ã€ŠPath To Liberationã€‹


 The Chase

    Sector 13 of Goldilocks39was humanity''s vision made physical-an artificial planet designed to recreate the Earth''s cycles and waves. Season had long pasts gone by, winds roared through synthetic forests, artificial sun set amidst man-made skies. Beneath this utopian exterior was stark reality, far from flawless. The majority of this artificial world was engulfed in great sprawls of urbanism with the remaining life living cramped within the cities. Sector 13 was notorious even among these cities¡ªan orbiting labyrinth of contradiction where the rich lived in towers while the rest scrambled for their survival in the slums below.

    This wasn''t unique to Sector 13. Throughout the known universe, every habitable planet that humanity found was inhabited by humanoid civilizations. Over the course of centuries of trade, war, and uneasy alliances, they had all learned to refer to themselves as "human." But beneath this common banner, the chasms were stark, and hybrids like Juniper Green fell through the cracks between power and prejudice.

    Now, Jun was running for his life.

    His boots pounded against the grime-slick pavement of Sector 13''s B District, a shadowy underbelly pulsing with neon lights and perpetual danger. His silvery cloak whipped around him as he vaulted over rusted cargo crates, his heart pounding in time with the guttural growls of the bi-hounds pursuing him. Each bark reverberated through the narrow alleys, a menacing reminder that they were drawing closer. Their glowing red eyes pierced the smog-laden air, tracking him with unerring precision.

    "Damn it," Jun cursed under his breath, adjusting the hood that obscured his face. His distinctive eyes¡ªnarrow slits converging into glowing circles¡ªwere a dead giveaway of his hybrid nature.

    The streets here were alive in their own twisted way. The glow of neon advertisements flickered above, with holographic messages promising escapes from hard knocks, indulgences in decadence, or enlightenment¡ªwhichever it might promise for whatever cost one is willing to pay. Vendors sold untraceable tech and street-made narcotics while shadowy figures hovered in the corners, exchanging whispers for credits. B District was at once the economy''s lifeblood of Sector 13 and its blackened heart. The corporations and military may deny its existence, but their profits thrived upon its illicit trade.

    "Get your grip together, Juniper Green," he muttered to himself as he ducked under a low-hanging pipe. His voice was strained, desperate. "This was all a mistake. Maybe. maybe they''ll understand?"

    But he knew better. There would be no understanding. Not for someone like him.

    The mess began with the egg. For five years, Jun had carried it¡ªa strange artifact he''d acquired through a trade that should''ve gone unnoticed. It was heavy and unremarkable, with no signs of life. He had nearly sold it countless times but never did. Something about it had always stopped him. A whisper of intuition, perhaps.

    But three nights ago, the egg hatched.

    Jun hadn''t even been touching it when it happened. A sudden burst of radiant light filled his dingy hideout, shattering windows and short-circuiting nearby tech. The air shimmered as mana and technology twisted together, creating an explosion of anomalies that rippled through the district. The contents of the egg¡ªa creature unlike anything he''d ever seen¡ªdisappeared into the ether, leaving Jun with nothing but chaos in its wake.

    Within hours, the Flying Squads descended. These elite enforcers of the military and corporate alliance were after the creature;but they also they wanted Jun who had the connection with the hatched beast. A hybrid without citizenship or protection was an easy scapegoat. And now, thanks to the bi-hounds on his trail, escape seemed impossible.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    The growls grew louder and Jun could hear the pounding footsteps of the Flying Squad hunters. Their spells zipped through the air, brilliant streaks of blue and silver light that shattered against walls or exploded into harmless sparks when they missed their mark.

    Jun''s instincts screamed at him to keep moving. His legs burned with exertion, and his lungs begged for air, but he didn''t dare slow down. He rounded a corner sharply, almost losing his balance on the slick ground, and saw something strange¡ªa door, slightly ajar, where no door had been before.

    "Too obvious," Jun hissed to himself. His time in the streets had taught him to be wary of anything that seemed too convenient. But the bi-hounds were nearly on him, their hot breath already prickling the back of his neck.

    With no other option, he dived through the door just as it swung open fully, a hand yanking him inside with surprising force. As the door clicked shut behind him, a shadow darted out, taking his place. The shadow was pitch black, humanoid, and identical to him in every way save for its color. It sprinted into the alley, luring the hunters away.

    Jun blinked, adjusting his eyes to the dim room. A single flickering bulb cast eerie shadows over the cramped space. The air smelled of oil and metal, tinged with something sharper¡ªmana residue, perhaps.

    He turned to face the occupants of the room and immediately tensed.

    Five figures stood before him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution. Three were high humans, their features sharp and perfect, their postures exuding the kind of confidence that came from knowing you were at the top of the hierarchy. They wore military-style uniforms, but the insignias were wrong¡ªno corporate emblems, no Sector 13 crests. Instead, their sleeves bore a black flag, its design stark and haunting: a shadowed silhouette of a human standing beside a beast.

    The other two figures were hybrids like Jun. Their faces were varied¡ª-one''s was a scale-covered skin with bronze flashing off it, and the other''s were stretched finger-longs, with shimmering, bug-like eyes. They eyed him sympathetically but warily.

    Jun edged back until his shoulders rammed into the wall, fingers twitching towards the hidden blade in his cloak. "Who are you?" he bellowed. "Why''d you help me?

    One of the tall humans stepped forward, a woman with platinum hair pulled into a harsh braid. Her voice was level, but had an undertone of authority. "We''re the only ones standing between you and a lifetime of servitude¡ªor worse."

    "That doesn''t answer my question," Jun shot back, his eyes flicking to the others in the room. "You pulled me in here. Why?"

    The woman smirked. "Because you''re more important than you realize."

    Jun narrowed his eyes. "Important? I''m a street rat being chased for something I didn''t even do."

    "You''re more than that," another voice interjected. This one belonged to one of the hybrids, the bronze-scaled man. His voice was low and gravelly, but there was an undeniable sincerity in it. "That egg you carried¡ªdo you have any idea what it was?"

    Jun shook his head. "No. And I asked for none of this."

    The platinum-haired woman stepped closer, her eyes piercing. "That was no ordinary egg, Juniper Green. That was a relic¡ªa fusion of mana and technology from the old wars. Whatever hatched from it is powerful enough to disrupt the balance of this entire sector. The Flying Squads want it under their control, and they''ll destroy anyone who stands in their way.

    Jun''s stomach twisted. He had suspected the egg was valuable, but not to this extent. "I didn''t even see what came out of it," he admitted. "It vanished."

    "Then they''ll keep hunting you until they find it¡ªor until you''re dead," the bronze-scaled hybrid said grimly.

    The room fell silent as the weight of the situation settled over them like a suffocating shroud. Jun clenched his fists; his mind racing. He had spent his life surviving, scraping by on instinct and luck. But this. this was bigger than anything he''d faced before.

    Finally, the platinum-haired woman spoke up, breaking the silence. "You have a choice, Jun. Run and keep running until they catch you. Or join us.

    Jun scowled. "Join you? For what?"

    "To fight back," she said flatly. "To show them hybrids, outcasts, and all the people who''ve been ground beneath their boots can still stand. We''re not just rebels. We are the shadow they fear."

    She pointed to the flag pinned on her sleeve, its silhouetted shapes inside. "We are the Shadow Banner. And we may be able to help each other."

    Jun looked at her, the words echoing in his mind. For the first time in years, he felt something stir within him¡ªsomething that wasn''t fear or desperation.

    It was hope.

 Induction

    Jun''s breathing slowed down as his eyes adjusted to the dim light of the room. The ragged breath of his escape mingled with the hum of an old mana-converter in the corner. Standing before him were five individuals, their appearances both intimidating and intriguing. As he sized them up, their identities began to crystallize.

    The three high humans were unmistakable. One of them, with her flowing platinum hair, was majestic in the way she bore herself: pale skin and near-transparent pupils shining out an otherworldly presence. The other two, who sported shimmering turquoise hair inflected faintly with magical aura, seemed to shine softly with alchemical presence. The bronze-scaled man was a hybrid or some sort of thing-a living fortress, really-maintaining battered heavy armor that made him look a bit like a war machine. Finally, there was the insectoid figure, their segmented carapace gleaming under the dim light, dressed in a sleek uniform lined with mana-circuitry. This last one had an aura of quiet command.

    Welcome to the Shadow Banner," said the insectoid in a voice like crackling static, its mandibles clicking softly. "I am Rickety, intelligence magi. These are my squadmates: Lanoir, Myrda, and Panois"¡ªa nod towards the high humans¡ª"and Slythe, our shield and vanguard."

    Jun''s instincts screamed at him to run. But he was cornered, and their calm demeanor betrayed no immediate threat. Instead, Rickety continued, their voice tinged with an unsettling mix of authority and curiosity.

    "You''ve caused quite a stir, Juniper Green. That¡­ artifact of yours? It''s drawn more than just the Flying Squads'' attention. Lucky for you, it also drew ours."

    The Shadow Banner¡ªJun knew the name. Rumors on the streets called them revolutionaries, fanatics, and even terrorists. Yet, in this place, they looked almost like a tool of refined war, one that was waiting for its war to be fully engaged.

    "What do you want from me?" Jun croaked out, his voice hoarse but steady.

    Lanoir, the platinum-haired high human, stepped forward. Her voice was calm, her words edged with purpose. "We don''t want anything from you. We want something for you. Freedom¡ªfrom the corporations, from the nobility, from the leash they''ve put on hybrids like you and even on us."

    Jun snorted. "Freedom? Is that what you call pulling me into this mess?"

    Rickety''s mandibles clicked softly. It might have been laughter. "Mess or opportunity? That''s up to you. The creature that came out of your relic is no ordinary beast. It''s Ether-born, tied to the Old Wars and the secrets of mana-tech symbiosis. That makes you a target¡­ and potentially, a key player in what''s to come.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Myrda and Panois exchanged glances, after which Myrda said, "There''s a reason the Flying Squads are hunting you so relentlessly. The relic''s energy disrupted their mana-grid and exposed hidden vulnerabilities. It''s not just about the creature; it''s about what you represent."

    Jun''s jaw tightened. He had no idea what they were talking about, but it did not sound like anything he wanted to be involved in. Still, curiosity gnawed at him.

    "Fine," he said. "What''s next, then? Do I just sit here and wait for them to blast this place apart?"

    Slythe, a bronze-scaled man chuckled with a sound like ground grinding stones. "Not a chance. If they come, they''ll have to go through me first." He tapped the circuits that flowed with mana drawn etched into his armor. "And that is said easier than done.

    Lanoir''s transparent irises appeared to bore into Jun. "First, we must confirm you''re ready. You''ve been singled out by a creature of Ether. That is no trivial achievement. It demonstrates you may be able to enter a Blood Pact."

    "A Blood Pact?" Jun furrowed his eyebrow.

    Panois explained, her voice sharp but patient. "It''s a binding contract between a being of Ether and a human. The creature lends its power to you, enhancing your mana flow, your reflexes, your strength¡ªeverything. But it''s not without risks. You share a bond, for better or worse."

