Chapter 594: Return to EON Gateway

The terrible disaster unfolding far away was connected to a search for certain people. Lein was one of them.

But Lein knew nothing about it. He was still in the Dominion of the Nova Consortium, on his way to EON Gateway. With his current strength, he could not understand what was happening so far beyond his reach.

Under the clear sky, the Obsidian began to slow down. Its dark purple body stretched a kilometer long and stood fifty meters tall. It was wide and flat, like a giant sheet of paper. Weapon turrets and radar units on its back turned slowly.

Lein looked up from the sofa on the open front deck. In the distance, rows of tall buildings stood among ships moving along their assigned routes. Large signs on the buildings displayed changing words and images.

EON Gateway.

"We’re here," he murmured.

He set down his cup and stood, walking over to the railing. His black elder’s robe shifted, revealing Lord Gold and Lord Black at his waist.

The port was as busy as it had been on their first visit. Flying vehicles passed between black metal buildings, moving past ships waiting to dock. Lein still wondered how such a large city could stand in the middle of the void. This time, though, he had other things to take care of.

A cargo ship passed below them, its deck stacked with sealed containers. Beyond it, workers waited beside rows of unloaded crates. Lein watched for a moment, then checked the platform ahead. Their own ship would soon be joining the line.

"Brother Lein, are we getting off now?"

Efan came up from behind, looking at the buildings around the port.

"Looking for more things to buy?" Lein asked.

"If we have time. There might be something interesting."

"We’re meeting Lord Aleron and Lady Tauriel first."

"Of course. I haven’t even left the ship yet."

Lein shook his head and looked back at the port. Efan stayed beside him, still searching the buildings for anything that looked like a shop. He had not taken a single step toward the stairs, but his eyes were already busy.

Behind them, Laras checked the group’s list. The slaves serving as crew waited with their heads lowered. After receiving their orders, they returned to work while Laras approached Lein.

"The captain is waiting for docking instructions. Everyone will stay on board for now," she said.

"What about the people we’re bringing?"

"They’re ready. I’ve divided them into groups."

"Good. Make sure no one gets left behind."

"I’ve counted them. Everyone is here."

Lein glanced toward the ship’s interior. Several slaves he had bought at the market stood near the doorway. As soon as they noticed his gaze, they lowered their heads. One who had been whispering immediately fell silent and held his bag against his chest.

Lyra asked a large slave to step back so he would not block the door. She lowered her head when she saw Lein, then waited until her master turned back toward the port before continuing her work.

The Obsidian turned, following the light markers in the air. A wide platform stretched out below, with two other ships already docked there.

"Lord Lein, we’ve been assigned a berth," the captain reported through the communication device beside the door. "An officer will come aboard to verify the ship and our group."

"All right."

A faint vibration passed through the floor as the ship stopped. The sound of the engines grew quieter, and several soldiers approached from the platform. One boarded the Obsidian while the others waited at the foot of the stairs.

Lein watched the soldier. When her helmet’s visor opened, he saw a woman he had met before.

"Welcome to EON Gateway. I’m Soldier Ely. I’ll be verifying your ship and group."

"We meet again," Lein said.

Ely looked up. She glanced at Lein, then at Laras and Efan behind him.

"Lord Lein?"

"You remember me?"

"I do. You arrived with two other Guardians."

"Yes. We’re meeting them here."

Ely raised her tablet. "That should make the inspection quicker. Please show me your DEP and the current details of your group."

Lein held out his wrist. The black bracelet from his first visit was still there. A thin beam of light moved from the tablet toward it, and several lines of information appeared on the screen.

"Elder of the Invictus Sect," Ely read quietly.

Lein nodded. Ely straightened slightly before continuing the inspection. Her finger paused over the screen, then moved to the next entry. She kept the tablet steady in both hands and spoke more carefully when she addressed him again.

"Has your group grown during your time in the Dominion?"

"Yes. They’re traveling with us now."

Laras handed over the list she had prepared. Ely compared it with the records on her tablet.

"Will some of them be leaving the ship with you?"

"Only a small group. The others will stay on board until we’re finished," Laras replied.

Ely asked about several changes to the passenger list. A slave arrived with the records from the control room. He stopped a few steps away from Lein and bowed, then handed them over after Laras gave him a signal.

Lein let Laras answer the officer’s questions. She knew more about the group’s arrangements.

While checking the records, Ely glanced at Dragnar. The old man stood behind Lein, watching the port with his hands tucked inside his sleeves.

"Is he also part of your group?"

"Dragnar. He’ll be traveling with us."

Dragnar turned and gave a brief nod. Ely returned it respectfully before making another note.

The inspection ended a few minutes later. After confirming the ship’s details and who would be going ashore, Ely returned the list to Laras.

"Verification is complete. For your next departure, the captain can submit a route request once you’ve decided on your stops."

"Thank you," Lein said.

"You’re welcome, my lord." Ely stepped aside. "Please use the pedestrian path below."

"I remember."

On his first visit, Lein had almost flown straight off the ship. Tauriel had stopped him before he got into trouble. This time, he headed for the stairs with the others.