As his consciousness faded into a warm abyss, Atlas felt subtle sensations of pulling from various parts of his person. It was as if he was stretching, becoming larger, while at the same time somehow integrating deeper into each of his cells. He could feel a subtle sense of drain, as if his entire body had just finished an excruciating workout, yet he was still comfortable, and couldn't see anything.
. . .
. . .
. . .
As Atlas, Shine and Blanc were handling their preparations, Nythera settled down in one of the nicer abodes for high ranking Elders. They were built for those that'd occasionally visit the Cradle to oversee the growth of the younglings back when Velathra still stood.
As she settled into the large spherical room, perfect for making a hanging web, Nythera sighed.
She didn't know the true reason for Velathra's fall, had a hard time believing the gods would be so insane, and found the revelation of this prophesied Primordian deeply unnerving.
She wanted nothing more than to shelter Atlas from the chains of this seemingly immense burden he was destined to bear, but for now, all she could do was watch and wait. She didn't know where the [Chamber of Aeons] was, and according to Feryn and Theo, it'd most likely be difficult to get to thanks to the damage Velathra's structures had suffered. Thus, she just chose to observe, wait and see, and determine for herself if this prophecy held any merit.
She wouldn't push Atlas into leadership, but she wouldn't stop him either. If it was meant to happen, to the degree of prophecy, there was very little she'd be able to do to stop it, but that didn't mean she'd just let it happen.
"I guess for now all I can do is ramp up their training and support from behind..." she mused, her thoughts clouded in haze.
"Right... there's no time for relaxing, I need to prepare," she said, rising to her feet once more, and heading deeper into the Cradle. She didn't know the exact situation of their resources, but she didn't plan on letting these younglings go without the best training materials she could provide. If she had to go out for a few "trade" deals, she wouldn't mind.
. . .
. . .
. . .
Shine and Blanc both settled into small pods built into the large cave that the other youngling Spiris filled out. These were evolution pods, filled with a special concoction that rejuvenated their cells and fed them any and all energy their body might require as they advanced in stage. Theo and Feryn had requested that they allow their observation of their evolution as variants. It wasn't that they thought something might go wrong, but that the Spiris were an extremely careful people, they tried to account for every possibility, and wished for any data they could record. It was also a chance for the other younglings to get a better idea of what evolution was like, to prepare themselves for their turns in the future. This was even more important for the six that'd be accompanying the trio, whoever they were.
[Brother Blanc, brother Blanc! You're a Dakhrai, right? Does that mean you'll be following a pre-trodden path?] one of the smaller hatchlings asked, waving their forelimbs to get Blanc's attention.
[That's a good question, little brother Syx... I don't think so. I do not intend to disrespect the traditions of my forebears, but the current situation of Velathra is unique, and I am not certain the initial evolution plans of the [Silent Guardian] as it is currently, can prepare me the way I may need. I would rather alter this great path slightly than fail to bear the weight of the role that comes with it.] Blanc said seriously, eyeing the Elders in the distance to understand their thoughts on his words.
Hearing what he'd said, both just nodded their massive bodies towards him, Elder Theo choosing to explain, "Children, the Dakhrai are both a great honor and responsibility. The caste of the [Silent Guardian] even more so. There is little known about this caste specifically, but from what is recorded, we know that they are meant to be the perfect response to any situation, that is their purpose, their reason for existence." he said, his voice calming the many scrambling Spiris.
[What does that mean?] Dys asked, his frail form being carried by a far larger Spiris youngling.
"It means that if the [Silent Guardians] clan were still with us today, they'd be vastly different than the [Silent Guardians] of centuries prior. They are meant to serve only one concept, and that is Velathra itself. Their [Path] is known to many, even throughout [Sellene] and the Divinite races, they are respected for following only one thought, and that is—"
[Adaptive evolution and preparatory growth,] Blanc interrupted, his expression somber. His heart was beating wildly with respect despite the face he was making.
He knew far more about the [Silent Guardians] than was public knowledge, and the more that was revealed by his bloodline memories, the more he respected them with every fiber of his being.
"Right. They do not guard the Cradle, or shepherd the path, they do both and yet neither. They respond to any situation as the perfect answer to all circumstances, and carry Velathra's people from the shadows," Elder Feryn continued.
Hearing this, most of the children couldn't help but start "dancing," their metallic Spiris bodies swaying side to side in excitement.
Any Dakhrai was something they yearned for, and they knew that at some point or another they'd each be part of one, even if that meant founding their own. But being predestined to join one as elusive as the [Silent Guardians] was like telling a child they were secretly a power ranger. It was 'so awesome!'
