Chapter 11: Terrestrial

Terrestrials are modes of transport every member has to take if they wish to venture out into the Shatterwilds. It's not the fact Terrestrials are constructed using special alloys or materials. They're just built to camouflage within the terrain of the Shatterwilds. So, these things could resemble many things, even if no one knows what they reference.

Terrestrials are built and stored in the Terminal, which was behind the KUD. Rhian and Kouki walked over as the sun glared at the world, noticing many other suited members heading toward the Terminal.

"Why are there so many people going here?" Rhian had her arm raised, blocking off the blinding shimmer of the sun as they left the KUD.

"There was an overnight distress call from the Director and Dyeus. About everyone was called." Kouki held up a phone, showing her a message sent ten hours ago that reads: 'Unknown Catalyst has been discovered. I am calling all members to help.' Followed by an image of numerous Runes covering the ground in front of them.

'Those Runes look like something but nothing at the same time... Reminds me of those AI images.' Rhian's expression was visibly strained looking at the image, possibly because she was trying to tie the symbols to something she was familiar with. Alas, they look like abstract scribbling.

"Don't think too much about it. These Runes are exclusive to Catalysts. No matter if their Abberants, Humans, flora or plainly objects." Kouki had his phone searched on a website called the Zephyrium Grand Archive, showing her images of obscure Runes.

However, something else caught her attention: 'Humans.' Albeit she's only been here for three days, it's the first time she's heard a word that describes what she was. Unfortunately, she doesn't have much time to ponder as a giant warehouse comes into view.

"Is that the Terminal?" Following the theme of size, it was ginormous. Not as large as the association itself, but it held up considerably.

The interior had no difference from typical sci-fi workshops. Sparks flew in the air, hundreds of elevators were being used at once, and Terrestrials were stationed in front of a transparent blue wall.

'This is cool.' Rhian was scanning the building, seeing lorries of materials being hauled around, Avians flying upwards to repair and enchant the Terrestrials that rose on an elevator. She was flabbergasted.

"Which one is our- Well, the First Squadron's Terrestrial?" Rhian was following behind Kouki, who was headed toward a booth with a queue. "Our Terrestrial hasn't been lifted and enchanted yet. So, we'll have to check in with the lady and have them do so."

The queue was long, and the boredom seemed to have already infected Rhian, though Kouki seemed content humming a song. 'I should start to read up on.. some of my magic.' Her waist had a belt she requested Doru to make, to his distress. The book was hung at the back, while two daggers were on the sides because she thought daggers would be easier to wield compared to conventional swords.

I won't bore you with a science class, so I'll skip the queue. She did read the book, trust me.

"Can you notify them to prepare T-01, Melissa?" The Beast woman in the booth was alerted, shifting her focus from writing to greeting Kouki. "Mister Kurayami! Have no worries. Mister Dyeus had told us he needed you first. T-01 has already finished being prepped, and it's right over there." Both of their vision was directed toward the wall, specifically to the left of it, where several Avians were flying beside it as the Terrestrial shone.

'That's a goddamn AT-AT.' Their Terrestrial had risen on the first elevator, on the far left side of the Terminal, where an elevator for people can be used.

The Terrestrial itself, as Rhian said, is basically an AT-AT. However, the legs of the machine are much, much thicker, while the body itself can only fit about six people inside. "It's just to camouflage with the forests." Weird design in my opinion...

Carrying on, the two were below the Terrestrial, heading into the elevator as Rhian noticed straight, glowing Runes lining the supports of the elevator. 'For durability and stability, perhaps.'

The elevator led to a platform to reach a hatch, 'or is that a door?' 

Led by Kouki, they both entered the Terrestrial. 'This is an RV. It's- there's literally no difference.' The interior of the Terrestrial provided: a couch, a table, several chairs, stairs, a kitchen, and a bathroom. 'Or maybe this is more akin to an apartment...'

"Alright, before we set out, let's pick out a set of weapons for you," Kouki suggested, already walking over to the set of stairs until Rhian called out. "But I already have these." She unsheathed her daggers, holding them up as Kouki responded with a nervous smile. "Ah- Well, that does work. But, I'll have to go get my weapons. Please, look around."

Somehow dashing up the stairs, Rhian was left alone. 'What should I do..' Scanning around and confirming the items I listed, she was intrigued by a door with a label that read: 'ONLY KOUKI AND GYWN CAN DRIVE!'

'Is this the cockpit?' Opening the door, she walks in to see a typical cockpit. 'Nothing much I guess..' The seats faced the walls on each side, and she noticed a large monitor settled in the middle of the control panel. 'It's off..'

But ultimately, there wasn't anything interesting in the room. So, she left. 'There's.. genuinely just nothing much to do except to wait, I guess.' The couch called to her, answering it as she quickly went and flopped on it, sinking into the comfortable texture. 

'Nothing much to do..' Her eyes drifted to the ceiling, feeling incredibly bored.

"Alright, let's head out." Kouki walked down the stairs as he spoke, equipped with a glaive stuck to his back and several knives hung on his right waist.

Rhian had already whipped out her book, staring at it intently before noticing Kouki. "You... know how to use that?"

"Of course. I've used these for decades," he vouched, walking into the cockpit before

peaking his head out again. "If you need anything, I will be in here." 

"Alright," she said, dragging the word as her head slumped onto the couch the moment she saw the door close, releasing a strained sigh before raising her hand. 'Really wonder how long it'd take for me to reach my maximum potential...' She closed her eyes, enchanting her Runes over her hand before clenching it tightly.

'I'll just hope I can have content in this world too...' She sighed heavily, opening her eyes as the Runes sank into her skin, continuing to read the book before falling asleep shortly.

Content will be something she feels, absolutely. But not for a price.

For all fortunate beginnings must end in misfortune and vice versa. For that's what I am.