Matilda sniffed disdainfully and retorted, “Let them brood. If they dare, let them come and try. I, for one, am not afraid of them!”

Kosor chuckled and remarked, “Haha, you are still as feisty as ever. But seriously, how do you plan to delve into the matter of this metal and the Ancestor Meat next?”

Enzo pondered for a moment before replying, “Our intention is to return to the Temple of the Seven Gods, complete the tasks in Gamma Star, and then retire to a quiet place to thoroughly examine the Scrolls and artifacts retrieved from the ruins. Perhaps we can uncover more clues about the origins of the Ancestor Meat.”

Kosor nodded in approval, “Indeed, that sounds like a solid plan. By the way, I have recently stumbled upon some rumors regarding the Ancestor Meat that might be of assistance to you.”

Enzo and Matilda perked up at once, eagerly inquiring in unison, “What rumors? Please, do share!”

Lowering his voice conspiratorially, Kosor disclosed, “I have heard whispers about an old hermit residing in a remote mountainous region on the planet Alpha. It is said that he possesses profound knowledge of ancient relics and enigmatic phenomena. Perhaps he holds insights into the origins of the Ancestor Meat.”

Enzo’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he exclaimed, “Is that so? Then we must hasten to seek out this hermit!”

Matilda, equally thrilled, chimed in, “Indeed, we may obtain crucial clues from him. Let’s go now!”

With that, the trio hastily rose to their feet and headed towards the secluded mountainous area mentioned by Kosor.

Enzo, Matilda, and Kosor embarked on a spacecraft bound for the remote region. Along the journey, Matilda kept repeating, “I hope this old man truly possesses valuable information. Let’s hope our trip won’t be in vain.”

Enzo smiled reassuringly, “Rest assured, even a stroke of luck could lead to unexpected rewards.”

Kosor also chimed in, “Indeed, my sources of information are generally reliable. I believe this old man must have some tricks up his sleeve.”

Before long, the spacecraft flew over the remote mountain area. Peering down from the porthole, all they could see below was a stretch of rolling mountains, blanketed with lush green trees and crisscrossed by a few clear streams, presenting a truly picturesque scene.

“This place looks quite nice. I wonder where that old man lives.” Matilda remarked, gazing out the window.

Enzo skillfully maneuvered the spacecraft to a gentle descent and suggested, “Let’s explore on foot after we land. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find him.”

Once the three of them disembarked, they began their search in the mountainous terrain. Following a narrow path between the mountains, they suddenly heard a commotion up ahead.

“Hmm? Seems like something’s going on up there. Let’s go check it out.” Enzo quickened his pace, with Matilda and Kosor close behind.

Upon reaching the source of the noise, they found a group of individuals in black uniforms surrounding a small wooden cabin, engaged in what appeared to be a heated argument with someone inside.

“Why do you lot refuse to let me in? I merely wish to pay a visit to this reclusive old man, I haven’t done anything wrong!” A young man protested angrily.

“Hmph, stop your whining. Our leader said no one is allowed near this cabin. Now scram!” one of the black-clad figures barked loudly.

Frowning, Enzo approached and inquired, “What’s going on here? Why are you preventing people from approaching this cabin?”

Glancing at Enzo with disdain, the black-clad figure retorted, “And who are you? It’s none of your business. You’d better not meddle, or you’ll regret it!”

Matilda’s temper flared instantly, taking a step forward and rebuking sharply, “Sir, why do you speak in such an uncivil manner? We merely seek an audience with the elderly gentleman residing here for some inquiries. On what grounds do you obstruct us?”

Before the man in black could retort, a voice of age and wisdom resonated from within the wooden hut, “Cease the commotion, allow them entry.”

Upon hearing this authoritative voice, the men in black promptly fell silent, obediently parting to create a path.

Enzo, Matilda, and Kosor exchanged a glance, then proceeded towards the wooden hut. Upon reaching the entrance, Enzo gently tapped on the door and inquired, “Esteemed elder, may we have permission to enter?”

The aged voice from within granted permission, “Come in.”

Enzo pushed open the door, and the trio stepped inside the humble abode. The interior was sparsely furnished, with only a table, a few chairs, and a worn-out bed, upon which sat a venerable figure with hair as white as snow, exuding a profound aura from his eyes.

“What brings you to me?” the old man inquired as he fixed his gaze upon them.

Stepping forward respectfully, Enzo addressed him, “Esteemed elder, we have heard of your profound knowledge regarding ancient relics and enigmatic artifacts. We are currently in search of the origin of Ancestor Meat and were wondering if you might possess any clues pertaining to this matter.”

