De Novo

Ria moved with a silent grace, her footsteps barely audible on the stone floor. She reached the object, her hand hovering over the thick, velvet cloak that shrouded it.

A low hum vibrated through the air as she pulled back the cloak, revealing a sight that took Gema's breath away. A sophisticated, biomechanical figure shimmered into view.

"This is De Novo," she announced, her voice laced with pride. "It wasn't easy to borrow this from the Menxtrok. They rarely part with their creations, but I managed to convince them of the urgency of our mission."

"Anyway, the one you seek is inside." She tapped the machine's smooth, pearlescent surface.

Inside, bathed in an ethereal blue glow, lay a young woman with golden curls framing her features—a face from Gema's past he never thought he'd see again.

She appeared to float in a sea of purified orbs, each radiating a gentle luminescence as they swirled and danced around her.

Gema approached De Novo reverently, his gaze fixed on the enigmatic girl. He closed his eyes briefly, a wave of relief washing over him as he sensed her peaceful slumber. With a soft sigh, he passed Excalibur to Ria.

Ria removed the fabric wrapping the sword and placed it into a cylindrical device that hummed with barely contained power. The sword, suspended within the transparent chamber, seemed to pulse with a faint inner light.

"You've done well retrieving a shakti-filled relic from Earth—one that doesn't belong there," Ria said, her eyes fixed on the blade.

"Countless souls inhabit this Excalibur. It's like killing two birds with one stone. I've got the relic, extracted the souls, and with the purified orbs, De Novo can continue its work—and save the thing inside. Everyone's happy. Easy job, isn't it?"

"Can you stop calling her a 'thing,' Ria?"

"Why not? Whatever she is, she's dead. Remember this, Gema: it is never good to cling to the past. It's gone. Only an idiot like you would fight for it," Ria said dismissively.

She pressed a button on the device, and the cylindrical chamber was sealed shut with a hiss of pressurized air. Beams of energy, like lightning trapped in a bottle, lanced through the device, bathing it in an eerie, pulsating glow.

Excalibur shuddered violently, and a swarm of minuscule shadowy figures, the countless souls trapped within, erupted from the blade. They swarmed against the glass walls of the chamber, their silent screams echoing in the confined space, desperate to escape their prison. But the sealed glass held firm, their ethereal forms unable to penetrate its surface.

Shakti-infused water surged into the cylinder, swirling around the trembling sword like a raging whirlpool. As the water enveloped the trapped souls, their forms began to dissolve, their anguish and despair transforming into orbs of pure, radiant energy.

These orbs, now cleansed and shimmering, streamed out through a vent at the top of the cylinder, leaving a trail of sparkling light in their wake. As the last orb escaped, Excalibur fell still, the energy beams fading, and an almost reverent silence descended upon the chamber.

"There you go. You're almost there, Gema," Ria said with a satisfied nod. "De Novo will slowly absorb the purified orbs, channeling their energy to the body inside."

"Thanks for your help, Ria," Gema replied, his gratitude tinged with a lingering unease.

Ria's expression turned serious.

"Gema," her voice low and earnest, "let me remind you: tampering with life and death is forbidden for a reason. Turning a living Atman into a Celestrias is taboo enough. Turning a dead one… well, the consequences could be dire. Be prepared."

Ria produced a small, intricately carved pot from her sleeve. Its surface, etched with ancient symbols, shimmered faintly. She placed it on the floor, and with a soft pop, the pot unfurled like a blooming flower, expanding outwards until it was large enough to comfortably hold Excalibur.

She retrieved Excalibur from the device and deposited it into the pot. As she snapped the lid shut, the pot shrunk with a soft click, the once-mighty sword now contained within a vessel no larger than a pebble.

"There's a time when the risk is worth taking," Gema stated, his voice unwavering. "Whatever the outcome, I will embrace it." He rested his hand on the cool glass of De Novo's chamber, his eyes filled with a tender longing as he gazed at the mystery girl within.

A subtle smile played on Ria's lips.

"Never thought you were such a romantic," she remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Come now, let's leave De Novo to its work."

They ascended the winding staircase, leaving behind the chamber of swirling orbs and the sleeping girl. Ria escorted Gema back to the gate, the silence between them punctuated only by the rhythmic click of their footsteps on the stone path.

As they reached the bridge, Ria handed Gema a scroll, its edges sealed with the royal insignia.

"Your next assignment," she said, her voice regaining its usual briskness. "And Gema," she added, her gaze lingering on him for a moment, "if you plan to meet with the twins during the Kshatriya meeting, make sure you return home in time. I'm not sure how long they'll be in Aurea."

"I will," Gema assured her, his voice firm. "Thank you, Ria. And please, take very good care of her."

Ria's expression softened.

"Who do you think I am?" she replied with a playful scoff. "Of course, I will. But remember, Gema, once this is all over, that… Atman of yours is no longer my concern." With a final wave of her hand, she turned and disappeared down a branching path, leaving Gema alone at the edge of the bridge.

Reaching the other side, Gema boarded the waiting Tycart and began the journey back to the Cydro station.

His mind raced, filled with thoughts of De Novo, the mysterious girl within, the cursed sword, and the uncertain future. The journey back was quiet, his mind still reeling from his meeting with Ria.

I have to trust my instincts. I have to believe that this is the right thing to do.

As Gema approached the colossal pillar, he handed the handler the grilled glutinous rice he had saved under his cloak, smiling in gratitude before walking toward the entrance.

Just as he was about to step inside, he collided with a towering figure. Gema stumbled and fell, hitting the ground hard.

He looked up to see a fearsome red mask, its long nose pointed down at him like a beak. He instantly recognized the figure: Purba, the formidable leader of the Kshatriyas.

I may be unprepared for this encounter, but I won't cower before him. I must remain calm and collected, even as a cold dread seeps into my very soul. I will face whatever challenges lie ahead for her sake. This could jeopardize everything I've risked. Purba must not know about this!