King Nefertari Cobra sat at the head of the table, his brows slightly furrowed in deep thought. His gaze wandered over the feast before him, but it was clear his mind was elsewhere. After a long moment, he seemed to reach a decision, nodding slowly to signal his agreement.
Cobra understood that pressing Eli on how he had learned about the historical text hidden in the Mausoleum would serve little purpose. With the strength and certainty Eli had displayed, it was clear he would pursue the matter regardless. Any attempt to refuse might not only fail to stop him but could also earn the wrath of this formidable man. Better, then, to go along with him, perhaps even earning his goodwill for the future.
After the meal, Cobra turned to Eli with a sincere smile.
"Eli, I have decided that tomorrow morning I will personally lead you and your companions to the Mausoleum. However, it is late now, and travel at night is inconvenient. I hope you will understand."
Eli nodded politely, showing his understanding.
The next morning, sunlight spilled across Alubarna, casting a golden glow over the city. Led by Cobra and a team of disciplined royal guards, Eli and his companions began their journey toward the Mausoleum. Curious and respectful gazes followed them along the streets.
Soon, they arrived at the Mausoleum in the western district of Alubarna.
Eli could not help but feel a twinge of surprise. The Mausoleum was not the vast, open cemetery he had imagined. Instead, it consisted of rows of grand, palace-like structures, arranged in intricate patterns. The sheer scale and majesty of the buildings made the complex resemble an impenetrable fortress, radiating awe-inspiring grandeur.
Cobra led them steadily through the imposing structures until they reached a building that, at first glance, appeared no different from the others.
His expression grew serious. Reaching into his robes, Cobra produced a golden key after a brief search.
Inserting the key into the lock on the massive door, he used a specialized technique to turn it. With a soft click, the door slowly opened, revealing a dark staircase that descended into the depths.
"Please, follow me, Eli," Cobra said gently, withdrawing the key and stepping down first.
Eli and his companions followed without hesitation. Their footsteps echoed through the silent passage, as if the very walls were reverberating with history. The royal guards remained outside.
The staircase was not long. At its end, a vast underground chamber, roughly three hundred square meters, opened before them. The walls were adorned with exquisite, lifelike bas-reliefs depicting ancient legends and breathtaking landscapes, leaving the group in awe.
Cobra led them to the center of the chamber. Pausing, he beckoned Eli and the others closer and knelt down, carefully tracing his fingers across the dusty floor.
As he moved his hand, it seemed to awaken some invisible force. With a sudden downward press of his palm, a small stone pillar, as white as snow, slowly rose from the ground with a deep rumbling sound.
The pillar was about fifty centimeters wide and thirty centimeters tall, its surface intricately carved with flowing, lifelike designs.
Cobra produced another key, smaller and glowing golden, and inserted it into a concealed lock in the middle of the pillar. Using a precise, complex technique, he slowly turned the key.
With a crisp click, the floor beneath them trembled slightly. Startled, Eli and his companions braced themselves. To their astonishment, the area beneath their feet began to descend slowly.
"Eli, the stone slab bearing the historical text lies eight hundred meters below. To reach it, we must pass through three reinforced gates. Please be patient," Cobra explained with a calm smile.
Eli and his companions nodded, fully understanding. A text of such historical value warranted the strictest of protections.
After about half an hour, Cobra finally opened the last of the heavy stone doors. With a low rumble, the long-sealed gate swung open, revealing a dim passageway. Cobra tapped the wall thrice, and faint lights illuminated the path. Leading the way, he guided Eli and his companions inside.
They soon entered a stone chamber. Unlike the ornate spaces above, this room was austere. A massive stone slab stood alone at the center, its surface densely inscribed with intricate, enigmatic symbols.
Seeing the text, Robin could hardly contain her excitement. She hurried forward, focusing intently on deciphering the ancient writing.
Eli glanced at Cobra.
"King Cobra, does your royal family retain any records describing this text?"
Cobra shook his head, a trace of regret in his eyes.
"Once, yes, but the records were lost due to various circumstances."
"How could something so important be lost?" Felina asked, puzzled.
"Three hundred years ago, Alubarna suffered a terrible disaster. Our royal archives were consumed by fire, and the invaluable records detailing the historical text were reduced to ashes," Cobra explained.
