The next day...
Sterling grabbed a pen and a diary. He scribbled on the paper, checking to see if the pen worked. When it did, he placed it between the pages and closed it. He peered at the table, seeing the materials he had prepared for himself. He grabbed hem, tucking them into the pockets of his lab coat.
'It's time…'
The professor adjusted his glasses and headed out of the ten. Just then, Charles shouted in an encouraging voice.
"Break a leg!"
Sterling smiled and waved a him. Then, he exited. Outside, Arthur was waiting for him.
"Ready to go, sir?" The lieutenant general asked.
"I was born ready, Arthur." Sterling patted Arthur's shoulder. "Now, lets hurry. My blood is boiling with excitement!"
Arthur nodded, watching as Sterling headed out the barrier. As he trailed behind him, the supreme commanders voice echoed.
"Don't do anything stupid."
Sterling and Arthur turned their heads, gazing at Nyx.
"I can't protect you properly outside of the barrier. So, don't go too deep into this."
"Ha! You take me for a fool, Nyx? I know what I'm doing?" Sterling laughed, heading forward.
"Curiosity killed the cat, Mister Sterling." Nyx muttered.
"But satisfaction brought it back." Sterling replied, passing through the translucent veil.
Arthur followed closely behind, passing through the veil as well. He exited the veil. The pressure seemed to spike, forcing his body downward before he steadied himself. The taste of the air became more apparent, almost making him puke. He covered his mouth, breathing steadily.
'This is probably going to be a breeze for him but…I've got a bad feeling about this…'
He gulped and followed his professor. Since, technology couldn't work outside of Nyx's veil, Sterling had to find 'other ways' to test the abyss using mechanical machines.
"Let's test some chaos theory, shall we?" Sterling smiled.
Sterling pulled out a small pocket watch. He put it ahead of himself, closing one eye. Time looked to flow normally. Then, he wandered to closer to the darkness. When, he checked the watch again, he saw a delay. A second too late – no, maybe half a second.
'So, it is Chaos…'
He noted that down before continuing. He picked a rock and let it fall. It fell – normally. Then, he threw it towards the abyss. As he closed in, it slowed down more and more until it touched the grass.
"It's affecting the gravity as well…" He muttered under his breath.
He turned to Arthur.
"Arthur, can Chaos affect gravity?" He asked.
"Huh?" Arthur blurted. "Um…yes – yes, it can."
"How so?"
"Uh…1684 A.D, scientists tested the capabilities of chaos on gravity. After…after a few test, they found chaos was able to increase, decrease or neutralize gravity." Arthur replied.
"And that led to the invention of anti-gravity." Sterling nodded.
"Yes…but what are you doing right now?"
"Checking if its chaos." Sterling stated. "We can't assume its chaos just because only you incarnates can feel the 'pressure' from the abyss. If we don't use the correct methods…"
"Then, the answer will be wrong even if all the steps are right." Arthur finished Sterling's sentence, tugging on his shirt.
"Good! Let's continue on." Sterling spun forward.
He continued with his experiments as Arthur watched him closely. The lieutenant general impulsively glanced every few minutes to check for any danger. But he couldn't sense anything due to the chaos surrounding them. The gravity on the abyss became crushing him physically and mentally.
Sterling placed a glass of water on the ground. He stepped back and observed it. He waited and waited for a few minutes but nothing occurred. Then, he placed it closer to the abyss. He crouched down and observed it closer. The water rippled slightly. Sterling put a finger into a it, feeling a cold sensation wash over his body.
"It's cold…" He muttered.
Just as he was about to pull it, the water froze over his finger.
"Oh, shitttt!"
He screeched and tried to pull it out. He failed and sighed heavily. He walked over to Arthur. The lieutenant general raised a brow.
"Yes?"
Sterling showed him his finger – embarrassed. Arthur couldn't contain his laughter and chuckled. Sterling exhaled heavily from shame.
"Sorry – sorry."
Arthur touched the cup. He activated his attribute and it began heating the water. After a few seconds, the cup fell down as Sterling retracted his hand. He blew on it intensively as Arthur watched him with a smile.
***
Hours passed like the wind, Arthur didn't even realize. The sun rose above like a god, its blazing aura heating the ground.
"Sir." Arthur called. "We should probably get lunch."
"Wait a minute…" Sterling wrote something down.
Arthur heaved a sigh and waited, glancing around the surroundings. The air tasted like metal – his body felt as if it had weights on it and every time he breathe, it felt like he was inhaling dirt. He coughed instinctively, thinking there was something in his throat. But in fact, there was nothing.
After waiting some more, Sterling finally finished.
"I'm done." He stated, passing Arthur.
"Finally…" Arthur groaned, trailing the professor.
The duo headed towards the tent. They passed the dark veil, stepping into the site. In that instant, a fragment opened just ahead of them. Arthur's pupils dilated.
"Sir!" He shouted.
The lieutenant general grabbed Sterling and pulled him far away. Sterling expression turned to one of surprised as his body flew to the other side. Chaos beasts crawled out of the rift. They roared, locking onto Arthur. Arthur gripped his katana, preparing to fight but…dark tendrils choked the monster. More tendrils came, ripping the beasts apart. After a few minutes, Amelia closed the chaos fragment and then, immediately went to sleep.
"She's been working hard…unexpected." Arthur commented, passing by.
"Yeah – yeah. Now, go eat lunch." Nyx groaned – dark circle hanging on her eyes.
"Yes, ma'am." Arthur replied.
"By the way, Sterling…" Nyx called out. "Did you find anything important?"
Sterling raised a brow. He scrolled through his notes. Then, he closed the book and shook his head, replying.
"I've only confirmed that the energy is chaos and its amped effects…many things are unknown."