    Jun hesitated. He''d heard stories about Blood Pacts. Some said they were empowering, others said they could drive you mad. But before he could voice his doubts, a soft glow began to radiate from his chest. A wisp of shadowy energy coiled in the air before him, its form flickering between intangible and serpentine.

    "It''s already chosen you," Rickety said, his compound eyes reflecting the glow. "The shadow snake. Rare. Powerful. And fiercely loyal, if you prove yourself worthy."

    The wisp hovered closer, its presence both alien and oddly comforting. Jun felt a strange pull, as though it were calling to him. Slowly, he extended his hand. The wisp coiled around his wrist, its energy sinking into his skin. In his mind, he looked at the creature clearly for the first time: a snake with scales that shimmered like oil on water, iridescent. It gazed at him, unblinking, its tongue flickering out in a silent acknowledgment.

    "All right," Jun said, his voice firm. "Let''s do this."

    Lanoir stepped forward, bringing forth a slender blade etched with fine runes. "This will burn," she said flatly, cutting a shallow line across Jun''s palm. The snake''s form burst forward, its energy intertwining with his blood. Pain was sharp but fleeting, replaced by a rush of heat that spread through his body. His mana burst forth, sharper and more refined than ever before.

    The shadow snake hissed softly, its presence now a constant in Jun''s mind. He could feel its emotions¡ªcuriosity, acceptance, and a faint, predatory edge.

    "It''s done," Rickety said. "You''re bound now. And whether you like it or not, you''ve just taken your first step into a much larger world."

    Jun flexed his fingers, feeling the new sense of precision in his movements. He could feel the Shadow Banner''s gaze; their expressions were a mixture of satisfaction and expectation.

    "So what now?" he asked.

    Rickety''s mandibles clicked again. "Now, we prepare. The corporations, the nobility, even the Ether-born¡ªthey''re all moving their pieces. And you, Juniper Green, just became one of the important pieces on the board.

    In the back of his mind, the shadow snake flicked its tongue, and Jun felt that this was but a beginning.

 Warehouse

    The bi-hounds'' echoing howls grew fainter and farther as they chased the shadow decoy. The members of the Shadow Banner squad made brief nods at each other, then set off. They escorted Jun out through a concealed exit, his footsteps tentative as he followed the group through the twisting alleyways of Sector 13.

    The streets were alive with the usual chaos¡ªhawkers shouting about their wares, neon signs flickering in the gloom, and the occasional distant hum of patrol drones. A few persistent vendors tried to catch their attention, but the group moved swiftly, brushing off their calls. Jun couldn''t help but glance at the odd assortment of trinkets and gadgets being peddled, some glowing faintly with mana, others emitting soft mechanical whirs.

    Finally, an hour of threading through alleys and hidden paths came to an end, and they arrived at a warehouse. On the outside, it was decrepit; its metallic walls looked rusted and grimed up. However, from behind a hidden back door through which they entered, Jun caught his breath. In sharp contrast, the place looked rather new, and cozy, and full of silent energy.

    Lanoir showed him around the space. "Welcome to one of our safehouses," she said, her voice tinged with pride.

    The main living area was really inviting, with two long L-shaped couches circling a central firepit. Above it, a sleek chimney system whisked away the smoke. The kitchen gleamed with advanced appliances, some of which seemed to operate on a mix of mana and technology. A well-maintained barracks-like setup provided ample facilities: bathrooms, storage areas, and even a small medical bay equipped with alchemical instruments.

    Lanoir handed Jun a thin card. "This is your room key," she said, taking him to a door down one of the hallways. "Take some time to settle in.

    Jun entered the room and stopped to take a deep breath in. The room was much nicer than he had ever gotten used to. A large four-poster bed dominated the corner of the room, next to a study table stacked up with piles of blank mana-scrolls. A compact gym and private shower completed the setup. He stood speechless, his heart racing as he took in all that this meant. Step by agonizing step, he extended his hand and touched the shadow snake''s head.

    Before him, the wisp-like creature materialized, coiling in midair with an excited trill. Its iridescent scales shimmered faintly, a sign of its growing bond with Jun. The snake''s presence was reassuring, and Jun felt a flicker of hope amidst the chaos.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Having finished cleaning himself, he sat in the gym area, concentrating on mana circulation. He had been taught different techniques over time: conceptual destruction to hone control and deliberate, manual circulation to fine-tune his body for magic. Each technique presented risks. A single wrong step could cause mana deviation-a potentially deadly condition. The shadow snake stayed with him, intuitively coaxing his efforts with gentle prods.

    Hours went by as Jun trained, the mana pathways strengthening slowly in front of the snake''s discerning eyes. By the time he felt exhausted, it was well past three in the morning.

    The next morning, Jun was awakened by voices and smells of cooking. He walked out into the kitchen to see the squad sitting around a massive table. Myrda and Panois were in the middle, using alchemy gadgets and magical equipment for breakfast. Plates of food glow with a faint light. Each dish was prepared in such a way that it had restorative properties.

    "Good timing," Myrda said with a smile. "Panois and I take turns cooking. You''ll find our meals aren''t just tasty¡ªthey''re optimized for cultivation."

    Jun took a seat, hesitantly at first. As he ate, he could hardly help but marvel at the effects of the food. His mana felt sturdier, his mind sharper. The group saw this as an opportunity to brief him further.

    "We''re not just a ragtag team of rebels," Rickety began. "Myrda and Panois are volunteers from the Universal Commune, a collective outside the Goldilocks system. They''ve dedicated their lives to infiltrating and dismantling the Empire."

    Slythe leaned forward, his scaled hands clasped. "Lanoir, Rickety, and I are part of the Black Bloc, an anarchist magical association aligned with the Commune. We''ve been fighting the Empire for years."

    Jun''s stomach curled. "So¡­ you''re terrorists?"

    Lanoir''s face set in its lines. "Revolutionaries," she corrected. "The state calls us terrorists because we challenge their corruption and exploitation. The Empire enslaves hybrids, exploits Ether creatures, and hoards resources for the nobility and corporations. What we do is necessary."

    Jun''s mind was racing as he tried to process their words. The realization of what he had stumbled into was almost too much to bear. But then, as he looked around the table, he saw something he hadn''t expected: camaraderie, purpose, and a fierce determination to fight for a better future.

    "And what about me?" Jun asked. "Why bring me into this?

    Rickety''s mandibles clicked softly. "Because whether you like it or not, you''re part of this now. The shadow snake chose you for a reason. And with that relic, you''re more important than you realize."

    Jun dropped his gaze to his plate. He still didn''t completely trust them, but he had felt something for the first time in a long time that he hadn''t felt since his early days: hope. Maybe, in the chaos and uncertainty, he''d find a place where he would fit into things finally.

 Bonds forged in Shadows

    Jun gradually adjusted to life within the Shadow Banner''s sanctuary. Each day brought a rhythm of shared meals, rigorous training, and the camaraderie of a group united by purpose. It wasn''t the life Jun had envisioned¡ªhis plans had never extended beyond survival¡ªbut it was a life that began to fill the void left by years of isolation. Still, his heart bore the weight of his uncertain future and the mysterious bond with the shadow snake.

    Most days, the warehouse buzzed with activity. Members of the Shadow Banner flowed in and out, preparing for missions or returning with spoils and stories. Jun was restricted to the safehouse, his lack of field experience making him a liability. Instead, he spent his time under the tutelage of the squad''s veterans, honing his abilities and learning the ways of mana and technology.

    One evening, Lanoir summoned Jun to the training arena tucked behind the barracks. The space was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from glowing mana-crystals embedded in the walls. Lanoir stood in the center, her platinum hair catching the ethereal light, her posture commanding yet approachable.

    "You''ve been making progress," she began, her voice steady. "But you still lack focus. To wield power like yours, you need more than skill. You need discipline."

    Jun nodded, watching as she extended her hand. In an instant, a massive, spectral raven materialized beside her. Its translucent feathers shimmered like obsidian glass, and its glowing eyes exuded an ancient wisdom.

    "This is Muninn," she said. "A Wraith Raven. My family has bonded with them for generations. They are not mere beasts¡ªthey are partners, advisors, and protectors."

    The raven inclined its head toward Jun, its deep, resonant voice startling him. "A pleasure to meet you, young one. I am at your service, should my mistress permit it."

    Jun''s eyes widened. "It¡­ talks?"

    Lanoir chuckled softly. "Muninn is more intelligent than most humans. His loyalty is unparalleled, but it was not freely given." She paused, her expression darkening. "Years ago, I led a team into enemy territory. I made mistakes¡ªmistakes that cost lives. In the aftermath, I lost my leg and nearly my life. Muninn chose me during my recovery, not out of pity, but because he saw my resolve to never repeat those failures."

    Jun studied her, sensing the weight of her words. "And now?"

    "Now," she said, her voice firm, "I lead with purpose. And I expect no less from you. Find your purpose, Jun. Without it, power is meaningless."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Later that evening, the living area came alive with the return of Panois, Myrda, Slythe, and Rickety. They gathered around the firepit, recounting the details of their latest mission. Jun listened intently from the corner, absorbing every word.

    "Three escort ships," Panois began, his sharp features illuminated by the firelight. "Minimal security, but enough to make it interesting."

    Myrda grinned, her hands deftly sorting through a bag of trinkets and artifacts. "Texxon Co. never saw it coming. We intercepted a shipment and found these." She held up three glowing eggs, their surfaces etched with intricate runes.

    Rickety clicked his mandibles in approval. "Exceptional finds. These will bolster our resources considerably."

    Slythe leaned back, his massive frame casting a shadow across the room. "Still, we''re poking the bear. Texxon won''t take this lightly."

    Lanoir nodded, her gaze shifting to Jun. "Which is why we need everyone ready. Including you, Jun."

    That night, while the others slept, Jun found himself restless. He retreated to his room, the shadow snake''s presence a constant whisper at the edge of his mind. Frustration gnawed at him. Despite weeks of training, he still felt a barrier between himself and the creature.

    "Why won''t you let me in?" he muttered, summoning the snake once more. It appeared before him, its iridescent form coiling in the air like smoke.

    To his astonishment, it spoke. "Fellow creature, it must be fate that we meet. Know that I am not a beast but a concept. Together, we will achieve great things."

    Before Jun could respond, the snake dissolved into a blinding light. The room filled with an intense surge of energy, and Jun''s vision blurred as he collapsed.

    Jun awoke to the sound of hushed voices and the sterile scent of the medical bay. His body ached, but his senses felt sharper, more attuned. A medic leaned over him, relief evident on her face.

    "You''re awake," she said. "We thought we''d lost you."

    "Lost me?" Jun echoed, confusion clouding his mind.

    Rickety''s voice clicked from the corner. "You were dead for an hour, Jun. A mana surge erupted from your room, overwhelming every system in the warehouse. We did everything we could, but nothing worked. Then, your snake appeared, and suddenly, you had a pulse again."

