Fifty Years Passed
Yun's crew continued their search for a habitable planet with intelligent civilization. They found many planets that were habitable, but none had intelligent life. It seemed like this galaxy was still in its initial development phase.
They entered their third galaxy, and after some time, they found a planet that was habitable for humans, with lifeforms that had intelligent civilization. The planet had huge buildings, markets, and a systematic order, with advanced technology that rivaled Earth's.
As they approached the planet's orbit, their spaceships were met with a barrage of explosions. But thanks to Varitas' quick judgment and reaction, they activated a protective barrier in time and avoided damage. Varitas wanted to counterattack, but Yun stopped her, insisting that they were not there for war but for peace. He ordered her to keep protecting the spaceships and not to retaliate.
After the attack ceased, Yun instructed Varitas to send a message to the planet's inhabitants, stating that they had no evil intentions and wanted to make peace. He also asked why they had attacked without confirming anything. Varitas sent the message, and the planet's leader replied, inviting Yun to come alone to their planet to talk. Yun's wife, Ariana, tried to stop him from going alone, but he convinced her that he is stronger and would be fine.
Wearing a suit that provided oxygen, detoxification, a protective barrier, and other essential functions, Yun descended to the planet's surface he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. But he was struck by the eerie silence that surrounded him. The only sound was the soft hum of his suit's life support systems and the gentle rustle of the wind.
He looked around, taking in the towering buildings and bustling markets that seemed to stretch on forever. He was met by humanoid lifeforms who handcuffed him and brought him to their leader. Yun was unfazed, confident in his abilities and his suit's technology. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead, determined to make peace and to know more about other civilizations.
The humanoid lifeforms that met him were tall and slender, with skin that shifted between shades of blue and green. They wore no discernible clothing, and their eyes seemed to bore into Yun's very soul. They handcuffed him.
The humanoid lifeforms that had handcuffed him led him through the winding streets, their eyes fixed on him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Yun didn't struggle, knowing that resistance would only lead to more trouble. He was determined to make peace, no matter what it took.
As they approached the leader's chambers, Yun could feel a strange energy emanating from within. It was as if the very air was charged with an otherworldly power, one that seemed to be watching him every step of the way.
The leader, a towering figure with piercing green eyes, greeted Yun warmly. "Welcome, Captain Yun, "Zorvath said, her voice like music. "We have been expecting you."
Yun's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. "Expecting me?" he repeated. "How did you know I was coming?"
Zorvath's eyes blazed with fury as she spat out the words, her voice like a venomous snake. "How did I know? Ha ha ha ha, don't make fun of us, you filthy humans. Everyone in this universe knows about your evil doings. What you did in the past. We were waiting for our revenge. You filthy piece of shit."
Yun's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing to comprehend the leader's words. "What are you talking about? I can't quite understand," he said, his voice laced with confusion.
Zorvath's expression twisted in disgust. "Don't pretend you don't know, human. You're just like the others, thinking you can fool us with your lies."
Yun's face flushed with frustration. "I don't know what those humans did to you, but we are different. We are here to explore the universe and learn the truth behind humanity. Where they came from and what they did?"
Zorvath's laughter was like a cold wind. "Oh, so you're pretending to be innocent now? How quaint. Guards, take this lowly creature to the prison."
The guards dragged Yun away, their grip like iron. He was thrown into a damp, dark cell, the door slamming shut behind him. Days passed, and Yun was given nothing to eat or drink. He was left to rot, his body weakening.
But Yun's spirit remained unbroken. He tried to talk to the other prisoners, but they ignored him, their eyes filled with suspicion and fear.
One night, Yun decided to take matters into his own hands. He silently broke free from his shackles and prison, his heart pounding in his chest. He made his way to Zorvath's chamber, his footsteps quiet on the cold floor.
Zorvath was sleeping, her chest rising and falling with each breath. Yun approached her, his hand reaching out to cover her mouth. She woke with a start, her eyes wide with fear.
"Don't call the guards," Yun whispered, his voice urgent. "Listen to me first, and then come to your judgment."
Zorvath's eyes seemed to bore into Yun's soul, as if searching for any hint of deception. But Yun held her gaze, his expression steady and calm.
"Speak," she said finally, her voice low and husky.
Yun took a deep breath before beginning. "We mean no harm to your planet or your people. We're explorers, seeking to understand the universe and its many wonders."
Zorvath raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "And what of the humans who came before you? The ones who brought destruction and chaos to our planet?"
Yun's face darkened, his eyes clouding over. "I know nothing of them," he said, his voice firm. "But I can tell you that we are not like them. We seek peace and knowledge, not conquest and destruction."
Zorvath studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to Yun's surprise, she nodded.
"I believe you," she said, her voice softening. "But I must still be cautious. My people have been hurt before, and I will not let it happen again."
