"The residence is located on the top floor of the temple," Rowan explained to Silvermoon. "We need to use the teleportation system to get there."
"The temple has an internal teleportation system?" Silvermoon asked, clearly surprised.
"Yes, and it is extremely advanced."
Using the Master Control Key, Rowan activated the temple's teleportation system.
Storm King Severus truly had been a technological genius. The complexity of the facilities within the temple was far beyond anything ordinary.
A gentle light enveloped the two of them.
Space began to twist and distort.
Less than ten seconds later, they had been transported from the hall on the lowest level to the entrance of the residence on the top floor.
The entrance was sealed by a massive door.
It stood more than ten meters tall and was nearly five meters wide. The material appeared to be some kind of special metal, its surface carved with incredibly intricate storm patterns.
Yet those patterns were not static decorations.
They slowly moved across the surface of the door, as if an actual storm were raging within the metal itself.
"This door is a work of art by itself," Silvermoon praised as she stared at it. "The craftsmanship is incredible, and it even has a dynamic effect."
Rowan raised the crystal key.
The storm patterns on the door immediately reacted.
Countless rays of light shot out from the carvings and resonated with the key in Rowan's hand.
A deep rumble echoed through the area.
The enormous door slowly opened to both sides.
Beyond it was a wide corridor.
Countless glowing crystals were embedded in the walls on either side, illuminating the entire passage.
However, these crystals were not merely lighting devices.
They appeared to be some kind of recording system, each one preserving a vast amount of information.
"What is inside these crystals?" Silvermoon asked curiously as she examined the glowing objects in the walls.
Rowan used the Master Control Key to access the relevant information.
"These are Memory Crystals. They contain various experiences and research records from Storm King Severus's lifetime."
"Can we view them?"
"In theory, yes. However, we need specialized equipment."
Rowan continued walking deeper into the corridor.
"Besides, these are only ordinary records. The truly important information should be located in the core area of the residence."
The corridor was extremely long, stretching for roughly a hundred meters.
It took the two of them several minutes to reach the end.
There, they arrived at the main area of the residence.
When Rowan pushed open the final door, he and Silvermoon were both deeply stunned by the sight before them.
It was an enormous circular chamber.
The room had a diameter of at least fifty meters and a height of nearly twenty meters.
The entire space had been designed as a miniature model of the universe.
Countless stars floated in the air.
Nebulae slowly rotated.
There were even miniature black holes operating within the model.
"What is this?" Silvermoon stared at the magnificent space in disbelief.
"A Cosmic Simulator."
Through the knowledge contained within the inheritance, Rowan immediately recognized the function of the device.
"Storm King Severus used it to study various phenomena in the universe, especially the mechanisms behind the formation of cosmic storms."
The accuracy of the Cosmic Simulator was astonishing.
Every star and every nebula within it operated according to the proportions and physical laws of the real universe.
Even more incredible was the fact that the simulator could reflect changes occurring in the actual universe in real time.
"Storm King Severus's research abilities truly are unfathomable," Silvermoon sighed. "To create such an accurate model of the universe, his understanding of the cosmos must have reached a level ordinary people cannot even imagine."
The Cosmic Simulator was not the only astonishing thing inside the residence.
One wall was covered with countless energy weapons.
Every single one radiated an overwhelming pressure.
Another wall contained a massive bookshelf filled with thousands of ancient texts and research records.
But the most eye-catching object was the enormous desk at the center of the room.
The material of the desk was also made from that special crystal.
Various complicated charts and streams of data were projected across its surface.
Despite the passage of countless years, the projections remained perfectly clear.
"This should be Storm King Severus's final research data."
Rowan walked toward the desk.
"Perhaps we can find some clues here."
The information projected across the desk was extremely complex.
It contained countless mathematical formulas, diagrams related to the Laws, and several symbol systems Rowan had never seen before.
However, after carefully studying the data, he began to notice certain patterns.
"These records seem to be related to time," Rowan analyzed. "Look at these formulas. They all involve advanced applications of the Laws of Time."
Silvermoon leaned closer.
"These charts too. They look like blueprints for some kind of countdown device."
Indeed, several of the diagrams on the desk clearly showed designs for devices related to time.
Their complexity far exceeded the understanding of ordinary people.