    Jun''s mind reeled. "The snake¡­ it spoke to me. It called itself a concept. What does that mean?"

    Rickety''s compound eyes glimmered. "It means you''ve bonded with something far greater than a mere creature. The shadow snake is an embodiment of ideas and power. Its potential is limitless, but so are its demands."

    Over the following days, Jun discovered the extent of his transformation. Mana flowed through him with unparalleled ease, as natural as breathing. His training sessions took on a new intensity, his movements precise and his spells potent.

    One evening, while practicing alone, he managed to summon the snake''s true form. It emerged, larger and more defined than before, its scales shimmering with an otherworldly light.

    "We are one now," it said. "Our journey has only begun."

    For the first time, Jun felt a sense of purpose stirring within him. He wasn''t just surviving anymore¡ªhe was preparing, not only for the battles ahead but for the role he was destined to play.

    And as he stood in the glow of the shadow snake''s presence, Jun realized something else: he wasn''t alone anymore.

 The Drill

    The decision was made in the relative stillness at the Shadow Banner''s safehouse. Lanoir stood at the center of the main living area, her platinum hair catching the flickering firelight from the central hearth. The team sat around her, their faces set in lines of determination and exhaustion. Juniper sat at the edge of the circle, silently watching, the shadow snake coiled loosely around his shoulders like a living scarf.

    Perhaps we should keep low for a spell," she said, her voice forceful yet considered. "Texxon Co. won''t take kindly to our latest heist. No one leaves for a month. Meanwhile, we drill on Jun. He has potential; however, potential does not win battles."

    Myrda nodded her head slowly, her stormy eyes flaring. "Agreed. He''s strong; however, he''s just not refined enough. Let''s train that out.

    Slythe grinned, his scaled face splitting into a toothy smile. "About time. Let''s see what the kid''s made of.

    The next morning, the warehouse''s open training arena buzzed with anticipation. Juniper stood at the center, his staff held tightly in hand. The shadow snake''s dark form undulated around him, its iridescent scales shimmering faintly as it whispered inaudible advice into his mind. His opponents, the entire Shadow Banner squad, formed a loose semicircle, their beast companions by their sides.

    Lanoir went first. She advanced, Wraith Raven, Muninn, on her shoulder, perched majestically. The ghostly feathers of the huge bird drank in the light; his glowing eyes settled on Jun with an almost predatory intensity.

    "You will all have a turn," Lanoir said, calm but commanding. "No quarter asked. No quarter given. We don''t mean to hurt you, but we won''t give in, either.

    Jun nodded, determination hardening his features. "Understood."

    Lanoir didn''t wait for a signal. With a sharp motion, she and Muninn moved as one, a blur of shadow and steel. Muninn launched into the air, its wings creating an unnatural silence that disoriented Jun. Lanoir closed the gap in a heartbeat, her blade slicing through the air. Jun barely managed to block with his staff, the impact jarring his arms.

    Stay focused," the shadow snake hissed in his mind. "Use me."

    Jun exhaled, calling on the void energy he had been practicing. The shadow snake''s form elongated, wrapping around him like an armor of darkness. With a twist of his hand, he conjured a sphere of void energy, flinging it at Lanoir. She dodged effortlessly, but the attack disrupted her rhythm, giving Jun a moment to reposition.

    Muninn, however, was relentless. The raven''s talons raked through the air, sending waves of ethereal energy toward him. Jun redirected one with a pulse of void magic, but another struck his shoulder, the impact staggering him. Lanoir''s voice cut through the chaos.

    "Good," she said, retreating slightly. "You''re learning. But you''re still too reactive." And then She and Muninn went towards each other and formed a dual spell, [Whirlwind Dice] Jun''s eyes gleamed in blue and a message box appeared. Realizing that identification came from everything he set his thoughts on, nodding approvingly towards the shadow snake.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Jun casted [Void step] and dodged the first barrage of [Whirlwind Dice], razor winds that sliced with tremendous strength. But just as he finished [Void step], he had to use it again immediately, Lanoir wasn''t giving him breathing space.

    At the end, Jun was puking from exhaustion, as this was his first formal fight which expended a lot of mana which he has never done so before.

    After an hour of resting, next was Myrda, her Storm Toad, Stygs, loping beside her. The creature''s bulbous form crackled with electricity, and its glowing eyes seemed to size up Jun with unsettling intelligence.

    "Don''t underestimate Stygs," Myrda warned, a playful smirk on her lips. "He''s slow, but he hits like a thunderstorm.

    And if that weren''t enough to prove her point, Stygs let loose with a deafening croak[Strike], sending arcs of lightning screaming across the arena. Jun barely had time to raise a void shield in time; the energy crackled harmlessly against the shadow barrier. Myrda followed up with a series of precise strikes, her dagger flashing in the light.

    Jun met the assault with a charge of nothingness, his body blurring as he closed the gap. The snake of darkness retracted its length, struck at Myrda, but she danced around those tendrils of darkness so easily that her movements flowed with an element of unpredictability. Stygs leaped into battle, its vast bulk driving Jun back.

    "You are quick," Myrda admitted, her tone approving. "But velocity alone won''t save you."

    Jun grit his teeth, summoning a [void blade]. With a roar, he lunged at Stygs, aiming for its vulnerable underside. The blade connected, but the toad''s tough hide absorbed most of the impact. A retaliatory shockwave sent Jun sprawling, the shadow snake''s energy flaring protectively around him. Myrda won the match.

    If Myrda was a tempest, Panois was an inferno. His Typhon Salamander, Lygs, emitted heat; the air around it seemed to shimmer with thermal energy. Jun felt the temperature climb as Panois stepped into the arena, his confident smirk tightening Jun''s stomach.

    "Let''s see if you can handle the heat," Panois said, his voice teasing.

    Lygs did not wait. The salamander unleashed a torrent of flame, the flames roaring towards Jun like a living beast. Jun dived to the side, void armor absorbing the edges of the blast. The shadow snake whispered its words in his ear, guiding him as he weaved through the inferno.

    "Strike the source," it urged. "Disrupt their synergy."

    Jun focused, channeling void energy into a pinpoint blast aimed at Lygs, [void missile]. The salamander roared as the attack struck its flank, momentarily breaking its connection with Panois. Seizing the opening, Jun rushed forward, his void blade clashing against Panois''s flame-forged sword.

    The duel was intense, with each strike and counterstrike a testament to Panois''s experience. Jun found himself on the defensive, his strength sapped by the heat. Finally, a well-timed swipe from Lygs forced him to yield, the flames licking at his heels as he retreated.

    By the end of the day, Jun was tired but exhilarated. Each battle had tested him to his limits, pushing him to adapt and grow. The shadow snake''s guidance had been invaluable, with its void-based abilities complementing his developing combat skills.

    That night, sitting alone in his room, Jun reflected on his progress. The shadow snake appeared beside him, its form coiling in the air like a living shadow.

    You are beginning to understand," it said, its voice a soothing whisper. "But our journey is far from over. Embrace the void, and you will become unstoppable."

    Jun nodded, determination lighting his eyes. "I''ll get there. With you, I''ll get there.

    The weeks passed and with each session, Jun was sharpened more and his connection to the shadow snake deepened. By the end of the month, he was no longer that green newbie anymore. He was a warrior in the making, ready to stand beside the Shadow Banner in the battles to come.

 The Pipeline

    The next month started with a full equipment check-up. Slythe, team blacksmith and armor smith, took charge with precision. His workshop, set in a reinforced corner of the warehouse, was old-world craftsmanship combined with advanced technology. Mana-circuits along the walls powered an array of tools designed to forge, repair, and enhance their gear.

    Jun observed with fascination as Slythe worked, his scaled hands deftly repairing a damaged mana rifle. "Every piece of gear tells a story," Slythe said, not looking up. "Yours, kid, needs to say you''re ready for anything."

    Jun nodded, putting on his newly made uniform. It was fitting tightly, designed for both agility and protection. On his shoulders, a cloak with solar cells was draped; its fabric was slick black, shimmering dimly under light. The cloak was covered with solar radiation, transforming it into energy that could power spells, weapons, or barriers to defend himself. As he put on the cloak with the shadow snake curled around him, Jun was feeling more prepared than ever.

    The briefing came the next morning. Lanoir stood at the head of the table, her commanding presence amplified by Erebus perched on her shoulder. Myrda, Panois, and Jun listened intently.

    "Our target is a mana-oil pipeline that runs through a civilian zone," Lanoir began. "The pipeline''s existence is an open secret. The people there hate it, but they''re powerless to oppose Texxon Co. We''re going to change that."

    What''s the catch?" Myrda questioned, pulling back with a measuring gaze.

    Lanoir''s features grew shadowy. "The pipeline has minimal armed guards, however, but the control center has something of a monkey wrench. Human-beast Infusions."

    The room went quiet. Infusing men with beast quality was almost taboo even for such corporations; it created robust warriors at the expense, often literally, of some humanity

    "Taboo," Panois replied, biting his jaw so hard one could almost envision his clenched teeth. "They go that low?

    Lanoir nodded grimly. "We''ll neutralize the tower, drain the pipeline, and destroy it. The people need to see that Texxon isn''t invincible. Let''s move."

    Under the disguise of illusion spells, they sneaked into the civilian area. Jun was able to appreciate the subtlety of the magic in that his reflection in the broken shop window showed up as a nondescript laborer instead of himself. Streets were filled with quiet despair. The people here had become numb with their exploitation.

    Myrda and Panois separate to scout, mingling with the locals and dressed as laborers. Jun followed Lanoir, staying out of sight as they watched the pipeline. A steady thrum reverberated through the air, which came from the mana-oil flowing through the gargantuan construction. Pipes ran throughout the district, their metallic gleam a harsh reminder of corporate avarice.

    An hour of surveillance over, the team reconvened in an abandoned warehouse.

    "The pipeline''s security is a joke," Myrda reported. "No patrols, and the control tower staff look half-asleep."

    "They''re either overconfident or distracted," Lanoir said. "We''ll take advantage of that."

    Under the cover of darkness, the team moved swiftly toward the control tower. Jun felt the shadow snake''s reassuring weight as it coiled tighter around him, its voice a whisper in his mind.

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings."Steady, young one. We''ve trained for this."

    Ahead was looming the tower, its weak lights barely lighting up the surrounding area. They slipped into it unnoticed, but soon, upon entering the control room, alarms started howling. The door crashed shut after them, and they found themselves facing thirteen guards. These were not mere mercenaries; their eyes blazed with an unnatural shine and their movements seemed to come with a macabre precision.

    "Infusions," Lanoir breathed, her hand tightening over her blade. "Stand ready."

    The guards charged. Spells and gunfire filled the air as the Shadow Banner engaged. Lanoir moved like a phantom, her blade slicing through the air in tandem with Erebus''s strikes. The raven''s ethereal wings sent waves of disorienting energy, creating openings for her to disable opponents.