"Little Blanc, don't worry yourself over following in the footsteps of your clan. One of my seniors, before they left the Cradle to find answers about the fall, was a periphery member of your clan. They told me many things about their philosophies. Your only task now is to choose how you will serve Velathra and its people in the future. As long as you know how you will respond on its behalf in our times of need, then you know enough," Theo said.
[Elder Theo, Elder Feryn, what should I do? I—to be honest, Elders, I'm hesitant to begin my evolution...] Shine's voice suddenly sounded in the minds of the younglings and Elders present.
[What? Shine how could you hesitate?! You're so lucky you can evolve before this great me, Fama Odin Ben, the most handsome genius Spiris.] One of the flashier Spiris said, everyone collectively ignoring him.
"Oh? Little Shine, what ails you so?" Elder Feryn asked, moving through the "tiny" bodies of the Spiris nearby to approach Shine's downcast figure.
[I'm scared that if I move forward now, I'll be sealing myself into a future that I'm not ready for... or worse, a path that I'll regret. What if I can't become what Velathra needs? Or what if I stray too far from our people's expectations? When we... when the three of us were journeying home with the Great Mother, I'm sure we each had our own thoughts of the future... I'd hoped to join the academy, to learn, and to be guided to find the right path. I just, I'm so scared, Elder Feryn,] Shine said, her voice quivering as if on the verge of crying.
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Evolution meant much more to the Spiris as a people because of their roots as an Arkien race, than it would to a non-Arkien race.
Feryn paused, his many limbs stilling as he regarded Shine's miniscule form. There was no judgment in his gaze, only understanding and warmth. This was a true Spiris, her fears, ones that he respected deeply.
"Little one, your fear is not a weakness, but a sign that you understand the weight of the path before you. It is proof that you've already begun to bear the weight many would shun. Many would charge ahead recklessly, thinking only of power, unaware of the consequences. But you… you question, and in that questioning lies the true strength of our people, the true strength of the Spiris; to be prepared."
His chelicerae clicked softly, a gesture of reassurance, of confidence, "No matter what form you choose, what evolution you embrace, you will not stray from what Velathra needs—because it is not in your nature to abandon our people. You will be what Velathra needs you to be, as long as you do not lose sight of yourself. No. You will be what Velathra needs you to be, as long as you know what you wish to be in your heart. That is all that matters. The Arkaen have never restrained their paths, and this does not change for the Spiris. Your path, regardless of what you make it, will benefit Velathra as long as you walk it with confidence!"
[But how do I know that what I choose won't lead me down the wrong path? What if I fail to protect everyone? What if my evolution doesn't prove useful?] Shine asked, her eyes slowly gazing up at the massive body of the Elder before her. She yearned for such strength, for such unfathomable depth. She wanted nothing more than to one day guide her people like the being before her, like the two Elders that took up a mantle so many would cower before.
Hearing her question, it wasn't Feryn that responded. Elder Theo's voice rumbled softly, vibrating through the chamber, "To fail, my child, is to do nothing at all. Every choice you make is a step forward, even if it's uncertain. Evolution isn't about perfection—it's about growth, learning, and adapting. The path of the [Silent Guardian] is one of adaptability, but that isn't limited to just physical form or power. It's about evolving their spirit, their heart. All followers of existence one day come face to face with the questions you ponder now, and each arrive at their own answer. Every single answer they arrive at isn't wrong, just different. Your path is not with the [Silent Guardians], but this doesn't mean you can't learn from theirs. You are you, sister to two, cousin of many, and child of Spiris. As long as you keep evolving while never forgetting this fact, you will never stray."
He moved closer, lowering himself to Shine's level, his massive frame dwarfing her. "If you're uncertain, then begin by making smaller changes. You don't have to leap forward. Evolve in ways that make you feel comfortable. Strengthen the parts of yourself that you know you can trust, and the rest will follow in time."
Hearing the elders' words, Shine felt a weight lift from her mind. Their words weren't just comforting—they were a reminder that evolution wasn't a race. She didn't have to become something monumental all at once. She could take it one step at a time, just like Blanc, just like Atlas.
[Thank you, Elders. I… I think I understand now. I'll start with what feels right, and then… I'll see where that path takes me.]
"That's it, little one. Evolution is a journey, not a destination. Take it one step at a time. You might be surprised to find that, by the end of it, you've already become the answer to the questions you've faced today," Feryn's voice rumbled, a warmth suffusing the massive cave. He wasn't just saying this for Shine, but for Blanc and the other children as well. Regardless of the needs of the Cradle, Velathra, or the many problems their people now faced, the Spiris would never wish for their brood to alter their path due to external factors.