However, judging from their overall structure, they seemed to have been designed to delay or prevent some kind of unavoidable process.
"Storm King Severus was studying the Laws of Time?" Silvermoon asked in confusion. "Wasn't he famous for his mastery of the Laws of Storms?"
"Powerful warriors usually study multiple Laws," Rowan explained. "Besides, the Laws of Time and the Laws of Space are often closely connected. Given his deep understanding of cosmic storms, it is not strange that he would study the Laws of Time as well."
But the real question was not why Storm King Severus had studied the Laws of Time.
The real question was why he had been studying devices designed to delay the passage of time.
Judging from the contents of the research, he seemed to have been attempting to prevent some kind of unavoidable event from occurring.
"Wait."
Silvermoon suddenly noticed something in the corner of the desk.
"There is a written record here."
She picked up a special crystal tablet.
Rowan took the tablet from her and carefully read the contents.
The writing used an ancient universal language.
However, the grammar and word choices carried a strong personal style.
It was clearly a personal record written by Storm King Severus himself.
"Time is running out. The prophecy is gradually becoming reality. The awakening of the Dark Lord appears to be impossible to stop. I must find a way to delay the process. At the very least, I must buy more time for those who come after me."
Rowan read the words aloud.
"The Dark Lord?" Silvermoon frowned. "What is that?"
"I don't know either."
Rowan shook his head.
"But judging from the tone of this record, it should be an extremely dangerous existence. Storm King Severus clearly regarded it as a tremendous threat."
They continued reading.
The record contained even more disturbing information.
"According to my calculations, the Dark Lord will require approximately ten thousand years to fully awaken. During this period, it will continuously send its servants throughout the universe to create chaos and gather the energy required for its resurrection. I have designed a Time Seal Device in the hope that I can delay the process."
"A Time Seal Device?"
Silvermoon pointed toward the blueprints on the desk.
"Could these be the devices he was talking about?"
"Very likely."
Rowan carefully examined the blueprints.
"If these devices were actually constructed, then they may still be operating somewhere in the universe."
The discovery left both of them deeply uneasy.
If Storm King Severus's records were accurate, then there truly was a terrifying existence known as the Dark Lord somewhere in the universe.
And it might already be gradually awakening.
"We need more information."
Rowan made his decision.
"This place should contain other records."
The two of them began systematically searching through the residence.
The ancient books on the shelves recorded a vast amount of Storm King Severus's research.
There were records of his understanding of various Laws, observations of cosmic phenomena, as well as numerous prophecies and theories.
Inside a thick journal, Silvermoon discovered even more records regarding the Dark Lord.
"According to ancient prophecy, the Dark Lord was once one of the most powerful beings in the universe. However, it was sealed away during an epic war. The prophecy states that it will awaken again at a specific point in time and bring a disaster unlike anything the universe has ever seen."
"I spent a great deal of time studying these prophecies. I discovered that the calculations concerning time are highly consistent with the cosmic phenomena I have observed. I fear this is not merely a legend. It is a reality that is about to occur."
"When were these records written?" Rowan asked.
Silvermoon examined the time markings in the journal.
"Approximately five thousand years ago. That was shortly before Storm King Severus died."
"Then according to his calculations, approximately five thousand years remain before the Dark Lord fully awakens."
Rowan quickly calculated the timeline.
"But during this period, its servants should have remained active."
This conclusion immediately made both of them think of the current situation.
The sudden conflict between the two great empires over Storm King Severus's inheritance...
Could it be connected to the activities of those servants?
"We need more specific information," Silvermoon suggested. "Especially descriptions of those servants."
They continued searching.
In a hidden corner of the residence, they discovered a special secret chamber.
The chamber required a special key to open.
Fortunately, the Master Control Key in Rowan's possession fulfilled the requirement.
The room itself was not very large.
However, its design was extremely precise.
A massive star map hung on the wall, covered with countless locations and time markers.
Several special detection devices rested on the table alongside thick stacks of observation records.
"This should be Storm King Severus's secret research chamber," Rowan said as he examined the room. "He must have used it specifically to investigate information related to the Dark Lord."
The markings on the star map were incredibly detailed.
They recorded abnormal activities throughout various regions of the universe.
What shocked them was that many of the markings pointed toward the star region where they were currently located.
"Look here."
Silvermoon pointed toward one of the markings on the star map.
