Chapter 377: Strong

"Are we… safe?"

Sidus's hesitant question hung in the air, a reflection of the uncertainty we all felt. My gaze was locked on the Chronicles, hoping for some indication of our safety. Were these enigmatic beings our saviors, or did they harbor their own motives? Grandfather said that their job was to keep a record of everything. Or something like that.

My attention was drawn to the Chronicle that had intervened to halt the Shades' advance and mend the barrier. It moved through space, almost as if gravity had no influence on it, and approached us with deliberate steps. As its presence drew nearer, its singular vertical-slit pupils fixed upon me. The sensation was unnerving as if it could see into the depths of my being. The scrutiny felt all-encompassing, from the tips of my claws to the crown of my heads.

After what felt like an eternity, the Chronicle turned its attention to Sidus, repeating the meticulous examination. I wondered if it was searching for something, or perhaps confirming some piece of knowledge that only they were privy to. Finally, it shifted its focus to Breta, whose grip on her spear seemed to tighten in anticipation of the unknown.

Silence prevailed as the Chronicles' inspections concluded. A subtle nod from one of them seemed to convey their collective judgment. Although unnerving, their actions didn't appear hostile. It was as if they had been evaluating our very essence, searching for a truth beyond the surface. As their attention shifted away from us, the tension that had gripped us began to ease, replaced by a lingering sense of awe and the curiosity of an encounter with the inexplicable.

The Chronicle that held Ynos released its grip and my younger brother flew back to my side, his posture notably different—almost submissive. The sight of his lowered head and uncharacteristically docile demeanor sent a surge of concern through me. Ynos was not one to bow easily, even in the face of power beyond his own. His deference spoke volumes about the Chronicles' nature, and the mysteries they held seemed to multiply with each passing moment.

As moments passed without a word, I found my impatience growing, and I mustered the resolve to ask the question that was gnawing at the edges of my thoughts. "Where are we?" My words hung in the air, accompanied by the Chronicles' unreadable gazes, neither confirming nor denying my query. A frown tugged at my features as I exchanged glances with my companions. What course of action should we take? Should we remain here? Depart? Wait for further instructions? The uncertainty was palpable.

Instinctively, I motioned for Sidus and Breta to draw closer to my side, forming a protective formation. As we stood ready, the Chronicles' inscrutable presence loomed before us, a testament to the enigma of our surroundings.

Just as my anticipation grew to the point of voicing my question again, one of the Chronicles abruptly vanished before my eyes. However, it wasn't a disappearance; it was a movement so rapid that it was nearly imperceptible. In an instant, the being materialized just inches away from my face, an astonishing feat that sent an electric jolt of alertness through Breta, Sidus, and myself. Yet, despite the sudden tension that gripped the air, an inexplicable tranquility coursed through my veins as I met the gaze of its eyes.

Communication seemed to happen in the realm of understanding, beyond mere words. I sensed no ill intent from this enigmatic being; its intentions were clear to me. Swift as the wind, the Chronicle's hand moved in a blur, tapping my head with a touch that resonated with serenity. As if evaporating from existence, it dissolved from view, leaving a strange stillness in its wake.

It took a few moments for my senses to recalibrate, to fully comprehend the exchange that had just transpired. Gradually, the realization dawned that the Chronicles' companions had also departed, leaving us alone. Breta, with her spear now at the ready, surveyed our surroundings with a shiver tracing down her spine. "Why is it when it comes to you lizards, everything turns creepy?" she remarked, a mix of sarcasm and unease tinging her voice.

Sidus, glaring at Breta's comment, turned his attention back to me, his concern palpable in his gaze. "Are you okay, brother?" he inquired, his voice laden with genuine worry.

"I— I'm okay, I think…" I replied hesitantly.

"You think? What do you mean, you think? It's either you are okay or you are not," Breta shot back.

"You know, you became really talkative compared to when I first got to know you," I said with a grin. This caused the Goddess's eyes to slightly widen as her emotionless facade broke once more.

"Idiot," she cursed under her breath.

"What happened?" Sidus chimed in, changing the subject.

"I'm not sure, but when it tapped my head, it was like it imparted knowledge of where we are supposed to go. Something like that. I'm not sure how that works myself, but I feel like I can teleport us away now."

Breta raised her brow and shrugged, "Well, how worse could it get? We were already deep into Shade territory, I doubt wherever you'll take us would be worse than that."

"Don't say that! Damn it, now you've gone and jinxed it."

Breta shrugged once more and continued, "Well, are we leaving?"

I clicked my tongue in a slight annoyance, turning my attention to Ynos, who was uncharacteristically subdued. "Ynos, are you okay?" I asked, my concern evident.

Ynos's gaze met mine, and he raised his head with a certain hesitance. His voice held a rare note of solemnity as he spoke, "They were strong."

I nodded and replied, "Of course, they were—"

He quickly shook his head and stopped me, before repeating, "No, brother. You don't understand. They were strong."

"…"

The collective gaze of our group shifted toward Ynos, who seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on his own claws. With a resigned sigh, I broke the silence, my voice laced with a touch of weariness, "Let's get out of here first."

Each of my companions offered a weary nod of agreement, finding their positions as I closed my eyes and delved deeper into the recesses of my soul space. The dragon statue at the heart of my world stirred, its presence blending with the cosmic energies that flowed from the distant expanse of stars. My consciousness honed in on the thread of information the Chronicle had shared, fixing it as the target for my teleportation.

With no hesitation, I initiated the teleportation, anchoring it to that singular destination.