"So, you do want to help your son, old man?" Awaya's voice was tinged with skepticism as she questioned it.
Horozonday's expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering in his eyes before he replied, "Yes, I suppose I do. Despite everything, I cannot deny the fact that I am a father. It is my duty to ensure that I do my part, but the rest... that is my son's trial."
A note of uncertainty crept into Awaya's tone as she asked, "And what if he fails? What then?"
Horozonday's gaze turned distant, as if contemplating a future fraught with uncertainty. "Then," he said slowly, "he will face the consequences of being stupid and unworthy. Every choice has its price, and he must learn to bear it. I mean... I am doing everything to make the challenge easier, as much as possible, if he still can't overcome it, then maybe I'll call him back here, perhaps your wish might come true, a Gomiyor should be given his position and perhaps the next ruler too."
"Oh! I see, well not like I want your son to fail, but I respect your decision either way and to be honest, I don't think that he surpassing this problem is a result enough to declare he is capable of being the next sovereign." reacted and replied Awaya, as natural as possible to the words she heard from him.
"True that, but let's see for now."
As the conversation in the grand throne room drew to a close, Horozonday rose from his ornate seat, gesturing for Awaya to follow. They marched out of the throne room with their royal walk . With a graceful sweep of his hand, he signaled to the attendants who stood at attention, ready to fulfill their every command. Together, Horozonday and Awaya made their way out of the World Noble Palace, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors as they descended from the lofty heights of power.
Emerging into the brilliant sunlight of the outside world, Awaya shielded her eyes against the glare, momentarily dazzled by the radiance of the day. She followed Horozonday's lead as they traversed the sprawling grounds of the palace, passing through lush gardens and intricate fountains that spoke of a bygone era of luxury and affluence.
The giant flying ship called 'Calameth' awaited them.
As they approached the vessel, its sleek form standing as an example to life intelligence, Awaya's gaze lingered briefly on its impressive silhouette. It was a sight she had grown accustomed to over the years, yet the sense of pride it inspired never failed to stir within her.
Horozonday led the way up the ramp, his movements confident and purposeful. Awaya followed suit, her steps echoing against the metallic surface as she made her way aboard. The ship's crew greeted them with nods of recognition, their faces bearing the familiar expressions of respect and deference reserved for royalty.
With a low hum, the engines roared to life, filling the air with a sense of anticipation. The ship ascended into the sky with a smoothness born of countless journeys taken, its motions fluid and assured. Awaya settled into her seat, her gaze turning to the window where the world stretched out before them in all its splendor.
Hours passed in comfortable companionship as they journeyed towards their destination, the landscape shifting beneath them in a mesmerizing display of natural wonder. As they arrived at the Department of Energy and Artificial Intelligence, they were welcomed with open arms. Scientists and engineers bowed respectfully as Horozonday and Awaya made their way through the bustling corridors, their status as top nobles recognized and revered by all.
The ship descended with a precision honed through years of experience, coming to rest upon the landing pad with a gentle thud. Horozonday and Awaya disembarked, their movements fluid and unhurried as they made their way towards the heart of the Department.
Inside, the air was alive with the hum of machinery and the murmur of voices engaged in scientific discourse. Horozonday led the way with a sense of purpose, his strides confident as they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the complex.
At last, they reached their destination: the chamber where rested the awaited, a silent sentinel of progress and innovation. Horozonday turned to Awaya with a nod of satisfaction, his expression one of quiet determination. "Let us proceed," he said, his voice carrying the weight of their shared purpose.
"What is this magnificent creation, old man?" she asked, her voice filled with awe.
Horozonday smiled, his pride evident as he began to describe the marvel before them. "This, my dear Awaya, is the culmination of years of research and innovation. It is a flying ship unlike any other, crafted with the most advanced technology known to man."
As they approached the waiting vessel, Awaya's eyes widened in disbelief at the sight before her. The ship stood before them, compact yet exuding an aura of unfathomable power. Its sleek form shimmered with an iridescent sheen, its surface adorned with intricate runes that pulsed with an otherworldly energy.