    Myrda and Stygs were working in perfect sync, the storm toad''s electric croaks stunning groups of enemies while Myrda''s daggers found their marks. Panois and Lygs unleashed controlled chaos, the salamander''s fiery breath forcing enemies into Panois''s waiting blade.

    Jun stood firm, the shadow snake spreading into a churning vortex of darkness around him. He called upon void magic, creating rifts that swallowed enemy projectiles and redirected them. When two infused guards rushed him, he countered with a burst of gravitational force, pinning them to the ground.

    "Well done," the shadow snake purred. "But stay vigilant."

    One of the guards, a man fused with a bear-like beast, roared as he charged at Jun. The impact would have been enough to shatter bones, but the shadow snake wrapped tightly around him to absorb the brunt of the blow. Jun retaliated with a blade of void energy, slicing into the infusion''s armor as it sent it crashing down to the ground.

    With the guards neutralized, the team turned to their primary objective. Myrda and Panois co-cast a spell, [Liquid Storage], creating glowing reservoirs of magic to siphon the mana fuel and oil. Jun watched in awe as the pipeline''s contents flowed into the reservoirs, their combined magic maintaining perfect control.

    "Efficient as always," Lanoir said, watching the process. "We''ll need every drop for the resistance."

    As the last of the fuel dropped off, the team sowed charges along the length of the pipeline. Lanoir gave the go ahead through their high-tech earpieces and retreated back from the area.

    "Ready," Panois said in the crackling comms voice.

    "Do it," Lanoir replied.

    The explosion lit up the night, a series of controlled blasts that reduced the pipeline to rubble. Cheers erupted from the nearby civilians, who had gathered to watch the spectacle. For the first time in years, they saw a symbol of corporate oppression fall.

    Back at the safehouse, the team held a quiet meal and had a debriefing session. Jun felt a mixture of exhaustion and pride; he had proven himself in the field, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Shadow Banner''s best.

    "You did well out there," Lanoir said, raising her glass in a rare gesture of camaraderie. "But this is only the beginning. The corporations won''t ignore this.

    Jun nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "We may probably have to lay low for a while."

 Slow Burn

    The morning sun seeped through the warehouse windows with a pale light that glowed over the gathering Shadow Banner in the central room. Lanoir stands by the window, caught in the early light shone on her platinum locks as she read the report. Her expression was unyielding as she looks at the others.

    "It''s terrible," she said. "Every civilian near the pipeline was taken in for questioning. They''re being accused of aiding terrorists¡ªus.

    The air became charged. Slythe''s scaled fists clenched, and his voice rumbled like distant thunder. "We can''t let them suffer for what we did. We have to break them out."

    Myrda nodded, her stormy eyes flashing with anger. "They''re innocent. Texxon is just making an example of them."

    Panois leaned forward, his fingers tapping out a rhythmic beat on the table. "A coordinated strike could work. Hit the detention center, get them out before the corporations can spin their lies."

    "No." Lanoir''s voice cut through the room like a blade. "If we act now, we''ll only make things worse. They''ll see us coming, and those people will pay the price for our rashness."

    Rickety clicked his mandibles thoughtfully, his compound eyes shimmering. "She''s right. Texxon thrives on control. If we retaliate openly, it''ll give them the excuse they need to escalate. We need another way."

    Jun, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "What if we lay low? Gather resources for legal aid or bribes? We could also use the time to scout and prepare for when the moment is right.".

    Rickety turned to him, curious. "Not such a bad plan, that is. I could watch the CyberWeb; have access to the black market nets. It''s not easy and it''s a crap-shoot, but I do have experience finding holes in the wall," he said.

    They were pondering on it when Panois set down breakfast dishes: black jelly, made from mana eels, sprinkled with scrambled eggs. Its faintly glowing texture was both eerie and captivating.

    "Let''s mull this over while we eat," Lanoir said, sitting down. "We need a scheme that keeps us low-visibility but lets us have eyes on Texxon and the Flying Squads."

    By evening, the group had dispersed into the city, each member tasked with gathering information while blending into the crowd. Lanoir paired with Jun, a deliberate choice to teach him the subtleties of reconnaissance.

    "Stay close," she told them as they wove through the market. "Listen more than you speak. People tell more than they know if you listen."

    Jun nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd. The shadow snake lay loosely around his shoulders, its presence a constant reassurance. They moved effortlessly through the throng, listening in on bits of conversation and sensing the mood of the people.

    In one corner of the market, a group of laborers huddled together, their voices low but heated.

    "First the pipeline, now they''re rounding up innocents," one man said, his face lined with worry. "How long before they come for the rest of us?"

    "We need to fight back," another argued. "But how? They''ve got the Flying Squads, and we''ve got nothing."

    Jun felt a pang of guilt but composed himself as he filed the information. Lanoir gave him a nod of approval as they continued on.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.Rickety stepped into the Beggar''s Den, a broken-down enclaved suburb of the city ruled by scavengers and outcasts. Burning rubbish filled the air with acrid odors and narrow alleys had makeshift shelters.

    He came upon a pair of figures huddled over the rusty barrel fire. Rewa, a wiry woman with a patchwork coat, looked up and grinned. "Well, if it isn''t Rickety. Didn''t think I''d see you back here."

    "Rewa, Meyo," Rickety greeted them, his voice crackling like static. "I need information. What''s the word on the street?

    Meyo, a broad-shouldered man with a mechanical arm, shrugged. "Same as always. Texxon''s tightening its grip, and people are scared. But there''s talk of something big coming down the pipeline. Rumors about a new weapon."

    Rickety''s mandibles twitched. "Interesting. Keep your ears open. I''ll make it worth your while."

    Slythe chose the Can''o More, a bar everybody in town knew of only because it served only canned booze. The air was dimly lit with murmurs and clinks of metal on glass.

    He leaned against the bar as if he owned the place. People gave him warry glances, yet the bartender, Edd, approached cautiously. "What''ll it be, Slythe?"

    "Just information," Slythe said, placing a coin on the counter. "What''s been going around here?

    Edd put the coin in his pocket and leaned in. "Not much good. Flying Squads have been circling around, but they''re looking for something particular. Heard they''ve received orders to relocate equipment to a new facility outside of the city."

    "Thanks," Slythe said, finishing his drink and out.

    Myrda and Panois walked to the city''s academy, an uncompromising brutalist structure that dominated the district. Officially, they were scholars, with papers clearing them to enter places usually restricted. Unofficially, they were spied.

    Panois worked in the archives digging through files for leads as to Texxon''s whereabouts. Myrda moved through the students, with quick wit and disarming charm coaxed out small pieces of rumor.

    "They''ve been moving a lot of resources out of the city," one student confided. "Nobody knows where, but it''s big."

    Myrda told Panois all of this as they were leaving the academy. "Looks like Rickety''s rumors were right," she said. "We need to find out what they''re planning."

    The team continued their undercover operations for months, piecing together the bigger picture. They watched Texxon and the Flying Squads, keeping an extremely low profile. Efforts unveiled growing discontent in the people, the whispers of rebellion simmering below the surface.

    This time around, Jun is training further with the group and gets closer to his shadow snake. The animal''s whispers are becoming very frequent now, and they sharpened his instincts so much.

    One evening when they sat reviewing their results, Lanoir came up before the group to say, "The people are almost at breaking. We need to be all set when the time finally comes. Until then we keep gathering intel and make alliances."

    Jun looked around the room. He had found his renewed sense of purpose. The Shadow Banner was more than just a team; it was a family, and its members were united against oppressors. And he was ready to play his part.

 Tipping Point

    Sector 31 was a highly tensed place. The past month, corporations and militaries had continually removed the equipment from this city as they built in several miles away from a civilian place, supply depot, supposedly. Rickety spent her time digging diligently into both Interwebs and CyberWeb to find truth that most of these depts stood as staging area either before war or huge evacuation move. The ones whom he fed and turned to one side were slowly going more furious.

    "It''s happening," Rickety said one evening, his mandibles clicking as he displayed a holographic map to the team. "The depots are concentrated around the western outskirts. They''re not just mining resources¡ªthey''re preparing to abandon the sector."

    Lanoir''s expression hardened. "So, they''ll strip the land and leave the people to die. Typical." She glanced around the room. "We''re not letting that happen. It''s time to push back."

    The Shadow Banner leapt into action. Under heavy disguises that changed daily, they infiltrated the slums and shanty towns. Lanoir and Jun focused on teaching the basics of self-defense and how to use magical gadgets like mana rifles and spell bombs. Panois and Myrda spread word of Texxon''s abandonment plans, planting seeds of dissent in every conversation. Rickety and Slythe worked in tandem, arming the people and establishing hidden supply caches.

    The rebellion swelled in whispers and shadows, fueled by the anger and desperation of the people. The final spark came in what was intended to be a peaceful demonstration. A factory worker dared to ask a Flying Squad enforcer why the rationing hadn''t come through yet. The answer came quick and brutal: the worker''s head severed with a stroke of a mana blade, his blood staining the square. The crowd exploded. Weapons emerged from hidden folds, and the Flying Squad found themselves surrounded by an armed mob.

    The riots spread like wildfire, jumping from district to district. Other Shadow Banner teams spread throughout Sector 31 to increase the chaos, spread important information, and arm more citizens. What was initially a series of scattered protests became an organized rebellion.

    Rickety''s intelligence had uncovered a vulnerable weak point. Texxon and the military were taking their evacuees--and funneling them into the depots to blast off in ships waiting for them at a makeshift spaceport. Lanoir''s team got the message: stop the evacuation if it kills you.

    The depots were heavily fortified, with Flying Squads and corporate mercenaries patrolling the perimeter. Under cover of night, the Shadow Banner split into two groups: Lanoir, Jun, and Rickety took the western flank, while Slythe, Myrda, and Panois attacked from the east.

    The first battle broke out as Slythe led a head-on charge. His Mana-Quill Porcupine sidekick flared with bright quills, firing a salvo that breached the guards'' defenses. Myrda and her Storm Toad, Stygs, continued the attack, electrifying the metal barriers and immobilizing groups of foes. Panois and Lygs, his Typhon Salamander, used controlled flames to clear a path through the depot''s outer defenses.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    On the western flank, Lanoir''s Wraith Raven, Erebus, dove low, its spectral form dazing the guards with waves of shadow energy. Rickety deployed his Azure Owl to intercept enemy drones, its precision strikes blinding the depot''s surveillance systems. Jun advanced with the shadow snake coiled around him, void energy crackling in his hands.

    "Take out their reinforcements first," Lanoir commanded, deflecting a mercenary''s strike. "Jun, cover Rickety!

    Jun nodded, creating a shield of void energy that blocked the incoming barrage. The shadow snake lashed out, striking an enemy rifleman and pulling him into the shadows. Rickety''s compound eyes glimmered as he hacked into the depot''s communication grid, scrambling enemy signals.

    "Reinforcements delayed," Rickety declared. "But they''ll still come. Work fast."

    As the teams converged near the launch site, they were met with fierce resistance. Two massive rockets loomed on the pad, one emblazoned with Texxon''s logo, the other marked with military insignia. The Shadow Banner focused their efforts on the Texxon rocket first, knowing it carried key officials and resource manifests.

