Chapter 3: Nexus Judgment
Chapter Preview:
Lin Yuan faces the Nexus's justice system while uncovering secrets about Drakenshard's origins. New alliances form as the Celestial Vanguard's true plans come to light.
The containment field hummed with restrained power, its translucent walls displaying shifting runes that Lin's dragon arm instinctively tried to decipher. Drakenshard's blade lay across his lap, its glow dimmed but still pulsing in time with his heartbeat.
System Alert
Nexus Containment Analysis
Composition: Stabilized reality fragments
Duration: Indefinite (Until judgment is passed)
Notable Feature: Suppresses aggressive abilities
The Eclipse unit occupied adjacent containment fields, their leader glaring at Lin with cold efficiency. "Your resistance only delays the inevitable," she said, her voice carrying through the barrier. "The Vanguard always gets its targets."
Before Lin could respond, the space between containment fields shimmered, and a new figure materialized – the Nexus Arbiter. Its form shifted between humanoid and abstract, features constantly rearranging to project impartial authority.
"Lin Yuan of the Sundered Realms," the Arbiter intoned, its voice resonating through multiple dimensions. "You stand accused of: One, unauthorized weapon forging; Two, disruption of Nexus equilibrium; Three, excessive use of dragonmarked abilities."
Drakenshard's voice whispered in Lin's mind:
"The Arbiter values truth above all. Speak carefully, heir."
The trial began with a display of holographic evidence:
The Forge's Destruction:
Footage of Lin shattering the reactor core
Dragon souls' release causing dimensional instability
Combat in the Nexus:
Lin's use of Drakenshard's full power
Collateral damage to Nexus structures
Corruption Levels:
Graphical representation of Lin's increasing dragonization
Projections of potential future transformations
The Arbiter's form solidified into a stern judge's appearance. "How do you plead to these charges?"
Lin stood, Drakenshard's hilt warm in his hand. "I acted in self-defense and to free imprisoned souls. The Celestial Vanguard's actions–"
"Objection!" The Eclipse leader's containment field shimmered as she spoke. "The accused is a dangerous anomaly. His very existence threatens the balance of realms."
The Arbiter's eyes glowed with shifting constellations. "Your objection is noted, Agent Eclipse. However, the Nexus recognizes all beings as equal before its laws."
As the trial progressed, Lin noticed something peculiar – the Arbiter's form occasionally flickered, revealing glimpses of draconic features beneath its shifting exterior. Drakenshard pulsed in recognition.
Memory Fragment Recovered
The Nexus was built upon the First Flame's remains
The Arbiter contains fragments of draconic essence
A hidden truth: The Vanguard fears the Nexus's true purpose
The trial took an unexpected turn when a new figure entered – a woman with silver hair and eyes that mirrored the Nexus's shifting skies. Her presence caused the Arbiter to bow slightly.
"Esteemed Arbiter," she said, her voice carrying the weight of ages. "I am Lyra of the Stellar Concordance. We wish to speak on behalf of the accused."
System Update
New Faction Identified: Stellar Concordance
Alignment: Neutral/Protective
Known For: Preserving dimensional balance
Notable Members: Reality weavers, time guardians
Lyra presented evidence that shifted the trial's focus:
Vanguard's Illegal Operations:
Documents showing unauthorized dragon essence harvesting
Plans to weaponize the Forge's technology
Nexus's True Purpose:
Ancient texts revealing its role as a dragon sanctuary
The Arbiter's original programming to protect dragonmarked
Lin's Potential Role:
Prophecies about the First Flame's heir
Drakenshard's significance in maintaining balance
The Arbiter's form shifted dramatically, its humanoid appearance giving way to a more draconic visage. "This evidence changes matters significantly," it rumbled. "The Nexus must reconsider its stance."
As the trial reached its climax, Lin felt Drakenshard's power surge. The blade projected a hologram of its own – a memory from the First Flame's final moments:
A massive battle between dragons and celestial beings
The First Flame's sacrifice to create the Nexus
A warning about the Vanguard's true intentions
The holographic memory from Drakenshard cast an eerie glow throughout the trial chamber. The images of the ancient battle between dragons and celestial beings played out like a forgotten epic:
The First Flame's Final Stand:
A massive dragon, its scales shimmering with primordial fire
Celestial armies wielding weapons of pure light
The Nexus forming from the dragon's sacrifice
Hidden Truths Revealed:
The Vanguard's origins as dragon hunters
Their gradual corruption by stolen draconic essence
The true purpose of the Forge: to suppress dragonkind's resurgence
A Prophecy Unfolding:
The coming of a dragonmarked heir
Drakenshard's role as the key to balance
A warning about the Vanguard's ultimate plan
The Arbiter's draconic features became more pronounced as the memory played. Its voice resonated with ancient power: "This evidence changes everything. The Nexus was created to protect dragonkind, not persecute it."
The Eclipse leader's containment field flickered as she protested. "This is heresy! The Vanguard maintains order across the realms. These...creatures are a threat to that order!"
Lyra stepped forward, her silver hair shimmering with starlight. "Order built on lies and oppression is no order at all. The Stellar Concordance stands with the dragonmarked heir."
System Alert
Alliance Formed: Stellar Concordance
Benefits: Access to ancient knowledge, dimensional travel assistance
Obligations: Protect dimensional balance, oppose the Vanguard
Warning: Alliance may attract Vanguard retaliation
The Arbiter's form shifted again, settling into a balanced state between humanoid and draconic. "The Nexus recognizes the validity of this evidence. Lin Yuan, you are hereby cleared of all charges. Furthermore, the Nexus offers its protection and resources to aid your cause."
As the containment fields dissolved, Lin felt Drakenshard's power surge. The blade's voice echoed in his mind:
"The time has come to unlock my full potential, heir."
Lyra approached, her eyes scanning Drakenshard with obvious recognition. "That blade is more than a weapon. It's a key – to the Nexus's deepest secrets and to your true destiny."
The Eclipse unit retreated through a hastily opened portal, their leader's final words carrying a ominous warning: "This isn't over, dragonmarked. The Vanguard will not be denied."
System Update
New Objective: Unlock Drakenshard's Full Potential
Location: The Eternal Archive (Nexus's central repository)
Requirements: Dragonmarked heir, First Flame's essence
Risks: High probability of Vanguard interference
Lyra guided Lin through the Nexus's shifting landscape toward the Eternal Archive. Along the way, she explained the Concordance's role:
Guardians of Balance:
Maintain equilibrium between realms
Oppose forces that threaten dimensional stability
Knowledge Keepers:
Preserve ancient truths and forgotten histories
Provide guidance to chosen champions
Dragon Allies:
Protect remaining dragonmarked individuals
Work to restore dragonkind's rightful place
As they approached the Eternal Archive, its grandeur became apparent:
A massive structure that seemed to exist in multiple dimensions simultaneously
Walls covered in shifting runes and glowing sigils
A central spire that pulsed with the Nexus's heartbeat
System Alert
Eternal Archive Access Granted
Restrictions: Limited to dragonmarked heir and Concordance representative
Security: Enhanced anti-Vanguard measures
Notable Feature: Contains the First Flame's original blueprints
Inside the Archive, Lyra led Lin to a chamber that resonated with Drakenshard's energy. The walls were covered in intricate carvings depicting the First Flame's history.
"This is where you'll unlock Drakenshard's true power," Lyra said, her voice filled with reverence. "But be warned – the process will test you like never before."