Upon hearing this request, the old man squinted slightly, scrutinizing Enzo before remarking, “Ancestor Meat? Hmph, that is no trifling matter. Why do you seek its place of origin?”

Enzo proceeded to briefly recount his acquisition of Ancestor Meat during the assessment, as well as the subsequent discoveries linking it to mysterious relics and rare metals.

After listening attentively, the old man pondered for a moment before remarking, “I see. However, the whereabouts of the source of Ancestor Meat you seek is not easily uncovered. It harbors many dangers and enigmas within.”

Matilda exclaimed anxiously, “Kind sir, please do not keep us in suspense any longer. Do you or do you not know any relevant clues?”

The old man glanced at Matilda and replied, “I do have some clues, but you must agree to a condition of mine.”

Enzo quickly inquired, “What condition? Please tell us, and as long as we are capable, we will surely agree to it.”

With a faint smile, the old man said, “I need you to assist me with a task. Once this task is completed, I will impart all the clues I know about the origin of Ancestor Meat to you.”

Enzo, Matilda, and Kosor exchanged glances and asked in unison, “What task?”

The old man rose slowly, walked to the window, gazing at the mountains beyond, and spoke, “Deep within these mountains lies a sealed cave, housing an evil monster. Lately, I have sensed signs of the seal weakening. I require you to reinforce the seal to prevent the monster from wreaking havoc upon the world.”

Furrowing his brow, Enzo inquired, “Kind sir, is this monster truly formidable?”

The old man nodded gravely, “The monster is immensely powerful. It took considerable effort to seal it in the past, and the consequences of its escape would be catastrophic.”

Matilda hesitated and voiced, “But are we capable of handling such a task? What if we fail to subdue the monster and inadvertently worsen the situation?”

Steadily gazing at Matilda, the old man reassured, “Given your ability to find this place and navigate through perilous lands like Gamma Star, I have faith in your capabilities. Moreover, I shall offer you some assistance.”

With that, the old man retrieved a small box from under the bed. Upon opening it, a bead emitting a golden glow lay inside.

“This bead is called the Soul-Protecting Bead. It will safeguard your souls from harm during critical moments. Take it with you as you reinforce the seal.” The old man instructed.

Enzo accepted the Soul-Protecting Bead, examined it briefly, and remarked, “Very well, venerable one, we pledge to reinforce that seal.”

Matilda and Kosor nodded in agreement.

The old man nodded approvingly and instructed, “Alright, then set forth now. Follow this narrow path along the mountainside, and you will reach the sealed cave. Remember, be cautious of the potential dangers that may arise once the monster’s seal loosens.”

Enzo, Matilda, and Kosor bid farewell to the old man and proceeded towards the depths of the mountains as guided by him.

As Enzo, Matilda, and Kosor ventured deeper along the mountain path, the surrounding woods grew denser, the light dimmed, and strange sounds, resembling beasts’ roars or the howling wind, occasionally echoed, sending shivers down their spines.

“This place feels so ominous. Is that monster truly as formidable as the old man claimed?” Matilda clutched Enzo’s arm tightly, whispering.

Enzo reassured her with a gentle pat on her hand, “Fear not, for I am here, and we have the Soul-Protecting Bead. We should manage just fine.”

Kosor chimed in, “Indeed, we have weathered many trials together. Should we fear one more creature?”

The trio pressed on, and after a while, they caught sight of a massive cave up ahead. A thick mist enveloped the cave’s entrance, within which faint glimmers flickered, seemingly emanating from the seal.

“This must be it. Everyone, stay vigilant.” Enzo announced before bravely leading the way towards the cavern.

Matilda and Kosor followed closely.

Upon entering the cave, a chilling breeze greeted them, noticeably colder than the outside air. Enzo shuddered, casting a wary gaze around the frosty cavern.

The cavern was incredibly spacious, its walls adorned with an array of peculiar runes and symbols, while the ground was littered with strange footprints reminiscent of those left by some colossal creature.

“These runes and symbols bear a resemblance to those we encountered on Gamma Star.” Enzo remarked as he meticulously studied the inscriptions on the walls.

Matilda, joining him, added, “Indeed, it feels as though there are secrets lurking within these walls.”

Kosor interjected from the side, “Let us set aside these distractions for now. Our primary task is to locate the seal of the monster.”

The trio continued their journey deeper into the cave. As they progressed, they came upon a massive stone platform ahead, upon which rested a crystal orb radiating a haunting azure light. Golden tendrils of light danced around the orb, indicating it as the seal of the beast.

“Here we are. Let us devise a plan to strengthen this seal.” Enzo declared, stepping forward to examine the crystal orb and the surrounding seal’s luminous energy.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep