CHAPTER 13 THE AWAKENING OF THE COSMIC GUARDIAN

In the shadows of the Holy Temple, Elian Varix kept his gaze fixed on Terry, attempting to delve deeper into the mysteries of his being. His subtly raised hands scanned Terry's essence for answers. But suddenly, the Ætheris Gem reacted, interpreting Elian's action as a threat. A blinding flash illuminated the room, and within seconds, a dome of brilliant energy emerged, enveloping Terry as if the stars themselves had gathered to protect him. The barrier, ethereal yet impenetrable, pulsed with indescribable force, marking the boundaries between Terry and the rest.

Elian stepped back, shocked, but more intrigued than alarmed.

—¿How long has this been happening to you? — he asked, his voice tinged with a curiosity that went beyond the merely professional.

—From now on, — Nova replied, without taking her eyes off Terry. Her eyes, full of concern, seemed to be trying to unravel a mystery that had been kept hidden for too long.

Elian was silent for a moment, deep in thought. The magnitude of what he had just witnessed left him stunned. He took a deep breath before speaking, a mixture of shock and caution in his voice.

—This energy…— he began, speaking slowly, —is not telepathic. It is psionic. And it is of a magnitude that surpasses any known record in galactic history.

He paused, looking again at the glowing dome surrounding Terry, as if trying to process what he was saying.

—It's almost inconceivable, — he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

Nova, with the urgency of someone who has been searching for answers for too long, stepped forward. Frustration was evident in her words.

—If you have any theories, please share them. This man has lost his memory; he deserves to understand what is happening to him.

Elian looked at Nova and then back at Terry, who stood in the center of the dome, seemingly unaware of the barrier surrounding him. His eyes narrowed as he tried to articulate what he was only just beginning to understand.

—What I can deduce is this, — she said finally, —it is not just an artifact of power, but a psionic entity with a direct connection to Terry's essence. This power doesn't just respond to external threats; it seems to be linked to his subconscious, protecting him even from what his mind doesn't recognize as a danger. It's as if it has absorbed something of his essence, making him an extension of itself.

Nova listened intently, each word resonating with a weight they couldn't ignore.

—So… ¿does your lost memory have something to do with the gem? — he asked, his tone softening as he tried to process the magnitude of what Elian was suggesting.

—It's possible. If Terry isn't aware of his true power, or of what happened before he lost his memory, then the gem could be acting as a kind of shield, not just physical, but psychic. Blocking memories, emotions... even his true identity. Perhaps, to protect him from something we don't yet understand.

Nova took a deep breath, trying to wrap her mind around the idea that the gem might be preventing Terry from regaining his memory. But she also knew that the same gem had saved his life on more than one occasion.

—I¿s there any way to break that barrier, to help him remember? — she asked, looking directly at Elian.

Elian pondered for a moment, his eyes back on the energy dome.

—I don't know for sure. But if this power is acting on instinct, then we might need a different approach, one that sees it not as a threat, but as a door that we must open carefully.

—Then we will try, — Nova said, her determination renewed. —We will not let him remain trapped in this cycle without answers. —

—I must study your friend and his psionic gift. I am convinced that I can help him master it, to use it for his benefit and not to cause harm, — Elian declared, addressing Terry. —Although, if my suspicions are correct, this power does not seek to hurt, but to protect its bearer from any adversity.

At Elian's words, the dome of energy surrounding Terry began to slowly dissipate, as if realizing that the threat had disappeared. Terry, freed and with a new spark of determination in his eyes, nodded.

—I understand, — he said, his voice filled with a dawning firmness. —I'll be here when you ask. I just want to understand what's happening to me.

—We'll start tomorrow, Elian replied, with a nod of approval. —Over time, we'll determine the frequency of our sessions so you can learn to handle this power.

Thus, under the wise tutelage of Elian Varix, Terry began a journey of self-discovery and learning that lasted for five years in the resplendent Celestial Sanctuary of Aelion . This place, a sanctuary dedicated to knowledge and enlightenment, honored

 Nerith , the Guardian of the Stars, a divine figure whose influence wove the threads of fate across the vast cosmos. Over the years, Nerith became the compass that guided Terry through the vastness of the universe, offering him hope and revealing the stellar secrets that lay within.

Yet, despite his progress, the Ætheris Gem within him alternated between silence and intense vibration, as if responding to echoes of a distant call. At night, Terry was assailed by disturbing dreams: unknown figures sought him out, calling him by different names, and, in the midst of these dreams, a woman of ethereal beauty enveloped him in scenes charged with passion. This presence, completely alien to Nova, his companion for those five years, deeply disturbed him.

The woman from his dreams, with her golden hair and eyes as deep as the clearest sky, seemed to emerge from the depths of his subconscious. Her mere presence quickened Terry's pulse, confusing him and making him question who he really was. Although his relationship with Nova remained strong and full of understanding, they both knew that something deeper was still calling to him from the past, something he had not yet fully unraveled.

Throughout this time, Nova remained by his side, ever aware of Terry's internal struggle. Although their bond was strong, they both understood that they could not project a future together until Terry managed to reconcile his present with his past. This understanding was not born of coldness, but of a deep love, based on the shared wisdom that each individual must fully know themselves before joining in destiny with another.

The nights were witness to silent moments of reflection, in which Terry tried to unravel the fleeting images of his past. Nova watched him, respecting that space, knowing that her love for him did not mean possessing him, but accompanying him on his journey towards the truth.

Despite the mysteries that continued to haunt Terry, his commitment to finding his identity and the truth behind the Ætheris Gem did not wane. He hoped that one day, all the pieces of the puzzle would come together, allowing him to finally understand who he was and what role the gem played in his life. Nova, always by his side, understood that the deepest love was not always found in the answers, but in the patience and unconditional support during the journey toward them.

In this vast and advanced universe, humanity had conquered many of its former limits. One of its greatest achievements had been the defeat of aging. Thanks to impressive scientific advances, people could enjoy prolonged life spans, extending their youth for more than five centuries, without losing vigor or beauty. Reproduction, also transformed, had moved away from the traditional process, now managed mainly through laboratory techniques, except in places like Zalara , where life still sprouted in a more natural and primal way.

Terry and his family were living witnesses to this golden age. The Ætheris Gem he carried was not only a symbol of his lost identity, but also the guardian of his youth. Within it beat the heart of the cosmos, defying time and protecting his vitality. Even as the years passed, Terry, Nova, and their family maintained an appearance and vigor that seemed to defy the laws of the universe, as did the entire Saharim clan. This gift set them apart, even in a world where aging was a choice rather than an inevitability.

His brothers' wives and children, like his own lifemate, Nova, reflected that same eternal youth. It was as if a magical veil flowed through the veins of his family, guarded by the Ætheris Gem, keeping them beyond the reach of time. The gem preserved not only physical youth, but also a life energy that seemed to nourish all those close to its wearer.

And yet, with all that power and longevity, Terry remained restless. The years in the Celestial Sanctuary passed, but the nights still brought with them disturbing dreams and echoes of distant voices, as if something or someone was trying to call him from a forgotten corner of the cosmos. The Ætheris Gem vibrated from time to time with an energy that reminded him that his search was not over, that his destiny, shrouded in mystery, still awaited revelation.

Terry moved with ease in the duality of his existence, masterfully balancing the demands of the physical, material world, such as the hustle and bustle of commerce, with the serenity of the spiritual. He had learned to delve into the depths of meditation, to attune himself to the vibrant force of the cosmos, discovering the vast scope of his psionic power . This art of awareness and restraint became his guide, though the limits of his potential remained an enigma, veiled in the mists of the unknown.

For now, his ability manifested itself in subtle but powerful ways: as a protective shield, not only for himself, but also for those he loved or wished to protect. This precious and formidable gift revealed itself in moments of tension, as an instinctive response to danger lurking in the shadows.

It was as if a dormant beast lived within him, emerging only when circumstances demanded it, protecting with silent but relentless efficiency.

Terry's life was a rich duality. In the world of commerce, he displayed a cunning and vision that ensured him success and respect. On the spiritual plane, he deepened his connection to the universe, discovering that his power was not simply a tool of defense, but a manifestation of something greater, something that connected him to the very essence of life. This duality gave him a unique perspective, one that few could understand.

