Perhaps because the ritual had not been simplified, the phantom was highly detailed, even continuing to extend outward.
Once the phantom had completely settled, what came into view was a spacious hall.
The hall was not entirely complete, but it was still clear that there were not many decorations or furnishings inside.
The floor of the hall was black marble, polished to an extreme smoothness, reflecting a deep, somber starry sky.
The ceiling was too high to see clearly. It seemed to be made of glass, with luminous celestial patterns shifting across it.
At the center of the hall, where the phantom was clearest, stood an Owl.
Laplace narrowed her eyes and examined it.
This was an Owl phantom that did not appear particularly tall. It wore a fitted red uniform, had a long salt-and-pepper beard, and its eyes held no whites, only utter blackness.
Looking closely, one could see a resplendent river of stars within those black pupils.
Barring any surprises, this wise-looking Owl elder was likely the new conductor Star Worm had mentioned...
The Owl phantom gazed levelly ahead, its eyes seeming to appraise Laplace.
"Are you..."
Just as Laplace was about to ask a question, the Owl ignored her entirely and said softly, "I do not know who is standing before me now, but I believe in Star Worm's capabilities. Since you obtained the Hidden World Card and arranged the awakening ritual, you must be the gentleman the Star Lord is seeking."
At this point, the Owl tilted its head. "Or perhaps a lady? Oh, never mind. Whether you are a gentleman or a lady, I shall refer to you collectively as 'Your Excellency.'"
"I do not know whether Star Worm mentioned anything about me, but to be safe, I should first introduce myself."
"Honored Your Excellency,