Yun nodded understandingly. "I would not expect otherwise," he said. "But I assure you, we mean no harm. And I am willing to do whatever it takes to prove it to you."
Zorvath's eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of curiosity. "I will hold you to that," she said. "Very well, human. I will give you a chance to prove your words. But be warned if you betray me, you will suffer the consequences."
Yun nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "I understand," he said. "And I promise you, we will not betray your trust."
The Next Day
The next day some guards come to take Yun and take him out of the prison and start taking him to a place. When Yun asks, they tell him that leader Zorvath has asked us to take you to our sacred place.
Yun asks curiously, "sacred place? What is that?" But none of those guards say anything.
As Yun entered the sacred place, he was immediately struck by the eerie silence that filled the air. The guards led him to a massive crystallized cube that towered above him, its facets glinting in the dim light. Yun felt a shiver run down his spine as he approached the cube, sensing an otherworldly energy emanating from it.
[ Detected a new artifact. ]
[ Name: The Cube of Truth
Type: Ancient Artifact
Description: The Cube of Truth is a powerful artifact that has the ability to reveal the purity of one's heart and detect even the slightest hint of deception. This ancient relic is said to hold the secrets of the universe and has been used by the guardians of the planet to test the intentions of those who seek to wield its power.
Properties
1. Heart Reading: The Cube of Truth can sense the intentions and emotions of those who touch it, revealing their true nature.
2. Deception Detection: The Cube can detect even the slightest hint of deception, making it impossible to lie or hide one's true intentions.
3. Universal Knowledge: The Cube holds the secrets of the universe and can impart this knowledge to those who are deemed worthy.
4. Energy Source: The Cube is a powerful energy source, capable of amplifying the user's abilities and enhancing their connection to the universe. ]
Zorvath arrived soon after, her eyes gleaming with an intense light. "This is our planet's most sacred treasure," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Cube of Truth. It has the power to reveal the purity of one's heart and detect even the slightest hint of deception."
Yun's eyes widened in awe as he reached out a hand to touch the cube. But Zorvath stopped him, her hand on his arm. "Wait," she said. "First, you must understand the significance of this cube. It is not just a simple artifact, but a gateway to the very soul of our planet."
As she spoke, the cube began to glow with an ethereal light. Yun felt a strange sensation wash over him, as if his very essence was being drawn into the cube.
"Place your hand on the cube," Zorvath instructed, her voice low and hypnotic. "And let the truth be revealed."
Yun hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to expect. But something about Zorvath's words resonated deep within him. He placed his hand on the cube, and suddenly, visions flooded his mind.
As Yun touched the Cube of Truth, he felt a sudden flood of knowledge and understanding. The secrets of the universe unfolded before him like a tapestry, revealing the intricate web of connections that bound everything together.
But as he tried to grasp the sheer scope of this knowledge, he felt a strange resistance. It was as if his mind was expanding to accommodate the truth, but something was holding him back.
Yun's vision blurred, and he felt a sharp pain in his head. He tried to focus, but the knowledge slipped through his fingers like sand.
"No...not yet," a voice whispered in his mind. "You are not ready."
Yun stumbled back, gasping for breath. The Cube of Truth seemed to be pulsing with energy, but he felt a strange sense of disconnection.
Zorvath approached him, concern etched on her face. "Yun, what happened?"
Yun shook his head, trying to clear the fog in his mind.
As the visions faded, Yun opened his eyes to find Zorvath gazing at him with an unreadable expression. "What did you see?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Yun says to her, "I...I saw everything," he stammered. "But it was too much. Something stopped me from understanding."
Zorvath's expression turned enigmatic. "The universe is not yet ready to reveal its secrets to you," she said. "But do not worry, Yun. You will be ready when the time comes."
And with that, the Cube of Truth went dark, leaving Yun with more questions than answers.
Yun took a deep breath, trying to process the revelations that had flooded his mind. "I saw the truth," he said finally. "The truth about myself, about you, and about the universe."
Zorvath's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "And what did you learn from this truth?" she asked.
Yun hesitated, unsure of how to put into words the profound insights that had been revealed to him. But as he looked into Zorvath's eyes, he knew that he had to be honest.
"I learned that we are not so different, you and I," he said finally. "We both seek truth and justice, even if our methods differ. And I learned that the universe is full of mysteries and wonders, but also dangers and uncertainties."
Zorvath's expression softened, her eyes gleaming with a newfound understanding. "You have passed the test," she said. "You have shown that your heart is pure and your intentions are true."
As she spoke, the cube's glow intensified, filling the room with an otherworldly light. Yun felt a strange energy building up inside him, as if his very essence was being transformed by the cube's power.
And when the light faded, Yun knew that he had been forever changed by the experience. He had been given a glimpse of the universe's hidden truths, and he was determined to use this knowledge to bring about a new era of peace and understanding.