The hidden nature of his power was a blessing in disguise. Despite his enormous potential, Terry was able to live a relatively normal life. However, he was always aware that beneath the surface, there lurked a force capable of altering the fabric of reality itself. He navigated these two worlds with a

innate grace, knowing that he had to maintain a delicate balance. Always ready to defend himself and protect his own, but also always searching for answers, for a deeper understanding of who he truly was and what the Ætheris Stone demanded of him.

But in the depths of the night, when the silence grew thicker and more oppressive, Terry found himself caught in a tide of despair. He struggled against the uncertainties that surrounded him: his still-dark past, his lost memories, and the limits of his power that remained a mystery. It was these moments of vulnerability that wore him down more than any physical battle.

In these moments, his friend and mentor, Elian Varix , became his beacon of wisdom and calm. Elian had guided Terry for years, teaching him how to handle his abilities and understand the signs of the universe. Though even Elian did not have all the answers, his constant presence helped Terry bear the burden of his unknown destiny.

Each conversation with Elian offered small pieces of clarity in the vast puzzle of his life. Sometimes, a simple exchange of words was enough for Terry to remember that, although his path was uncertain, he was not walking it alone. Elian, with the patience and depth of a calm sea, reminded him that sometimes it is necessary to surrender to the flow of destiny, to allow oneself to be carried by the wind without resistance, like a leaf dancing in the air. He spoke to him of how the gods, in their unfathomable wisdom, wove the destinies of each being, assigning them a unique purpose within the vast tapestry of the universe.

It was this vision, this deep understanding that every being is part of a greater, mysterious design, that provided Terry with solace in moments of doubt. It made him see that, though his past was an enigma and his power a book yet to be deciphered, there was a place for him in this vast universe, a role that only he could fulfill. And so, guided by the wise words of Elian Varix, he found the serenity necessary to face the darkness of the night and the challenges that the dawn would inevitably bring.

Over the years, Zalara underwent an unprecedented metamorphosis. What was once an arid desert, a vast, inhospitable expanse, was transformed into an oasis of biodiversity. The planet, now vibrant with plant life, welcomed a growing population, emerging as an example of resilience and renewal. At the heart of this

transformation was Nova Celestia, the visionary leader whose love and alliance with Jaxon Steele twenty years ago had symbolized Zalara 's rebirth. Their union, fated by the stars, had guided the planet toward a future of prosperity and hope.

For Terry, whose former life had faded into the dark depths of his memory, Zalara represented a crossroads. It was a refuge, yes, but also an enigma. The vast distance that separated him from his past was measured not just in years, but in light years. The possibility of reconnecting with his history, of recovering the lost fragments of his life, grew ever more distant. On a planet so remote that it almost touched the limits of another universe, Terry slowly resigned himself to the idea that his past might forever remain shrouded in mystery.

Despite this isolation, Terry's curiosity and ingenuity remained intact. On this primitive world, oblivious to space visitation and knowledge of advanced technology, Terry saw an opportunity to rediscover his purpose. Although Zalarian technology was rudimentary, Terry, with his intuitive knowledge, dedicated his efforts to improving life on Zalara . He invented tools and devices that, while simple compared to advances in the rest of the universe, were revolutionary for the inhabitants of this planet. Each innovation he developed not only raised the quality of life for the Zalarians , but represented a step towards

Integrating Zalara into the larger tapestry of the cosmos.

In this forgotten corner of the universe, Terry found not only a purpose, but also a community that accepted him no matter the lost fragments of his history. In the eyes of the Zalarians , he was a visionary, a man whose legacy was inextricably intertwined with Zalara 's future , even as he himself struggled with the echoes of his own past.

Among the clans of Zalara , one stood out for its peculiarity: the Saharim . This clan, unlike the others, seemed to be frozen in time, remaining unchangingly young while the other clans aged naturally. The people of

The neighboring clans, experiencing the natural cycle of life, the marks of time etched on their faces, watched in awe as the Saharim defied the laws of nature. This mystery reverberated through the valleys and mountains of Zalara , a continual whisper that fueled both fascination and speculation.

As the years passed, what had at first been a cause for wonder slowly became commonplace. The explanation offered by Elian Varix, the high priest, resonated in the hearts of the Saharim and in the minds of the other clans. According to belief, Nerith , the tutelary deity of the Saharim , had granted them eternal youth as a reward for having renounced their dark practices of the past. This immortality was not simply a gift, but a sign of redemption, a pact between the Saharim and their god.

