Three days later, Caden's eyes fluttered open to see Order Master Valara hovering over him. One of her hands rested over his core, pulsing with a warm, restorative energy that flowed into his body. Her other hand was situated behind his head, likely mending the injuries he had sustained during the trials.
Her face brightened into a smile as he came to. "The prodigy finally awakens," she said, her voice carrying a note of relief. "You've made quite a splash, Caden. You've exceeded all our expectations. Your power rivals that of our Keepers, and perhaps even some of the Elites."
She paused, her expression becoming more serious. "If I had simply made you a Seeker, you would have dominated the ring. It wouldn't have been fair to the others. So, I put it to a vote, and everyone agreed that you should be promoted to the next ring. From today, you are Keeper Caden Driver."
There was a pause before she continued, a hint of a grin playing on her lips. "Oh, and if you haven't noticed, you've also broken through to the upper stage. Congratulations, Keeper Caden."
Momentarily taken aback, Caden finally nodded, accepting the decision. He made an effort to rise, his legs wobbly at first, but steadied himself quickly. He glanced around, taking in his new surroundings, before turning back to Valara. "Where are we?" he asked.
"You're in your new home," Valara replied, her voice full of warmth. "As my personal disciple, you'll stay here, in my private residence within the Order hall. You'll train with me and learn from me directly. This space," she gestured at the lavish room around them, "is now yours. Your bio signature has been registered to this residence, granting you exclusive access."
She led him to a large window that overlooked a landing pad. Resting on it was an impressive spaceship, its sleek design reflecting the light of the nearby stars. "And that," she said, pointing towards the ship, "is the Nebula Skimmer. She was my ship when I was at your stage. Now, she's yours."
She beckoned Caden to follow her as they continued down the path. Pausing by another, more formidable spaceship, she gestured towards it. "That's the Nova Marauder," she said with a tinge of pride. "She's a few classes above your Nebula Skimmer, but she serves a different purpose."
She then turned her attention back to Caden, "Now, for accessing your ship," she said, her gaze focused on his hand. "Raise your hand, palm facing your ship," she instructed. As he did so, she continued, "Now, curl your fingers slightly and then swipe them downwards, as if you're pulling something towards you."
Caden followed her instructions, and to his surprise, the ramp of the Nebula Skimmer slowly began to lower with a faint mechanical hum. Valara nodded approvingly, "There you go, Keeper Caden. Welcome to your new life."
Valara guided Caden into the Nebula Skimmer, where the modern interior greeted them with a calming hum of the ship's system. "Let's start from here," she began, leading him to the front of the ship.
The cockpit was a sophisticated blend of technology and functionality. Two sleek pilot seats were at the forefront, complete with advanced navigation systems featuring multi-touch displays and holographic maps. Behind them were two additional seats, designed for crew members. Each was fitted with individual control panels and a HUD system, allowing for effective teamwork during missions. "Meet Orion, your ship's AI," Valara introduced, prompting a friendly, disembodied voice to greet Caden.
Next, they moved on to the mess hall. It was compact yet welcoming. The kitchenette was equipped with the latest food synthesis technology, capable of producing a wide array of dishes. A communal table with seating for up to six people occupied the center of the room. It was a space designed for conversation and camaraderie, with subtle, warm lighting.
Caden was then led to the captain's quarters. It was a modest room that provided enough comfort for one. A decently sized bed, a work desk with a built-in terminal, and a wardrobe filled the room. A porthole was situated above the bed, offering views of the infinite cosmos beyond.
The cargo hold doubled as a workspace. It was a versatile space, outfitted with storage racks, a small mechanic's workshop, and a customizable area for different mission requirements. It was surprisingly spacious, hinting at the ship's external design efficiency.
Lastly, they came to the crew quarters and common area. The crew bunks, three in total, were ergonomically designed, providing ample privacy and comfort. A small, cozy common area lay in the center, equipped with a wall-mounted entertainment system. Tucked in a corner was the ship's bathroom, equipped with an advanced hygiene system, ensuring optimal cleanliness and efficiency.
"There you have it, Keeper Caden. Your Nebula Skimmer, a vessel of exploration, discovery, and battles, a home away from home," Valara finished, a glimmer of nostalgia in her eyes.