"The area around Reno Port has been classified as a high-risk zone. The time marked here is exactly now."
Indeed, the star map clearly indicated that a major event would occur around Reno Port at a specific point in the future.
The exact nature of the event was unclear.
However, judging from the color and symbols used to mark the location, it was definitely not something good.
"Could it be that the conflict between the two great empires is not accidental?"
Rowan began to realize the seriousness of the situation.
"Could it be part of a much larger conspiracy?"
At the deepest part of the research chamber, they discovered the final record left behind by Storm King Severus.
The record had been encrypted using a special method.
Only someone who had obtained his inheritance could decipher it.
"My time truly is running out. The servants of the Dark Lord have already begun to move. They are planning a massive conspiracy. Before I die, I must activate the Time Seal Device. Even if it can only delay the inevitable for a short while, that will be enough."
"To the one who inherits my legacy in the future: If you are reading these words, then my plan has at least partially succeeded. However, the danger is far from over. You must stop the Dark Lord from awakening."
"Remember, the true enemy is not the conflict visible on the surface, but the mastermind manipulating everything from the shadows."
"The incident at Reno Port is only the beginning. A far greater crisis lies ahead. Trust your instincts. Search for companions who share your ideals. Only by uniting every force that can be united will there be any chance of stopping this disaster."
After reading the record, Rowan and Silvermoon fell silent.
They had originally believed they had merely come to deal with an ordinary conflict between two great empires.
They had never expected to become involved in a massive conspiracy concerning the safety of the entire universe.
"What should we do now?" Silvermoon asked.
"First, we need to reevaluate the current situation."
Rowan calmly analyzed the circumstances.
"If Storm King Severus's theory is correct, then there must be a deeper reason behind the conflict between the two great empires."
"And we cannot ignore the Virtual Universe Company's position either," Silvermoon added. "If this really is connected to the resurrection of the Dark Lord, the company will certainly have its own response prepared."
"Then our next step is to gather more information and contact the company."
Rowan made his decision.
"At the same time, we need to closely monitor the movements of the two great empires and see whether we can uncover any clues about the mastermind behind everything."
Just as Rowan and Silvermoon were preparing to leave the residence, the entire building suddenly began to tremble.
This vibration was different from the earlier attacks launched by the imperial forces against the protective barrier.
It was far more violent.
And it continued for much longer.
"What is happening?"
Silvermoon immediately became alert and looked around.
"Has the protective barrier been breached?"
Rowan quickly used the Master Control Key to check the condition of the temple.
His expression instantly became serious.
"It is not just the protective barrier that has been breached. A large number of warriors have already entered the temple, and they are moving rapidly toward this location."
"Are they imperial forces?"
"Not entirely."
Rowan carefully sensed the energy signatures of the intruders.
"Besides the imperial forces, there are warriors from other factions as well. It seems we spent too much time inside the residence. The situation outside has changed dramatically."
Indeed, while they had been exploring Storm King Severus's residence, the situation outside had undergone a fundamental change.
The imperial forces had finally broken through the temple's defensive system.
At the same time, several other powerful factions had also arrived at the scene.
Most importantly, Rowan was now radiating the unique aura of Storm King Severus's inheritance.
To experienced warriors, that aura was extremely obvious.
Anyone with sufficient strength could sense the tremendous power contained within it.
"We need to leave immediately," Silvermoon suggested. "Being surrounded in a confined space like this would be too dangerous."
But it was already too late.
Rapid footsteps suddenly echoed from the entrance of the residence.
A moment later, intense energy fluctuations surged through the area.
The intruders had clearly reached the top floor.
They were already attempting to force their way through the residence's defenses.
"Prepare for battle."
Rowan calmly issued the command.
At the same time, he began mobilizing the new power flowing through his body.
Storm King Severus's inheritance had not only granted Rowan a profound understanding of the Laws.
It had also greatly enhanced his combat abilities.
Now, even if he faced multiple opponents of the same level, Rowan was confident that he could fight them head-on.
The door to the residence suddenly began to tremble violently.
A terrifying pressure spread through the entire area.
Rowan's eyes narrowed.
The battle was about to begin.
And this time, the enemies standing outside were not the only threat.
Somewhere behind the conflict, an unseen hand was already pulling the strings.
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