Taking to the Skies

"Who goes there?!"

To preserve his dignity and intimidate the unfamiliar intruder, Newton slammed the table and rose to his feet.

Even his long helmet seemed to tremble. One could imagine how much force he had put into that shout.

Da Vinci took two steps forward, clasped his hands behind his back, and said casually, "I am your brother, an elder of the Shield, Leonardo Da Vinci."

Newton's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "Impossible. Leonardo died long ago. My master and I buried him ourselves, and I visited his resting place many times. You cannot possibly be him."

Da Vinci stroked his beard, raised one brow, and smiled meaningfully. "Yet here I am. I conquered death and passed through a Time Tunnel to arrive here."

"You must submit to our examination. And research." A council member beside Newton stood and offered his opinion.

Faced with such hostile words and hundreds of suspicious eyes, Da Vinci remained calm.

"As you wish. But first, I must explain why I have come. I have brought a gift, for the Brotherhood and for all humanity."

As he spoke, he raised the Golden Orb in his hand. As though it possessed a life of its own, it floated into the air. Newton's eyes widened as he watched the golden sphere circle overhead, momentarily unable to speak.

But he quickly composed himself and shouted, "Everyone, leave at once!"

The people in the assembly hall immediately departed. As the highest councilor, Newton held the greatest authority here.

Leonid looked at the departing crowd, then at Da Vinci. For some reason, he felt he should stay. The little sphere seemed to be calling to him.

"I said, everyone!" Seeing Leo still hesitate, Newton repeated the command in a harsher tone.

Da Vinci smiled at Leo. "It's