Wally had already paced the clearing back and forth nearly ten times before this. There was no trace of technology around the tower.
*Click.*
As Calder turned the key, the wooden door in front of them slowly opened, and the group walked into the tower, overcome with shock.
After the last person entered, the wooden door closed automatically. When Conner looked back, the entrance door had vanished.
As everyone curiously looked around, a golden, three-dimensional holographic image appeared before Calder. The figure in the image was Kent, who had been kidnapped.
"Hello. You have entered the tower with a key, but the tower does not recognize you. Please state your purpose and intentions."
Just as Calder was about to speak, Wally, who had been eager to impress Megan, stepped forward quickly. Thinking he was being clever, he spoke first, "We are true believers, here to find Doctor Fate."
Wally's words sounded fine at first glance, but they couldn't stand up to scrutiny. The holographic image also seemed to sense this. Its brow furrowed upon receiving Wally's statement, and it then disappeared.
As Wally was basking in his moment of triumph, the ground beneath them suddenly shook. The floor tiles gave way, revealing molten lava below.
Facing this sudden crisis, the group's minds raced. Megan hugged Wally, who was closest to her. Artemis drew her grappling hook and fired it, embedding it in the rock wall. She grabbed Calder, who was also falling, and they managed to cling to a protruding rock.
Conner's approach was simpler and more direct. He used his hands to slow his descent along the rock face, stopping just as his feet sank into the lava. Fortunately, Conner's body was incredibly tough. Other than a ruined pair of good boots, he sustained no significant injuries.
While the Titans were struggling with the tower's defense mechanisms, Bai Qi and his companions had already brought Kent to a small door on the side of the tower.
Albert roughly pushed Kent forward. Upon sensing Kent, a golden Ankh symbol lit up on the wooden door, and it opened, revealing a staircase leading upwards.
Seeing this, the group exchanged smiles. Compared to Calder and the others, who had to use a key and answer questions, their approach was clearly much smoother. After all, to this tower, Kent was an eternal pass.
"This tower does not welcome intruders."
Upon entering the tower, Kent couldn't resist taunting the trio. However, Albert was not one to indulge his bad habits. He pointed his staff, and a black collar was placed on Kent's neck.
The four moved unimpeded, quickly arriving in a room resembling a main hall. It was decorated in an antique style, with a luxurious carpet and a warm, crackling fireplace. Above the fireplace hung a large photograph of Kurt's late wife.
As the four arrived, the holographic image that had previously questioned Calder and the others reappeared. Seeing Kent before them, its tone became noticeably more friendly.
"Hello, Kent. It's rare for you to bring guests, especially two with powerful mystic energies."
The figure was referring to the wizard boy with the cat and Bai Qi. Albert, who used technology to masquerade as a sorcerer, was completely ignored.
Albert, however, showed no offense. He placed a hand on Kent's shoulder, and the collar then projected Kent's voice.
"My friends, please help me quickly."
Hearing Kent's words, the hologram showed a hint of a smile and then disappeared. The wall behind them slid open, revealing a complex labyrinth of stairs.
Led by Kent, Bai Qi and the other two stumbled through the maze like fools. Time ticked by, and the wizard boy grew visibly impatient. Besides constantly asking "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?", he also repeatedly urged Albert to electrocute Kent for some amusement.
While Albert didn't electrocute Kent, the prolonged journey wore down his patience.
"Tell me how to find the Helmet of Fate."
With that, he removed the collar from Kent's neck and tossed it aside.
"Impossible." Kent, his voice restored, wore a mocking smile. "This is fun."
Kent's words completely enraged Albert, who immediately struck him down with an electric current.
"Is this still fun?"
Seeing Albert finally take action, the wizard boy beside him immediately chimed in, "I think it's great fun. Electrocute him again, or throw him down the stairs and watch him tumble."
As Albert continued to interrogate Kent, Bai Qi was no longer visible in their surroundings.
Bai Qi was not a fool. He could clearly see that Kent was playing them, or perhaps stalling for time.
As expected, Artemis and Wally soon appeared on a staircase not far from the trio, and more importantly, they were holding Kent's staff.
It was evident that this staff also possessed considerable magical power.
Indeed, upon seeing them, Kent's lips curved upwards. He and the staff simultaneously glowed golden. Taking advantage of the wizard boy and Albert's stunned moment, he quickly flew towards the staff.
The moment he grabbed the staff, Kent's bound hands were freed.
Wielding the staff, an elevator door materialized before the three.
"Get in quickly!"
The three quickly entered the elevator. By the time the wizard boy unleashed his magic to stop them, it was too late.
Inside the elevator, as the floors continued to ascend, the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.
Clearing his throat, Kent turned to the two young people behind him and said, "By the way, I am Kent Nelson."
Wally was about to respond but was mercilessly interrupted by Artemis.
"I'm Artemis, and this ill-mannered fellow is Wally."
"Alright, Artemis. The enemy we face possesses powerful mystic energies."
As soon as Kent finished speaking, Wally said dismissively, "Eobard Thawne? The Flash has already proven that he uses future magical technology to fake magic. It's all just superficial skill."
"That's right."
Kent unequivocally confirmed Wally's statement. This surprised Artemis, who believed in magic and mystic powers.
"Really?"
"Yes, Albert is a fraud. But that wizard boy Krillagon, who carries a cat, is a true god of chaos. For Doctor Fate, the god of order, he is the ultimate opponent. And then there's the fire demon, the Holy Lord. As an primordial demon, he possesses absolute power and magic. Even the wizard boy would be wary of him."
"Holy Lord!"
Upon hearing these words, Artemis's expression trembled violently. Long-buried memories resurfaced. Faced with a tide of monsters, that demon, with his own strength, had turned the tide of battle, slaughtering all the monsters.
The recollection always brought a sense of helplessness.
However, Wally remained unfazed and said, "Yes, you are the god of order."
"Shut up, Wally!" After scolding Wally, Artemis asked with a worried expression, "Doctor, do you have a way to deal with both the Holy Lord and that god of chaos?"
"Hey! Why are you so afraid of this so-called Holy Lord?"