Horozonday's voice echoed with a reverent tone as he gestured towards the ship, his words filled with a sense of awe. "Behold, the Aurora Ascendant," he proclaimed, his voice carrying the weight of millennia of exploration and discovery. "A marvel of celestial engineering, born from the dreams of visionaries."
The interior of the Aurora Ascendant was a symphony of light and sound, with corridors that seemed to stretch on into infinity. Holographic displays flickered to life at their approach, revealing glimpses of distant galaxies and celestial phenomena that defied explanation.
But it was not until they reached the heart of the vessel that the true wonder of the Aurora Ascendant became apparent. Here, in the central chamber, lay the Nexus of Creation, a swirling vortex of energy that seemed to pulse with the heartbeat of the cosmos itself.
Horozonday explained that the Nexus was the source of the ship's power, drawing energy from the rare Infihermion element that lay at its core. Infihermion was a substance of unimaginable rarity, found only in the deepest reaches that were beyond the world, and its energy was infinite, transcending the bounds of conventional physics.
But Horozonday cautioned, this energy was not to be taken lightly. If unleashed, it could bring devastation on a scale beyond imagination. The iridescent sparks, born from the raw power of the Infihermion element, crackled with an intensity that seemed to defy the laws of nature. Each spark contained within it the potential to unleash a cataclysmic force, capable of tearing through anything in its way.
As they observed, tendrils of energy snaked out from the Nexus, pulsating with a raw, untamed power. The air crackled the energy that surged through the ship's conduits, filling the outer hull with its radiant glow. The iridescent sparks danced and flickered, casting uncanny shadows against the walls as they traced patterns of destruction in their wake.
Horozonday's voice carried a note of solemnity as he spoke of the dangers inherent in such power. "The Infihermion energy is a force to be reckoned with," he warned, his words echoing through the chamber like a distant thunderstorm. "It has the potential to lay waste to entire civilizations, should it ever be unleashed without restraint. But this one can only harness a small amount of its energy, and it is already more than enough."
As they witnessed the display of power before them, Awaya couldn't help but feel a sense of awe mingled with apprehension. This was the true nature of the Aurora Ascendant, a vessel of boundless potential, but also of untold danger. The iridescent sparks crackled and hissed, their volatile energy contained only by the slender threads of control that held them in check.
END OF PART 1
Sivera glanced at the rudimentary timepiece on the wall, realizing it was time to break their fast. He turned towards Yesdar and Griswa, who were engrossed in conversation, and gently interrupted their discussion.
"It seems the hour for breakfast has arrived," Sivera announced, a note of apology threading through his words. "My apologies about last time for neglecting your hunger amidst the events of last night, I completely forgot that I should have asked you for dinner, you slept empty stomach."
Yesdar waved off Sivera's concerns with a nonchalant gesture. "No worries," he reassured him. "Back in the slave order, we were used to having only one meal a day anyway."
Sivera nodded, empathy softening his features as he recalled their shared experiences. "Indeed, the memory of those times still weighs heavy," he admitted solemnly. "But today, I was thinking of preparing a fine meal, and that will ease your hunger from the last night."
"Sure!" replied Yesdar.
Just as they prepared to head towards the cooking area, Rahl approached with a furrowed brow. "Sivera, I've searched everywhere, but I cannot find Malaes," he reported, his tone tinged with worry. "Usually she sleeps till this hour, I wandered through the corridors of all the caves but couldn't find her."
Sivera's response was calm and he didn't react much. "Do not fret, Rahl," he reassured the concerned companion. "Malaes likely seeks solace in her usual retreat, the oasis within the caves. She often retreats there when she needs time alone."
Rahl nodded, reassured by Sivera's explanation. "Yeah, alright then... what happened though? She's usually moody like this when she has a rift with someone, who is likely you."
"Nah, nothing much, you know the usual arguments, and because of these rifts, I always know where to find her." said Sivera.
