"So this is the crater," Mul muttered, taking in the astonishing sight before her.
"Can you tell its size?" Aleazm asked. He was her guide here.
"You didn't ask, Khan."
"I forgot to."
"It's almost three thousand miles wide, Aleazm."
"Do not fear. I believe the Grand Elder can produce a crater this big. I think he was simply unsure if he could replicate the explosion in the same way… and then contain it."
"Well, let's go see the gifts this unknown has for us," she said before dashing into the crater, Aleazm following closely behind her.
As they reached the center, Mul's mind raced with thoughts: "I now understand what the Grand Elder wants to confirm with my arrival here. An explosion this massive should affect the entire world more than this. In fact, the world should be in flames, and the already destructive energy, sandstorms, and poisonous gas should have multiplied by thousands of times. Yet the effect of this gigantic crater is almost negligible. Apart from the shockwave and earthquake we could contend with from the initial explosion and its aftermath, there was no other problem. It essentially contained the entirety of the devastation the crater would cause."
"Whatever did this surely didn't want us dead. But why? Why use this to get our attention? It seems a little… no, too much. Was it to show off, or perhaps to demonstrate that we stood no chance?"
Mul's thoughts continued until they arrived at the center. The sheer amount of poison gas and radiation was astronomical. Although it didn't harm her, the same couldn't be said for those lower in power. Even their emperor-level individuals would perish if trapped here, unable to escape quickly. The other lower individuals would all die within seconds. Fortunately, the Sans of this world were familiar with this poison; they had gone to space several times, and with the Grand Elder's training, they would survive. Still, it would be terribly uncomfortable to stay here for an extended period of time.
Protected by barriers of energy that covered their entire bodies like skintight clothing, Mul and Aleazm approached the green wonder already in their sights. The dome of plants, with its vibrant colors, floated above boiling lava, yet not a single plant was scorched or tainted. The plants shimmered beautifully in this hellish landscape, promising treasures beyond measure. Through small openings, they glimpsed a beautiful garden where these treasures lay.
"This is… beautiful," Mul stated in awe of the mere outer layer of the dome, wondering how much more beauty awaited inside.
"Yes, yes it is," Aleazm replied silently.
They landed on the boiling lava right in front of an area where Mul could feel her own energy. as she touched the only leaf that resonated with her energy, the plant dome unraveled, creating a passage large enough for them to enter. With cautious steps, they ventured inside, and the plants wove themselves back together, sealing the opening behind them.
Although they witnessed the closure, both were fast enough to escape before it completely sealed. But their goal lay within this place; once they found it, they would need to find a way out.
Inside the dome, a beautiful garden unfolded—a harmonious blend of grass and flowers. The entire place brimmed with energy, specifically the energy of Holy water. Even Aleazm recognized that every single leaf here was a treasure, judging by the energy they emitted. But Mul, with her ability to communicate with plants, discerned even more. Was this unknown entity truly an enemy? Perhaps it could be an ally.
From the outer dome alone, each leaf held precious ingredients and materials, many of which Mul had never seen before. As they explained their uses, she stood in awe. This bounty could sustain them for hundreds of years and even through several birth cycles, potentially breaking a record: never losing a child from birth due to the world's effects.