, chuckling even, "Are you always this bad at guessing games? If you're skilled enough to block my telepathy, then can't you just read my mind?"
"There's no fun in that… I don't simply read minds, I prefer to break them!" 12-13 vanished from where he stood and reappeared beside the intruder. Swiftly, 12-13 removed the man's cloak and was left baffled.
While the man was tensed and immobile, the very sight of his roxite helmet and strange, patchy armor shattered 12-13's expectations. 12-13 immediately lashed out and broke the helmet with the swipe of his hand. But that only threw him further into confusion and rage.