"Fly swifter, my love. They're closing in," Kafor urged his mate, Heroti, through their telepathic bond—a connection they've cherished since their souls intertwined countless millennia ago. Heroti, the anchor of his spirit and the driving force behind his tenacity steered their vessel toward the central planet of The System Architects. Legend claimed that those who reached this sanctuary might be bestowed a precious boon. The A-ranked Elemental Dragons, like Kafor and Heroti, had sought this elusive world for years, especially as the shadows of persecution began to loom over them.
These dragons once reigned unchallenged among their monstrous kin, untouched by defeat for centuries. However, an unsettling change began when some of their numbers inexplicably vanished. Whispers among them speculated of a self-imposed hibernation, while darker rumors hinted at malevolent forces at play. The true gravity of their plight became heartbreakingly clear only when it had escalated beyond their control.
Navigating past the final planet of the system, the elusive sanctuary they sought came into view. As they glided through the expanse, a colossal detonation erupted behind them, originating from the vicinity of one of the moons where they had previously taken refuge. Anticipating their pursuers' movements, they had set a lethal trap, deploying multiple antimatter bombs with as many fuel rods as possible. These bombs were strategically placed in zones they knew would be scoured, owing to their recent hideout.
Upon drawing close and initiating the scanners, the unsuspecting scout ships triggered the bombs' countdown. Five minutes later, once the rear guard of the predatory fleet had passed the initial explosive, the series of bombs erupted in synchrony. Over a dozen of the relentless pirate ships, who had been pursuing them for their valuable heart cores, were now reduced to cosmic debris. "Justice served," Kafor mused with grim satisfaction.
Yet, the victory was bittersweet. Their predicament remained pressing. Their options were limited, with barely enough fuel rods for further warp jumps, and their arsenal nearly depleted. They could only make a desperate final stand at this juncture, detonating their vessel in a blaze of defiance if cornered.
Drawing nearer to the planet, a vast continent began to take shape, its majestic cityscape visible even from space. The planet radiated an almost blinding energy, its luminosity making it difficult to gaze upon. As they continued their descent, the metropolis loomed ever more significant. Imposing skyscrapers reached up from the planet's surface, piercing through the atmosphere, a testament to the inhabitants' mastery over architectural and environmental balance.
Heroti, grappling with the controls, conveyed to Kafor that their ship was no longer under her command. It seemed they were being guided to a designated landing zone, a platform vast enough to house their colossal vessel specially designed to accommodate dragons of their magnitude.
Their hearts racing, and with apprehension gripping them, they made their way to the hangar bay. The uncertainty of the situation weighed heavily on them, yet they recognized the necessity of confronting whatever lay ahead. As they readied themselves to step out onto this alien world, they knew they were at a pivotal juncture, and their destiny, for better or worse, would soon be revealed.
In their moments of introspection, there were days they would reminisce about that very instant, sometimes grappling with the ghost of doubt, pondering if they could've chosen a different path. But, every shared sunrise, every glance exchanged between them, swiftly dissolved such musings, reminding them of the invaluable bond they had managed to safeguard during the ensuing negotiations.
Stepping off the ship, they were immediately approached and escorted by an autonomous robotic entity. Stationary at first, it sprang to life as they approached, rolling forward with deliberate grace toward an adjacent hangar.
Uncertain but intrigued, they trailed behind it. The world unfurling around them was breathtaking in its meticulous precision. Every element and particle seemed to have been orchestrated to occupy its designated space, leaving no room for randomness. This immaculate orderliness, a stark departure from the unpredictable nature they were accustomed to, was both awe-inspiring and slightly unsettling. They inherently understood the rhythm of chaos, and its conspicuous absence here left them with an eerie feeling. Life, after all, was defined by its unpredictability, but this realm seemed to defy that very principle.
Entering the hangar, a vast table spread out before them, around which sat four distinct beings from different races they had never seen before. Their poised demeanor suggested a council or some governing body. Despite their unfamiliarity with these figures, Kafor and Heroti approached with measured steps, aware that anyone in such a position here warranted utmost respect.
Heroti, intending to introduce themselves and state their purpose, barely began when the individual on the far right interrupted, "We are familiar with you, Kafor and Heroti of the Elemental Dragons Clan Werbatrox. We understand your reasons for seeking us and your aspirations. Given what you know of The Architect, explain why it should extend its assistance to you?"
Caught off-guard by the directness, Heroti shot a quick, uncertain glance toward Kafor. He gently prompted, "Speak your truth, my love. In this place, straightforwardness might be our best approach. Whatever transpires, remember I stand by you."
His unwavering support reassured her; a warmth enveloped Heroti's heart. The responsibility to articulate their plight and appeal for aid rested on her shoulders. With a deep breath, she began recounting the highlights of their tale, hopeful for a favorable outcome.
Concluding her plea, Heroti's voice was desperate and determined. "Ultimately, we are among the last of our kind. While we understand the value placed upon our cores, our existence offers the system value in myriad ways. We are prepared to serve in any capacity deemed appropriate." She stepped back, instinctively seeking Kafor's comforting presence.
