As hours passed, the unending expanse started to show signs of diversity. Occasionally, she'd find patches where the snow gave way to exposed rock or frozen water bodies, their surfaces so clear and reflective they mirrored the sky above. Large pillars of ice rose from the ground in some areas, refracting light and creating ethereal rainbows amidst the snow. Some of these icy formations held trapped air bubbles, possibly centuries old, presenting a snapshot of time forever suspended.
Though Lumis didn't possess emotions in the same way humans did, Dawn could sense its heightened alertness. The mechanoid snake's sensors continuously scanned the environment, processing information at rapid speeds. From time to time, Lumis would project holographic images or symbols, indicating points of interest or potential dangers.
As evening approached, the dim light of the tundra started to wane, replaced by the shimmering spectacle of auroras. Waves of green, pink, and purple lights danced across the sky, their undulating movements casting ghostly illuminations on the snow. The beauty of it made Dawn's heart swell with awe and reverence for nature's wonders.
Finding a relatively sheltered spot behind a cluster of ice formations, Dawn decided to set up a temporary camp. Lumis, transforming into a circular coil, generated a soft, warm barrier, shielding her from the cold wind. She activated a small device Kelor had given her, which unfolded into a translucent dome, magically drawing heat from the ground below.
Inside the warmth of her temporary shelter, Dawn reflected on her journey. She felt a deep connection to this land, its silent beauty, and the inherent challenges it posed. The tundra was a testament to nature's duality— its tranquil beauty and its unforgiving environment.
As she lay down, wrapped in her warm cloak with Lumis coiled at her side, Dawn drifted into a dream-filled sleep, the auroras above continuing their cosmic dance, serenading her into the realm of dreams.
.
The Shattered Planet's horizon was awash in hues of deep purples and magentas as the otherworldly sun began its ascent. As its light slowly stretched across the landscape, the System, the intricate digital framework underpinning New Horizon, sensed an influx of new energy. Players were finally entering the game in the limited slot Beta.
The System worked meticulously, documenting each player's entry, ensuring they experienced the depth and vastness of the universe in its full glory. Yet, amidst this, another System mechanism was activated, one that hadn't been triggered for a while.
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Dawn paused, the message flooding her with a rush of emotions. She had always been on the fringes of the gaming world, an observer. Her health never permitted her to dive into these virtual realms, even though she'd watched countless players journey through them. She'd felt their excitement, their defeats, and their triumphs. The world of New Horizon was something she'd yearned to be part of, a dream she couldn't realize until her existence was transformed within this digital realm.
The memories, though bittersweet, also held a beacon of hope. The real players were here, and this was her chance to live the dream she was denied in her past life. They were the key to her progression, and she knew she could become indispensable to them.
Lumis, reacting to her silent resolve, conjured up a holographic map. Various potential player locations lit up, indicating their respective concentrations. She gazed at it, formulating a plan. Dawn realized that if she approached this right, she could become a central figure in their stories.
"I've waited so long for this, Lumis," she murmured, determination filling her voice. "It's time we find them, and I finally get to be part of the adventure I've always dreamt of."
With a renewed purpose, Dawn adjusted her trajectory, heading towards the nearest cluster of players, eager to intertwine her destiny with theirs.
.
.
As the tundra transitioned into a desert, the climate shifted dramatically. Where the icy plains ended, vast stretches of white sand began, intermingled with stark, gleaming shards of metal. Some shards were just a few inches off the ground while others stretched high, almost touching the sky, casting enigmatic shadows on the sand.
Dawn's Mechanic armor, previously reflecting the bluish tones of the tundra, now glinted with a warmer hue, adapting to the desert's radiance. As she ventured deeper into the sands, the temperature change was palpable, the icy cold replaced by a dry heat that permeated the air. Still, her attire and Lumis's protective warmth shielded her well from the environmental shifts.
From a distance, Dawn spotted two figures. One, a tall, sturdy-looking individual, constantly on the move, his sharp eyes darting around, protective and watchful. By his side was a more delicate figure, her gaze fixed on the world around with fascination, as if absorbing every detail with childlike wonder.
