Yilheim was a world of harsh beauty and alien terror. Its alien landscape was both mesmerizing and terrifying, filled with strange sights and sounds that reminded the siblings they were far from home. Every breath felt heavier, every step more arduous, as they ventured deeper into the unknown.
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The air pressed against their lungs, thicker than what they were used to on Earth. Every inhalation felt like dragging water into their chests, leaving them fatigued far quicker than they expected. Valerius stopped mid-step, doubling over and panting.
“Why... is the air... trying to kill us?” he wheezed, leaning on his knees for support.
Eryndor’s tall frame remained steady as he surveyed the terrain. “It is not the air, Valerius, but rather our untrained bodies struggling to adapt. We must endure.”
Ziraiah sat on a nearby rock, clutching her makeshift spear. “Yeah, sure. Endure. Easy to say when you’re not about to pass out.”
Before Eryndor could reply, a low voice spoke from ahead. “It’s because the air is saturated with Vitalis.”
The siblings immediately tensed, their eyes darting to the towering figure emerging from the shadows. At 9’11”, Kaelan Dravik was an imposing sight. His broad shoulders and sharp green eyes gave him an air of authority, and his confident stride spoke of experience. He looked at them curiously, his voice steady. “You’re not from around here, are you?”
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Valerius straightened, forcing a grin despite the ache in his chest. “Name’s Lerius. These are my siblings, Eryndor and Ziraiah.”
Kaelan crossed his arms, his gaze lingering on each of them before he nodded. “Kaelan Dravik. And yeah, I can tell. You’re half the size of most people here.”
Ziraiah frowned, her emerald-green eyes narrowing. “Half the size? What’s that supposed to mean?”
Kaelan smirked faintly. “People here call your kind ‘Earthers.’ You’re smaller, weaker, and always staring at thin air like there’s something there.”
The siblings exchanged a glance, their thoughts immediately going to the panels only they could see. Before they could respond, Kaelan continued. “Doesn’t matter where you came from. Yilheim doesn’t care. If you want to survive, you’ll need to learn fast.”
Valerius tilted his head, his curiosity outweighing his irritation. “You seem to know a lot. What’s the deal with this air?”
Kaelan leaned against a boulder, his tone matter-of-fact. “The air here is heavy with Var. It’s what fuels this world—what makes it different from anywhere else. You’ll get used to it, but not easily.”
Ziraiah hesitated. “And the water? We’ve been looking, but...”
Kaelan sighed, walking over to a nearby plant with wide, spiral-patterned leaves. “See this? These plants store clean water in their roots. Slice them open, and you’ll have something to drink. But be careful—most plants here are designed to kill.”
Valerius stepped forward, curiosity flickering in his green eyes. “Kill? Like how?”
Kaelan pointed to a plant with bright red flowers nearby. “That one emits a sweet smell to lure in prey. Once you’re close enough, the vines lash out and drag you in. Trust me, you don’t want to find out the hard way.”
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Ziraiah shuddered, clutching her spear tighter. “Great. This place really is trying to kill us.”
Kaelan nodded, his expression unflinching. “Welcome to Yilheim.”
---
As they made their way further into the wilderness, Valerius and Ziraiah began speaking in English, discussing their next steps. Kaelan’s sharp ears caught the unfamiliar sounds, and he frowned.
“What language is that? I’ve never heard it before.”
Valerius shrugged. “It’s called English. We’re from a place very, very far away, so you wouldn’t know it.”
Kaelan nodded slowly, his curiosity evident but unspoken. “I see.” He didn’t pry further, his focus returning to the path ahead.
Ziraiah glanced at her brother. “Wait a second... how are we even able to understand him? And why are we speaking this... Stern?”
Yelleen’s voice rang out in their minds. “That would be because Stern, the common language of Yilheim, has been embedded into your minds. Communication is essential for your survival.”
Valerius smirked. “Well, that’s convenient. Thanks, Yelleen.”
Eryndor’s tone was measured as always. “It is yet another reminder that we are bound to forces beyond our understanding.”
---
The group came across a grove of peculiar plants, their bulbous fruits glowing faintly in the dim light. Valerius’s stomach growled loudly as he reached for one of the fruits, but Yelleen’s voice rang out sharply in his mind.
“Stop, Valerius. That fruit is highly poisonous.”
Valerius froze, his hand inches from the fruit. “Seriously? It looks fine to me.”
“It’s not,” Yelleen said firmly. “Yilheim’s flora is dangerous. You cannot trust appearances.”
Kaelan noticed Valerius hesitate and raised an eyebrow. “Thinking about eating that? Let me save you the trouble—it’ll kill you.”
Valerius sighed, stepping back from the plant. “Great. Back to starving.”
Eryndor’s calm voice broke the tension. “We will find sustenance. Patience, Valerius.”
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As they continued their journey, the group suddenly froze as a low growl rumbled through the air. A massive wolf-like creature emerged from the shadows, its glowing red eyes locked onto them. Its jagged claws dug into the ground as it crouched, ready to strike.
Ziraiah’s voice trembled. “What... what is that?”
Kaelan’s expression darkened. “Your first trial.”
The creature lunged, and chaos erupted. Eryndor moved with precision, using a branch to block the creature’s claws. Valerius attacked from the side, using his makeshift weapon to distract it, while Ziraiah stabbed at it with her spear. Kaelan’s movements were swift and deliberate, his experience evident as he landed a heavy blow on the creature’s side.
Despite their combined efforts, the wolf wasn’t easily defeated. It slashed at Ziraiah, forcing Valerius to shield her, and knocked Eryndor off his feet with a swipe of its tail. Finally, Kaelan delivered a crushing strike to its head, causing the creature to stagger and retreat into the shadows.
As the group caught their breath, Kaelan nodded. “You held your own. Not bad for players.”
---
Not long after their encounter with the predator, the group came across a small clearing surrounded by jagged rocks. A group of five players emerged, their weapons crude but their desperation palpable.
“Hey, you!” one of them shouted. “What do you have? Food? Supplies?”
Kaelan stepped forward, his towering frame radiating authority. “Move along. You don’t want trouble.”
The group hesitated, but one player stepped forward, feigning friendliness. “We’re just trying to survive. Maybe we can work together?”
Eryndor’s sharp gaze didn’t waver. “Your deception is transparent.”
The player smirked, signaling his group to attack. Chaos ensued as the siblings defended themselves. Valerius used his branch like a staff, Ziraiah wielded her spear with surprising precision, and Eryndor fought with calculated strikes. Kaelan moved with ease, disarming one attacker and scattering the rest.
As the defeated players retreated, Kaelan shook his head. “I told you. Don’t trust anyone.”
---
That night, the siblings sat around a small fire, the alien moons casting a faint glow over their makeshift camp. The silence was heavy, broken only by the crackling of flames.
Ziraiah’s voice trembled. “Do you think we’ll ever see Earth again? Mom?”
Valerius leaned back, his grin softening. “Of course, Ziraiah. We’re Delindors, remember? We’ll figure this out.”
Ziraiah looked at him, tears welling in her green eyes. “What if we don’t?”
Eryndor placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Fear is natural, Ziraiah. But it must not consume you. Together, we will endure.”
Kaelan watched the siblings quietly, a flicker of something unspoken in his expression. Finally, he stood. “You’ve got a long road ahead. There’s a town not far from here. If you make it, you might survive a little longer.”
Valerius smirked. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
Kaelan’s gaze lingered on them for a moment before he turned and disappeared into the darkness.
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