《ASTASHICA: The Rise of Tlandar》 Tlandar鈥檚 Journey Begins Scene 1: Meeting the Astashica Hologram The boy Tlandar was a halfling. He was half Asemeri, and half human. He was almost 6 feet tall, with light blue eyes and medium-length blonde hair. He dressed simple, like a person who worked in the farm. He liked to wear a dark green, sleeved, v-necked, cotton shirt. He lived in the Village of Verdantis Nexus with his family in a farmland. Verdantis Nexus was a small farmland village located in the land of Val¡¯katl, near the outskirts of the city-state of New Asemeri. One day he was herding some cattle in the village¡¯s outskirts, in its green meadows. While he worked, a glowing light blue and white orb, a hologram, of the intelligence of planet Astashica, appeared to him. Tlandar¡¯s three sisters, were nearby but were not aware of Tlandar¡¯s whereabouts. Tlandar was away a short distance from them. He had come down near a river herding part of the cattle there so they could drink in water holes which near the river banks. So the hologram of Astashica appeared to him, near the river, where the cattle drank water. ¡°Tlandar, brave soul of the farmland. Behold. I¡¯m Astashica. I need your help.¡± Astashica (the glowing orb) said. ¡°Who are you?¡± Tlandar asked, astonished at seeing something so extraordinary before him. ¡°I am the collective consciousness of a group of beings, the Ancient Acherons, of the planet Astashica. We live underground in our mysterious forbidden city. We as Astashica, are protectors and guardians of the planet. We take care of the planet¡¯s safety and ensure it¡¯s survival endlessly. We terraformed the planet long ago. We prefer to present ourselves before you as a symbol, so you do not fear. So you see before you what¡¯s matters most. We are Astashica. You will understand in its due time. Right now the fate of the planet rests in your hand. You must listen and understand. We ask for your help. Defend the planet against the evil threat of the Asemeri overlords who currently inhabit and rule the lands of Astashica. You must defeat them and prevent the impending catastrophe that looms Astashica. They are an evil, brutal, warrior chieftainships of clans who came from the collapsed Xothek Empire. You must defeat the chieftain Cosmus, who commands the mighty, Xothek star vessel Defiance Vanguard. He has three Azurevat missiles, the last weapons of the mighty Xothek Empire. With just one he can destroy Astashica as one missile has 1 gigaton destructive power. You hold the power to prevent this catastrophe, Tlandar. Behold, I will show you a good ally from the land of Salgar. She is Akashma Xil¡¯ha, of the Sanctum of Orchids.¡± Astashica summoned Akasma Xil¡¯ha nearby. After a lighting strike under a banyan tree, where she would appear, she appeared there, like having been teleported. A figure of a woman, where the lightning bolt fell, started to rise from her feet and began composing into a female halfling, half Asemeri, half human. She spoke to Tlandar, ¡°Greetings, Tlandar. I¡¯m Akashma. You don¡¯t understand yet. But you will. You must come with me to the Sanctum of Orchids. I will show you and guide you on what you must do throughout your journey. The fate of the world now rests in your hands, Tlandar. Be valiant and worthy to accept this task.¡± This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Akashma wore a dark red cloak and kuprix armor underneath. She had long, wavy black hair and light hazel eyes. In one side of her body, under the dark red cloak, could be seen like a set of kuprix throwing daggers. She stood composed, waiting for Tlandar. ¡°I¡¯m willing to grant my help. I¡¯m aware of what¡¯s happening in Astashica. Cosmus is a tyrannical maniac who wants complete dominion of the planet. I¡¯ve heard news of his military campaigns against the other clans. These are the Asemeri Wars of Supremacy. Many Asemteks don¡¯t want war. We are very peaceful. Cosmus and his clan are evil slave masters as well. Most of Astashica is under the clutches of slavery and misery. My asemtek specie is enslaved by Cosmus and the dark Asemeri overlords who dominate Astashica. I¡¯m willing to help.¡± Tlandar said. Then Astashica said, ¡°Good, you have made a wise choice, Tlandar. You will be forever remembered in the chronicles of time for your great endeavors. Now, I¡¯ll go, but I will continue working with you in critical moments to guide you and help you. I want you to follow Akashma where she was instructed to take you. You will become a great hero of renown in Astashica as you defeat Cosmus and the wicked Asemeri overlords. You will defend Astashica with your might and strategy ¨C which you will learn at the Sanctum of Orchirds. Together with all allies along the way, you will fight for freedom of the oppressed asemtek and Temsek (human) race and for the survival of Astashica. You¡¯ll serve a higher purpose than you could ever imagine and you will be grateful you saved the world. Together, we must thwart Cosmus and his wicked Asemeri allies. The time has come, dear protector Tlandar. You will rise!¡± The Astashica glowing orb disappeared with flashes of lightning. Then Akashma approached Tlandar and began to assist him in all she could. She accompanied him wherever he needed to go. Scene 2 ¨C Departure to the Sanctum of Orchids Tlandar went to his three sisters who were nearby waiting him for him to finish herding the family cattle for the day. Tlandar climbed up from the river banks with Akashma and went to his three sisters who were sitting in the meadow, talking, playing with each other. ¡°My beloved sisters, this is Akashma Xil¡¯ha. She has told me of a great danger approaching our world. I need to help them defeat a power threat that may soon destroy our world. I want you to understand this. I must do what I must do. They will prepare me for the war against Chieftain Cosmus. Go home to mom and dad and tell them I¡¯m coming home after these people make the champion of Astashica. I will bring light to this world devoid of light, engulfed in darkness. This world needs me. Because I¡¯m the only one who stop Cosmus. You all know Cosmus is a tyrant who been wanting to destroy our specie long ago. Now its the time to defend our people, are homes, our ranches, the planet, from the looming threat of the Azurevat missile.¡± Then Tlandar hugged his sisters. A nearby sleek, four-thruster Salgaran Verdan-class transport spacecraft uncloaked after them. Tlandar and Akashma entered the Salgaran transport spacecraft. The ship smoothly rose up in the in midair and cloaked back again. It blazed off and disappeared into the unknown, with a thunderous boom.
