The Bloodline System

Author's Note: Unedited Chapter

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"People of Earth, this is Commander Ergril of the Tarks Force. We apologize for the earlier misunderstanding. Gustav Crimson has informed us that he has been cleared of all charges. We are withdrawing our forces immediately. Thank you for your understanding."

Back on Earth, the message was met with a collective sigh of relief. The tension that had gripped the planet began to ease, and the chaotic atmosphere started to calm. Gustav reappeared among his friends, who were waiting anxiously for his return.

"Is everything okay?" Angy asked.

Gustav smiled reassuringly. "Yes, everything is fine. Commander Ergril understands the situation now. The Tarks are withdrawing."

E.E. let out a low whistle. "You sure know how to cause a ruckus, Gustav."

Falco laughed. "More like saving the day, as usual."

As the sky cleared and the massive Tark ships began their retreat,

After Tark forces had withdrawn, the Earth began to settle back into an uneasy calm. Gustav, his friends, and Commander Ergril gathered in a serene park on the outskirts of the Elysium Prime city.

The lush greenery and the gentle sound of a flowing stream were a relief to the sense as the earlier events slowly faded into obscurity.

The group sat on benches arranged in a semi-circle under a large, ancient tree whose branches spread wide, offering shade and a sense of security.

The atmosphere was filled with a mixture of curiosity, relief, and a lingering sense of the extraordinary.

Endric, Falco, E.E., Aildris, Ria, Angy, Matilda, Empress Dahria, and Vera were all present. They had expressions of astonishment on their faces at this moment.

They had just witnessed a Tark Force commander, who had threatened the entire Earth only minutes ago, now sitting calmly with them.

Gustav introduced everyone formally to Commander Ergril. "Everyone, this is Commander Ergril, the Tark Force commander who helped me in the past. Ergril, these are my closest friends and allies."

Ergril's presence radiated with a refined military demeanor that commanded respect. It was like standing before grand commander Shion. However, he nodded to each of them with a look of humility as his armor glinted in the sunlight.

His eyes held a depth of wisdom and experience.

Falco was the first to speak. "So, you were ready to take on the whole planet just to protect Gustav?"

Ergril's expression softened slightly as he looked at Gustav with something akin to reverence. "Yes, Falco. Gustav, or as we know him, the Outworldly, is our savior and god. We would do everything in our power to protect him, even if it meant going against Earth."

Angy looked between Gustav and Ergril, her brows furrowed in thought. "Why do you see him as your savior and god?"

Ergril turned his gaze to her, his voice calm and steady. "It is a long but we'll known story that resulted in the salvation of our people... he is the reason for our evolution and rise to greatness. We owe him our lives and our future."

Ria, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "At least you guys are better than the Gustavo alliance. They were more interested in conquering and subjugating planets."

Ergril nodded. "We have no interest in taking over planets or causing harm. Our primary goal is the protection and preservation of our people and those we consider allies."

Endric who of course was still very familiar with the commander, leaned forward with a question. "Commander Ergril, has there been any news of the other Time Candidate returning?"

Ergril shook his head solemnly. "No, Endric. The other Time Candidate has not been seen or heard from. Their whereabouts and actions remain a mystery."

Falco, E.E., and the others exchanged puzzled glances, clearly intrigued by this mention of another Time Candidate. Gustav, sensing their curiosity, decided to explain. "The other Time Candidate is someone I was told about during my time with the Tarks. Just like Endric, he or she is linked to the fate of our universe and mine. They exist to guide and help with what is coming."

"Don't forget the advice, saviour," Commander Ergril suddenly voiced out.

Matilda had a look of confusion; "What advice?" She inquired.

"I was told to 'go left' by the other Time Candidate, but I still don't understand what it means. I haven't come across any situation where that advice makes sense," Gustav recalled what Commander Ergril had said to him before leaving with Endric many months ago.

Ergril's eyes met Gustav's, filled with a calm certainty. "Outworldly, the time will come when you will understand. When that moment arrives, you will know what to do. The advice to 'go left' is significant and will reveal itself when you need it most."

Angy placed a comforting hand on Gustav's shoulder. "We'll be here to support no matter what happens."

Gustav nodded; "Thanks Angy."

Ergril's voice turned serious as he addressed Gustav directly. "Outworldly, remember that your journey is far from over. You must continue for the sake of our universe. Your actions and decisions are vital to the survival of countless lives."

Gustav met Ergril's gaze. "I understand, Commander Ergril."

"Back on planet Agon, I was supposed to use a Warp Demolator fragment to get to the Stagnant Siterus Void. Unfortunately, I had to come back to Earth after seeing a vision about Angy's appearance and the trouble you all got into when you went to save Ria."

A wave of seriousness washed over the group. Angy's eyes widened, and she instinctively reached out to grasp Gustav's hand.

"What exactly is the Stagnant Siterus Void?" Angy's question broke the silence.

Gustav realised he hadn't brought her up to speed on that yet. Only the boys were aware of most of his endeavours and plans that were put in place before Angy was saved.

Gustav decided to give a brief explanation; "The Stagnant Siterus Void is a location that only exists in the future. It's where the warp demolator has been dragging a lot of orbital bodies to. It's why planet Humbad can't be found in its original location within space. I need to get there to find Planet Humbad."

Matilda frowned, trying to piece together the information. "So, what happens once you get to Planet Humbad?"

Gustav gaze turned distant as he envisioned the journey ahead. "On Planet Humbad, I need to locate a place called Dimension Six. I hope that there will be some type of answer waiting for me there. It's part of a larger puzzle I need to solve."

The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air. Empress Dahria looked at Gustav intently. "What do you expect to find in Dimension Six?"

Gustav shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure. It's more of a hope than a certainty. But all the signs point to it being crucial for understanding the origin of certain things and possibly finding a way to protect our universe."

Ria's voice was filled with concern as he asked, "Can we come with you, Gustav?"

Now that he knew there was another warp demolator that could be used, he wanted to help.

"I appreciate your willingness to help, but it's impossible. You know how dangerous the warp demolator is. I had to take tests that Miss Aimee put in place for me and achieve the three-in-one golden body. Had I entered the Warp Demolator back then in space without achieving the three-in-one golden body, even with the sacred armor, it would have been my end."

Matilda pressed further. "Why can't we come along? We've faced plenty of danger before."

Gustav's gaze hardened. "Because you would all die if you did. The Warp Demolator will rip you to shreds from your body to your mind and even your soul. It will leave nothing. Only someone with the three-in-one golden body can survive the journey."

Angy eyes were filled with worry as she squeezed his hand tighter; "But you'll be alone. What if something happens to you?"

"I've faced many dangers alone before. This is yet another thing I have to do by myself. But I promise, I will come back. I have to. For all of you," Gustav vowed with a look of assuredness.

Aildris nodded in understanding as he recalled nearly getting swallowed up by the Warp Demolator. If it wasn't for the strange whitish being that had saved them at the time, he was sure it would have been their end.

It wasn't like they could really do anything about it. Gustav wouldn't allow them to make foolish decisions based on emotions. After all, what good were they to him dead?

"We get it, Gustav. Just be careful," Aildris stated.

"Sure thing."

...

Night fall had arrived and Commander Ergril had left after passing some gifts to Gustav, one of which included a new spacecraft.

At the moment, Gustav and Angy found themselves walking along a path lined with blooming flowers. Their hands were intertwined.

The moon cast a silver glow over the surroundings, adding a touch of romantic magical to the atmosphere.

Angy looked up at Gustav, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "When will you be leaving?"

"About a week or two from now. I still need to put some things in place before leaving."