The next morning, I was already prepared wearing formal clothes again. Sherubiel once again looked confused by my appearance today.
"Johann, where are you going again? It seems you've been very busy lately...".
Ahhh... I forgot to tell them that I would see the true form of the energy called Element of Desire. Did Sherubiel and Mendicore already know about that energy before? I felt that they already knew, especially Mendicore.
"Actually, yesterday at the welcoming ceremony for the High Heaven angels, they expressed their gratitude that The Graendall brought back the Dreadstones stored beneath the abandoned fortress. They mentioned something about the infinite energy potential of those stones. Only then did Commander Gruzhnil tell me after they left that it's called the Element of Desire. Today I will be invited by the commander to see the form of that energy directly..."
"Do you know about the Element of Desire, Sherubiel?" I asked further.
Sherubiel looked like she was thinking hard as if it sounded unfamiliar to her.
"Ummm... sorry Johann. I don't know about that. Maybe after I was exiled by High Heaven, they only began studying it. It seems Mendicore knows about the energy you mentioned..." said Sherubiel while scratching her head.
"Try saying the name of that energy again, Johann???" asked Mendicore suddenly who had just come from the next room.
I mentioned the name again. Mendicore fell silent for a moment. It seemed Mendicore also didn't know the energy name either.
"I once heard that name before I was deactivated and stored in that abandoned fortress. At that time they were intensively searching for that energy because it was the only alternative energy that could replace the souls of good deeds. The name is quite abstract for me. I cannot yet confirm that the energy comes from dreadstones and also has infinite potential..."
"When I first arrived here and scanned the entire surface of this planet, I found a very unique magnificent building in the northern part of the planet. It is likely that the energy is created there. Of course, I didn't sneak in because I'm still categorized as an external entity of this empire." Mendicore continued.
I was amazed by Mendicore's attitude and morals even though it was only an artificial intelligence machine. It knew the boundaries that must not be crossed even though I thought Mendicore could infiltrate using its portal ability and disable the security system in that place.
"Does that mean whatever we want will definitely come true from that energy??? Hahaha..." I said trying to lighten the mood.
"If imagined, it would be like that. But I think it's far more complex than just granting wishes. Every form that is created must have an origin and process. I'm actually amazed that the people of Grivendal are the ones who created an energy that High Heaven considers very important. Please tell us later what you see and know there, Johann. This could be knowledge that they have hidden from me." said Mendicore.
I nodded. But actually I felt sorry and still a bit annoyed why High Heaven still employs the people of Grivendal to create the Element of Desire. They have already taken the rights of good human souls that have died. Now they ask again from the living with uncertain rewards. Perhaps they will receive their karma someday like what happens in the game storyline.
A few moments later, I heard a horn from outside the house. I said goodbye to Mendicore and Sherubiel. It turned out Grelmure had come to pick me up.
"See youuu sweet lady Sherubieeelll...!!! Johann and I are going to have some fun first okayyy...!!!" said Grelmure waving his hand to Sherubiel and starting to drive away from the house.
Sherubiel covered her face again and turned her body seeing Grelmure's flirtatious behavior acting up again. I just sighed deeply while shaking my head.
"They were curious about my activity today and I told them. Why weren't they included in today's activity, Sir Grelmure? Weren't they also part of High Heaven before?" I asked.
"At first that was indeed the plan. But after reconsideration, only you are allowed to join. You need to know Johann, many high-ranking officials don't agree to show this great secret of the empire to you. But Commander Gruzhnil will take full responsibility if anything harmful happens in the future. I hope you will keep this very confidential after this. If possible, don't give too many details to your two housemates later, okay!"
I then nodded. We drove toward the Graendall aircraft base located in the central military complex. After arriving, we immediately got off and entered one of the prepared aircraft.
Inside, it turned out Gruzhnil was already there accompanied by three high-ranking military officials. As usual, I took one of the seats near the window with Grelmure sitting beside me.
During the flight, I just enjoyed the beautiful view of Planet Grivendal. Gruzhnil and Grelmure were conversing with those officials about strategies to further strengthen The Graendall's military capacity.
"Oh yes, Johann. I forgot to tell you. We are not going directly to the energy site now. Commander Gruzhnil wants to conduct a brief inspection of the ancient realm of terror portal that has been sealed in the southern part of the planet. After that we will go to the main destination in the northern part." said Grelmure.
"Alright, I understand Sir Grelmure.".