The Journey to the Sanctum of Orchids Scene 1: Arrival at the Spaceport in Drak¡¯Zir Village The Salgaran transport ship arrived at the spaceport in Drak¡¯Zir Village, in Salgar territory. This village was located near the Sanctum of Orchids, the capital of the city-state of Salgar. The sleek, transport spacecraft began its downward decline smoothly as the village spaceport¡¯s hangar began opening its upper gate. The spacecraft landed safely in a central, circular stone platform. The spacecraft looked diminutive in the massive central, landing platform. ¡°This is the first place we¡¯re going to come to as we prepared for the long journey to the Sanctum of Orchids. But now we¡¯re within the territory of the city-state of Salgar. As we move out be careful and always follow me. It¡¯s possible they¡¯re going to meet us outside. This spaceport and its village is very quiet. Its perfect for coming here and preparing a little bit for our journey ahead. Have no fear and always follow my directions. This village is almost secluded from the rest of the world. Now, be ready. We¡¯re going outside and step off the ship.¡± Akashma told Tlandar. Akashma and Tlandar stepped outside the spacecraft and looked around. ¡°It¡¯s very quiet,¡± said Tlandar. The Salgaran pilot moved to the spacecraft¡¯s door. ¡°Well done, Akashma. I¡¯ll go back to my position. Take good care in your journey. Hope you good luck.¡± The Salgaran pilot said. Then he drove the spacecraft up again. It rose up smoothly and flew past the opening upper gates of the spaceport. Then the gates closed again after the spacecraft left. Then Akashma and Tlandar began moving hastily towards the exit gate of the landing hangar. Akashma and Tlandar approached the exit gate. By the gate there was an electronic panel. Akashma input some codes in it and the massive gate opened. Then they entered the interior of a long corridor, as the massive gate closed behind them with a locking sound. Scene 2: The Interior Corridor Akashma and Tlandar walked cautiously through the interior corridor of the spaceport. This was the corridor that connected the landing platform chamber where they had come from to the outside world. ¡°This place is big¡± Tlandar said. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°This hallway is a hub of other corridors that runs throughout all the other parts of the spaceport.¡± Akashma said. There were dozens of closed gates along the sides of the corridor where they were presently walking. Then they reached the opposite side of the corridor. There was another gate and a digital panel next to it in the wall. Akashma inputted some codes in it and the gate opened. Then they entered to where this gate led. Scene 3: Outside in the Drak¡¯Zir Village Akashma and Tlandar were now located outside the spaceport, next to the gaet from which they came. They were now outside, in the village of Dark¡¯Zir. Akashma began to walk. ¡°This is Drak¡¯Zir Village, Tlandar. This is a Salgaran village. It is a port village where trading ships come and go to leave or pick up diverse types and quantity of cargo. But its not just a mere port village. Its also has its own diverse places and lots of places to visit. If we were coming here we¡¯d sure visit those interesting places and points of attractions. The food they sell in this village is good, its delicious. Would you like to stop by eat something Tlandar? But afterward we must continue our journey by foot and continue walking by foot though the Salgaran Mountains which lay ahead. Here, you can see those mountains.¡± Akashma said. Tlandar scanned his surrounding and saw the massive mountains near Drak¡¯Zir village. ¡°Those are the mountains?¡± Tlandar asked. ¡°Over there, we will walk, and climb up in those mountains. The Sanctum of Orchids is located up in those mountains. It is a very secluded place. Nobody knows where it is. Those who tried finding it get lost becouse they don¡¯t understand the land and there are no major streets to go there.¡± Akashma said. ¡°Interesting. Let¡¯s get something to each and let¡¯s get ready to climb those mountains.¡± Tlandar said. Scene 4: Salgaran Food and Staying in a Lodge for the Night Tlandar and Salgar explored Drak¡¯Zir village. They explored all the village shops and vendor stands. Tlandar bought a rucksack to carry his travelling accessories and whatever else he needed to carry. The rucksack also served him for food he bought in the maerketplace of Drak¡¯Zir. Akashma was very disciplined and didn¡¯t need a bag as she was already home and for her it was a quick trip from Drak¡¯Zir to the Sanctum of Orchids. She came form there and she knew the land and was soon coming home with Tlandar. They searched around for a lodge as the twin suns were getting ready to settle in. They found an appropriate lodge and paid 10 kuprix for the night. They rented a decent room with ample space. ¡°This room is quiet nice.¡± Tlandar said. He sat in one of the room¡¯s beds. He put his rucksack near him in the floor by the side of this bed. ¡°It¡¯s good for the night. Now, prepare yourself, leave all troubles behind and rest. Eat your food you bought in the marketplace and take a bath if you want. This room has a nice decent bathroom. I¡¯ll do the same. In the windows you can see the place where we need to go tommorrow.¡± Akashma said. Then they began preparing for their next move tomorrow and rested. Tlandar wrote an entry in his journal under the dim light of the room. Ascent Through the Salgaran Heights