This phenomenon, however, also raised unanswered questions. What did this eternal youth really entail? Was it a blessing or a curse? For Terry, whose connection to time and space had become more complex due to his power, the nature of the Saharim raised a new set of concerns. Although the secret of the clan's longevity seemed to have a divine explanation, for Terry the truth always lay in a delicate balance between the mystical and the rational.

As he continued his life on Zalara , taking his place as an inventor and guide, Terry realized that his destiny, like that of the Saharim , was intertwined with forces he did not yet fully understand. And though his mind continued to search for answers in the fragments of a distant past, he found solace in the recognition that, like Zalara itself, he too was constantly in transformation.

According to Aelian Varix, having renounced the dark practices of slave trading and embraced a path of redemption, Nerith , the Star-Keeper, had decided to reward the Saharim with a divine blessing. This blessing, so the belief went, was a testament to the deity's pride and satisfaction at the transformation of his people. Such a belief strengthened the Saharim 's faith in Nerith , turning them into devoted followers of their god's dictates, grateful for his mercy and protection.

However, the true source of his unusual longevity came not from the heavens, but from deep within the earth of Zalara itself.

Ætheris Gem, an artifact of unimaginable power, was actually responsible for the phenomenon. Embedded deep within Terry's body, its influence spread subtly and silently through the Saharim clan, altering the course of

natural to their biology. The energy emitted by the gem operated at a cellular level, slowing aging and granting the Saharim perpetual youth. This miracle, whether the result of science or magic, remained hidden from the eyes of the inhabitants of Zalara , a secret buried in Terry's body.

Each time Terry reflected on his power, he realized more and more its impact on the reality around him. The Saharim 's longevity was not simply a divine blessing, but a manifestation of the power of the Aetheris Gem he carried within himself. And though no one else on Zalara knew it, not even Terry himself, this secret connected him even more deeply to the fate of the planet. He was both an unwitting guardian and a catalyst for change that even he could not fully understand.

As time passed, Terry felt the weight of the responsibility that the gem carried with it. He knew that its presence on Zalara was no coincidence, and that its power, though not fully understood, should not be ignored. Though the world around him believed the Saharim 's longevity was a gift from the gods, he knew the truth was more complex. But, like so many other questions he still had to answer, Terry chose silence, watching

Zalara 's fate continued to entangle with their own, waiting for the moment when the truth, like the gem, would finally emerge from the shadows. Thus, while the Saharim worshipped Nerith for her blessing, it was in fact the Ætheris Gem that tinged their lives with eternity, a reminder that on Zalara , as throughout the universe, truth is often found in the most unexpected places.

Twenty years had passed since Terry and Nova joined forces, and from that union two children were born. The firstborn, Kyran, inherited not only his father's wit, but also his appearance, becoming his spitting image. Kyran stood out for his intelligence and skills, which did not go unnoticed among the young girls of Zalara , attracted as much by his charisma as by his bearing. At his side was his younger sister, Elara, a free-spirited young woman, whose deep connection with nature reflected the beauty and renewal of Zalara .

Terry, always with a mixture of firmness and love, devoted much of his time to the education of his children. He imparted to them not only moral and family values, but also knowledge in various sciences such as mathematics, physics and chemistry. He wanted to ensure that Kyran and Elara were prepared for life, that they could chart their own path with a solid foundation of wisdom and principles. However, although his

Although his responsibilities as a father and mentor were many, Terry did not abandon his own quest for knowledge. He continued to visit the sacred temple, devoting long hours to study and meditation, trying to unravel the mysteries of the power that dwelt within him. The ultimate source of his power remained an enigma, and Terry was eager to finally discover his destiny in the vast universe.

This quest not only defined his personal path, but also built the legacy he wanted to pass on to Kyran and Elara. Beyond tangible knowledge, Terry taught them that the true adventure lay in the inner search; in understanding oneself and one's place in the cosmos. The journey towards understanding was, for him, one of the most valuable lessons he could leave them.

