Chapter 14: Aria Her Way To Earth
Year 2061. The Zypheris Cluster, a dense star region filled with the brilliance of countless celestial bodies, was home to the Elysiar Nexus. This colossal structure, shaped like a mecha - humanoid, served as the central authority complex where the Sovereign of Aetherion, Nytherion, held court.
Celestia, her armor glinting with an otherworldly sheen, strode through the halls of the citadel. The living metal floors seemed to hum in recognition of her presence as she made her way towards the Sovereign's chamber.
Upon entering, she found Nytherion standing before the floating galactic starmap, his gaze fixed on the swirling patterns of light and energy that represented the vast expanse of the universe.
"Master," Celestia said, her voice echoing slightly in the large, high - ceilinged room. "We have successfully pinpointed the origin of the signal."
Nytherion turned, his eyes glowing with ancient code. "And where does it lead, Celestia?"
She took a step forward. "It leads to a planet called Earth, Master. As we suspected, our power levels prevent us from entering the region due to the Protectors' restrictions. However, we've managed to take control of the technological devices on that planet and have gathered some information."
Nytherion's expression remained stoic, but a flicker of interest crossed his features. "Go on."
"The inhabitants of Earth are of the Human race. Since the time the Obsidian Core's fluctuation was detected, strange creatures - monsters - have started to appear. These humans have begun to awaken certain abilities. Those with combat - oriented powers are called Hunters."
Celestia paused for a moment, as if considering how to convey the next part. "The Hunters' strength is ranked from the strongest, SSS - rank, to the weakest, E - rank. But here's the curious part. Their ranks are fixed from the moment they awaken. They can't continuously fight and evolve to become more powerful through natural means as we do."
Nytherion's brows furrowed. "A static ranking system? This is... an interesting development. But what of the Obsidian Core? Do we have any indication of who or what is behind its activation?"
Celestia shook her head. "No, Master. But given that the signal originated from within the Core Spiral, and considering the planet's inhabitants' relatively weak state, it's possible that there's an external force at play. Perhaps something or someone on Earth has found a way to interact with the Core without triggering the Protectors' wrath."
Celestia continued, "Although we cannot enter there, I have a disciple. She is from the Human Race Civilization that got destroyed years ago. That human race was different; they could become powerful through continuous fighting and by acquiring resources. She is perfect in both beauty and fighting. Although she's still weak, the good thing is that if measured in The Earth's Power System of Hunters, she is a SS - rank now. Exactly within the range. We can send her there to stay and protect the one with the Obsidian Core. We'll set devices close to the Milky Way Galaxy to help her and the owner of the Obsidian Core as much as we can without physically entering the restricted zone."
Nytherion considered her words for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "It's a risky plan, but it may be our best option for now."
Celestia called out, "Come here, Aria."
A beautiful girl, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the human race of Earth, entered the room. She was clad in a sleek black high - tech suit. With a fluid motion, she knelt down before the Sovereign.
Nytherion's voice was calm but commanding. "Stand up."
Aria rose to her feet.
Celestia explained, "AE - 9 (Aeon - 9) was her codename, but I changed it to Aria, a name similar to those used by the human race of Earth. And she likes the name too."
Nytherion turned to Aria, giving her a choice. "Aria, you have heard the situation. Earth is a planet with many unknowns, and the mission will be dangerous. Do you agree to go?"
A determined look flashed in Aria's eyes as she replied, "Yes, Sovereign. I'm ready."
The Sovereign and Celestia led Aria to the hangar of the Elysiar Nexus. There, they unveiled the fastest - traveling spaceship in their fleet. Its hull was made of a shimmering alloy that seemed to absorb and reflect light simultaneously. The ship was equipped with the latest in FTL (Faster - Than - Light) technology, advanced sensors, and a self - sustaining energy core.
Aria stepped onto the ship, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. As she took her place in the pilot's seat, the control panel lit up with a symphony of holographic displays.
Celestia's voice came through the ship's communication system. "Aria, we've programmed the coordinates for Earth. Once you arrive, we'll be in contact through the devices we've set up near the Milky Way. Be careful, and may the stars guide you."
Aria nodded, even though she knew Celestia couldn't see her. With a final glance at the interior of the ship, she activated the engines. The spaceship hummed to life, its thrusters emitting a brilliant blue - white glow as it slowly lifted off the ground.
In a matter of seconds, it shot out of the hangar and into the vast expanse of space. Aria watched as the Zypheris Cluster grew smaller in the rear - view monitor, her mind focused on the mission ahead. She was about to embark on a journey to a planet she'd only heard of in stories, to protect someone she didn't know, all while navigating the mysteries of the Obsidian Core and the strange world of Earth's Hunters.