Breakfast in the Drak¡¯Zir Marketplace

Tlandar and Akashma awoke at dawn in the modest lodge where they had stayed the previous night. Gathering their belongings¡ªrucksacks, provisions, maps, and essential supplies¡ªthey made their final adjustments before departing. As they passed the lodge¡¯s front desk, they returned their keys. ¡°Thank you,¡± Tlandar said politely to the receptionist before stepping outside. The village of Drak¡¯Zir was beginning to stir as they made their way toward the marketplace, where merchants were preparing for another busy day. They sought a final meal before beginning their arduous climb into the Salgaran Mountains. Akashma soon spotted a street kitchen nestled among the vendor stalls. The scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filled the air. ¡°This looks promising,¡± Tlandar said, nodding toward the stall. They took their seats on round stools, where a waitress promptly approached them. ¡°What would you like to order?¡± she asked attentively. ¡°We¡¯ll have two breakfasts,¡± Tlandar replied. ¡°Here¡¯s the menu,¡± she said, handing them a parchment with a list of meals. ¡°I¡¯ll take eggs, sausage, and hot chocolate,¡± Akashma said. ¡°I¡¯ll have the same,¡± Tlandar added. With a nod, the waitress returned to the kitchen, and the cook began preparing their meals. Tlandar gazed up at the towering peaks in the distance. ¡°Akashma, what awaits us in those mountains? What will happen when we reach the summit?¡± Akashma¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°The mountains are home to creatures native to Astashica, not brought here by the Asemeri. Some are highly predatory. We must remain vigilant¡ªthey will not hesitate to attack if we intrude upon their territory. I am trained to handle them, but you are not. Stay close and follow my lead.¡± She paused, then continued, her tone softening. ¡°Beyond these mountains lies the Sanctum of Orchids, a hidden village where trade flourishes. Merchants from all across Salgar travel there, even some from Val¡¯katl. But its exact location is known only to those who live there. The Sanctum is meant to remain unseen by outsiders. It thrives in secrecy, preserving what truly matters.¡± Their conversation was interrupted by the return of the waitress, who placed their meals before them. ¡°Enjoy,¡± she said before stepping back to attend to other customers. Tlandar exhaled, steadying himself for the journey ahead. ¡°After this meal, we begin our climb.¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