One of the council members leaned forward, their gaze intense and searching. "You mentioned 'in any way it deems necessary.' Do both of you genuinely share this sentiment?"
Kafor, standing firm beside Heroti, replied, "Absolutely. As long as we remain side by side, we are prepared to offer our services in exchange for protection against those relentlessly pursuing us."
The council members' silent contemplation created a tense pause, every second dragging on, amplifying the weight of uncertainty. In unison, subtle nods were exchanged amongst them. A previously silent council member leaned in, breaking the silence with a declarative tone, "Undertake this quest and all that you wish shall be granted."
Abruptly, a digital quest menu materialized before them. The title, 'Seeding the Unknown,' was bold and prominent. However, the details within the quest could have been more sparse, reading only: 'Venture forth into time's vast expanse, disseminating the influence of The Architect, guided by his wisdom and mandate.' No specific rewards or incentives were laid out. But given their circumstances, they perceived this as their best shot—a glimmer of hope amidst despair.
Clasping hands, a gesture of unity and shared resolve, they mentally clicked on the 'accept' option within the quest interface.
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The momentary, piercing agony was swift but profound. When it subsided and they reopened their eyes, their perspective shifted dramatically. They found themselves eye to eye with the councilors, a realization that indicated a significant change in their stature. Turning to face each other, they took in their transformed appearances. In their DragonKin forms, they closely mirrored humans—bipedal, albeit adorned with gleaming scales.
As questions swirled within their eyes, the final councilor addressed them, readying to depart. "Outside awaits a vessel. Board it and heed the instructions presented. The bond between you has been eternally sealed. Should one falter, the other will inevitably follow suit. Further directives outlining your missions will be sent to you in due course. We wish you fortitude." The council members rose and vanished without further ado, leaving the pair in a cavernous silence.
Facing one another, they wrapped their arms around each other, the tumultuous mix of relief, trepidation, and wonderment palpable between them. The path ahead was shrouded in mystery, but they drew comfort from the unyielding certainty that they would traverse it side by side.
A sleeker, more compact craft awaited outside, where their original, vast ship had once stood. Its design was modern, streamlined, and noticeably different from its prior vessel. As they boarded, they were met with an interior that was equally, if not more, unfamiliar and advanced.
The ship's interior exuded a sense of advanced technological prowess, every detail meticulously crafted. They took their time, exploring each corner, every control and interface, internalizing that this vessel would be their sanctuary and base for the foreseeable journey ahead.
Securing themselves into the pilot seats, their fingers interlocked, symbolizing their unwavering unity in the face of the unknown. As the engines hummed to life and the ship ascended, they cast one last glance at the planet they had sought refuge on—a place of hope, transformation, and new beginnings. They were safe now, they hoped.
As the celestial body receded in the backdrop, they journeyed into the vastness of space, their hearts filled with gratitude for the renewed opportunity to share their existence side by side, come what may.
*****
They had been doing this lazy space crawl for time untold now. In the beginning they had been overjoyed to be free of being hunted. That waned after countless millennia passed them by. Still, they appreciated being together, because ultimately that is what they wanted. Planet by planet they changed the fates of trillions of people, and that weighed heavily on them.
Knowing that they would have to do this forever they took joy in the small things. Lately it had been seeing what they could do to tweak the system interfaces. The System that had been built by the Architect was largely governed by your willpower. If you wanted to change the layout or how your logs read you put effort into it and cast your willpower to the screen changing what you needed. Some worlds had called this a sandbox system as you could do pretty much anything. If the System didn't like it you weren't 'awarded' with a result.
They had big plans for the next planet and its world seed. Through some rather ingenious editing, they took some limits off the progenitor seed. Making changes here and there, the fate-bonded pair had such high hopes it would work.
The approaching planet, with its swirling hues of blue and green, promised a unique challenge in the duo's mission of conversion. The commencement of the conversion process was a constant, a factor they had no control over. A chosen being, determined by a mysterious and elusive algorithm, would receive a "seed." This seed, once implanted, embarked on an extensive internal scan, both physiological and almost ethereal, discerning potential attributes and capacities inherent to the species. Traditionally, the seed's scanning procedure was consuming, eradicating the original form to create a foundational template that would dictate the world's transformation.
However, this mission had a distinct objective: rather than consume the chosen host, the goal was to evolve it, facilitating a rapid advancement for its entire race. An integral part of this new strategy was the belief that a being, empowered by the full might of the seed, might eventually challenge the very system that had shackled them for so long.
For Kafor and Heroti, who possessed the gift of immortality, the passage of time was a minor concern, especially when shared with one's soulmate. Yet, the yearning for freedom persisted even in the expanse of eternity. Regardless of the duration, being confined was a cage they sought to escape.
The planet's scans painted a picture of a thriving, teeming population. Such exuberant proliferation was typical of this species; their zest for life was manifested in their prolific numbers. The anticipation of identifying the seed's recipient was always an agonizing wait. Historically, the bestowed "honor" was akin to a grim fate. But they were resolute: this cycle had to deviate from its tragic norm.
