Chapter 57

The sky darkened again with heavy clouds gathering. Before long, rain poured down in torrents. Over 60 miles away from Aether Spire, a massive, antique ghost ship drifted on the open sea. Heavily armed mercenaries had already boarded the deck, and their entry had been unusually smooth. Dressed in thick protective suits, they shielded themselves from potential radiation and hazardous substances. Each of them wore patch-style earpieces, maintaining constant communication with the outside team. As they pushed open the first door, a sudden burst of light flooded the space. The ship's lavish interior only deepened its air of extravagant mystery. A grand crystal chandelier cast brilliant, shifting hues, illuminating the hall in a mesmerizing display. Everything was pristine and untouched by dust, as if a lavish banquet had just been held. In the trick of refracted light, one could almost see the elegant figures toasting, their glasses clinking in silent revelry. Were these illusions? Or