    "Jun, you''re up," Lanoir said, her voice firm. "We need that rocket grounded."

    Jun''s heart pounded as he stepped forward, the energy of the shadow snake coursing through him. He extended his hands, channeling every ounce of void magic he could muster. The air around him darkened, and a vortex of shadows swirled at his fingertips.

    [Void Stinger Barrage] Jun chanted, launching a torrent of jagged bolts which seem to be sucking in the space around them as they flew in lightning speed, each one as big as a log. The barrage hit the rocket''s engines, detonating fuel reserves and sending the massive structure crashing back to the ground. The explosion lit up the night, debris scattering in every direction.

    The force of the spell sucked all the energy out of Jun. He collapsed on his knees, his eyes blurring as the shadow snake coiled protectively around him.

    "Jun''s down!" Rickety cried out. "Cover him!"

    Lanoir and Erebus flanked Jun, beating away at mercenaries. Slythe and Panois scrambled toward the military rocket as it counted down, past the point of no return. Still, they shot off into the air a second rocket, disappearing upward.

    "We''ll deal with them later," Lanoir said, her voice heavy with frustration. "For now, let''s secure the site and get Jun back."

    The Shadow Banner regrouped in the aftermath of the battle. The Texxon rocket''s destruction had dealt a significant blow to the corporation''s evacuation plans, but the military''s escape was a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead.

    Jun woke up hours later in the safehouse, his body aching but his determination stronger than ever. The shadow snake''s voice was a quiet whisper in his mind.

    "You have stepped into the first step in the void''s true potential. Rest now. The fight is far from over."

    Lanoir entered the room, her face unreadable. "You did well, Jun. That spell saved countless lives tonight. But remember, power like that comes with a cost. Use it wisely."

    Jun nodded, determination flickering in his tired eyes. "I won''t let you down.

    The win from the team had now swayed the scale of advantage for the rebellion. War, however, for Sector 31 was far from won. They were still in preparation for battles, which were to come along.

 Mission

    The Shadow Banner''s mission had been grueling, but when they broke into the vacated command center, it suddenly became clear how tough the struggle was. The place was eerily silent; its machinery powered down, its halls devoid of life. Jun followed closely behind Lanoir, with the shadow snake coiled tightly around his arm, sensing the unease.

    Myrda touched the central console, and her fingers flew over the holographic interface in a blur of motion. Logs and communications flared to life, casting a pale light across the room. The team gathered in to hear Rickety''s translation of the information as his mandibles clicked irritably with annoyance.

    "Texxon really doesn''t care about Sector 13," he said, narrowing his compound eyes. "They''ve stripped everything of value. Oxygen factories, water, food ¡ªall emptied. They left the people here to die. Nothing will be able to sustain the whole planet"

    Jun clenched his fists. "How can they do this? How can they just¡­ leave?"

    Slythe growled low in his throat, his scaled hands tightening on the hilt of his weapon. "Typical empire behavior. We''ve seen it before. They''ll be back, though. They always come back for more."

    Lanoir''s face was composed, but her eyes were a little darker. "Not new to me. Same thing happened on another pseudo-planet I liberated. The corporations and the military consider frontier worlds expendable." She raised her fist in the air. "This time, though, we are ready.".

    She touched something on her wrist and, all of a sudden, the room was filled with a soft hum. The others sighed in relief but Jun looked around confusedly.

    "What just happened?" he asked.

    Myrda smirked. "Just wait and see."

    Within thirty minutes, the beam of otherworldly light drenched Sector 13. The surface shimmered and the fabric of space twisted and rippled. Jun watched in awe as the stars outside the windows of the command center moved to be replaced by a nebula of bright colours stretching across the universe.

    "Welcome to the Universal Commune," Panois said, stepping up beside Jun. "We teleported the whole sector into friendly territory. This is home."

    "The first half of the Aftermath Mission is evacuation," Lanoir declared. "We have to get everyone out before the terraformers arrive. The commune will take care of them, but it''s our responsibility to make sure no one gets left behind."

    The team dispersed fast to allocate the evacuees. Mega-spaceships the size of small towns started to touch down flat on the flatlands. Ramps began to reach out from these landing spaceships touching down to touch the ground, and streams of people mustered up, nervous yet hopeful.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Lanoir moved forward, authoritative step calming the anxious mob. Jun followed behind, helping where he could. Shadow snake slid out periodically from the crowd, colors of it shifting hypnotically on the children.

    Three men stood at the entrance to the first ship. Three guards, each wearing his sleek suit of armor across his shoulders, their rifles slung. The three grinned widely as Lanoir approached.

    Lanoir smiled and embraced Jayn, Smriti, Leela, "It''s been far too long."

    "And here you are, saving the day as always," Jayn returned, her voice edged with awe. The three women were hybrids, as Jun was, their unusual features a result of evolving on different planets. Smriti''s antennal eyes glinted with curiosity as she surveyed the gathering, and Leela''s feline tail whipped lazily back and forth behind her.

    Myrda and Panois joined the conversation, exchanging banter and catching up. Jayn turned her attention to Jun, her sharp gaze appraising him.

    "So, you''re the new recruit," she said with a teasing grin. "Up-and-coming revolutionary, huh?"

    Jun rubbed the back of his neck, feeling both pride and nervousness. "I''m still finding my way, but¡­ I''ll do my part."

    She let out a laugh, the sweet sound relieving tension. "Oh, we like this one. He''s humble. Don''t let Lanoir work you too hard, kid.

    It was a short conversation, but it made Jun feel connected to the greater good. The last of the evacuees boarded as drones and soldiers spread out over the landscape, scanning for any remaining civilians. No one would be left behind.

    The scanning over, the ships launched with the roar of their engines alive with mana-imbued power. Jun found himself on the Aeroch with his eyes widening at the wonder of the ship''s interior. The living quarters compared favorably to the cold harsh conditions of Sector 13. Soft lighting and plush furniture greeted evacuees who had spent most of their lives experiencing nothing but cold, rough conditions.

    Jun settled into his room, flipping through the Red Book left on the bedside table. The manifesto of the Universal Commune outlined its principles: equality, collective responsibility, and the dismantling of oppressive systems. It resonated deeply with him, reaffirming his commitment to the fight.

    That evening, Lanoir visited him. She leaned against the doorway, her expression softer than usual.

    "You did good today, Jun. You''re growing into your role."

    "Thanks," he said. "But there''s still so much to learn. So much to do."

    Lanoir nodded. "There always will be. But you''re not alone. The commune will support you, and so will I."

    She handed him a communicator. "My supervisors have been briefed about you. They''ll assign you a placement soon. Till then, you''re free to reach out if you need anything."

    Jun took the gadget with mixed feelings of gratitude and determination. "I won''t let you down," he said.

    Lanoir smiled weakly. "I know you won''t."

    The Universal Commune absorbed evacuees very fast. Professionals and skilled persons were assigned jobs where they could best fit in. Others received stipends and were given opportunities to explore their fields of interest. Even those who did not have an idea were granted contracts of citizenship so that everyone could find a place.

    As the Aeroch slid through the nebula, Jun gazed out at the stars before him, deep, abiding hope in him. For the first time in his life, he wasn''t running; he was part of something greater, a revolution that could change the face of the galaxy.

    "Void is vast, but together we will carve out our path," the voice of the shadow snake whispered in his mind as she stirred.

    Jun nodded though a faint smile played on his lips. Though the fight was far from being over, for the first time, he would be facing it ready.

 Aboard the Aerochs

    The Aeroch moved gently through space, its vast form vibrating with the life it carried. The spaceship inside itself served like a self-sufficient city, meeting the needs of the displaced: the poor, the sick, the injured, and the tired. Every corner was agog with activity, and yet the systems and personnel of the ship ran as if by magic.

    Jun wandered through the residential area, his shadow snake coiled loosely around his arm. He marveled at the ship''s design¡ªthe clean lines, the soft hum of mana-infused engines, and the gentle lighting that created a sense of calm. As he observed the staff moving about¡ªwaiters balancing trays, cleaners sweeping floors, and managers coordinating logistics¡ªthe shadow snake stirred.

    "Look closer," it whispered. "You''ll see."

    Jun blinked as his perception shifted. For the first time, he saw them: the beast companions of the Aeroch''s crew. Each staff member had one, their forms as varied as the stars.

    A waiter carried plates while a Glidefin Otter, its sleek body shimmering with aquatic mana, darted through the air beside him, helping with balance.

    A manager led operations with the aid of a Brass Falcon, its metallic feathers shining as it relayed messages throughout the ship.

    A nurse cared for a child, her Bloomhare friend emitting a soft, healing glow that calmed the patient.

    A janitor moved purposefully, followed by a Dustspider, which spun webs that collected detritus and cleaned the air.

    Jun''s eyes widened as the shadow snake''s voice echoed in his mind. "These are not ordinary workers. They are soldiers, trained and ready. Even in peace, they prepare for war."

    The realization filled him with a mix of admiration and unease. The Universal Commune''s commitment to unity and preparedness ran deeper than he''d imagined.

    That afternoon, Jun was called for a debriefing. In a small conference room, he met a lawyer assigned to guide him through the contract process. The lawyer, a meticulous high human named Corvan, greeted him with a polite nod.

    "Juniper Green," Corvan started, pushing a set of documents across the table. "You have several options to choose from. The Universal Commune offers all evacuees the opportunity to integrate into our systems based on their skills and aspirations. Let''s review your choices."

    Jun leaned forward as Corvan outlined the options:

    1.Military Service: A fast track to citizenship with advanced training and steady income.

    2.Civil Service: Positions in administration, education, or logistics.

    3.Miss-Academic Sponsorship: SDE loan program for further higher education and a small lot of land for private means.

    Jun furrowed his brow as he ponders his decision. His interest in the academic scholarship raised an eyebrow for Corvan.

    "Most of the evacuees chose military or civil service", Corvan said. "The academic route is kind of.unconventional for your taste. It takes loans, and the land assigned is a remote lot, away from Urban areas.

    Jun nodded. "I''ve thought it through. I''m thirty years old. If I don''t concentrate on mastering my magic now, I''ll lose the chance to really grow. The land will give me the space I need to train."

    Corvan studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I''ll process the paperwork

    As the Aeroch drew near its destination, passengers filled the observation windows. Jun stood among them, his breath catching as the planet came into view. Gaia was a beautiful green and blue orb with vast forests and shimmering oceans, stark contrasts to the industrial wastelands of Sector 13.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.The shadow snake moved, his voice tinged with approval. "A world of life. A proper place for a new beginning."

    As they drew nearer, it became apparent that the extent of Gaia''s operation was immense. Tiny spots of spaceships darted across the sky, filing in neat queues for customs and inspection. Jun caught snippets of astonishment from the evacuees around him.

    "I never thought planets could look like this," one of them whispered.

    "It''s beautiful," another said, tears in their eyes.