Lumis projected a soft chime, indicating the recognition of other entities in proximity. Dawn nodded subtly, acknowledging the information. As she approached, her heart rate increased slightly. Here was her chance to become part of their journey, to be recognized and regarded.
"Greetings, travelers!" Dawn called out, projecting a sense of confidence and authority, but her young face and age would certainly raise questions. "It's uncommon to see individuals in this vast desert. Are you in need of assistance? The terrain here can be misleading."
PattyMINTS stiffened, his protective instincts kicking in. He scrutinized Dawn with a wary eye, taking in her mechanic armor and the coiled Lumis around her arm. "Who are you?" he demanded.
Alithian, however, approached Dawn with curiosity. "Your attire is unlike anything we've come across. It's an interesting blend of mechanical and traditional. Are you from around here?"
Dawn smiled warmly, sensing an opening. "I've traveled through many lands of the Shattered Planet. While I may appear young, I have knowledge and abilities that can be of great assistance. And in these lands, it's always helpful to have allies."
Patty's eyes narrowed, but Alithian's intrigue was evident. "What kind of assistance can you offer?" she asked.
Dawn's eyes sparkled with a mix of ambition and genuine desire to help. "Let's walk together, and perhaps our shared journey will answer that for you. I have tales and expertise that could illuminate your path."
The contrast between Dawn's seasoned expertise and Patty's and Alithian's raw, untapped potential was stark. Yet, their collective dynamic was one of mutual respect and shared learning.
In the vast expanse of the desert, Patty often expressed his desire to master the Pugilist arts. While he had the innate vigor and raw strength of someone destined for that path, his techniques were rudimentary, often relying on brute force rather than finesse.
Dawn took it upon herself to guide him. Their training sessions were a blend of physical combat drills and philosophical teachings. She would correct his posture, his hand placements, and teach him about the rhythm of a fight.
"You have the spirit of a fighter," Dawn would often tell him, "but a Pugilist moves with the flow, reads his opponent, and strikes where least expected."
Under Dawn's guidance, Patty started to show rapid progress. His strikes became more precise, his defenses tighter. But the road to mastery was long, and Dawn was just initiating him into the journey.
For Alithian, the world was a puzzle waiting to be deciphered. She was endlessly curious, often dismantling random objects she found to understand their workings. While her knowledge of mechanics was at its infancy, her passion was undeniable.
With Lumis as a reference, Dawn introduced Alithian to the principles of mechanics. Their makeshift workshops in the desert became spaces of innovation and discovery. From simple levers to the basics of gear mechanisms, Alithian's grasp of the subject grew exponentially.
During their nightly campfires, Dawn would share stories of her own growth, subtly emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and practice. "Strength isn't just about power," she'd say, gazing into the flames, "It's about the journey, the failures, and the relentless pursuit of bettering oneself."
As the trio ventured closer to the taiga, Dawn's protective instincts grew stronger. She recognized the dangers ahead, especially given the relative inexperience of her companions. But she also saw this as a crucible, a test that would forge their bond and catalyze their growth.
The desert sun cast elongated shadows as Dawn observed Patty practicing his punches, each movement brimming with raw energy and determination.
The desert sun's glow softened as it began to set, casting a golden hue across the vast expanse. As the last rays touched the sand, they glistened like countless tiny mirrors, creating an ethereal shimmer.
As Patty practiced his punches, the sand beneath his feet shifted, testament to the force he exerted. Each movement he made was punctuated by deep exhales, beads of sweat forming on his brow. With every punch, grains of sand flew around him, embodying the raw energy he projected.
Dawn, observing him closely, could see the subtle tensing of his muscles, the flexing of his sinews, and the minute adjustments in his stance. She could feel his yearning, his drive to improve, but also sensed the underlying frustration when a move didn't turn out right.
"Hey, Dawn! Was that one better?" Patty called out, pausing momentarily, chest heaving from the exertion.
