Chapter 83 A City of Light

The Aethel transport pod descended towards the beckoning light, a stark contrast to the desolate landscapes they had traversed during their journey. The Luminant city, nestled within a verdant valley, pulsed with an ethereal glow. Towering structures, seemingly carved from luminous crystal, shimmered with an otherworldly beauty. As they touched down on a smooth landing platform, a hush fell over the team. Anya Jr., her eyes wide with wonder, pressed her face against the viewport. Elara, ever the pragmatist, checked their cloaking technology one last time, ensuring it remained active. Cyrus, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, initiated communication protocols. A wave of energy rippled outwards, carrying a message of greeting and requesting permission to disembark. The response was instantaneous. The platform shimmered, revealing a delegation of figures clad in flowing robes of shimmering fabric. Their faces, bathed in the soft glow of the city's Aethel