    The Aeroch joined the queue, and after thorough vetting, it began its descent toward a sprawling spaceport. The evacuees disembarked in waves, stepping onto Gaia''s lush soil with a mix of trepidation and hope.

    Jun wandered through the jammed spaceport, drinking it all in, taking on this new life. Scanning the crowd, neon purple hair flicked back at him. A bright splinter of hair like neon against her pale face. She weaved and danced through the crowd like she owned the place- the fishnets and Gothic were a sight to herself alone.

    Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Jun felt an odd sense of recognition, though they did not say a word to each other. He shook it off and continued exploring.

    Later, in a corner of a cafe, Jun sat with a glass of Rotch¡ªa cheap whisky popular in the Goldilocks Zones. He stared into the amber liquid, lost in thought, when the same girl appeared again, her presence a chaotic whirlwind.

    "Mind if I join?" she asked, slipping into the seat across from him without waiting for an answer. Her beast companion, a sleek Sleeping Leviathan, curled around her neck like a delicate scarf, its translucent form pulsing faintly.

    Jun raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Go ahead."

    The girl grinned. "I''m Riry. You look like you could use a distraction."

    "And you seem like you bring plenty of it," Jun answered dryly, but not so dry that a small smile didn''t crack out across his face.

    Riry is manic and excitable with great passion talking about all she''s frustrated by and frustrated about resettlement dreams, about making a difference. Jun who was initially more cautious becomes involved in talking military strategies political philosophies.

    "Free will is a myth," Riry declared, her eyes gleaming with intensity. "Everything we do is shaped by the systems around us."

    Jun leaned forward. "And yet, within those systems, we still have choices. Small, perhaps, but meaningful."

    Their debate grew heated, but neither seemed angry. Instead, they smiled, a mutual respect forming between them.

    "You''re interesting," Riry said, extending her hand. "Let''s do this again sometime."

    Jun shook her hand, noting the warmth in her grip. "I''d like that."

    They exchanged contact information, and as Riry left, her Sleeping Leviathan flickered with a soft glow, as if echoing her excitement.

    That evening, Jun returned to his quarters aboard the Aeroch. The shadow snake stirred as he settled onto the bed, its voice calm but firm.

    "This is a start, Jun. Make good of it. The nothingness does not wait for anyone."

    Jun nodded as determination flared in his chest. The future was not certain, but he was ready to face it. With new friends, a new home, and a promise of growth, he would forge his destiny within the vast expanse of the Universal Commune.

 A New Beginning in Gaia

    Gaia was a revelation, stark contrast to the desolate, industrialised landscapes of Sector 13. Evacuees stepped onto the planet, with wide eyes taking in greenery and life. Actual trees swayed in a gentle breeze, their leaves a kaleidoscope of greens. Flowers dotted the ground with bursts of color, and a clean, earthy perfume from unspoiled nature was carried in the wind. The wind, free of gritty industrial smog, was clean and fresh. For many, it was the first time ever they had seen a world that was not ravaged by corporate greed.

    The infrastructure of the planet showed the true ethos of harmonious living. Buildings were designed to live in harmony with nature-intramural vines and technologically sophisticated solar panels on top. Water collected everywhere stood glistening in the light, and water ways were crystal clear and unsullied. Existing at the heart of every community was the Commons-a resource shared between the state and local communities to ensure its sustainability-the epitome of balance and fairness.

    The shadow snake tightened itself coiled on Jun''s arm, the voice soft hissing inside his mind. "I like this place. It has a charm that outshines many planets. Perhaps even the void would pause to admire it."

    Jun smiled faintly; he agreed with the sentiment of the snake. This was what hope looked like: Gaia.

    As the evacuees were led to their quarters by Commune officials, Lanoir and the rest of the Shadow Banner team searched for Jun. They finally found him standing nearby a grove of trees, his eyes taking in the entire activity surrounding him.

    "Jun!" Lanoir waved her hand over his way. Beside her, Slythe, Myrda, Panois, and Rickety grinned and gave him that welcoming warmth.

    "How''s it going?" Myrda asked, her stormy eyes curious.

    Jun shrugged, his shadow snake shifting on his shoulder. "It''s¡­ overwhelming, but in a good way. I chose the academic path. I need to catch up on everything I''ve missed."

    "That''s a good call," Panois said, nodding approvingly. "You''ve got the brains for it."

    Rickety tilted his head, his mandibles clicking thoughtfully. "Just remember, the Universal Commune values progress. You''re here to grow, not to dwell on what''s behind you."

    Slythe clapped a heavy hand on Jun''s shoulder, his scaled grip firm but reassuring. "And hey, healthcare and education are free, except for the really advanced stuff. But you''ll ace those tests, I''m sure."

    Lanoir smirked, withdrawing a slim folder from her bag. "Speaking of education, I took the liberty of compiling your portfolio." She handed it over to Jun, who unfolded it curiously.

    And inside were detailed assessments of his skills and potential:

    - Athletics and Fitness: B

    - Mana Theory: B

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.- Intelligence: A

    - Cunning and Sharpness: A

    - Potential: S

    At the bottom, Lanoir had added a personal note: "Subject is smart but lacks formal education in history, technology, and beast theory. Highly resourceful and capable of improvisation. Kind and trustworthy."

    Jun''s face flushed as he read the last line. "You think I''m¡­ kind?"

    Lanoir chuckled, misreading his reaction. "I know, I know. Bureaucracy and paperwork can be tedious. But trust me, this portfolio will smooth your way through the system. Most people already have one, but I figured you''d need a little help."

    Jun looked up, his gratitude evident. "Thank you. This means a lot."

    "No thanks needed," Lanoir said, waving him away. "You are team. And if you''re off to Argenic University, then that''s the best the Commune has to give you. It''s close to your land, so you''ll not miss it."

    That was how their conversation would have gone on and then was cut short by that familiar voice.

    "Jun! There you are."

    Riry emerged, her neon purple hair glowing under the sunlight. She had that same manic energy as earlier, while her Sleeping Leviathan drifted lazily around her shoulders.

    "Riry," Jun said in a softer tone. "You came too?"

    Of course," she replied, grinning. "I had this feeling you were going to follow the academic path. Though if I''m being honest with you, I thought maybe you''d pick something less structured."

    Jun''s smile fell. "I spent my whole life just scrambling to survive. Now I have a chance to learn everything I missed. I can''t waste it."

    Riry''s face softened. "I didn''t mean to¡­ you''re right. You deserve this. Sorry if I came off wrong."

    "It''s okay," Jun said, his sincerity breaking through her manic exterior. "We all have our paths. This is mine."

    The two continued to chat as the rest of the Shadow Banner team began to say their goodbyes. Lanoir clapped Jun on the back. "You''ve got this. Don''t let us down."

    "I won''t," Jun promised.

    Jun and Riry boarded Arrow Train, a piece of engineering art promising to be both comfortable and swift. The train had a three-story structure with seating space and expansive windows allowing one to see the panoramic view. However, its engines, which were powered through mana, propelled it at a dizzying 1,000 miles per second.

    Jun just could hardly fathom his changes in scenery as the train headed towards Evergreen Falls. Rolling hills were first, then dense forests with wide openings to vast plains dotted with shimmering lakes. The beauty of Gaia was almost overwhelming.

    Riry broke his silence. "So Evergreen Falls. What are you going to do there once we get there?

    Jun leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting off. "I''ll start with the basics. Mana theory, beast theory, history¡­ everything I never had a chance to learn. Then, who knows?"

    Riry nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like you have it all planned out. Me? I will probably cause a little chaos, shake things up. Can''t help it."

    Jun chuckled. "Sounds about right."

    Their conversation drifted as the train moved into its destination. When it finally arrived, the two had grown even closer, their excitement over what was to come forging a bond neither had anticipated.

    As the Arrow Train receded over the horizon, Lanoir and the rest of the team waited at the station. The hum of its engines died into the distance as she turned to the others.

    "They have more potential than we did at their age," she said, her voice laced with pride.

    "They''ll make a difference," Rickety agreed, his compound eyes reflecting the fading light.

    Slythe crossed his arms, serious. "Let''s hope they''re ready for what''s ahead."

    The team nodded silently in acceptance as their thoughts settled with Jun and Riry into the new journey ahead. Vibrant Gaia skies stretched above them, reminding the team that even in dark times, there are new horizons that await the brave enough to seek them.

 Stigmata Tree

    The morning air was sharp and cool, a light chill of hinting of the bright energy alive in Everbloom. Jun sat at his round table, finishing off the last bits of breakfast. Yogundr lay lazily coiled near the warmth of the stove, its half-closed eyes savoring the heat. "Today," Jun announced, "we are going to visit the Stigmata Tree.

    Yogundr lifted its head, and the scales on its body reflected the morning sun. "A wise decision," it said, with a hint of approval in its voice. "The journey will test you, but the rewards may prove transformative.

    Jun packed his rucksack carefully, making sure it contained all the essentials: potions, a home compass, and a waterskin. He slung the bag over his shoulder and donned his cloak, its fabric a mix of Sector 13''s roughness and the State''s enchantments. With Yogundr resting comfortably on his shoulder, they headed into the wilderness.

    The trail was full of life, Everbloom vibrancy pulsating all around him. Magic hung in the air, pouring into the plants and animals that surrounded him. Jun''s breaths were lighter now, his cultivation subtly improving as he harmonized with the environment''s mana. He saw a bed of fibrous plants with pale, silken strands as he walked.

    "Yhute," he murmured, examining it closely.

    "Good cortage material," Yogundr said. "Strong, durable, and enchantable."

    Jun took his time harvesting a bundle, bundling it neatly before tucking it into his rucksack. He pressed onward, marveling at the beauty around him. The land seemed to breathe with magic, every step revealing new wonders.

    Jun''s progress was both fast and meandering, his pace often interrupted by the fascinating creatures he saw. A group of Soim Toads hopped lazily near a shallow pond. Jun recognized them from his studies; their alchemical value was immense, especially when dried or alive.

    Further along, he came upon a **Xiaxoan Snail**, its shell shining with an intricate, iridescent pattern. The creature was the size of a watermelon, moving with slow deliberation. Jun''s Rigg confirmed that snails with specialized diets, like magma, developed stronger and sharper shells that could be used for enchanting.

    He looked up and froze. Perched on a high branch was a **Baymouth Owl**, its predatory gaze fixed squarely upon him. The bird exuded the aura of dominance, and for a moment, Jun felt he was the prey. He felt that bead of cold sweat trickling down his back, but he managed to hold its stare until it finally looked away.

    "That one has seen battles," Yogundr whispered. "It likely commands more magic than you do. Be careful in its domain."

    Jun nodded, moving on but keeping a wary eye on the trees above.

    The distractions continued: a patch of Tygmil Shrooms, hallucinogenic fungi prized for their shamanic properties; a grove of Whistling Ferns that sang like wind chimes when the breeze picked up. Jun harvested what he could, his rucksack steadily filling with the region''s unique offerings.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    As the afternoon dragged on, Jun''s attention was sharply snapped in by a heavy distortion around him in the mana. The air vibrated as thick with tension as when an intense magical clash was on its way. "What is happening?" Jun asked, scanning the area about him with his Rigg.