One day, while Terry was deep in meditation within the temple, something extraordinary happened. His mind and spirit began to harmonize so profoundly with the surrounding energy that his aura expanded beyond what was usual. Without realizing it, Terry found himself experiencing an astral projection, freeing his consciousness from the physical confines of his body. Guided by an unknown force, his spirit traveled beyond the walls of the temple, descending into the hidden depths beneath the sacred enclosure.

There, in the dark underground passages that seemed forgotten by time, Terry discovered something that left him perplexed: a dark-colored spaceship, resting in a silence that spoke of bygone eras. The ship, partially corroded by rust, showed signs of neglect, but still retained a majesty that defied its deterioration. Its structure, although worn by the passage of centuries, revealed a design that transcended the contemporary understanding of Zalara .

The discovery of the ship not only surprised Terry by its mere existence, but also ignited a torrent of questions within him. How had this ship arrived in the underground temple? What stories and secrets did its aged structure hold? Questions crowded his mind as he gazed at the ship, feeling that this discovery was not only linked to the mysteries of Zalara 's past, but also to his own destiny, hidden among the fragments of a forgotten history. This unexpected encounter, far from being a mere coincidence, seemed to be a missing link in the vast mystery surrounding his own existence and the destiny that bound him to the universe.

As Terry emerged from the trance, Elian, his friend and mentor, approached him to learn the details of his experience. Terry, still wrapped in post-meditative serenity, began to recount what had happened.

—Apparently, I split into two—Terry said, his voice still tinged with wonder from the experience.

Intrigued, Elian asked, —What did you manage to see during your split-out?

A contemplative pause preceded Terry's reply. —¿I saw a black craft. Is there one like that here on Zalara?

The question seemed to evoke in Elian memories of ancient stories and long-kept secrets. —There was a ship, indeed, — he confirmed in a tone that mixed reverence and solemnity. —It has not been used for many years. In fact, it is the first and only ship that has existed here for more than two centuries. It is said that this ship brought the first inhabitants to this desert planet. They were men and women who, tired of their lives full of luxury and ostentation, decided to come to this frontier, forgotten by all, in search of a simpler existence, leaving behind their power and wealth.

The conversation flowed naturally, weaving an even stronger bond between Terry and Elian. Elian's words not only illuminated Terry's mysterious vision, but also offered him a window into a heroic and humble past, a legacy of bravery and pursuit of simplicity that now formed the essence

herself from Zalara . This exchange, loaded with history and meaning, left Terry reflecting on his place in the chain of events that defined this world, a link between Zalara 's mystical past and enigmatic present.

—If that ship is still here, could we go see it? — Terry's curiosity was palpable, a mix of anxiety and excitement lighting up his voice.

Elian, with a smile that betrayed a hint of adventure, replied, —I'll take you to visit it. In fact, it must be just rubble now, with the passage of years. — Without delay, Terry rose from his seat, driven by a mixture of intrigue and a desire for discovery. Elian led him through several corridors, descending into the depths of the temple, until reaching the cave where the ship lay in solemn silence, as if resting after its travels through the vast outer space.

The stories this ship could tell, Terry wondered, for him, who had no memory of leaving Zalara , it was a haunting mystery, a call to explore the unknown. With an almost reverent gesture, he touched the ship, and to his amazement, a door immediately opened.

— Apparently — Elian said, his voice tinged with surprise — it is still valid. I thought it would be completely ruined because of where it is and the humidity.

Upon entering, they found that the interior of the ship belied the passage of time. There was a bit of dust, a testament to the years that had passed, but everything inside remained in perfect condition. It was as if the ship had been preserved in a time capsule, oblivious to the deterioration and oblivion that reigned outside its confines.

This discovery not only deepened the mystery of the ship and its history, but also opened a portal to new questions about the technology and space travel that had once been a part of Zalara . For Terry, this moment was the beginning of a new chapter in his search for answers, a literal and figurative door opening into the unknown.

—The problem is that there is no one on Zalara who currently has the knowledge of how to operate a spaceship. That knowledge was lost along with the first inhabitants of this planet— explained Elian.

For Terry, this discovery meant hope that he could find his lost past. If he left Zalara , he might be able to find his memories. However, a regret came deep within him. He had a family here, children, and he couldn't leave them to their fate. He wasn't the kind of man who left everything behind. What if he had been married in the past? Those regrets weighed on him.