Caden stepped towards the cockpit and extended his hand, unsure of the correct etiquette when greeting an AI. "Hello, Orion. It's nice to meet you," he said.
A warm, friendly voice echoed throughout the cockpit, "Greetings, Commander Caden. It is a pleasure to meet you as well. I look forward to assisting you on our future journeys."
Caden felt a bit more comfortable now. He proceeded with his questions, "Orion, can you tell me about your capabilities and the ship's weaponry?"
"Certainly, Commander," Orion responded. "As an advanced AI system, I can monitor and control most of the ship's functions, including navigation, maintenance, and basic medical assistance. I can also assist in combat, operating certain weapon systems, and perform strategic analysis during engagements."
"As for the Nebula Skimmer's weaponry, we have four hard points. The first two are equipped with Ferrous Pulse Autocannons. These can be operated autonomously or manually. They are versatile and efficient, ideal for smaller, fast-moving targets."
"Next, we have the Nova Plasma Emitter, a high-intensity plasma cannon. It can cause significant damage, particularly to larger or more armored targets. However, it does require a brief charging period before firing."
"Finally, we have a Pulsar Missile Rack, capable of holding four high-explosive missiles. These are particularly useful for delivering powerful strikes against enemy ships or ground targets."
Caden absorbed this information, realizing that the Nebula Skimmer was not just a mere transport vessel but a capable ship ready for various missions. It felt empowering to be its commander.
Valara led Caden to a towering monolith situated at the heart of the Order Hall. Illuminated from within, the four-sided bounty and quest board thrummed with energy, the surface adorned with numerous holographic listings that seemed to float in the air. Citizens from across the system—ranging from local residents to interstellar travelers—could place requests for assistance here.
On one side of the board were quests meant for Star Seekers. These tasks typically entailed less dangerous assignments such as delivery services or wildlife management; activities suited for those still honing their skills. Moving around the monolith, the complexity and danger associated with the tasks increased. The Star Keeper side of the board was replete with higher-stakes missions, including combat assignments and complex problem-solving tasks. Keepers, having attained a higher level of proficiency, were expected to take on these formidable challenges.
On the final face of the monolith were the Stellar Elite quests. These were the most perilous assignments, reserved for the most experienced and capable within the Order. Battling lethal foes, navigating volatile environments, and taking on high-risk operations were commonplace for these tasks.
Caden's gaze scanned the plethora of requests, awed by the sheer number and diversity of tasks. He then turned to Valara, a curious glint in his eyes. "Was my situation a quest for Solari and the three Seekers?" he asked.
Valara was silent for a moment before replying. "Yes, we had received reports of a potentially dangerous lone cultivator residing in the outer rim. Given the potential threat and distance involved, it was classified as a Star Seeker mission but necessitated the supervision of a Star Keeper due to the element of uncertainty involved." She explained, her eyes filled with a sense of reminiscence.
Caden, left standing amidst the hustle and bustle of the Order Hall, took a moment to marvel at Valara's effortless ascent before he turned to head back to his new quarters. His mind raced with the possibilities that the coming days held for him.
Reaching his room, he immediately spotted the golden matrix Valara had gifted him after the exam. It sat prominently on the smooth surface of his desk, gleaming under the soft ambient lighting of the room. Its design was intricate, a mix of concentric circles and delicate engravings that spiraled outward from a central point. As Caden reached out to touch it, he could feel an almost palpable energy emanating from it, an overwhelming sense of power contained within.
The matrix was not large, roughly the size of his palm, yet it felt substantial in his grasp. The cold metal was engraved with intricate runes that sparkled against the golden backdrop. They seemed to ebb and flow with an inner light, moving fluidly as if alive. Upon closer inspection, Caden realized that the symbols were not just etched onto the surface but were an integral part of the matrix itself, imbued with a deep energy that hummed in harmony with the rhythm of the universe.
Holding it in his hands, Caden could sense the matrix's rich history, a sense of timelessness that made him feel like he was holding a piece of the cosmos in his hands. The mystery of its secrets made him eager to unravel what lay within. Taking a deep breath, he settled himself on the desk chair and began to probe the matrix, ready to discover the Star Conquer tier cultivation technique locked inside.