    The device chimed in with its gentle, female voice. "Two adult creatures detected: a Slouched Bear and a Tree-fork Elk. Both are engaged in combat. Estimated sizes of combatants: 10 feet tall. Types of magic: Slouched Bear ¨C Fire and Nature; Tree-fork Elk ¨C Arcane, Nature, and Water."

    Jun moved slowly, ascending up a tree for better observation. The dense foliage in front allowed him to view the two colossal beasts battling brutally.

    The Slouched Bear was the color of fiery oranges streaked with mossy green; it roared as a burst of flames erupted from its massive paws, flaying the ground and trails of ash and scorched foliage. It spelled out with a conjuring Jun had never seen anything like¡ªit was a Thorn Spire¡ªheavy, spikily barked vines spewed out of the ground and whiplashed the opponent toward it.

    The Tree-fork Elk is a powerful creature with long, branching antlers that counter in finesse. Its antlers glow as it uses [Aqua Veil], an ethereal shield of water that quenches the flames and repels the thorns. Not waiting a single moment, it launches a return with [Arcane Torrent], sending waves of glowing, crackling orbs toward the bear.

    Again, the bear roared, its mana surging as it used [Inferno Roar], a wave of flame that pushed the elk back. The elk stumbled but regained his footing quickly, siphoning mana from the environment to heal minor wounds. His eyes shone with intelligence as he changed tactics, using [Nature Bind] to bind the bear''s hind legs in roots before summoning a waterfall to slam into his opponent.

    Despite its ferocity, the Slouched Bear was no match. The elk''s combination of elemental magic and combat experience overwhelmed it. With a final, devastating charge, the elk impaled the bear with its antlers, lifting it momentarily before letting the lifeless body fall to the ground.

    Jun held his breath as the elk turned its gaze on him. For five long seconds, their eyes met. There was no malice in the creature''s expression; only a quiet acknowledgment. Then, with a flick of its antlers, the Tree-fork Elk turned and disappeared into the forest, its movements fluid despite the massiveness of its frame.

    Jun moved carefully, reaching the dead Slouched Bear. The body was warm, and its fur and leather were intact.

    "This pelt is worth preserving," Yogundr said. "Its mana-rich properties will serve you well.

    Jun nodded, drawing out his dagger. It was a challenge to skin the bear, but his Rigg offered step-by-step instructions and, with years of survival in the streets, he had the sharpness to execute it precisely. The process took him six long hours, making him physically exhausted but very pleased. He was able to bring back 100 kilograms of meat, with the pelt, which he immediately started treating with preservative spells.

    As he prepared to send out a Hovering Beacon to summon aid from a nearby forestry post, Yogundr broke in.

    "There''s no necessity for that," the shadow snake said. "You forget that most void practitioners have access to void space. Whilst you have yet to master how to use it yourself, I can store the meat and leather for you."

    Jun stared at Yogundr in disbelief. "You can do that?"

    "Of course," Yogundr replied smoothly. "This will make your burdens much lighter. Void space is something you''ll learn soon enough."

    Jun handed over the materials, watching in amazement as Yogundr''s form shimmered briefly before the items vanished into storage.

    It turned dark very fast, and Jun made camp high up in the trees. Utilizing stout branches and collected Yhute, he erected a small platform on all sides of a shelter, a design reminiscent of hunting stands but with camping purposes.

    As the mist rolled in, Jun worked late into the evening, treating the Slouched Bear''s pelt with strengthening spells while making sure its elasticity remained intact. His Rigg provided precise instructions, and the preservation process went smoothly.

    When he finally lay down to rest, exhaustion weighed on him, but his mind replayed the battle between the Slouched Bear and the Tree-fork Elk. The creatures'' use of magic fascinated him, particularly the seamless way they cast spells without visible runes or incantations.

    "How do they do it?" he murmured, half to himself and half to Yogundr.

    "They''ve had lifetimes to attune to their magic," the snake replied. "For them, casting is as natural as breathing. You''ll learn in time."

    Jun closed his eyes, but he could see the Tree-fork Elk''s glowing antlers vividly in his mind. His journey to the Stigmata Tree had only just started, and he was already feeling the weight of Gaia''s mysteries settling on him. With each step, new challenges appeared, new lessons to learn, and new possibilities were presented. And Jun wanted to face them all.

 Stigmata tree 2

    Jun opened his eyes to the soft illumination of Gaia''s twin suns peeking shyly at opposite ends of the horizon. The early morning was alive with the sounds of a bustling wilderness: wings flapping, hooves pounding the earth, growls, grunts, and the occasional sharp thud. Even in his groggy state, he could feel the mana-rich air humming with energy. From high in the trees, he saw travelers down below. He heard murmurs blended into the symphony of life.  A stretch, shake off the last of his sleep, and make a quick breakfast.

    He was chewing a pan-fried slab of Slouched Bear meat, larded with Rutol rub that he had prepared days before, when its savory scent filled his senses. With it washed down with Wild Herb Tea, which combines Sparkbark, Glowthorn, and Veilroot herbs, he admired the stimulating kick blended with clarity that would send his mind to thoughts of possibilities and plans. Jun stashed the tea away in a tin and buckled his equipment then, with Yogundr relaxed over his shoulder, he trudged onward. "Pace yourself," Jun said over his shoulder to Yogundr, scanning out ahead of himself at the route.    "Quickly?" Yogundr said, sounding sarcastic as it responded to Jun. "That would be a first time."

    Jun chuckled at himself, acknowledging how right Yogundr was about him.

    The trail to the Stigmata Tree was a mix of wonder and distraction. Jun''s sharp eyes caught sight of an Etherfern growing near a shallow stream. He crouched, carefully harvesting a few fronds, their ghostly translucence shimmering in the light.

    Further ahead, a cluster of Blue Ringed Mushrooms caught his attention. Each was as large as a small stool, with softer outer rings that could be used in alchemy, engineering, or cooking. Jun broke off a piece and popped it into his mouth.  "Tastes like a meaty apple," he remarked.  Yogundr snickered. "Your palate is as peculiar as your journey, Jun."  ---

    As Jun moved closer to the Stigmata Tree trail, the traffic grew heavier. People of all shapes, sizes, and species filled the path, each carrying an air of purpose and anticipation. Groups of travelers spoke in hushed tones about the life-changing properties of the tree, their expressions a mix of hope and apprehension.

    Jun soon found himself in line with a group preparing to ascend the final hill. Clerks dressed in pale blue robes moved efficiently, ensuring the groups adhered to strict policies.

    "One hundred at a time," one of the clerks explained. "The tree scans all who approach. If you¡¯re deemed eligible, you¡¯ll know."

    As Jun waited, a familiar voice called out, ¡°Juniper!¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    He looked around to find Riry, her purple hair shining in the sun. "I''m not surprised to find you here," Jun said, nodding at her.

    "Yeah, me too," Riry said with a big grin. "I''m actually here on a mission to observe and study about the tree management. Three months of observation and research¡ªit''s a dream come true! I''m going to study the hell out of it." She flashed him an energetic thumbs-up.

    Jun couldn''t help but laugh. "Of course you are."

    ---

    As it was his group''s turn to climb, the whispers of excitement turned into gasps as the Stigmata Tree came into view. From afar, it seemed to encompass the entire mound of the hill, its vast canopy sprawling like a celestial crown.

    As they moved closer, the grandeur of the tree was almost overwhelming. The trunk was as wide as a fortress, its bark flashing a glimmering bluish sheen that seemed to pulse in time with the mana saturating the air. Tendrils as thick as Jun''s arms dangled down in clusters, forming intricate barriers that left only narrow paths for movement.

    Jun saw a young hybrid girl in the distance. Her tears shone like pearls in the soft light. A Man''O''War jellyfish floated by her side, its tendrils pulsating with an electric charge. Yogundr leaned in toward Jun.

    "Her mana is refined," Yogundr whispered. "Their bond must be exceptional."

    Jun nodded at the girl''s aura but looked back to the path ahead.

    The group reached the base of the tree, and the mana density became almost oppressive. Jun''s chest tightened; his breath came in short gasps. Others stumbled, and a few collapsed outright.

    "Steady yourself, Jun," Yogundr said over his discomfort. "The mana here is like thickened air¡ªdense, almost liquid. Synchronize with its rhythm.

    Jun closed his eyes, listening to Yogundr''s instruction. He was slowly adjusting his breathing, which allowed the mana to flow in him instead of resisting it. After a while of nausea, he stabilized. One brief bout of vomiting. He was then stable.

    "Well done," Yogundr said approvingly. "You are learning."

    ---

    At the end of the route, the group was sent to individual tendrils. Each person stood before one, waiting for further instructions. Jun reached out tentatively, his hand hovering near the tendril''s surface.

    A figure stepped out onto a platform in front of the tree, dressed in robes of azure and black, streaked with red. The face was hidden behind a headdress, and the very presence seemed to demand silence. They started chanting, the words meaningless but somehow imbued with meaning that seemed to seep into the mind of every being there. Even the stones seemed to listen.

    As the chanting subsided, an azure flame flared up in a pit at the figure''s feet. The light was like nothing Jun had ever seen; starlike and brilliant, yet steady and unruffled.

    A message flowered in Jun''s mind; its voice was neither male nor female but ancient and profoundly wise:

    [You may try reaching out to the Stigmata Tree.]

    Jun exhaled, feeling the gravity of the moment. He glanced at Yogundr, who offered a rare nod of encouragement.

    ¡°Focus, Jun,¡± the shadow snake said softly. ¡°This is what you¡¯ve been preparing for.¡±

    With steady resolve, Jun placed his hand on the tendril before him.

    The world shifted.

 Stigmata Tree 3

    Jun opened his eyes to find that he was no longer in his own body, but he somehow instinctively knew it was him. His limbs felt lighter, his skin unscarred. He touched his face, running his fingers over features he hadn''t seen in decades. The air around him was cold, carrying a faint metallic tang that made him shudder. Toxic fumes clung to the breeze, biting at his lungs and pulling him into familiarity: Sector 13.

    He stood in the alley, with walls stained with grime and neglect. The sharp scent of burning refuse filled his nostrils, and the faint hum of machinery hummed in the distance. This is where he grew up, surviving on scraps and wit.

    Jun cautiously emerged from the shadows of the alley into the harsh artificial lighting that streamed from the streetlights. The world had gone silent; as he glanced up, those on the street turned to regard him all as one. It was as though the way they had moved was rough and jerky, their gazes empty and yet fixed onto him. It made his blood run cold.

    They started forward before he even thought.

    "Hey! Back off!" Jun yelled, panic rising in his voice.

    But the bodies didn''t stop. They twisted at odd angles, their joints writhing as if their bones were water. He staggered backward, his breath growing quick, and wheeled to run. His feet pounded on the pavement as he dived back into the alley. The footsteps, dozens of them, chased him, louder with every step.