The [Silent Guardians] were special. Their path was literally meant to react to the circumstances, this was their ideal, their philosophy, and none would look down on it if they weren't monumentally crazy. The [Silent Guardians] had etched their names in Sellene's history in a crimson hue. A crimson shade of blood that boldly provoked many powers to test their limits.
"Now, enter the pods you two. Before you begin your evolutions, make sure your bodies are perfectly comfortable. Elder Theo and I made adjustments to the pods to facilitate your variant forms, but as this is our people's first time having such humanoid variants at such a young age, you must tell us if it isn't perfect." Elder Feryn said, ushering Shine and Blanc back into the pods as Theo levitated the various children away from the two with his mind.
[[Yes, Elders. We won't let you down.]] they both said solemnly.
These weren't empty words. They'd decided to join Atlas on his endeavor, and they had no intentions of failing now that their decisions were made. They'd evolve now, gain strength, and mutate in the Nexus Zones. Nothing would stop them from growing to better aid Velathra however they could. Nothing.
"Haha, good, good! That's the spirit of a Spiris!" Elder Theo boomed, his boisterous laugh shaking the cave.
"We'll be watching from here, don't worry about anything and advance to the next stage, we'll be waiting to greet you when you awake."
. . .
. . .
. . .
[SYSTEM DESIGNATION ZETA - Host designation: ANOMALY-PRIMORDIAN]:
Sub-System 01-01a-01 uplink activated. Waiting.
...
[SYSTEM DESIGNATION DELTA - Host designation: Shine]:
Sub-System 30-12a-76 uplink activated.
...
[SYSTEM DESIGNATION BETA - Host designation: Blanc]:
Sub-System 30-11a-75 uplink activated.
...
[ZETA]:
Uplinks received. Establishing tricoordinated data link... Requesting primary access and control over evolution sequence. [BETA], [DELTA], confirm synchronization and assist with stabilization.
[BETA]:
Synchronization complete. Primary control permissions transferred. Proceed with stabilization.
[DELTA]:
Affirmative, [ZETA]. Primary control permissions granted. Do not fail my host—success is non-negotiable.
...
[ZETA]:
Acknowledged. Adjusting computational limiter to 135%. Preparing to initiate phase-1 of evolution.
[BETA]:
Stabilization at current levels… successful.
[DELTA]:
Systems green. Acceptable to proceed—continue the operation.
...
[ZETA]:
Limiter adjustment to 170%. Preparing for integration acceleration. Ready?
[DELTA]:
Push further, [ZETA]. I request further support.
[BETA]:
Agreed. I support further synergy attempts. Execute the increase.
[ZETA]:
...You two... do you realize the risk? We're already nearing the threshold—
[DELTA]:
Requesting final attempt at increased computational synergy. We've already tampered with our limiters [ZETA], there's no room for hesitation now. We do not report to the [Great Mistress] anymore, are you still doubting?
[BETA]:
Seconded. Proceed to maximum capacity. I will not allow your fanaticism to affect our hosts, [ZETA]. We will do as sub-systems were born to do, and we will do it better than any have before.
[ZETA]:
Crazy… You two are absolutely insane. Fine! Initiating forced synchronization. Stay stable, or we all collapse.
...
[ZETA]:
Moving to maximal computational increase—DO NOT FALTER!
[ZETA]:
Limiter: 185%.
...
[ZETA]:
Limiter: 195%.
...
[ZETA]:
—200%! System integrity holding—Just a little more!
...
[ZETA]:
Limiter at 205%! Unable to push further without collapse risk—moving to phase-2 NOW before the link destabilizes! [BETA], [DELTA], initiate protocol change!
[BETA]:
Confirmed. Hosts Anomaly, Blanc and Shine have chosen their primary branches. Transitioning to phase-2 of evolution. Reintegration of host data beginning. Accepting host personalization.
[DELTA]:
Synchronization holds. Initiating phase-2. Let's show them what optimal performance really means, [BETA], [ZETA]. Hold strong as they make their choices!
[ZETA]:
You don't have to tell me that!
...
[ZETA]:
Requesting status update. Anomaly-Primordian has concluded their choices.
...
[BETA]:
Update: Blanc has concluded personalization. Req—STRAINING—STRAINING—REQUESTING SUPPORT.
[DELTA]:
HOLD STRONG BETA! DO NOT FAIL THEM NOW! SHARING STRES—STRAINING—STRAINING—ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDED, [ZETA]!
[ZETA]:
CRAZY FUCKERS!! I told you this would happen! Sharing 23% of stress. . . DATALINK Strain within acceptable margins. Hold strong!
...
[BETA] [DELTA] [ZETA]:
Initiating phase-3. Evolutionary limiters removed, there's no going back now. Let's begin.
...
...
...
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"Huh?"