—The thing is that it's off,— Terry pointed out, to which Elian replied, —I don't think there's any form of energy on this planet capable of activating it.—

Terry, lost in thought, placed his hands on the ship's command center, bowing his head, pondering how he could turn on this technological marvel. From his hands, unexpectedly, an energetic light burst forth that ran through the entire panel and the ship, breathing life into it and cleaning away the accumulated dirt, until it shined as if it had been used for the first time.

—¿What have you done? — Elian asked, astonished.

—I don't know...— Terry hesitated. —I just placed my hands on the board and thought about what kind of energy I could use to power it.

— Whatever you did, it worked; it's on now. We can study it to learn— Elian said, marveling.

Curiosity led Terry to press a golden button that caught his attention. The ship began to ascend and moved out of the cave. The acceleration took Elian and Terry by surprise, causing them to fall from the upward momentum. Within seconds, they found themselves in outer space, surrounded by other planets and stars.

—We're in outer space, — Ellian exclaimed, awestruck by the magnificence of the cosmos, something he was seeing for the first time. —It's wonderful… it's like witnessing creation itself.

—Yes, it seems so,— Terry said, without showing surprise, as if he had seen this scene thousands of times before, without understanding how. Suddenly, a wave of pure energy enveloped him, making him levitate. His body lit up, projecting an intense light, and after a bright explosion, Terry fell unconscious.

Worried, Elian quickly went to his side to check his pulse. Relieved to feel it, he moved him to a metal bed attached to a wall, waiting for him to wake up while he searched for water in the

ship. Afraid of activating some unknown mechanism, he avoided touching any buttons.

After a few hours, Terry regained consciousness. Something inside him had changed; a strong throbbing in his chest told him that there was something unknown, something he needed to find.

—¿How are you feeling, Jaxon ?— Elian asked with concern.

—I'm fine, I don't know what exactly happened, — Terry replied. —I just know that something is calling me, although I couldn't explain to you what it is.

—I understand you, — Elian said, helping him sit up on the bed. —We must try to get off here; they must be looking for us in Zalara . Do you know how to get off this ship?

—I'm not sure, but I can try. It seems my body, or at least my subconscious, knows how to handle this— Terry contemplated the possibility, feeling strangely suited to the task.

—Do it, so we can return home, — Elian urged, placing his trust in Terry.

—Let me handle it—Terry said, with a certainty that was unfamiliar to him. Those words resonated inside him like an echo from his past, a phrase that, although he didn't remember saying before, seemed strangely close to him. It was as if a fragment of his lost memories emerged, revealing to him a part of himself that had always known how to handle situations like that, in that forgotten past.

Returning to the command center, Terry watched as lights flickered and buttons flashed before him. Screens with dynamic lines, some rotating, others displaying numbers in unfamiliar sequences. He didn't know how, but he understood this technological language with unexpected clarity. He intuitively pressed buttons and, on a keypad, entered a series of numbers that guided the craft into a gentle descent until it landed on a mountain. Gently, they descended and the ship's door opened, allowing them to step outside.

—Finally home, — Elian sighed, full of relief.

—Yes, — Terry replied, his gaze alternating between the ship curled up in the palm of his hand and the landscape around them.

—And now how are we going to hide the ship again? — Elian asked, still surprised.

—I can try to get her back to the cave, — Terry suggested.

—Yes, that would be best. We don't want others to see it. It might cause a stir, and as the spiritual writings say, greed is a bad counselor for the spirit. We have lived in peace for years; it would not be good to lead the people astray.

—I understand, — Terry said, aware of the responsibility that weighed on his shoulders. Nova, his wife, had entrusted him with the leadership of the Saharim clan so that she could devote more time to her home and her children, and he felt deeply responsible for ensuring the well-being of his people.

He approached the ship's door to enter, but before he could touch it, a strange light emanated from his hands. To his surprise, the ship began to shrink until it fit in the palm of his hand. Terry and Elian were stunned at what had just happened.

—I think your power is not limited to protection, — Elian said, still amazed. —You seem to be developing other abilities. That light we felt in outer space… perhaps your power is in the process of expanding, needing that cosmic energy to fully manifest.

