Chapter 212: The Gravitational Zone

Name:HP: The Arcane Thief Author:
Chapter 212: The Gravitational Zone

Kyrin, Akiko, Estris, Willis, Sylthia. There was not one of them who had expected that the space whales would Target Axel.

"What the"

Everything happened so fast that they couldn't do anything to prevent it.

The space whales are peaceful creatures, and they had just finished a difficult fight, so their guards had been lowered. But their surprise could be imagined when Axel was suddenly lifted off the ground. The next thing they knew, he had already reached right in front of the whales.

Space whales had the ability to travel 'through' the space. That's why, even though they move slowly, but the distance they travel is huge. The same magic was used on Axel, summoning him right into their mouths.

"Stop!"

"Axel!"nove(l)bi(n.)com

It was only then that Kyrin realized that Axel was in danger. Even as she used shadow travel, she knew that she might be too late.

*Snap*

Somehow, Axel disappeared at the last moment, preventing himself from becoming space food.

?!

The whole field came to a standstill as everyone tried looking for Axel.

"What...?"

Akiko, still not knowing the situation, tried to follow, but Kyrin held her back, knowing what had happened.

"Aki! Stop! Axel used Teleportation!" She said, trying her best to stop her.

As explained, Teleportation magic in this place is a big no, what with the space being so unstable. If you use it, there is no guarantee where you might end up. Since Axel had used it, his location is now unknown.

Realizing Akiko's struggles ceased as her eyes became momentarily unfocused. "Then... what do we do?"

Akiko was shaking. There was real panic in her eyes this time. Because she was beginning to understand.

Just how screwed up Axel's situation was right now.

Axel's location is unknown. And he has no knowledge and training of navigating this place! Kyrin has always told her about the dangers of this place. It was unfortunate enough that they ended up this deep without training. But to be alone here with no knowledge?

She cast a hopeful glance towards Kyrin, who had yet to answer her question. Maybe, it's not too late. Maybe there's something they can do.

But Kyrin's face was even more contorted than hers. "Fuck... he's fucked."

...

*Snap*

The space rippled, and a figured emerged, spinning uncontrollably due to distortion of space. Not even given the chance to be relieved, the figure plummeted to the ground as if being pulled down something powerful.

*BAAM*

All the breath escaped Axel's lungs as frowned at the sheer impact of the fall. ".... Ouch...."

'Two ribs and ankle.' He thought. Analyzing the damage. Axel tried getting up and was surprised to find it comparatively difficult to do so. 'What the hell?'

"System, where am I?" He asked, even as he surveyed his surroundings for immediate threats. This place was weird. First of all, the ground was hard. Too hard. As if specifically compressed. And the next, moving was extremely difficult here. Each movement was causing his bones to creak.

[You're in the deep layer of the Altina Trench. This area is called the gravitational field. The gravitational force here is times higher compared to Earth.]

'Figures.'

Axel realized why he couldn't stabilize himself while falling and why he's having such difficulty moving. There is a huge downward force here, hindering all of his movements.

'And the ground'

The reason the ground is hard might be because it has been compressed due to the sheer amount of gravitational force in this place. That's why he broke a few of his bones despite an exoskeleton that has been strengthened to an abnormal degree by the system's training.

*Crack*

It felt like he was walking through dense mud. It would take a long time if he kept moving like this, not to mention the energy and stamina consumption it'll cause.

'I need another method.'

He looked up at the ocean(?) above him. As explained, this dimension is a weird place with different laws. Instead of the sky, there is a vast ocean above which doesn't fall down for some reason.

'What was it? Two way Gravitation or something.'

Axel figured that moving through water would be a better choice. That's why, he took out his broomstick and tried to fly straight up towards the water.

It wasn't a good idea.

The resistance kept increasing as he flew upwards, until the broom could no longer take it.

Snap

It broke apart, and the gravity pulled him to the ground like a yandere starved for affection. 'Shit!' This was dangerous! If he keeps falling at this acceleration, he would be a pancake by the time he reaches the ground.

Axel quickly took out his wand.

"Arresto Momentum!"

At the same time, he concentrated a lot of magic on his hands and feet. [Launching Boom}

Somehow, he managed to avoid making a smashed patti of himself, but once again, there were injuries. Arresto Momentum wasn't powerful enough.

Sigh

Axel looked at the wand in his hand. 'As expected, it's not as good.'

This wasn't his Main wand. It was the one he had gotten from Martina as a substitute when his main wand was damaged in the Demogorgon fight. It was good, but as expected, it couldn't be compared to the main wand, which was custom made by the Valentinos with light and dark dual cores.

Due to unavoidable circumstances, he has left his main wand in Britain. Axel closed his eyes and concentrated. Even in this place, he could feel the presence of his wand, which was stuck in the middle of a giant ritual circle in Hogwarts. It was angry at being left alone. Magical power was radiating from it, being transferred to him through the bond which had strengthened considerably.

'Summon me!' It seemed to say.

Axel sighed and shook his head. Not yet. The purpose of leaving it behind was still unfulfilled.

Axel turned his focus back on the mission. He had to quickly get that relic, so that the absence of his wand can no longer be a problem.

Step Step Step

Axel began walking through the tough gravity, making use of his high physical strength. His pace slowly quickened, until he was running.

Boom Boom Boom

Due to the Gravity, his steps were falling on the ground with such force that it was leaving footprints on the vast desert.

His eyes glowed blue, and the water answered his call, coming down like a puppy running to his owner. Though it was a bit more straining due to the increased Gravitational force, Axel was still able to control water with no difficulty.

As he ran, the water slowly began to submerge him, filling him with strength. Axel jumped, and his feet didn't come down again. He was riding the water wave like a surfer. The water quickly engulfed him, erasing all the strain his body was feeling due to gravity.

'Faster.' The water around him turned into a shape similar to an icicle, and

ZOOM

The speed increased to that of a flying broomstick. Axel stopped increasing the speed. Because the amount of energy spent on maintaining this form was equal to his rate of recovery due to the water surrounding him.

After flying for a while, he realized one thing. This place was huge. He was still in the Gravitational zone. And this is just one of the danger zones in the place.

!!!

After a few more minutes, Axel had to abruptly stop. Because up ahead, he could see the sight of a fight taking place.

...

A.N.: powerstones!

Come read /Snollygoster