Page 80 of The Syphon King

“If we left now, we’d arrive in two hours. We gather data and return before dinner.”

“Nobody would miss you,” Kult was sure. “Getallthe information you can. I have a very,veryodd feeling about all of this.”

Harlow eyed him, feeling like he’dneverheard him use the word ‘very’ twice in any sentence before. That couldn’t be good.

“And where will I be twiddling my thumbs?” Sync asked.

“You and Atlas can entertain the nuns,” Harlow suggested. “Oh, you can distract Celeste when she figures out Forever Faceless is missing. Damage control.”

Sync gave a huge eyeroll. “Just say babysit.”

“Somebody needs to be here to watch over the Castle,” Quantum said. “I don’t like leaving Isla but it’s better if she stays given the current situation here. I’ll check in with my soldiers and let them know what’s happening. Harlow, meet me in the Hanger Vault. Dress to represent TheQuantum Kings. We’ll take the Nebula Quantum One the moment they approve our visit.”

“TODAY?” NIDEV ASKED, shocked at David’s message from The Quantum Kings.

“Yes, immediately. They wereinstantlybeyond eager to meet and even help Zodak.” His eyes widened more. “They were particularly curious about him. And guess what?” he hurried, grabbing Nidev’s arm tightly. “TheQuantum King would be comingwiththe good Dr. Harlow.”

“Astounding. Is there any reason we wouldn’t receive them without delay?” he asked his brother.

They all took a moment to consider, none of them finding an issue.

“Let them know we’d be most honored to receive them,” Nidev hurried. “We’ll need to prepare,” he said to the rest.

“For?” Skul wondered.

“For a visit from a being thatmayvery well know how to unlock powers viaothermeans.”

Nidev nearly laughed at how quickly this got them moving.

“Shouldn’t the MarshKings be here for this?”

“Send for them immediately. Second thought, I’ll call the Bishop myself.”

Lore asked, “Are we doing anything special?”

“I don’t think we’ll want to waste time on formalities,” Nidev thought. “But do dress in official Creole King attire. We want to make an impression.”

David was beaming now. “So, I should call and let them know a visit is acceptable?”

“Yes. And inquire of any particular needs we should prepare to meet in advance.”

“Done and done.” David embraced him tightly and hurried off like an eager teenager. The sight might have been comical if the feeling wasn’t mutual.

“KEEP HANDY’S READOUTSwhere we can keep an eye on them,” Quantum said as they approached the Creole Kings’ woods.

“I have it on hand,” Harlow said dryly. “So, how did you miss these dudes? Or how did these dudes miss your radar, I should ask. They knocked you down to the second richest person in the world. You gonna take that sitting down?”

“I didn’t miss them. But I did miss they’re a conglomerate. The secret is this odd fraternity bond they share.”

“Welcome, Quantum King and Dr. Harlow, to the skies of the Creole Kings.”

“Bruh!” Harlow startled at the sudden voice taking over their radio.

“As you descend, you are approaching our Central Hub, the heart of our campus, which spans over ten thousand square feet and is ingeniously integrated into the natural swamp surroundings.

“The visible top floor houses essential facilities including our cafeteria, medical center, and faculty quarters, all designed with panoramic glass rooms that channel natural light down to the subterranean levels.”

“Holy shit,” Harlow cried with a grin as said sprawling facility came into view.

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