—¿Do you think so? — Terry asked, with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

—Yes, — Elian replied. —There is an ancient tale in Zalara , one that was told to children centuries ago, though it has been lost to time. My father told it to me. It spoke of a gem of power as old as the universe itself, created by the gods to protect them from destructive forces. Over time, those gods vanished, and the gem was left on a desert planet, until it was found by the first humans.

Elian paused, his eyes fixed on the small ship resting in Terry's hand.

—The legend of the Ætheris Gem spread across the universe, sparking wars over its power. An elite group was formed to protect it, ensuring that no one could use it for evil. But one day, the planet mysteriously exploded, and the gem disappeared.

Not only did this tale add another layer of mystery to Terry's already complex history, it also hinted at a deeper connection between himself, the Ætheris Stone, and the fate of the universe. The possibility that his power was part of something much larger than he could comprehend filled him with questions, but also with fear of what it would mean if these stories were true.

Back home after this unexpected discovery, Terry and Elian shared a moment of reflection in the courtyard. The night sky of Zalara stretched out above them, a blanket of stars that seemed to whisper answers they weren't yet ready to hear.

—¿Is that why you kept quiet about my power when we first met? — Terry asked, breaking the silence that had formed between them, filled with a curiosity that had grown over time.

Elian looked at him, his face serene, but with a shadow of worry in his eyes.

—Partly, yes, —Elian admitted— I wasn't sure at first what it meant, but I felt there was something more to you. Something that fate had intertwined with Zalara's future and, perhaps, the universes.

I wanted to rush to conclusions until your power began to manifest itself more clearly.

Terry nodded, understanding that Elian had been holding back many answers as he watched this unfold. The story of the Ætheris Gem, the connection to cosmic energy, and now this new power that continued to emerge, all seemed to point to Terry being part of a greater destiny.

—All this time, you've been waiting for something to happen, Terry said thoughtfully.

—Not just waiting, — Elian corrected, —but helping you prepare. I knew that, sooner or later, you would reach this point. And now that we have reached it, there is much more to discover.

Elian and Terry looked at the horizon, knowing that the answers they sought were still hidden in the shadows, but also aware that they were closer than ever to unraveling Terry's true purpose and his connection to the Ætheris Gem. —Yes, I was afraid of giving false hope. I needed to understand your power before speaking, — Elian confessed, while Terry put the ship away in his backpack. —Now, it seems that this gem is within you, although how it arrived is a mystery. I firmly believe that the gods will guide you in the purpose for which they created you.

— Then let's go home. Night has already fallen and my family must be worried — Terry suggested, with a tone of urgency in his voice.

Nodding, Elian accompanied Terry on his walk back. For them, only hours had passed, but for his people, an entire week had passed in his absence. Confusion set in for Terry upon learning this. Sitting in the great hall, where the community gathered, he saw his son Kyran , who was looking at him with reproach and disapproval.

—¿What do you mean, a week? — Terry asked, puzzled.

He tried to approach Kyran, seeking the comfort of a hug, but his son refused, distancing himself with his anger. —I didn't mean to hurt you. You, along with your mother, are my universe, — Terry defended himself, trying to alleviate the palpable pain in the air.

Nova, his wife, did not hide her frustration. —You should have told us about your exploration.

Terry's explanation was interrupted by his own confusion. —It all happened so fast. I don't understand how time stretched like that, — he apologized, while Elian corroborated his version of events.

The tension in the room was palpable. Nova, driven by the urge to protect her family, decided it was time to leave, suggesting Terry take some time to reflect.

The silence that followed was profound, only interrupted by the arrival of Elian, who found Terry deep in thought. —¿How did it go? — he asked, receiving a disheartened response.

Recognizing his mistake, Elian proposed a new approach: to explore the universe with caution, taking advantage of the knowledge Terry had acquired about the ship. —We could enrich Zalara with new cultures and technologies, without forgetting the need for protection, — he suggested.

Terry, after some thought, accepted the challenge, aware of the opportunities and dangers that the universe held. —We will explore the cosmos, but with caution, prepared for any eventuality, — he agreed, sealing a pact of discovery and protection for Zalara.

Thus, between space and return, Terry and Elian forged a new path for their people, one full of hope, but marked by the prudence of those who have seen beyond the stars.