Dawn approached him, her footsteps leaving gentle imprints on the sand. Her face was a canvas of empathy and understanding, her eyes reflecting a teacher's pride. "You're getting there, Patty," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "But always remember, channel your energy from your core and let it flow through your limbs."
Alithian, her focus riveted on the delicate mechanical device before her, briefly looked up. Her fingers were stained with oils, and tiny gears were spread out around her. Her face, illuminated by the soft light of Lumis's glow, showcased the deep concentration etched into her features. Yet, in her eyes, there was a spark of childlike wonder, an insatiable curiosity that Dawn found incredibly endearing.
"It's a dance," Alithian commented with a soft chuckle, her gaze flitting between Dawn and Patty. "A dance of strength and skill. It's mesmerizing to watch."
Dawn smiled warmly, touched by the observation. "And what you're doing there, Alithian, is its own kind of magic. The melding of parts to create a harmonious whole."
Patty, pausing to catch his breath, shot a playful grin at Alithian. "Just make sure that thing doesn't explode on us."
Alithian feigned indignation, a playful smirk on her lips. "Oh, trust in my skills, big guy. I might not punch sand dunes, but I've got a knack for these little contraptions."
Dawn laughed, feeling an overwhelming sense of camaraderie. "Both of you bring such unique strengths. It's what makes us formidable."
Lumis, perhaps sensing the bond solidifying among the trio, emitted a serene melody, its lights pulsating gently in tune with the notes.
Patty stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders. "So, what's next, guide?" he asked, an impish twinkle in his eye.
Causing Dawn to shake her head slightly. Summoning a holographic map courtesy of Lumis, pointed towards the dense green region signifying the upcoming taiga. "There are some materials around here that I would like to collect, then I can take you to a village run by a friend of mine. After that, if you would like I can take you to Nexhaven, the biggest city around here. And might be able to get you some work there if you are interested?"
Patty looked at the map with a contemplative expression, his brow furrowing. "Nexhaven, huh? Sounds promising. But first, what kind of materials are you looking to collect here?"
Dawn gestured towards a distant cluster of silvery-blue plants, their leaves shimmering with a metallic sheen. "The Lustra Ferns. They contain a special resin that's essential for many mechanical concoctions. They only grow at the cusp of deserts and taigas."
Alithian, her eyes gleaming with curiosity, immediately stood up, her prior contraption momentarily forgotten. "I'd love to see how you harvest them. It could be useful for some of my own projects."
The three set out towards the Lustra Ferns, the sand beneath their feet gradually giving way to patches of dense grass. The temperature cooled as the desert's vast expanse receded, replaced by the crisp freshness of the upcoming forested area.
As they approached the ferns, Lumis's sensors started to glow brighter, indicating the rich presence of the resin. Dawn removed a small crystalline container from her satchel and began expertly extracting the resin, her movements deliberate and precise.
Patty watched, impressed. "You've done this a lot, haven't you?" he remarked, noting the ease with which she worked.
Dawn nodded. "The lands of the Shattered Planet are bountiful, but one has to know where and how to look. Every resource here has its purpose, its story."
Alithian bent down, her fingers brushing the leaves of a fern. "It's beautiful," she whispered, the metallic hue reflecting in her eyes. "Nature and metal, intertwined. It's like the essence of New Horizon captured in a plant."
With the materials gathered, and two players that Dawn knew would make large waves in the future, she was content to head back to Cryo's Reach.
PattyMINTS. A Pugilist that was a master of combat, and was known to do his own thing in his own way. Often clashing with a lot of the more lawful factions of the universe. However always managing to come out on top.
And Alithian. A part of the Mints group, despite the lack of the tag in her name. She could be considered the support of the group, the core behind most of their gear and would become a genius alchemist. However she unfortunately played a lot less then the rest of the group, she always managed to keep up with them in level, if not show she could get further ahead.
With two such players with her, she started heading back to the village. Unsure how she should explain to Kelor, let alone Eldric.