At the same time, in the dark castle of the Grand Order, a group of men and women all of whom were in different masks bowed before the darkness.
One look at their formation and it was clear that they were filed in accordance with rank.
Suddenly, a pair of Red fire field eyes appeared in the darkness.
The moment it did, the heads and knees of those bowing before it subconsciously lowered even further.
At the far front of the formation was a man dressed in full white.
Unlike the others, his mask was just plain, and as white as his robes.
"Lord Vulcan!" He called lowly, "the children were unfortunately unable to secure the Emperor's Tablet. We only got half of it. Also, many died! And even now, the King's knights are in pursuit of one of our younglings."
The pair of Red fire eyes seemed to frown a bit, getting tighter. And then from the void came an aged but deep voice that answered.
The sound of which felt like it talked directly to the soul.
"I am aware! No matter, their incompetence is forgiven. For now, we have more important matters to attend to."
A holographic projection of the Snake Forest suddenly appeared.
To be precise, it was the projection of the Dungeon.
"The Gold Anchor stone of Healing is once more in this world. The Dungeon is about to open."
"Yes my lord!" The man in full white responded, "we are already ready as planned my Lord."
"Good! My All Seeing Eyes tells me that in that Forest is not one but two Anchor stones. Also, the other half of the Tablet lies there. However, for some reason, two have a shade covering them. "
Those words mad the crowd gasp.
That was the highest number of Anchor stones to gather in one place in a thousand years.
That was truly incredible news.
"Also," the aged voice continued, "the missing youngling is there. As I speak, she has proceeded into the dungeon on her own Accord."
There was suddenly low murmuring amongst those bowed on the ground.
The man with white robes raised a hand and those bowing immediately shut their mouths.
"My lord! This is good news. If she gets the Anchor stone, it will be to our advantage. It will hasten your will and your decent into this world."
"Hmmm! That is true. Only the primordial energy the quality of the Anchor stones can free me from my prison." The tone of the voice felt like it was reminiscing.
"Yes Lord Vulcan!"
"However," the voice suddenly got serious. "She will not be enough. Do not underestimate the dungeon..."
The voice and fire eyes faded away.
As it did, the man in white robes stood to his feet.
He turned to those behind him.
"You have heard the words of Lord Vulcan. Finish the necessary preparations and head for the Dungeon. We need to secure the Anchor stones. I don't care if you have to burn it all down, just bring it here."
"Yes Master!" All echoed firmly.
They all stood up to leave.
However, as they left, the man with white called out, "Frown!"
"Yes Master!"
A man stepped forward.
He was big and very muscular.
He had a frown as a face mask, "Master!" frown bowed.
"My all seeing eyes is of a lower grade. A mere shadow to that of Lord Vulcan's. Therefore, I was unable to see the other Stone in the Snake Forest. While the others chase after the Anchor stone of Healing, I want you to get the other half of the Emperor's Tablet and the Anchor stone."
"I will make a consultation to find it's precise location," he walked towards Frown with his hands relaxing behind his back, "This is a very important task. Surely, they will be others coming for the stone. I need you to take that weapon with you."
"Master, you don't mean the Grand order's..."
"Yes! You will be in charge of it. Soul weapons of that grade are rare. Be careful with it."
"Yes Order Master. This humble one will do as ordered."
"Good..." The order master whispered as he flicked into dark dust that seemed to blow away.
........
At around the same time, in a very big palace castle with very high walls.
An old bald man ran rushed through the well spaced castle walls.
In his hand was a scroll that flicked in a slight gold light.
These castle walls were well decorated with portraits of past kings and members of the royal family.
However for all it's beauty and glamour, this old man was not interested in admiring them
Instead, his old legs ran as fast as he could.
Climbing up a flight of stairs, he missed his footing and accidentally fell to the ground.
His elbow was injured against the hard sturdy floor, but he could care less about his bleeding arm.
His only desire was to hurry as fast as he could.
He stood to his feet and hurried on his way.
Finally, he came before a pair of giant doors.
These doors had a legend about them. It is said that only cultivators of at least the Soul Master rank could open them.
Before the doors were two 8 feet tall men in Golden armour.
"I need to speak with the king immediately. The Priestess sent me!"
The Guards looked at one another, and then at the scroll in the old man's hands.
Immediately, the creaking sounds of the doors was heard as both men forced it open.
The doors were barely open when the old man forced himself through it's doors.
This room was brighter than the outside.
It was also heavily decorated.
However, just ahead was a red curtain with beautiful designs.
These were designs depicting battles of demons and gods.
The old man kneeled before the curtain.
"Your Majesty! The Priestess has confirmed the dungeon's opening. Just as suspected, it is an Anchor stone..."
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