Planet Ignis | Chapter 31

…more and more about the Burrows, I became captivated by the role of the Blues. I couldn’t help but laugh when Trother first told me about the fearsome and mighty Blue Monarchs. Amused, he asked me why, and I explained that there was a butterfly species on Earth called the blue monarch. When I mentioned how harmless and delicate these creatures were, he laughed with me.

Despite this humorous moment, the Blues were extraordinary individuals. Exceptionally talented and with immense potential, they were the tribe’s greatest asset in times of crisis—whether it was an energy shortage, a major excavation, or the transmutation of ignium. In the Burrows, the adage that kings are the people’s servants has finally come true in the most literal and impactful way.

From “Notes on Ignian Societies” by Hitori Himura, PhD

Eli and Trother fought an epic battle under the old oak in Greensburg’s Central Square. There were no explosions or roars of war, though. This was a battle of wits.

Eli had drawn the Midas Triplets card. The description read: “Swap your rooks for two kings. If you lose any of your kings, you lose the game.” It was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offered endless tactical opportunities. On the other, it added two extra vulnerabilities that Trother could target.

Trother had drawn the Ayu Card, granting him five extra Longevity Stones. Though subtle, this small advantage gave him the freedom to play aggressively, leaving Eli on the defensive for much of the game.

“Check?” Eli said carefully, as he Enhanced one of his kings and took Trother’s rook. Even as he spoke, his skin shifted in a rhythmic sequence of colors and patterns—an exercise Trother had made him practice throughout the game.

Trother’s expression softened. A tear rolled down his face as he removed his king from the board. “No, Eli.”

Eli blinked in confusion. He had never seen his master do this before. “What do you mean?”

Trother looked at him with pride. “Eli, it’s checkmate. You’ve won. Well done, son.”

For a moment, Eli couldn’t believe it. His teacher—the insurmountable mountain he had struggled to climb for so long—was finally defeated. Eli had spent twelve years training in this virtual world, pushing his mind and body beyond their limits. He had thought he would feel elation, triumph. But as he looked at Trother, all he felt was a strange, bittersweet ache.

Trother’s face wasn’t one of disappointment, but of radiant pride. “Now I am sure, Eli. You can stop the Raptor. You’ve beaten the man who defeated the machine. My work here is done.”

“Master, don’t say that—”

“It’s all right,” Trother interrupted gently. “I’m grateful that Hitori gave me this gift. More time with those I love.”

Eli looked down at the chessboard. One more victory. One more loss. The weight of Hitori’s absence and Trother’s impending departure pressed down on him. He didn’t understand how Trother could remain so calm, so at peace.

Trother stood, his movements slow but steady. “Come, Eli. Walk with me. Let’s watch the sunset from the citadel.”

As they left the chessboard under the oak and began their climb, Eli glanced back. The board was still there, the pieces frozen in their final positions. The game was over, but its echoes would stay with him forever.

Greensburg was a sprawling city in the middle of an endless grass prairie. Its wide streets and fashionable buildings were entwined with nature, flowers and trees growing freely among stone walls and cobbled paths. Green vines climbed up the walls of its buildings, weaving the brick and mortar with life.

Eli and Trother climbed the street leading to an abandoned citadel, its white walls glowing in the golden light of the setting sun. The towers offered a panoramic view of the city and the endless plains beyond. A river, gleaming like a ribbon of silver, cut through the prairie, its waters feeding Greensburg. In the distance, herds of animals grazed peacefully, their forms silhouetted against the horizon. Trother and Eli often came here after long days of training, finding solace in the view and each other’s company.

They stood atop one of the towers, letting the silence stretch as the sky shifted from blue to yellow, then deepened to orange. The beauty of the moment hung heavy between them.

“Who would have known Earth’s skies could mimic the flames of Ignis?” Trother said, his voice tinged with wonder.

“True, master. Even though the planets differ, the laws of nature are the same,” Eli replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

The sun began to sink, its fiery hue casting the world in a warm glow. “I wish Brodnir and Naiara were here to see this,” Trother said quietly. “Hitori too.”

“Zawa would have loved this,” Eli added softly. “Everyone in the tribe would.”

Trother’s eyes remained on the horizon as the sky turned crimson. “Did you know Brodnir was claustrophobic?”

Eli turned to him, startled. “Claustrophobic?” The idea was shocking. In the Burrows, where life revolved around confined tunnels, claustrophobia was akin to a death sentence. “How did he manage?”

“As king, he had to endure it every day, trapped in the Globular Throne. But that’s where his mind was freest. He visited the Nexus often—the only place in the Burrows without walls or ceilings.”

Eli marveled at Brodnir’s resilience. He had always admired the king but now saw him in a new light. “He was truly incredible.”

“Yes, he was,” Trother said, his voice thick with emotion. “Brodnir needed the throne, and the throne needed him.”

After a pause, Trother turned to Eli. “When your physique evaluation came out, Brodnir and I discussed your future. Did you know he wanted you to be the next Blue King?”

Eli’s eyes widened. “No, master. You never told me.”

“I told Brodnir you shouldn’t be king,” Trother said. “I told him I would take you under my guardianship instead.”

Eli frowned, not out of anger but curiosity. “You didn’t think I had what it took to be king?”

“I did,” Trother said, smiling gently. “But just as Brodnir needed the throne, you needed a father.”

Eli’s chest tightened. Trother had been his light in the darkness, guiding him through his pain. He realized, now more than ever, how much he owed to the man beside him.

“You would have made a great king, Eli. But you’ve become something even better—a teacher.” Trother placed a hand on Eli’s shoulder, his voice full of warmth. “I’m proud of you, son.”

“Thank you, master,” Eli whispered. Trother’s sentiment was rare and heartfelt, making his words all the more precious.

Trother waved his hand, summoning a glowing timer in the corner of Eli’s vision. It was counting down. Ten seconds.

“Trother, what is this?” Eli asked, panic creeping into his voice.

“No son should see his father die,” Trother said, his tone gentle but firm.

“Trother, stop! You can’t—” Eli’s voice broke as his figure began to fade, forcibly logged out of the Nexus.

Left alone, Trother turned back to the sunset. The most beautiful part of the day passed so quickly. Perhaps that’s what made it so precious—its fleeting nature.

“When my fire is out, what I forged remains,” Trother said softly. “I forged three loves: Naiara, Brodnir, and Eli. I forged the children of my tribe. I forged two sons—a king of teachers and a teacher of kings.”

As the real-world incubator convulsed, Trother’s body hardened into lifeless ignium. His mind faded from the Nexus, leaving the world in silence.

Epilogue