The sun of the unknown planet was barely rising between the rocky formations. Its golden rays could not warm the heavy air, filled with humidity and a metallic scent that Dorian couldn't identify. The planet's surface was covered with dark, coarse vegetation, with black-barked trees that seemed to absorb the light, and on the ground, glowing lichens moved as if they were alive.
Dorian carefully stepped down from the Epsilon-03, feeling the slightly stronger gravity tense his muscles. Beside him, Omega, his integrated AI, floated with a bluish glow, projecting terrain data and maps directly into his vision:
—"Breathable atmosphere, minimal radiation. Dorian's smart helmet opened with a single thought, sliding smoothly backward and leaving his neck free, revealing his black hair with orange highlights and green eyes. No signs of intelligent civilization. Predator probability: high."
Dorian took a deep breath. He had been to other worlds before, even as a child accompanied by his older brother on a strange planet where creatures as absurd as killer squirrels moved among the trees. That experience had taught him that outside Helion, anything could be dangerous… but also exhilarating.
The sounds of the planet were unusual: a low hum like distant machinery mixed with the creaking of vegetation moving with the wind. Dorian adjusted his battle suit. Beneath it, he wore a black compression suit covering him from neck to ankles, also serving as body protection. His battle suit was lightweight yet ultra-advanced, allowing maximum mobility on the battlefield. Every movement seemed amplified, as if his body itself responded to an internal stimulus he still didn't fully understand.
He advanced along a natural path, his boots barely sinking into the black soil. Omega indicated:
—"Detected hostile lifeforms 300 meters ahead. Irregular, hunting behavior. Direct contact not recommended, but… combat potential: optimal."
Dorian smiled slightly. This was exactly what he had been expecting.
Suddenly, the terrain opened into a clearing surrounded by razor-sharp rocks. There they were: creatures with multiple eyes, scales reflecting light like mirrors, claws capable of tearing metal. There was no time to think. His senses sharpened, his mind began calculating speed, distance, and trajectories. Every instinct he had learned in Astra Helion was ready to act.
The first enemy leaped. Dorian dodged with an agile spin, feeling the planet's gravity increase the force of his movements. Each punch or kick resonated like metal against metal, even though no weapons were used in this first encounter. His body moved with perfect precision, anticipating motions only he could perceive.
Omega calculated, sending real-time predictions projected onto Dorian's retina:
—"Left, impact in 0.7 seconds. Evasion probability: 89%."
Dorian adjusted his stance and a precise strike brought down the nearest creature, but others emerged from the shadows.
The combat continued, a fast and deadly dance, each movement measured, each breath controlled. Dorian noticed his body could perform things he had never attempted before: longer jumps, more complex spins, force concentrated in a single strike. Yet fatigue began to accumulate, reminding him that this planet was more challenging than it appeared.
Between fights, Dorian observed the planet. The roots of the trees seemed to move on their own, the sky had a mix of gray clouds and violet hues, glowing with distant electrical pulses. It was beautiful and deadly at the same time. He felt small, yet more alive than ever.
After minutes of fighting, the last creature fell lifeless, and Dorian exhaled deeply. His heart raced, but his mind remained clear. Omega intervened:
—"Mission accomplished in hostile terrain. Physical status: optimal. Recommendation: scan resources and potential shelters before proceeding."
Dorian walked to a rocky outcrop and looked at the horizon. In the distance, he could see another canyon-like formation that, according to Omega's data, could contain stronger enemies or valuable resources. His adventure was just beginning, and he could already feel the pulse of a world that would teach him as much as he was destined to learn.
He sat for a moment, resting the cylindrical sword strapped to his back against the rock. He thought of Astra Helion, his home, his training… and how from now on, each planet, each enemy, each victory would become part of his story.
—"This isn't just a journey," he murmured to himself. "It's the beginning of something that will change everything."
As the sun slowly descended, Dorian adjusted the controls of his suit, activated the advanced scanning systems of the Epsilon-03, and prepared to venture into the next territory of the planet. Night was falling, and with it, new threats and challenges awaited. But he was ready. Always ready.