    He ran faster, dodging crates and barrels. A crate caught his arm as he dodged by, splintering the skin. The pain was sharp and immediate.

    "This can''t be a dream," he muttered, clutching the wound as he ran.

    The pursuers closed in. Hands, cold and powerful, grasped his legs and dragged him to the ground. Jun kicked wildly, screaming and writhing. It did no good. More hands held onto his arms and head, keeping him pinned. He thought that he was as good as dead.

    As if in answer, the figures began pulling. His limbs stretched beyond their limits, his body tearing apart in agonizing bursts of pain. The moment was fleeting¡ªdeath came swiftly.

    Jun woke again, gasping for air. This time, he was in a bed. The sheets were familiar, the faint scent of lavender bringing a rush of memories. His old room. He was a child again, just shy of being a teenager.

    He could hear his parents talking in the next room, their voices soft and soothing. For a moment, Jun allowed himself to sink into the warmth of nostalgia.

    But then the nightmare returned.

    His parents'' voices stopped abruptly, replaced by the sound of heels clicking against the floor. His bedroom door creaked open. When his parents entered, their faces were wrong. Their eyes were hollow, their smiles unnaturally wide.

    "Jun," his mother said, her voice layered with something alien.

    He scrambled backward, his body small and weak. "Stay away!

    They didn''t listen. Moving as one, they lunged at him, their hands cold and unyielding. He screamed, but it was no use. His parents snatched him up, tearing him apart just as the people in the alley had done.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ---

    The loops started, going round and round.

    Jun relived the streets of Sector 13 and the warmth of his childhood home only to have each twist into a grotesque nightmare. He tried everything he could think of to break the cycle and tried doing things differently every time, but the results kept getting stranger and more horrific.

    Sometimes, he''d skulk out of the street, hiding in an alley. The sky would break open when he did that and a monstrous featureless hand fall down and stomp him like an insect.

    The other times he tried to push his luck: he stood face to face, demanding explanations of the people who walked along that street. The people laughed- their voices bounced off his chest in strange laughter-and swarmed him like some horde of ants consuming food.

    The childhood loop was no kinder. Jun tried to run away from his parents, but the door of his room was locked, closing him in. His mother once started humming a lullaby as she slowly slid a knife across her throat, blood spilling into the impossible quantities on the floor. His father, unmoved, bashed his head against the stone table until his skull and the table broke.

    ---

    Now, mania intensified. This time, Jun was able to find his way out of the alley into a square. Here, he met a monstrous version of himself, gargantuan in its size and shape, its face split into a grin that never seemed to end. The doppelganger chased him down, its laughter echoing in his mind, then devoured him with one bite.

    One day, in his loop of childhood, he lay in bed quietly enough to be hoped over by his parents. When they entered, their shapes collapsed into a mess of squirming tendrils that pulled him into the floor.

    New terrors came with each loop. In the streets, people''s limbs stretched, their hands into sharp claws that pierced him like needles. At home, walls bled and his toys became alive, eyes glowing as they tore at his flesh.

    Jun lost count of how many times he died.

    ---

    By the 50th loop, desperation had begun to creep in.

    "Why is this happening?" he shouted into the void as he lay in the alley, waiting for the inevitable.

    No answer came. The figures arrived, their eyes blank, their hands outstretched.

    By the 70th loop, he stopped trying to flee.

    He positioned himself in the middle of the street, arms outstretched wide, and let the crowd overtake him. He looked at the ceiling of his childhood bedroom, not blinking as his parents closed in. The pain was excruciating, but at least it was over quickly.

    ---

    It was during the 89th loop that something changed.

    He did not wince in the child loop. Jun closed his eyes and heaved hard breaths. The mana was churning around him. The cadence flowed into the air.

    "Yogundr," he spoke softly, hearing no response.

    The familiar voice of his shadow snake echoed faintly in his mind. "You are not truly here, Jun. This is the trial of the Stigmata Tree. It shows you your past, your fears, and your weaknesses. You must overcome them."

    "Find the truth within the chaos," Yogundr replied. "You have already begun to see it. Focus on the mana, on the rhythm of this world. Let it guide you."

    ---

    In the loops that followed, Jun tried to heed Yogundr''s advice. He stopped running and began observing.

    He saw the people in the streets of Sector 13 were like the flow of mana; their grotesque forms rippling like echoes of a greater force. He felt that the voices of his parents had an unnatural resonance as if they belonged to the pulsating energy of the tree at his childhood home.

    By the 100th loop, Jun was standing in the alley, calm and centered. As the crowd turned toward him, he didn''t run. He focused on the mana instead. He followed its rhythm, his breath following in sync with it. The figures stopped. The world around him shimmered, like mist that disappears.

    Jun opened his eyes to see himself standing in front of the Stigmata Tree again, hand still on its tendrils. The air was full of mana, but it was warm and inviting now.

    "You have faced the truth," the tree''s voice resonated in his mind. "Your past will no longer bind you. Step forward, Juniper Green."

    Jun took a breath, steady and determined. He survived.

 Waking up

    Jun opened his eyes, letting the gentle warmth of morning sunlight illuminate him as Gaia''s twin suns rose as one. Several dozen others stretched and yawned, their eyes flicking open one by one in response to being jolted from their trials. The stench of mana-charged earth, of being sick was the dominant aroma; Jun felt the same- a nauseating churn at the bottom of his stomach that refused to still. Moments passed, and he doubled over and vomited, retching out the gathered weight of half a century of living in simulated realities. He wasn''t alone. Other afflicted ones were spread around, writhing with their bodies, as they exhaled the price of their test. Azure and gold-robed guards moved around in the group; their faces seemed placid but alert.

    "Take your time", one of the guards said kindly, holding up a young man from his fall to his feet. "It''s normal. The Stigmata Tree leaves its mark on everyone differently."

    Jun cleaned his mouth, grateful for the reprieve. A guard approached him, scanning his Rigg before returning his identification.

    "Congratulations, Juniper Green," the guard said with a small smile. "You''ve gained something few ever do. The Stigmata Tree welcomes you to return when the time is right."

    Jun nodded weakly, still steadying himself. The experience felt like it had aged him beyond his years. Half a century in simulations. Half a lifetime lived and lost.

    Yogundr heard him speak, softly, over his turmoil. "The Stigmata is mischievous, but it has a purpose. It doesn''t live like you or I. Its kind lost their physical vessels long ago. They now are concepts; they are broken shards of their original selves left behind. This tree is simply a container; a faint memory of something so much more".

    Jun closed his eyes and let the words sink in. The Inside Out Stigmata mark still pulsed softly on his skin as if reminding him of the experiences he had and the lessons he learned.

    "Jun!"

    He turned towards the voice, which he knew. And there, too, was the weary smile as Riry jogged up to him. Her bright purple hair was shining with morning light and her grin, even if a bit wilder than it used to be, still bubbled up unrepressed.

    "You made it out alive," she said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I knew you would. You''re too stubborn to let a cosmic tree break you."

    Jun chuckled, shaking his head. "Barely. That was¡­ something else."

    Riry''s expression softened, and she looked at him closely. "You look older. Not physically, but¡­ in here." She tapped her temple lightly.

    Jun shrugged. "It''ll take time to shake it off. But what about you? How''s life in Evergreen Falls treating you?"

    Riry''s face lit up. "Oh, it''s been amazing. I''m now working with the Stigmata Tree''s caretakers. It''s a three-month rotation, and I''ve learned more about mana harmonics and biological imprints in the past few weeks than I have in years. Did you know that tree''s tendrils adjust their frequency based on the dominant mana type of the group visiting? It''s like it customizes the trial for each person."This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    "That explains a lot," Jun mumbled, recalling all those endless loops he had faced. "What else?"

    Well, Riry said, continuing, "I have begun making a catalogue of the flora on and around the lands here. It has a pretty impressive-looking Chronoweed whose reactions differ slightly at whatever point of day when harvested. Of course, forget even about what there are on land itself¡ªa Baymouth Owl nest happens to be found on the walls in the rear by my room; it gives me its scrutiny at every single daybreak.".

    Jun laughed, feeling a genuine warmth spread through his body. Riry''s enthusiasm was infectious.

    "And what about you?" Riry asked, tilting her head. "What''s new in Jun-world?"

    Jun paused, his eyes looking off to one side before his hands swept down the faint curl of tattoos on his arm and torso, it looked like there were tubes inside Jun holding the body up. "The Stigmata Tree gave me this. It''s hard to explain, but it feels like a part of me now. I can blend into light and shadow, hide in plain sight. It''s more than just concealment¡ªit''s adaptation. There may be more."

    Riry''s eyes opened wide. "That''s amazing. And so you. Always sneaky, always finding a way out."

    "Not sneaky," Jun said with mock indignation. "Strategic."

    "Sure, sure," Riry teased, grinning. "Anything else?"

    "I''ve been exploring my land more," Jun said, his tone growing thoughtful. "There are Yeal trees on my plot, older than most civilizations. Someone has been teaching me about them, and apparently, they hold untapped potential. I''ve also started practicing some of the Green Spells he''s mentioned. Slowly, though. I''m still pretty rudimentary when it comes to mana control."

    "You''re making progress," Riry said encouragingly. "And the Yeal trees sound fascinating. I''d love to see them someday. And that someone, I''m guessing it''s the same as my Ymos" summoning the Sleeping Leviathan floating in the air.

    Jun acted surprised but nodded. Ymos opened his eyes, and scanned Jun. Yogundr also manifested, they acknowledged each other''s existence and went back to their plane. "Jun, this one is older than me, but not stronger. Be careful though, they could be helpful allies." Yogundr sent a message to Jun.

    The two fell into comfortable silence for a moment, the hum of life surrounding the Stigmata Tree filling space. Travelers and caretakers moved purposefully, their conversations blending with the rustle of leaves and faint vibration of mana in the air.

    Then Jun finally broke the silence. "I''m glad you''re here, Riry," she said. "Evergreen Falls feels. less overwhelming with you around.

    Riry smiled, her look warm. "Likewise, Jun. This place is big, and it''s easy to get lost in it. But you''ve got me, and I''ve got you. Deal?"

    "Deal."

    The guards ushered the group away from the tree, and the steady stream of visitors continued because of their duties. Riry put a hand on Jun''s arm.

    "Let''s catch up properly soon," she said. "There''s loads we can learn off each other, I think, at least where I am or have been."

    Jun nodded. "Look forward to that."

    As Riry continued with her work once more, Jun stayed there for another moment, casting his eyes towards the Stigmata Tree; its towering aspect seemed to kindle a steady pulse, though silent, recognizing those who''ve walked its length and lived through some of its more trying trials.

    "Ready to move on?" Yogundr asked, its voice steady and reassuring.

    "Yeah," Jun replied, his steps feeling a little surer.

    The weight of new stigmata pressed upon his body-not to burden him-but as if this was now he. Changed at the trial and walking towards this unknown, some quiet resolve could be building, but this did not make a step forward much clearer.