*ding*
A system notification seamlessly integrated into their visual field, pinpointing a candidate. With that confirmation, they could initiate the next phase of their mission.
Flying down in these backwater worlds with low technical backgrounds was always fun to see who they could tease. Looking over at her partner, Heroti would teleport some farmers' cows away while they chuckled. He loved watching how her face would light up at the farmers' disbelief and incredulous facial expressions.
Gliding over hills and up to the edge of Barstown, they slid to a halt, fully cloaked. The house was a two-story farmhouse with no neighbors in sight from what they could observe. A couple of extra buildings were on the property as well. But there was only so much to see.
"I'm nervous, Kafor. What if it doesn't work or discovers what we're doing?" Heroti asked her love.
With a gentle sigh at an ancient discussion, Kafor reminded Heroti again of what they had discussed. "The chances of it not knowing what we are doing is close to zero. It doesn’t care because it thinks we are helpless. We've been through this seed thousands of times. In the worst-case scenario, if it doesn't work, we seed someone else with a standard seed and move on after the allotted time we have to monitor. Normal seeds have failed before, and we never had an issue".
She placed the bone covering her forehead against her partners and breathed calmly. "As always, you're right. Let's get this done so we can ruin someone else's life just like ours was."
With a melancholic smile playing on his lips, Kafor, guiding Heroti, ventured into the seeder pod. Their entwined fingers were a testament to the countless seedings they had performed, each one leaving an indelible mark on their souls.
Having their power locked behind seals to hide their existence had left them severally limited. Having to learn more mundane methods of entering and performing their duties had taken time. Their experience had honed these skills to near perfection, allowing them to silently navigate through the chosen one's dwelling without a trace. The stillness of the night enveloped them as they weaved through the house, arriving at the bedroom. Bypassing rudimentary security measures in a technologically unsophisticated world like this posed no challenge.
Surveying the sleeping figure, they took a moment to study his serene countenance, pondering the essence of the man before them and wishing circumstances were different. Heroti with her limited energy pool, expanded her aura with a steely resolve, creating an invisible barrier around the room. This ethereal cloak served multiple functions: insulating the room from external noises, ensuring the man's undisturbed slumber, and remaining oblivious to any immediate discomfort. But the aftermath, upon awakening, remained a looming uncertainty. It was uncharted territory, after all.
Kafor gently unfolded the covers, revealing a chest still youthful in its form, sprinkled with tufts of hair—hallmarks of a man on the cusp of his prime.
As Heroti took the seed—a living emblem of warmth and rhythmic pulsation—she delicately placed it just above the young man's heart. This began the Incantation of Joining, a ritual they had performed countless times. The process was deceptively simple; the seed bore within it the requisite energy and components courtesy of the system. With the incantation serving merely as a catalyst, the seed began its intricate dance of integration.
What followed wasn't for the faint-hearted. Ethereal tendrils unfurled silken strands, reminiscent of a spider's intricate web, that reached deep into the man's physique, latching onto neural pathways, blood vessels, muscles, and even the skeletal structure. Methodically and inexorably, the seed used these threads to draw itself inward, ultimately nestling next to the heart.
The final touch of this union was the scar it left behind: designed to resemble constellations or symbolic patterns, hinting at the potential abilities or traits of the newly-seeded individual. This aesthetic feature was a recent addition they had encoded, hoping it would serve as a beneficial marker in the days to come.
The process, while mesmerizing, was not without its consequences. His body would undergo significant alterations to accommodate the seed—a sizable entity now lodged within his ribcage. The daybreak promised discomfort at best and a life-threatening ordeal at worst.
The subsequent stages of the seeding were crucial. In a few minutes, the seed would work, meticulously adapting and preparing its biological system for the introduction of magical and cultivation abilities while striving to retain the essence of the individual. The initial phases had gone smoothly, evident from the soft crimson luminescence emanating from his chest, a sign of the seed's ceaseless activity.
Leaving the scene behind, Heroti and Kafor retreated to their ship, pausing momentarily to admire the vast cosmic canvas stretched out above. With its myriad twinkling stars, the night sky offered a brief respite from their burdened hearts. Enveloped in each other's embrace, they found solace. The universe's beauty was a poignant reminder of their own entwined fates—a love enduring amidst relentless challenges. But, the looming shadows of their task remained ever-present in the backdrop.
Upon reboarding, they piloted the ship into the vast void of space, immediately beginning preparations to deploy the dimensional space attachments. These constructs were vital, forming a network of dungeons and zones necessary for the inhabitants of the planet to evolve and adapt to their newfound capabilities.
Heroti observed Kafor, his nimble fingers dancing over the control panel, orchestrating a symphony of interdimensional constructs. Lost in thought, she pondered over the modifications she had stealthily incorporated. While she believed these bold strategies would be more effective, she knew Kafor might find them too audacious. Hoping her meticulous coding would compensate for her audacity, she was anxious and eager to see the results.
Yet, amidst these swirling thoughts, there was one unwavering certainty: their bond. Together, they had weathered countless storms, and she clung to the belief that side by side, they could endure any challenge the cosmos might throw their way.