Eli nodded silently, then stepped behind Robin, watching her closely as she worked. Time stretched as tension built.
Finally, Robin completed the translation of the text. Before Eli could ask, she spoke, her voice tinged with regret.
"This text contains information on the location of one of the three Ancient Weapons the Pluto."
Eli's heart sank slightly. He had hoped for more, yet this clue about Pluto was valuable in itself. He quickly regained his composure, recalling that he already knew fragments about this text.
Big Pan asked curiously, "What exactly is this legendary weapon, Pluto? Is it that powerful?"
Robin smiled, answering patiently,
"Pluto is said to be an immensely powerful battleship. Historical records claim that a single shot from it could destroy an entire island. Its destructive force is beyond imagination."
Big Pan scoffed, "Just destroy an island? That's nothing."
Felina rolled her eyes, playfully scolding,
"Idiot Big Pan, not just anyone can wield such a ship. How many like you exist in the world?"
Eli chuckled, "Felina is right. This Ancient Weapon is formidable."
Yet Cobra's eyes widened in shock at the thought of such destructive power. If Pluto were in Alubarna, the consequences would be catastrophic. He looked at Robin, lips moving as if to question its location, but seeing Eli's strength, he could not speak.
Noticing Cobra's unease, Eli asked,
"King Cobra, is something troubling you?"
Cobra's hands trembled as he bowed deeply toward Robin, speaking earnestly,
"Miss Robin, please tell me truthfully. Is this weapon, Pluto, hidden within my kingdom?"
Robin, sensing Cobra's concern, glanced at Eli. With a slight nod from him, she replied,
"King Cobra, to the best of my knowledge, Pluto is not in Alubarna."
Relief flooded Cobra's face. His body relaxed, the tension draining away. Cobra had never sought Pluto for himself; he only wished peace and security for his nation. If Pluto had been in Alubarna, his kingdom would inevitably face devastating conflict.
"Thank you so much," Cobra said, bowing again with genuine gratitude.
"No need. You have the right to know," Robin replied with a smile.
"Now that we have finished here, let us depart," Eli said, and everyone agreed.
The return was faster than the descent. Within twenty minutes, they were back at the palace gates.
"Please, Eli, come back to the palace. I have arranged food for you," Cobra offered.
"No, King Cobra. We have other matters. Thank you for your help. If you or your kingdom ever face a crisis, I will come to assist. Take this coin it bears my spatial mark. Infuse it with energy, and I can reach you instantly, no matter the distance." Eli handed him a coin.
"Thank you, Eli," Cobra said, visibly moved.
Eli nodded, bade farewell to Cobra, and left with Big Pan and the others.
As they walked away, Felina asked,
"Eli, are we leaving Alubarna without saying goodbye to Vivi and the others?"
"Yes. After we return Corsa, we will depart," Eli replied.
"But the record pointer for the next island isn't fully charged yet," Felina said, confused.
"We're not heading to Sky Island yet. We're going somewhere else first," Eli explained, handing Felina a map from his spatial pocket.
Curious, Felina examined the map, while the others gathered to see. Eli then patted Robin's shoulder and drew her aside.
"You haven't told me everything yet, have you?" he asked.
Robin smiled,
"You're a sharp captain. I planned to tell you later, but now is fine."
Her expression turned serious.
"Pluto wasn't originally built by anyone from this world."
Robin watched Eli's reaction, hoping to see shock, but he remained calm.
"You're not surprised?" she asked.
"Heh. I know far more than you think," Eli replied with a teasing smile.
"Then I have much to learn from you, Captain," Robin said brightly.
Before Eli could respond, Felina interjected,
"Eli, this place isn't on our current route. The record pointer cannot store the magnetic field to reach it."
Eli handed her another device.
"Isn't this the compass Uncle Tato gave us?" Felina asked in surprise.
"Yes. It will guide us to this place," Eli confirmed.
"That's incredible," Big Pan and the others said in unison.
Perhaps incredible, or perhaps orchestrated by Brother Tongzi. Eli thought. The mysterious map he had signed in on pointed here, and now Tato's compass responded, confirming the location.