Chapter 66: Chapter 66

Watts adjusted his stance, a subtle motion that communicated his urgency as he gestured to Tessa.

"Let’s move on," he said calmly, though the underlying impatience in his tone was clear.

Nova perched lightly on his head, her tiny translucent wings fluttering as she peered curiously at the bustling activity around them.

She chirped softly, her bright eyes catching every movement, seemingly fascinated by the world beyond Watts’ steady focus.

Tessa gave a hesitant nod, her professional demeanor quickly returning as she guided him forward through the checkpoint.

The crowd thickened around them, a symphony of purposeful movements and muted conversations blending with the hum of advanced machinery.

Nova, however, seemed unbothered, swiveling her small head to take in the scene with childlike wonder, her soft glow casting faint light onto Watts’ dark hair.

As they approached the central checkpoint area, Tessa abruptly slowed her pace, her steps faltering just enough to draw Watts’ attention.

His brows furrowed as he stopped a step behind her, his sharp eyes scanning her face.

"Something wrong?" he asked, his tone even but laced with curiosity.

Tessa hesitated, clutching her clipboard a little tighter.

Her composure cracked just enough to let nervousness seep through her carefully maintained mask.

She turned to face him, her lips parting as if to speak, but for a moment, no words came. Finally, she said, "Sir, someone... would like to meet you."

Watts’ frown deepened. "Who?"

Tessa shook her head lightly, averting her gaze. "I wasn’t given specifics. But... it’s important."

Watts’ instincts flared.

Years of honing his abilities made him sensitive to deception, and her answer, while not overtly false, was far from the whole truth.

Calmly, he tilted his head and activated his Eyes of the Universe.

His vision shimmered faintly as he probed into the recent memories of her mind, focusing on the moments leading up to this encounter.

In the past of her mind, he saw a brief but telling flash—a telepathic message she had received.

The sender was the checkpoint’s captain, a figure of authority here, instructing her to bring Watts to a specific location.

While this alone wasn’t particularly alarming, what stood out was her reaction.

Tessa’s nerves stemmed not from the message itself but from the context: everyone working at the checkpoint knew that one of the daughters of the Mijjory family was present.

The name clicked instantly.

Watts knew of the Mijjory family.

They were one of the most influential and powerful families, hailing from Ernos, a planet under Earth’s dominion.

Ernos was known for its intricate web of interplanetary trade, and the Mijjorys sat at the center of it, their wealth and influence rivaled by few.

It wasn’t every day that a daughter of such a prominent house appeared on Earth, let alone in a checkpoint deep under the Pacific Ocean.

The connection between the captain’s message and the Mijjory presence was clear. Whoever wanted to see Watts was likely tied to this influential visitor, and the implications were significant.

For Tessa, it was reason enough to be nervous. For Watts, it was an opportunity.

He weighed his options. Every second mattered—his family was in dire straits, and he couldn’t afford delays.

Yet, he recognized the potential of gaining a powerful ally, especially from a family like the Mijjorys.

If this meeting could secure him even the smallest advantage, it might be worth the detour.

"I’ll go," Watts said, his voice steady. Tessa looked visibly relieved at his response, though her nervousness lingered in her posture.

Nova chirped softly again, her curious gaze now fixed on Watts’ face.

He reached up to brush his fingers lightly against her wing in a gesture of reassurance.

She tilted her head, glowing faintly, her presence a calming constant amid the uncertainty.

"Lead the way," Watts instructed, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Tessa nodded briskly and turned back toward the crowd. She moved with purpose now, her earlier hesitation replaced by a sense of urgency.

Watts followed closely behind, his tall figure cutting through the throng of people like a blade through water.

Nova perched securely on his head, drawing occasional curious glances, though most quickly turned away under Watts’ steady gaze.

The checkpoint’s atmosphere buzzed with energy. Travelers moved purposefully, their steps quick yet orderly.

Scanners emitted soft beeps, and holographic displays flickered with data as personnel managed the constant flow of people.

The sheer efficiency of the operation was impressive, a testament to the advanced systems in place.

Despite the activity around him, Watts remained focused. His sharp eyes flicked to every corner of the space, noting exits, potential threats, and any anomalies.

