When the Void Serpent's massive body descended, it made almost no sound. Its membranous wings folded in, like two deep shadows blending into the surroundings.
Duke had been watching the pair's movements all along. Once they drew closer, he realized they were acquaintances.
Even in the dim light, Duke recognized that distinctive, meticulously groomed blond hair at a glance. It was Bell Crawford.
As for the iron-cast figure behind him, Duke did not recognize him. Judging by his attire and his attitude toward Bell, he was most likely Bell's servant.
The aura around this man was anything but simple. He possessed the strength of a Level 1 Crystallization Peak.
Reed remained expressionless, his gaze sweeping over the vast and eerie forest of crystal pillars below like a cold probe.
Bell was the first to leap from the serpent's back, his movements carrying a deliberate elegance.
His expensive, tailored wizard robe glimmered faintly within the dense dark-energy environment, completely out of place amid the surroundings.
He frowned and disgustedly brushed dust from his shoulders where none existed, as though even the air here was tainted.
"We're finally here—the damned place that drifts through the void like a ghost!" Bell's voice carried obvious impatience and a trace of exhaustion. "Reed, are you sure the coordinates are right?"
Reed landed silently half a step behind Bell, his movements precise as if measured with a ruler.
He held a crystal compass flickering with complex runes in his hand. His voice was flat and emotionless. "Confirmed, Young Master. The target fragment region, Everdark Corridor, matches the latest trajectory map the family acquired at great expense by 98.7%. We tracked its three periodic movements before capturing the entry window."
"98.7%? Hmph, that damned 1.3% nearly sent us headfirst into the edge of an annihilation storm!" Bell's