Chapter 290 Side Story- under the floating land

Chapter 290 Side Story- under the floating land

Amidst the bustling city of Eshmera, a man in a grey robe stood atop two wooden crates, his hand cupped over his throat to amplify his voice. His words resonated through the air, reaching the eager ears of the gathered crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed participants, and honored guests, welcome to the grand spectacle known as 'Chameleon's Maze'!" His voice boomed, commanding attention from all who listened.

Below, the city buzzed with excitement as eyes turned upwards to the massive projection in the sky.

The announcer continued, his words painting a vivid picture of the adventure that awaited. "Today, we stand upon the threshold of mystery and marvel, upon a floating canvas suspended in the vast expanse of the sky. Within 'Chameleon's Maze,' imagination knows no bounds and magic dances freely."

As he spoke, the crowd leaned in, captivated by his every word. The announcer described the maze with eloquence, portraying it as a realm of enchantment and intrigue, where every step held the promise of discovery.

"Stretching across the sky, our stage awaits—a circular marvel veiled in enigma. Nestled within lies our pièce de résistance—the maze itself, sprawling and vast, spanning acres of bewilderment."

His words stirred excitement in the hearts of the audience, igniting a sense of adventure that permeated the air.

With a flourish, the announcer concluded his speech, urging the participants to embark upon their odyssey of wonder and delight. As his voice faded, the crowd erupted into cheers, eager to witness the unfolding spectacle.

Amidst the crowd stood a woman, Anabelle Lockner, looking upwards towards the projection with a distant gaze.

Alder walked towards her, having met the fellow professor from Luminary College Of Magic once or twice before.

"You look nervous, Mrs. Lockner," he said as he stood beside her.

She did not respond as her eyes were glued to the sky, making Alder sigh in disappointment as he turned to leave, only to bump into someone.

"I am sorry," he apologized immediately.

"It's... no problem," the man whom he bumped into said. The man was tall and imposing with crimson eyes and ebony hair, wearing a robe that was tightly strapped with a wide belt around his waist.

Alder raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the man's cryptic response. "So, what are you then?"

The man chuckled softly, the sound echoing through the narrow alleyway. "Let's just say, I'm not exactly what I appear to be."

Before Alder could respond, he noticed a faint burning smell wafting through the air. His eyes widened as he watched the man's robe begin to smolder, revealing the sleek obsidian armor hidden beneath.

Alder took a step back, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized the gravity of the situation. "What are you?"

The man's crimson eyes gleamed in the dim light, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "Not worthy enough to know."

Alder sensed something behind him and immediately turned around, placing his hand on the neck of the man who was about to grab him. He punched the man in the face, but to his surprise, the head blew off with just a small amount of force.

Alder knew he hadn't put much strength into that punch, intending only to knock the man out, but...

"Stop messing with kids," a voice whispered in Alder's ear. Before he could react, his vision faded away.

As Alder's body hit the ground with a thumping sound, the severed head of the man who tried to punch him lay nearby, now a gooey mess of flesh and bone. Suddenly, the goo began to writhe and pulsate, as if alive. It twisted and contorted, forming makeshift limbs that dragged it closer to Alder's fallen form.

The man's voice echoed in the air, commanding the grotesque mass to move. With a sickening squelch, the gooey mess oozed over Alder's body, covering him completely. It began to chip away at his flesh, devouring it with an insatiable hunger.

Alder's body convulsed with spasms as the gooey mass consumed him, hollowing out his form until there was a hole large enough for it to enter. With a final, desperate surge, the gooey mass forced its way into Alder's body, and the hole immediately closed behind it.

Alder's eyes snapped open, their once vibrant color replaced by a dull, lifeless gaze. His movements were jerky and unnatural as he rose to his feet, his body contorted in strange and disturbing ways. With each step, he moved with purpose, driven by the dark force that now inhabited him.

"Go back," commanded the man.

Alder, now a mere puppet under the man's control, kneeled before him obediently. "Yes, Sir General Zephyrion," he replied with a hollow tone, devoid of his former self.