The Mountain Ascent

With their hunger satisfied, Akashma and Tlandar left the marketplace and made their way toward the base of the Salgaran Mountains. The towering peaks loomed above them, shrouded in drifting mist. They began their ascent along a winding, uneven trail, their boots crunching against the rocky terrain. The path was treacherous, weaving through jagged cliffs and sheer inclines. They moved carefully, navigating each ledge with precision. After hours of relentless climbing, they reached the summit of the first mountain. Three more lay ahead, connected by narrow rope bridges that swayed precariously in the wind. With measured steps, they crossed the first, then the second, and finally the third¡ªeach bridge an ancient relic of the Salgaran wayfarers who once traversed these heights. Upon reaching the final peak, the landscape changed. The dense rainforest canopy concealed the sunlight, casting eerie shadows upon the ground. A chilling stillness settled over the land. Then, they sensed it. Something had been watching them.

The Stalker in the Trees

A Xel¡¯Quari, an apex predator of the Salgaran wilds, emerged from the foliage. It had been trailing them unseen, concealed within the treetops, its chameleon-like skin blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Now, it stepped forward, its movements measured and predatory. The creature stood ten feet tall, its elongated snout lined with a hundred serrated teeth, its powerful hands ending in deadly curved claws. Its two round, crimson eyes, encircled by black irises, locked onto them with chilling intelligence. It crouched low, one clawed hand pressed against the earth, coiled like a predator prepared to strike. ¡°Tlandar¡ªwatch out!¡± Akashma warned. Tlandar rolled behind a thick tree, taking cover beneath its hanging branches. Akashma reacted swiftly, hurling three Kuprix throwing daggers toward the beast. The Xel¡¯Quari evaded effortlessly, its movements an unpredictable blur. Zigzagging through the underbrush, it released a guttural growl that distorted into an eerie, chittering laugh, almost mocking them. Then, with inhuman agility, it lunged into the air, sinking its claws into the bark of a towering tree. Within seconds, it vanished into the canopy, its chameleon-like skin blending seamlessly with the shadows. It was no longer visible¡ªbut it was there. High above, the leaves rustled unnaturally. Then came a sharp, burning sensation. ¡°The air smells peppery!¡± Tlandar gasped, his eyes stinging from the creature¡¯s presence. ¡°Yes! My eyes burn as well!¡± Akashma said, shielding her vision. The Xel¡¯Quari¡¯s venomous musk had saturated the air¡ªbut now, it was dissipating, the creature having shifted deeper into the treetops. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here¡ªnow!¡± Tlandar called from his cover. Akashma nodded. ¡°Move cautiously. It could still be near.¡± Treading lightly, they proceeded through the rainforest, their senses heightened. Every movement in the treetops sent waves of tension through them, but they could not see the predator. Tlandar tightened his grip on his rucksack. ¡°I don¡¯t see it¡­¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s gone,¡± Akashma whispered.

Reaching Safety

Their escape led them down a steep incline, where the dense jungle gradually gave way to an open clearing. Before them, nestled against the mountainside, was a tribal village¡ªelevated wooden huts with thatched conical rooftops, their foundations resting upon tall stilts. ¡°We made it,¡± Tlandar breathed. Akashma exhaled, scanning the treetops one final time. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for this village¡­ we would already be dead.¡± Behind them, the forest remained eerily silent, the Xel¡¯Quari unseen¡ªbut never forgotten. The hunt was over¡­ for now.