Chapter 137: World Two: The Frozen Crown

The frozen world emerged from the darkness of space like a shattered jewel.

From the observation deck of the expedition vessel, Rhaevia watched enormous glaciers stretch across the planet’s surface. Pale blue mountains rose above endless plains of snow, their jagged peaks catching the faint light of a distant star.

Unlike the luminous ocean of the first forbidden world, this planet appeared entirely devoid of life. Yet deep beneath the ice, something radiated undeniable energy.

“Orbital scans are complete, Commander,” the navigation officer reported, stepping forward with a holographic datapad. “Atmospheric temperatures are dangerously low, but our environmental systems can compensate. We are detecting an enormous artificial structure near the northern polar region.”

Rhaevia enlarged the projection on the main screen with a quick sweep of her hand.

A crystalline palace materialized beneath layers of thick ice, its towering spires extending high above the frozen landscape.

The structure was so vast that its outer walls stretched across an entire mountain range. Blue and silver light shimmered beneath its translucent surface, forming intricate geometric patterns that strongly resembled the technology of the Sovereign City.

“Another Sovereign-era installation,” Raevor observed, his eyes scanning the detailed schematic.

“Possibly more than an installation,” Rhaevia replied, studying the structure’s precise geometry. “Look closely at its central spire. The energy concentration is comparable to the Origin Core.”

Raevor turned toward her, his expression sharpening. “Then we approach cautiously.”

She gave him an amused glance. “I wasn’t planning to crash through the front gate.”

“I prefer not to assume anything when you encounter ancient technology,” he countered calmly.

“How reassuring,” she teased.

His expression remained composed, but she caught the faintest hint of amusement flickering in his silver eyes.

Their shuttle detached from the main expedition vessel and descended steadily toward the northern polar region. As they entered the atmosphere, swirling ice crystals swept furiously across the reinforced viewports.

The harsh planetary surface unfolded beneath them, revealing enormous frozen valleys and dark, gaping fissures that disappeared into the depths of the glaciers.

The palace stood at the center of a wide, circular basin.

Its crystalline walls rose from the ice without visible foundations, supported by colossal pillars of transparent material. At the center, a towering crown-shaped formation extended toward the sky, its seven spires with a faint, steady blue radiance.

Rhaevia felt her Sovereign energy respond from within.

It was not with recognition, however, but with a sudden, prickly uncertainty.

She frowned, her pulse quickening slightly.

“Something is strange about this place,” she whispered.

Raevor studied the surrounding terrain through the display console. “I am detecting no active defense systems, no visible inhabitants, and no conventional power signatures beyond the palace itself.”

“Yet it has remained intact beneath the ice,” Rhaevia noted, her eyes searching the perimeter.

“Which suggests either exceptional preservation technology or something actively maintaining it,” he answered.

The shuttle landed on a broad platform built directly before the palace entrance.

Rhaevia stepped outside first, her protective energy field immediately shielding her skin from the biting, freezing wind. Snow swept wildly across the platform, but the moment she approached the giant doors, the floating ice particles suspended motionless in the air.

A faint, deep vibration traveled through the solid ground beneath their boots.

Glowing golden symbols flared into existence across the crystalline doors.

[ANCIENT STRUCTURE DETECTED.]

[SOVEREIGN-ERA AUTHORIZATION: REQUIRED.]

Rhaevia extended her hand, pressing her bare palm against the cold surface.

The heavy doors parted smoothly.

Beyond them stretched a magnificent hall lined with towering crystalline pillars. Frozen streams ran along the walls, entirely suspended in time, while pale light illuminated intricate carvings depicting figures clad in ceremonial armor.

Unlike the sunken underwater civilization they had visited before, this place showed no signs of ordinary, everyday habitation. There were no broad avenues, no residential quarters, and no scientific laboratories visible from the main entrance.

It felt like a grand monument.

Or a vast, silent tomb.

Rhaevia walked forward, her rhythmic footsteps echoing clearly across the polished floor.

The deeper they ventured into the interior, the stronger the energy became. Project Genesis struggled to process the overwhelming flow, repeatedly generating incomplete diagnostic readings as the palace’s internal systems reacted to her presence.

[UNKNOWN ENERGY SIGNATURE DETECTED.]

[ANCIENT AUTHORITY: PARTIAL RECOGNITION.]

[CENTRAL CHAMBER ACCESS: GRANTED.]

At the far end of the long corridor stood another pair of massive crystalline doors.

Raevor moved ahead swiftly, checking the surrounding alcoves before signaling that the entry was clear.

Rhaevia placed her palm against the second interface.

The doors parted without a sound.

Inside lay a vast circular chamber situated directly beneath a soaring dome of transparent ice. Thousands of luminous symbols revolved slowly above the floor, forming a complex, moving celestial star map.

At the center of the chamber stood an elevated platform surrounded by seven crystalline pillars. And upon that high platform rested a magnificent throne.

Rhaevia stopped dead in her tracks.

It was unmistakably a sovereign throne.

Its physical structure was fashioned from a rare material resembling dark crystal, with shimmering silver veins running through its smooth surface.

Unlike the golden throne she had previously rejected, this one possessed a pale, almost wintry radiance. Its high back resembled a crown of jagged ice, while unfamiliar symbols covered both armrests.

Rhaevia approached the elevated platform cautiously. Her internal sovereign energy stirred restlessly, but the throne itself did not respond to her proximity.

Instead, the silver veins running along its base brightened intensely.

A low, resonant vibration filled the entire chamber, and Project Genesis abruptly interrupted its background analysis.

[SOVEREIGN THRONE DETECTED.]

[ANCIENT AUTHORITY SIGNATURE: CONFIRMED.]

Rhaevia stared intently at the optical interface projection.

“Identify the owner,” she commanded firmly.

For several agonizing seconds, the system remained silent.

Then, a new text notification materialized before her eyes.

[THRONE AUTHORITY: NOT RHAEVIA RYTHUNDEIR.]

Raevor moved quickly to her side, his jaw tight and his expression hardening.

“Another Sovereign?” he asked, his hand resting near his weapon.

Before Rhaevia could speak, the revolving symbols floating above the throne rapidly rearranged themselves into an unfamiliar name.

[FORMER THRONE HOLDER: SEALED.]

The dark throne pulsed once with blinding light.

Deep beneath the frozen palace, a sleeping force suddenly answered the pulse.

For the first time since stepping into the hall, Rhaevia felt an awakening presence turn its cold attention directly toward her.

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