His mind churned with thoughts of his mission and the urgency of his family’s plight.

Time was slipping through his fingers, yet he stayed calm. If this meeting was a gamble, he would ensure it paid off.

Ahead, Tessa led him toward an area cordoned off from the main checkpoint.

The crowd thinned as they moved deeper into the facility, the buzz of activity fading slightly.

Watts adjusted his pace to match hers, his gaze unwavering as he prepared for what lay ahead.

.................

In a hidden corner of this hidden city, far from the bustling activity of the checkpoint and the domed civilization above, a sterile, high-tech laboratory pulsed with intensity.

Bright, artificial light illuminated the stark white walls and advanced machinery, casting an unfeeling glow over the two glass chambers at the center of the room.

Inside each chamber lay a woman, their still forms cradled by smooth, metallic platforms.

One was middle-aged but radiantly beautiful, her features lined with a dignified grace that spoke of strength and resilience.

The other was younger, bearing a striking resemblance to Watts, her golden hair a cascade of light against the sterile confines of her cell.

They were Aunt Liz and Layla, unconscious and unaware of their surroundings, separated only by a thin, transparent barrier of reinforced glass.

A team of researchers in pristine white coats moved around the chambers, their faces etched with concentration.

Monitors displayed streams of data—complex algorithms and energy readings that mapped the enigmatic barriers encasing the women.

These barriers, intricate in design and composition, had defied all previous attempts at decryption.

At the center of the room stood the project leader, a man with sharp, angular features and an air of cold efficiency.

He had been observing the process from the start, his piercing eyes fixed on the translucent domes of energy that had kept the two women untouchable.

Despite the researchers’ best efforts, the barriers had proven impenetrable, their structure unlike anything the team had encountered.

Until now.

The last lock was almost undone.

The team worked with surgical precision, their movements a synchronized dance of logic and intuition.

Beads of sweat glistened on their foreheads as they manipulated controls and fine-tuned calculations.

The hum of machinery grew louder, an undercurrent of tension filling the air as the barrier began to shift and weaken.

A loud crack echoed through the lab.

The sound rippled through the room as if a glass pane had shattered, though the chambers themselves remained intact.

The shimmering energy that had encased Liz and Layla flickered once, twice, and then vanished entirely.

The project leader straightened, a slow smile spreading across his face. His sharp features softened with satisfaction as he surveyed the now-unprotected women.

Finally, they had succeeded. The barriers were broken, and the captives were fully exposed for the first time since their capture.

He raised a hand to his temple, closing his eyes in concentration as he sent out a mental message.

His thoughts carried across the mental network, delivering the news to the higher-ups with precision and clarity.

Though he did not speak aloud, the pride in his accomplishment was unmistakable.

In his mind, he envisioned the possibilities now laid before them.

They had spent considerable resources securing these two, but the payoff would be worth it.

With these women in their grasp, they now held a critical advantage—a means to manipulate the one they truly sought.

The researchers exchanged muted congratulations, some already preparing for the next phase of their work.

For the leader, however, this moment was just the beginning. He turned his attention to the chambers, a spark of triumph glinting in his eyes.

Elsewhere in the city, Watts froze mid-step.

His body stiffened as a sudden, profound emptiness washed over him. It was as if a tether had been cut, leaving an aching void in its place.

His heart raced as his connection to the protection runes he had placed on his family abruptly vanished.

The realization hit him like a physical blow.

The runes, carefully crafted and imbued with his energy, had been a constant reassurance—a lifeline to his aunt and sister.

For as long as the runes were active, he had known they were safe. But now, that assurance was gone, snuffed out in an instant.

He staggered slightly, his breath catching in his throat.

Nova chirped softly from her perch, tilting her head to peer down at him in concern, but Watts didn’t respond.

His mind was already racing, his thoughts a storm of worry and rage.

Tessa, walking a few steps ahead, turned to glance back at him, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Mr. Watts?" she asked hesitantly.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he closed his eyes briefly, regaining his composure. Whatever had just happened, he needed to stay focused.

His path forward had not changed—if anything, it had only grown more urgent.

And well he happens to know just the right thing to do right now.

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