CHAPTER 17 LIGHTS IN THE COSMIC DARKNESS

Two weeks have passed since the incident and the death of Nova Celestia, who was buried near the house where they had been happy together. Terry, although he has recovered somewhat from the energy loss and his anger, still carries the weight of grief. Ætheris waits patiently for Terry to heal with time, knowing that emotional wounds take time to heal. With her guidance, Terry and Elian descend into the cave, where two majestic ships now stand.

—What did you want to tell me, Jaxon ?— Elian asked, curiosity palpable in his voice.

—I won't be the one to talk to you,— Terry replied, a radiant light emerging from his being and taking the form of his father, Francisco Javier. Elian's eyes widened in astonishment, unable to believe what he was seeing.

—How are you feeling?— Ætheris asked , her presence imposing and ethereal.

— It can't be,— Elian murmured, a reverent smile spreading across his face as he knelt to pay homage to the Ætheris gem , his arms and hands outstretched in a solemn bow to the cosmos.

—May the ethereal light of Ætheris guide our path and strengthen our spirit! May her radiance illuminate our paths in the darkness of the cosmos! We salute Ætheris , jewel of cosmic power, with reverence and gratitude. May her sublime energy envelop us and inspire us on our stellar journeys. By Ætheris and the universe she protects, may our destinies intertwine in harmony and greatness!

Terry, surprised by the bow, helped Elian to his feet. —Where did you get that greeting?— he asked, intrigued by the solemnity of the gesture.

—That greeting is ancient,— Elian replied, his voice filled with respect and admiration. —It was given to the high priests in the universe since time immemorial. I have never had the opportunity to use it before… until now.

Ætheris stepped in, his presence calm and powerful. —Your destiny is intertwined with Jaxon 's , as you currently know him,— he said, addressing Elian. —Together you will forge a path that will transcend the

vastness of the universe. I will teach you ancient secrets, tools that you will use to enrich not only this world, but also those yet to be discovered.

With a sincere bow, Elian replied, —I am honored to be part of this mission, Ætheris . You can trust in my loyalty and commitment.—

—Your words comfort me,— Ætheris said with an ethereal smile. —Get ready, we will soon begin our journey towards knowledge.

Together, Terry and Elian arrived punctually to witness the revelation of the great library hidden behind a wall. A majestic room, filled with bookshelves, work tables and chairs, awaited their exploration. With a gesture, Ætheris left the place spotless, a display of her power and grace.

—Let us begin,— said Ætheris solemnly. —The quest for knowledge awaits us.

After weeks of intense instruction with Ætheris , Terry and Elian began to gradually master the mystical arts taught to them by their mentor. As they deepened their knowledge of magic, so did their bond as friends and fellow learners.

Meanwhile, in the outside world, the political situation remained volatile. The powerful continued to exert their dominance over the masses, keeping them in darkness and ignorance so they could manipulate them at will. However, within the small community Terry and Elian had formed on the remote planet of Zalara , hope and knowledge were flourishing.

Terry, in addition to his mystical studies, continued to lead his clan with wisdom and dedication. He had implemented technological innovations to improve the quality of life for his people and had educated his children in a wide range of subjects, from agriculture to science. Over time, Zalara was becoming a prosperous and self-sufficient region, isolated from the chaos that prevailed elsewhere in the universe.

Meanwhile, Elian had become an eager and talented student. His curious mind quickly absorbed everything Ætheris taught them, and his ability to channel mystical energy was growing by the day. Together, Terry and Elian complemented each other, supporting each other in their quest for knowledge and power.

Despite their isolation on Zalara , Terry and Elian were not entirely exempt from external dangers. Occasionally, they would set out in their ship to seek supplies and resources on other planets, facing challenges and adversities along the way. However, their determination and newly acquired skills allowed them to overcome any obstacles they found in their path.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, the powerful continued to watch, aware of the existence of Terry, Elian, and their mentor Ætheris .

They knew that these individuals possessed knowledge and power that could threaten their dominance over the universe. However, for the moment, they decided to wait and watch, planning their next move cautiously.

In the quiet corner of Zalara , Terry, Elian and Ætheris continued their quest for wisdom and power, preparing for the day when they would have to face the powerful and defend what they had built with so much effort and determination.