Planet Ignis | Chapter 20

When I first heard of the Phoenix project, I applied immediately. Looking back, I was already a coward because I was setting out for the stars, not to give something to humanity or show bravery, but to run away from problems on Earth. When I learned that Mary was pregnant, I couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t bear the thought of becoming a father.

So, without letting anyone know, I ran, abandoning my wife and the responsibilities that awaited me. It was easier to escape to another galaxy than to face the challenges at home. I know it was for the best. The child will be happier not having a father like me. I’m good with machines, but not with children.

I wonder if Mary ever found out what happened to me. But that’s not important. What’s important is that you must do whatever it takes to survive. Don’t let anything or anyone stand in your way. You deserve to live. You deserve to follow your path.

Files salvaged from the Raptor’s Ghost Drive. Recorded by Schneider, the Raptor

Eli and Trother slept, nestled in their makeshift camp on the rugged slopes of the Mountain. The air was crisp and cool, and the first rays of dawn painted the alien sky in vivid streaks of orange and purple. The serenity was shattered by a thunderous explosion echoing through the range.

Eli and Trother jolted upright, their hearts pounding. A blinding flash engulfed them, forcing Eli to shield his eyes. The air hummed with static, and the ground trembled as the light receded, leaving an eerie silence.

Trother’s tears fell first, a silent acknowledgment of the truth Eli couldn’t bear to face. “Did Brodnir...?”

Trother struggled to find his voice, each word laden with grief. “Brodnir... he’s no more.”

The world seemed to tilt around Eli. Memories of Brodnir filled his mind—watching the King play Pacman in the Nexus, receiving encouragement after his victories, and seeing him strategize over Chess games. The weight of his loss was unbearable.

Tears blurred Eli’s vision. “But how could he produce such a powerful Emission? He was running low. Last night, he was using golden Bursts!”

Trother wiped his face, his voice steadying. “He must have been deceiving the Raptor, biding his time. When the moment came, he used everything. A final blue Burst.”

“But, Master, how do you know he failed? What if he stopped it?” Eli’s voice trembled, clinging to hope.

Trother shook his head, the lines on his face deepening. “I perceived through the explosion. As he Burst, his light flickered, and he sent a message in Ignian. Oh, Brodnir...” Trother’s voice broke. “Even in death, he thought of us. You were a great King.”

“What was his message?” Eli’s voice rose, fury and grief intertwining.

Trother’s words came slowly. “He said: ‘Run, Father. I can’t slow him any longer. It comes. Hurry. I... love you.’”

Eli froze, the revelation piercing through his anguish. Brodnir was Trother’s son. The memories of their interactions suddenly made sense—the subtle affection, the shared laughter, the quiet respect.

“Master, I—”

Trother raised a hand, his face hardening with resolve. His grief transformed into cold determination. “There’s no time for tears. We must reach Hitori’s lab today. The Raptor is coming.”

“For Brodnir,” Eli said, his voice firm.

“For Zawa,” Trother replied.

Eli and Trother let the ignium within their bodies reverberate with power. The energy pulsed through their veins, resonating with a vibrant golden hue. They carefully fed the reverberation with every breath, channeling the immense power toward the ignium woven into their muscles, making them swell and bulge. Their arms became as big as a gorilla’s—or whatever the Earth primate was called. Their legs grew bulkier.

As the day passed, sickly veins became more prominent in Trother’s skin. Even with all his efficiency, he was burning through his lifespan like never before.

They kept going as fast as they could. As they climbed higher, even though gravity weakened, reducing its toll on their climb, the temperature became colder and colder. They had to Burst with orange-grade energy just to keep their ignium polarized. Eli could hardly believe that his teacher could keep up with him despite how little Longevity he had left.

“Don’t slow down, Eli!” urged Trother.

“But, Master! Your Longevity!” protested Eli.

“Don’t worry about me. Hurry. Just a bit more, and we’ll reach the summit.”

Finally, after a grueling day of relentless climbing, they reached the apex of the Dragon Range—the Peak. Here, the gravitational force was half what they had in the Burrows, granting them a momentary respite. They adjusted their energy output, finding an optimal Burst to conserve their dwindling reserves.

Trother looked to Eli, his eyes filled with exhaustion. “How far is the Raptor?” he asked, his voice steady despite the strain.

Eli Perceived. Unlike Brodnir and Trother, he still couldn’t do the trick of only Perceiving with one eye, so both of his pupils burned with a bright yellow color. “It’s halfway to the Mountain. The Raptor moves even faster than we thought!”

“There’s no time to waste. Let’s move, son.”

As Trother took a step forward, he collapsed, succumbing to exhaustion.

“Teacher! Are you alright?” screamed Eli as he rushed to Trother’s side, supporting him.

Trother’s breath came in labored gasps, and his once vibrant complexion now bore a sickly pallor. “I’m... okay,” he managed to whisper, his voice strained. “I just need a moment.”

Eli increased his Burst output, directing the energy to alleviate his teacher’s suffering. Trother’s eyes met Eli’s, gratitude shining within them.

Forced to pause, Eli finally took in the majestic landscape. The view from the mountaintop was breathtaking—the metallic sheen of the Ignian crust shimmered under the distant light. Somewhere out there were the remains of Trother’s late wife, Eli’s late wife, and King Brodnir. Somewhere out there, beneath the metal, were the children of their tribe. They were counting on them.

“How can such a beautiful place be so deadly?” Eli gently helped Trother to his feet. “Let’s go, Teacher. Perhaps it’s more comfortable inside Hitori’s lab. I’ll help you.”

Trother didn’t protest. Instead, he allowed Eli to shoulder his weight. Together, they pressed forward, exploring the summit. After several minutes, they discovered a hidden cave entrance. Entering it, they found a massive metallic door.

“This door...” Trother murmured, his voice trailing off... “I’ve seen it before.”

Chapter 21