As I expected, Mendicore had already seen that place from above. I became even more curious about what it looked like because it never appeared in the gameplay.
After some time, our aircraft descended and landed. When I stepped out, the view I saw was a magnificent defensive fortress with complete weaponry. Several shuttle aircraft were flying above it. On my right and left, from a distance, I could see Graganthurion standing by holding its giant weapon. This was the third time I had seen a fortress surrounding a hell portal.
One of the commanders of the portal guard unit approached and saluted Gruzhnil. Then we entered the area using a go-kart again.
Upon entering the fortress area, I saw a very large square-shaped structure. The top and bottom sides were smaller than the left and right sides. The building was dark blue with glowing yellow circular sections at certain intervals. The top and bottom sections had wider spacing between the circles.
Inside the square, there was a kind of transparent barrier wall with a mixture of bright white and yellow light. In the center, faintly visible, was a much smaller black circle with red edges.
Wait... isn't that the portal to the real hell realm??? Why is its size so small compared to that structure???
Grelmure then explained that the building was a giant seal for that ancient hell portal. Each side measured 100 meters. The glowing yellow circles were seal energy from enriched starstones. The distance between circles was 10 meters on the left and right sides and 20 meters on the top and bottom. The smaller sides were intentionally designed for stability and easier movement, especially the bottom side when an expedition to the hell realm would begin.
"You see the center part there, Johann? That is the terror realm portal that is dormant due to being sealed by massive starstone energy. If that energy is deactivated, the portal will return to its original size with a diameter reaching 80 meters. Very similar to the portal on Planet Grohn. This portal has existed since the first massive invasion from the terror realm, and this is where the battle between the demon king and the first emperor Grhemolus along with his twin brother took place." explained Grelmure.
"Will there be another expedition into this portal later, Sir Grelmure?" I asked.
Suddenly Gruzhnil approached me.
"Well well... Just because we succeeded greatly without obstacles in the Grohn Portal, you want to feel another challenge in this portal..." said Gruzhnil teasing me for the first time.
"Uummm... don't we have Sir Hellraider, Commander? I'm sure he would be happy if invited to enter the terror realm again..." I replied with a slight smile.
"Johann... Of course we must ensure all preparations are truly thorough before carrying out mission with this highest level of danger. Even if Sir Hellraider is with us, it's not certain he can protect other troops when sudden danger comes. If we win but many troops fall, it's the same as useless to me. For now, the focus of the Grivendal empire is finding the energy we discussed. So expeditions are not a priority..." advised Gruzhnil.
I just nodded while scratching my head and laughing softly because I felt a bit embarrassed.
Gruzhnil returned to conversing with the commander and other officials. I observed the structure more closely. The distance between us and the building was about 50 meters.
When I stared at the portal, suddenly something completely beyond reason happened. The starstone barrier wall disappeared but only the part covering the portal, making the portal clearer and became bigger.
In the completely black center, suddenly appeared something like a pair of eyes but only white. Instantly I heard a voice whispered directly into my ear.
"JOOHAANN...."
"AAAHHHH...!!! GRELMUREEE... GRELMUREEE... THAAT... THAAATTTT...!!!" I screamed while turning my face away, closing my eyes and pointing my finger toward the portal.
"Johannn... Johannnn... Heeey... Open your eyes... There's nothing thereee...!!!" said Grelmure while shaking my shoulders.
I was still gasping while slowly opening my eyes. Everyone including Gruzhnil looked at me in confusion.
"It seems our presence here is enough. Let's leave now." said Gruzhnil.
We all walked back to the go-kart. When I sat down, my head slightly trembling, I slowly glanced toward the structure. Everything still looked normal as before.
What actually just happened to me??? Why this time this very strange and frightening experience could only be seen and heard by me, unlike my encounter with Greslan???
I became more afraid because it might be related to my journey with Hellraider until the end later. But I didn't know who else I should ask about what just happened. Once again I could only keep it to myself.
"Just keep what happened to you earlier, Johann. That ancient portal is indeed dangerous. I often receive reports that some workers and soldiers experience hallucinations or even possession when near the portal area. That's why priests are often assigned there to handle such incidents."
I just nodded because I was still shocked by what I had experienced earlier. But from what Gruzhnil said, I concluded for now that even the people of Grivendal themselves cannot escape the negative influence of the hell realm, even if it's not as extreme as humans from Earth.
I must truly strengthen my heart and mind against phenomena that are becoming more and more beyond reason.