Turning to Yesdar and Griswa, Sivera issued a directive. "Would you both mind assisting Rahl with the morning chores and meal preparations?" he requested. "I shall check on Malaes."
Yesdar and Griswa exchanged a knowing glance before nodding in agreement. "Of course, Sivera," Griswa affirmed. "We'll lend Rahl a hand."
With that, the two boys followed Rahl out of the living quarters, leaving Sivera to check out on his daughter.
Meanwhile, within the tranquil depths of the cave's oasis, Malaes found solace amidst the calming waters. With closed eyes, she allowed herself to be enveloped by the serene embrace of the oasis.
Her moment of tranquility was abruptly interrupted by the sound of her father's voice echoing through the cavern. Instinctively, Malaes submerged herself completely, seeking refuge from his gaze.
However, Sivera's calm voice penetrated the water, coaxing her back to the surface. Reluctantly, Malaes emerged, meeting her father's gaze with a mixture of irritation and curiosity.
"What brings you here now?" she inquired, her tone tinged with annoyance. "To disrupt me from seeking the desired peace?"
Sivera chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Not at all, my dear," he replied, his voice laced with affection. "I merely wished to check on you."
Malaes's demeanor softened slightly, though traces of her earlier frustration lingered with puffed out cheeks. "And what of last night's events?" she queried, her skepticism evident. "Have you come to offer an apology?"
Sivera's laughter bubbled forth, genuine amusement dancing in his eyes. "Not precisely," he admitted, his tone gentle. "But I do come bearing news."
Malaes's curiosity piqued, her gaze locking with her father's. "What news?" she pressed, her interest evident.
A smile tugged at the corners of Sivera's lips as he delivered his unexpected announcement. "I've decided to grant you permission to accompany us on our next venture," he revealed, watching her reaction closely.
Malaes's eyes widened in disbelief, her earlier frustration forgotten in an instant. "Truly?" she breathed, her excitement palpable. "You mean it?"
Sivera nodded, pride evident in his expression. "Yes, my dear," he confirmed. "It's time for you to explore beyond the confines of these caves."
"Nah, you are lying. Just joking now to make me happy and uplift my mood, not getting into your cheap trick, when the day comes, you'll say that you never said that and make a fool out of me, like usual, I'll be double angry then." said Malaes puffing out her cheeks more.
"Not this time, I am dead serious, ignore the smile though, the smile's just natural when I see those puffed out cheeks." replied Sivera reassuring his decision.
Malaes's cheeks flushed with color, a mixture of joy and disbelief washing over her. "But what of Griswa and Yesdar?" she inquired eagerly. "Can they join us as well?"
Sivera's smile softened, his gaze filled with paternal concern. "If you can ensure their safety," he replied, his tone serious. "Then they may accompany us."
Malaes nodded eagerly, determination shining in her eyes. "Haha, I can protect all of you," she vowed, a sense of pride swelling within her.
Sivera chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "I have no doubt." he said, his voice filled with confidence. "But remember, with freedom comes responsibility. You must remain vigilant at all times and not wander away, be with me, I'll say you what to do, alright? Guess you know and understand that already."
Malaes nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of her father's words. "Of course, I do."
With this, Sivera went back to Rahl, Griswa and Yesdar and the others, and Malaes joined them in a while. Yesdar welcomed her to reassure she wasn't angry anymore. Malaes nodded and said that she was fine and happy as her father said what she wanted to hear after so many years of wait. Rahl whispered in Sivera's ears to ask if it was really alright to permit her to tag along with them and Sivera assured him that it was fine and nothing to worry about as she had grown up and understood the necessary things. And as the conversation got interesting between the people, the days passed by with the usual chores, talks, tasks and...
...the anticipated day arrived.
Glossary:
Calameth: [KAY]+[LAA]+[METH], the word in the ancient language of the Yahunyens, Yensirin, which means an outer world's giant elephant.
Infihermion: [IN]+[FEE]+[HER]+[MEE]+[AHN], a powerful rare element with iridescent properties found in the great expanse of the elemental belt, in this particular universe.