Planet Ignis | Chapter 30

“The settlements, even though they have evolved from the original designs, remain faithful to their purpose. Each part plays a role in the survival of the tribe. The Throne Room, where the king lies ready to serve when called upon, and the AI mainframe, which oversees the settlement’s functions, form its heart. The Womb and the Nexus nurture the young, providing them with sustenance and guidance. The Golden Guard protects the Vault, safeguarding the tribe’s most vital resources. The Chemists cultivate celeria, ensuring a steady supply of the Celer mutagen, while the Smiths mix ignium with other vital elements, forging the materials necessary for survival. The Lighthouse allows settlements to communicate and stay united, while the Collegium is the cradle of learning, where the young are nurtured and trained. Together, they form a living, breathing organism—a fragile yet resilient sanctuary for humanity on Ignis.”

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

Eli sat cross-legged in the acupuncturist program, sweat trailing down his temples. Each simulated needle stung like a spark igniting his nerves, but he refused to flinch. His breaths were shallow, measured.

“Almost there,” Trother’s steady voice guided him. “Feel the flow, Eli. Pain is a signal, not a sentence. Command it. Redirect it.”

The needles pricked faster, their rhythm chaotic. Eli’s pulse quickened as the program stuttered. A cold, mechanical voice interrupted the tension.

Warning: External interference detected.

Eli’s eyes snapped open. “What kind of interference?”

Trother gestured, summoning a shimmering projection in midair. It displayed jagged red waves disrupting the Nexus’s calm grid. “The Raptor,” he said grimly. “It’s probing us.”

“Can it get through?” Eli’s voice wavered.

“Not entirely,” Trother replied. “But its attempts are destabilizing the simulation. Your focus is critical to maintaining the program.”

The needles resumed, relentless in their assault. Each new sting sent a bolt of pain through Eli’s body, threatening to overwhelm him. He clenched his fists, teeth grinding. “I… I can’t.”

“You can,” Trother said, his tone unyielding. “You’ve trained for this moment. Pain is a storm. Be the eye that commands it.”

Eli closed his eyes, forcing his mind into stillness. He visualized the pain as ripples in a tranquil pond, each one fading as it reached the shore. Slowly, the stings dulled to a manageable hum. His breathing steadied.

When the program ended, Eli collapsed, his chest heaving. Trother knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Well done, boy. You’ve pushed further than ever before.”

*

Later, under the simulated starlit sky, Eli’s thoughts wandered. The endless constellations reminded him of Zawa and Brodnir. “Master,” he said quietly, “do you ever wonder if it’s worth it? All this fighting, all this loss?”

Trother gazed at the stars, his expression distant. “Every day.”

“Then why keep going?”

“Because love is worth it,” Trother said simply. “It’s the strongest thing we have. Every sacrifice, every battle, is for those we love. That’s what keeps us alive.”

Eli nodded, his chest tight with longing. “I wish they were still here.”

“So do I,” Trother whispered. “But that’s why we fight—to honor them.”

Eli met Trother's gaze, a spark of defiance igniting within him. “I won’t let the Raptor win, Master. I promise. For Brodnir. For Zawa. For Hitori, too."

Trother smiled gently. "I know, boy. I know."

Both sat in silence on the virtual grass, gazing at the stars.

Chapter 31